Sidearms & Scatterguns Looking for advice/opinion on a ankle holster.

[Trevor300wsm]

Hey guys,
I ordered a new Ruger LCR today in .357 as a backup gun to my 1911 STI Gaurdian. I've never used a ankle holster before. I'd like some ideas, comments, advice on what to not waste money on. I doubt I'll find a Perfect match the first time, but I'd like to atleast get some examples to start with that have worked well for you all.

Brands, Materials, Styles, Places to buy?

Thanks in advance.

 

[BBJones13]

Re: Looking for advice/opinion on a ankle holster.

don't use ankle holsters would be my advice.

enjoy shooting some .357 out of that LCR.

 

[Downzero]

Re: Looking for advice/opinion on a ankle holster.

get yourself a good pocket holster.

 

[Trevor300wsm]

Re: Looking for advice/opinion on a ankle holster.

Thanks

 

[Graham]

Re: Looking for advice/opinion on a ankle holster.

Milt Sparks makes one. It may not be still listed in the catalog, but they do make one. It takes a while to get, but it's comfortable, and secure, and the only one I would use. Send them the info, pay them the money, wait the four to six months; you won't be disappointed.

 

[Phylodog]

Re: Looking for advice/opinion on a ankle holster.

I've carried a S&W J frame in a Galco Ankle Glove for 10 years. Always worked well for me and i've never had an issue with it coming loose, even during foot chases, jumping fences, etc..

As mentioned, ankle carry is probably not the most advantageous method of carry but it works well for a backup gun or if nothing else will work.

 

[Chris@InterstateGuns]

Re: Looking for advice/opinion on a ankle holster.

+1 for the Galco. I wore one around for a week or so just to try it out at my old job. Ran around the shop, did some cartwheels, did some grappling, stayed in place pretty well. I carried around an airweight in it during the week.

I've never been an ankle carry type of guy, I prefer my crossbreed mini tuck, but if I were to carry on the ankle it would be the galco.

 

[Trevor300wsm]

Re: Looking for advice/opinion on a ankle holster.

Phylodog,

Thanks for the reply. Ive spent a couple hours reading and it seems like the Galko ankle glove and the Renegade Cozy Partner receive the best/most positive comments.

I fully understand that ankle carry is not the most ideal method. I normally carry a 4" 1911 IWB at the 2'oclock or 5'oclock position. I wear T-shirts 85% of the time and usually no jacket unless it's well below 40 degrees. I have a 32"-33" waist, but very wide back/shoulders so I do ok at concealing it most of the time. I keep my wallet in my front left and phone in front right, so no room for for pocket carry.

 

[OpticsPlanet]

Re: Looking for advice/opinion on a ankle holster.


While I'm no longer a huge fan of any ankle holsters (mostly because I got fat), I used a Desantis Apache for a number of different guns for a very long time. It's simple, light, reasonably priced and secure.

http://www.opticsplanet.net/desantis-right-hand-black-apache-reg-ankle-rig-062basrz0.html

George P.

 

[turbo54]

Re: Looking for advice/opinion on a ankle holster.

I've carried a J frame in ankle holsters a lot. Overall, it's not a terrible way to carry, but pocket is way-mo-betta except if you spend a lot of the time in a car. Presenting a pistol from an anklel holster while seated is pretty good actually.

The two I have are the Galco and the Fobus. The better of the two depends on footwear. When I used to wear Doc Marten boots, the Fobus was great, and very secure. It would STAY PUT and retention was fantastic - but only a sharp tug was required to get the gun out. However, the Fobus is kinda bulky. Boot cut jeans concealed it well - though I am a legcrosser and always had to pay attention to be sure my jeans were covering the pistol when I crossed my legs.

I wear cowboy boots now, and the Fobus is worthless. They don't have much "flare" where the top melds into the bottom, whereas the Docs did. Honestly, the Galco isn't much better with cowboy boots. However, the Galco can be worn inside the boot, and theres no WAY thats gonna happen with the Fobus.

Neither work well with lowtop shoes/tennis shoes. My bare, or socked ankle (I'm 6'2" 210lb - so I'm neither skinny nor fat) is just too small in diameter for the holster to wrap around securely. Plus, socks slip against skin easily, so the holster, even if snugly fastened around the sock, still slips all over the place. Maybe you could get used to that but it drove me CRAZY.

Honestly, I think the pocket holster is a better solution (except for seated in car), but if for whatever reason you can't pocket carry - ankle is ok. Overall, Id say I prefer the Fobus. I love the retention without a thumb break, and it just always felt more stable. Downside was bulk.... oh, and even thougb it never failed, I never trusted the neoprene velcro straps on the Galco...the straps are stretched and always in tension - just didn't seem right. The Fobus had a really long and thin but NOT stretchy strap that would wrap ALL the way around, then put though a D ring thing, which made it feel SECURE - and it was.

 

[inspcalahan]

Re: Looking for advice/opinion on a ankle holster.

I've tried Bianchi, Galco, Sparks and Alessi over the years. All decent - but hands down the BEST ever was the rigs from Renegade in AZ. They are not leather and will wear out with daily carry every other year or so.....but they are extremely comfortable, super secure, lightweight and don't take up the space in your trouser leg that leather ones do. Also, because they are stretch material with velcro closure, they will work above shoes, over boots, etc as they are infinitely adjustable around your leg. I've worn them since 1994 with J frames, Sig .380s and a Detonics Combat Master - best ankle rig hands down. Don't be fooled by the looks and that they cost half or less than the others. Most other cops I worked with in SoCal used them as well for anything from J frames up to one guy that had a 69 series compact smith on each leg... You won't be disappointed.