Trying out a new ankle holster

Jayne

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Found a few occasions that I want something larger than pocket carry but due to clothing requirements I can't have anything at my waist. So, I decided to try an ankle rig.

It took a month, but I finally got one of the Aliengear two piece holsters. I took it out of the package and with no adjustments just wore it for 3 days. Here's my take so far:

Pros -

- pistol locks in very well, little chance it's coming out when walking around
- fairly comfortable, no strange abrasions or anything (but I do wear shin guards a lot so I'm kinda used to things on my legs). the weight rides on that 'post' that sticks down so you don't have to have it cranked down super tight to keep it in place.
- conceals well considering how big it is
- makes drawing while seated in the car easy (vs. my usual AIWB that can get blocked by the seatbelt, etc)
- can swap shells to use different pistols

Cons -

- not fast at all
- weight of the pistol makes me step funny (the G26 is probably too heavy, a G43 would be better)
- can't cross your gun leg over the other knee, it's screamingly obvious something is there
- you hit all sorts of stuff with the gun you wouldn't normally think of hitting your leg on (door sill on the car, coffee table legs, etc...).

Random -

- if you like checking inside leg kicks or doing 'baseball checks' there is a solid chance your attacker will hit their shin on the pistol. I bet that sucks, and you've got some padding behind it on your side. It's like bonus hidden armor.

Clearly not as capable of a 'fighting' rig as a proper AIWB, IWB, OWB holster, but when I want another option I'm thinking it's viable. I'm going to order a shell for the G43 and see if the weight difference is noticeable.

IMG_2459.jpg
 
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The G43 fits in the same holster shell, you just need to tighten down the velcro a bit to lock it in. Made it easier to test without spending money or waiting.

Wearing the G43 for a day of moving around the change in bulk is not noticeable at all, but the weight difference is obvious. It still makes me step funny, but much less so. Not sure if that issue goes away over time as your body gets used to compensating for it? For now though I'm going to conclude that for me, unlike AWIB where size is more important than weight, in ankle carry weight is the 'critical dimension' and size is secondary.

However, a 5" 1911 would still be a problem even if it was made of titanium.
 
@Jayne would you mind to post a pic of the gun concealed under your pants leg? I’ve been thinking about an ankle holster for my work place where concealment would be crucial. I can’t do anything on the waistline and would like something a little bigger than a 380. A g43 would be perfect, it just doesn’t fit in my pocket very well so I’m thinking the ankle would work quiet nice. Thanks for the review.
 
@Jayne would you mind to post a pic of the gun concealed under your pants leg?

Under my 5.11s or my REI hiking pants you can't tell anything is there at all. I just tried some more fitted dress slacks and it's kinda obvious something is going on down there. This is the G26, but the G43 is going to be very close:

IMG_2484.jpg IMG_2485.jpg
 
Under my 5.11s or my REI hiking pants you can't tell anything is there at all. I just tried some more fitted dress slacks and it's kinda obvious something is going on down there. This is the G26, but the G43 is going to be very close:

View attachment 57129 View attachment 57130

Nobody would ever notice that. Unless the pants ride up and show something you are good. Good option if you are sitting in a car a lot.

Edit: Nice to see someone with as hairy legs as I!
 
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Well you'll pardon me for saying it out loud and everything...but that holster is huge! No wonder you're having some problems.
Are they expecting you to run a marathon?
I use a Bianchi for an LC9, and it's about 50% thinner than that. It snuggles the 9 nice and tight against the leg and doesn't protrude out like that one.
I've worn it at work (construction) up & down ladders all day, kneeling, standing, walking..I'm on my feet all day. I've even gone bowling with it. It's never moved or given any indication of dropping the gun. It doesn't sweat up or anything and is actually comfortable for what it is, and boot cut jeans fall right over it.
I wear mine just like you do. I've never banged it against my other leg and it doesn't make me hobble.
https://shop.opticsplanet.com/bianc...MIw5SJu_2o2wIVzgOGCh0IvQVeEAQYBSABEgJVyvD_BwE
 
@Friday thanks for posting about that LC9 ankle holster! I have been wanting one for my LC9. Does yours show a size number? When I look it up, it doesn't show a fit for the LC9, so I want to make sure I order the right one.
 
@Friday thanks for posting about that LC9 ankle holster! I have been wanting one for my LC9. Does yours show a size number? When I look it up, it doesn't show a fit for the LC9, so I want to make sure I order the right one.
Size 12. Just under the trigger guard of the LC9, I removed a few stitches and the gun sits lower in the holster. It fit alright before but it fits perfect now. If you get one you'll see what I'm talking about.
 
I have a Galco Ankle Glove for a J frame that is very comfortable and secure. It holds the gun close to the leg.
 
I have a Galco Ankle Glove for a J frame that is very comfortable and secure. It holds the gun close to the leg.
I have two of those. Very comfy.

One is for a G23 (but I usually carry a G27 in it). The other fits my 9 & 40 Pitbulls.

When I carry the G27, I have two 15rd mags on the other ankle actually easier to walk "normal" with extra weight on both ankles. That setup is my Sunday morning carry method.
 
Several years ago we had a local police department officer use a pistol drawn from an ankle holster to wound the man who shot him.

He was sitting in his patrol car. As the man approached the officer drew pistol. The man approached and when he got to the window he fired striking the officer in the mouth. The officer returned fire.

Ankle holsters make perfect sence when seated, especially in vehicles.

Sent from my SM-J320V using Tapatalk
 
I'd be interested in the rationale behind that.

My usual owb at 3:30 under a tee shirt gets me in the 1 second draw times. I practice this all the time at my range. I despise iwb in any fashion, but I've tried it in the past. Draw iwb from under a tucked tee pushes those times closer to 2+ seconds, which is about the same for the ankle holster. The biggest drawback with the ankle rig is being able to facilitate a draw from kneeling or sitting if the bad guy doesn't want to co-operate with that. In other words, it ain't right there, and you'll probably need some more personal space and/or time in a shtf scenario to be able to get at it. But for me, ankle carry works best when I need the deep concealment.

Also, the skinnier the better. IMO ankle carry is not the best form of primary carry. I consider it a form of backup or compromise carry. If you wanna pack a double stack or revolver on the ankle, that's gonna present some issues. Along with just being more 'uncomfortable' it's also gonna be harder to get clear of your pant leg. Single stack 9's and 380's work very well on the ankle.
 
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