December 27th, 2023
6minute read
The ankle holster is loved and hated.
Many who hate it dont understand why and how to use it.
Its one way to carry with tucked-in shirt in a non-permissive environment discreetly.
Carrying a CCW pistol in an ankle holster offers pros and cons. Learning how to carry and draw from this location helps maximize the good while mitigating the bad. Image: Gail Pepin
Its one of the fastest accesses to drawing while seated, or down on your back.
Ive always seen it as much better for a back-up gun than for primary carry.
Of course, it has downsides.
A good quality ankle holster is a “must” to ensure the gun is securely held while minimizing discomfort to your leg. Image: Gail Pepin
If you have circulation problems, something tight around your ankle may be contra-indicated.
Selecting a Holster/Gun/Pants Combination
Yes, I mentioned pants.
Youve got to be able to get to the damn thing.
The author states the best way to don an ankle holster is to start with affixing the empty holster to your leg. Once in place, you can seat the pistol securely in the rig. Image: Gail Pepin
The cuff shape and drape of the traditional mens sack suit works well.
Ditto police uniform pants, and more so BDUs.
Boot cut is the answer.
The author recommends pulling your sock over the lower part of the ankle holster. This helps to conceal the rig should your pant leg ride up while seated. Image: Gail Pepin
You want some cushioning for the ankle bone.
The ideal might be a tight fitanda thumb-break.
Never forget that exposure to dust and grit factor.
When drawing from an ankle holster while standing, grab and pull up on your pant leg with your non-dominant hand. Bend both knees to bring your body down to the gun. Image: Gail Pepin
Hammerless revolvers do the best here.
I also have tried out a Springfield Armory Ronin EMP 3 in this carry mode as well.
Countless years of collective experience show that this minimizes wobble and shifting of position.
Step back or to the side with the non-holster side leg and draw the pistol from the ankle holster. Image: Gail Pepin
With the sock pulled up, the exposed part just looks like a loose, baggy sock.
I cant recommend this stork draw.
That can work, but now you are somewhat locked into position and have lost mobility.
Once drawn, you can shoot from this deep crouch position. If circumstances allow it, you can stand up and obtain your preferred two-handed shooting position. Image: Gail Pepin
It turns out to be optimal for ankle draw.
Then, step back and/or sideways with yournon-holster side leg.
Reason: it would be foolish to move your holstered gun away from your reaching hand.
Now, simply draw.
In Summary
The ankle holster is not my choice for primary carry.
For reasons stated above, the ankle holster is particularly suitable for back-up.
The trick is picking the correct tool for the given, predictable task.
Go to forum thread
1911Ronin EMP 3"
GalcoAnkle Guard
