Ankle Holster Suggestions?

[Texan-in-Training]

Sitting in a booth in a restaurant the other day, I was considering how awkward it would be to have to draw my Shield from it's 4:30 position IWB. Since I have a P238, I figured that occasional back up carry on my ankle would be nice. I'd be carrying "Condition 1".

Three holsters I've researched "on-line" are the Alessi (a bit pricey for my current budget), Alien Gear's offering (somewhat complicated), and the BUGBite (only complaint I saw was you need to protect the material with a piece of rubber next to the hammer for "Condition 1").

Anyone have "carry" experience with any of these, or with another that you're happy with?

Thanks for any help.

 

[Charlie]

I've tried ankle holsters in the past but they just don't ever get comfortable for me. I could never go more than 30 minutes with one on before I had to get it off. But I do know some folks that do just fine with them.

 

[cherok2e]

Sitting in a booth in a restaurant the other day, I was considering how awkward it would be to have to draw my Shield from it's 4:30 position IWB. Since I have a P238, I figured that occasional back up carry on my ankle would be nice. I'd be carrying "Condition 1".

Three holsters I've researched "on-line" are the Alessi (a bit pricey for my current budget), Alien Gear's offering (somewhat complicated), and the BUGBite (only complaint I saw was you need to protect the material with a piece of rubber next to the hammer for "Condition 1").

Anyone have "carry" experience with any of these, or with another that you're happy with?

Thanks for any help.

Try Renegade Gear. Free ankle holster for shipping and handling $10 and change.

 

[Texan-in-Training]

Try Renegade Gear. Free ankle holster for shipping and handling $10 and change.

From what I'm seeing, Wilderness Tactical bought out Renegade and are selling the ankle rig for about $80. Kind of a pity it's that much... some of the forums I "trekked" through, raved about it.
I appreciate the info, though. Thanks.

(As an afterthought... some of the folks that used Renegades until they wore out are saying that the DeSantis Apache is a pretty good substitute... Anyone wear one?)

 

[cherok2e]

From what I'm seeing, Wilderness Tactical bought out Renegade and are selling the ankle rig for about $80. Kind of a pity it's that much... some of the forums I "trekked" through, raved about it.
I appreciate the info, though. Thanks.

(As an afterthought... some of the folks that used Renegades until they wore out are saying that the DeSantis Apache is a pretty good substitute... Anyone wear one?)

I just got an ankle holster from a site, can't recall name (800-390-6035), but it was a velcro latch holster and it was free and I paid $9.95 + tax= 10.59. I got the holster last week and it was in plastic package with Renegade Gear on it.

Try Renegade Gear. Free ankle holster for shipping and handling $10 and change.

 

[Texan-in-Training]

I just got an ankle holster from a site, can't recall name (800-390-6035), but it was a velcro latch holster and it was free and I paid $9.95 + tax= 10.59. I got the holster last week and it was in plastic package with Renegade Gear on it.

Thanks, I'll give them a call and see what I can find out.

 

[sucker76]

I have the bug bite. I like it because I can wear boots and the gun is easy to get to. I say easy because the gun sits higher on my shin and the grip is just above my boots. The downside is you need to pull your pant leg up higher. It's NOT a quick draw holster for sure. I wear it on my left leg and the gun pocket is on the right for a right hand draw. If you wear regular cut jeans it will disappear.

 

[Texan-in-Training]

I have the bug bite. I like it because I can wear boots and the gun is easy to get to. I say easy because the gun sits higher on my shin and the grip is just above my boots. The downside is you need to pull your pant leg up higher. It's NOT a quick draw holster for sure. I wear it on my left leg and the gun pocket is on the right for a right hand draw. If you wear regular cut jeans it will disappear.

May I ask what you carry in it and is it reasonably comfortable for an extended period?

 

[Young Gun]

Desantis Apache ankle rig, have one for a Ruger LCP II and one for Glock 42. I carry the LCP II roughly 40-45hrs a week, usually in 8-10hrs shifts. I've worn it without fail, 5 days a week, for several years. I would guestimate I'm close to 6,000 hours worn. The 42 gets less ankle time.

Here's the best part; not once EVER during a shift have I had to remove or adjust the holster/firearm due to discomfort or an other reason. The holster is that good, it never slips or slides down my leg. I do wear a long tube sock that sits between my leg and the holster. I strap it on every morning around 5AM, and only touch it again when I am home from work removing it around 4PM.

There is very minor surface rust on the metal latch/snap on my holster after all the sweat/use. I use an anti rust spray to clean it up. I've also experienced some wear in the material where it originally rubbed on my shoe. I use 'Shoe-Goo' on the worn areas and it keeps them from fraying. (Another good product that lasts for years; 'Shoe-Goo').

I do recommend the Desantis Apache, but honestly any similar design holster with similar materials may be adequate. I have the hours and experience with Desantis though, and prefer them.

 

[sucker76]

May I ask what you carry in it and is it reasonably comfortable for an extended period?

I have a Sig P238 and Taurus TCP that get rotated in it. The p238 is slightly wider and more square. It makes a difference in long hours of wearing it but I think it's more reliable than the TCP so I carry it more.

 

[sucker76]

Like all things you need to get used to varying that way.

 

[Texan-in-Training]

Well, I found a DeSantis Apache for $38 so I ordered it. I'm hoping it fits well, both my leg and the P238. I'll only be wearing it occasionally, but I'll do my best to give it a fair evaluation and post back my opinion.
Sure appreciate everyone taking the time to help me out with their opinions.
Thanks.

 

[sucker76]

Can't wait to hear about it.

 

[seeker_two]

Lirisy Ankle Holster for Concealed Carry | Non-Slip with Calf Strap Holster Fits Glock 42, 43, 36, 26, Smith and Wesson Bodyguard .380, .38, Ruger LCP, LC9 (17" Band Fits Up To 15" Leg) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XWNH5D7?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

I bought this holster to see if I liked ankle carry. So far, it's done well with my Glock 26. The snap on the security strap did break on first use, but I just tuck the strap over the grip into the holster pocket. The gun stays in even after miles of walking. I may buy a name-brand one later.....but this does well for me now.

One thing....for ankle carry, I'd suggest keeping your 238 in Condition 2. The chance of the safety disengaging is too likely with leg movement.

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

 

[Huntindoc]

Galco ankle glove. Been carrying a Glock 26 in one for years.

 

[Texan-in-Training]

One thing....for ankle carry, I'd suggest keeping your 238 in Condition 2. The chance of the safety disengaging is too likely with leg movement.

I'll definitely take your suggestion into consideration.
The 238 has a firing pin block and the safety's action on mine is "hell fer stout"... My plan is to carry it "dry" around the "homestead" in Condition 1, and make my judgement based on that.
I think I would probably pick Condition 3 over 2, just because if I'm fussing with my pant leg as I'm drawing, it's not that much more added action to be working the slide as I'm coming up. I vividly remember my mom losing her grip on the Marlin 39a's hammer and knocking a chip out of the kitchen tile when I was a kid.

 

[Grundy1133]

AlienGear ShapeShift. you can get an ankle, appendix, IWB, and OWB. all you do is take off the shell and put it on the different backings. I've been debating getting an aliengear shapeshift holster but until they offer a shoulder holster kit for the shapeshift, I'm gonna hold off.

 

[rman]

AlienGear ShapeShift. you can get an ankle, appendix, IWB, and OWB. all you do is take off the shell and put it on the different backings. I've been debating getting an aliengear shapeshift holster but until they offer a shoulder holster kit for the shapeshift, I'm gonna hold off.

I couldn't stand the AlienGear as OWB, let IWB.
I would rather kiester the gun than try AG on my ankle.

Sent from my SIG Sauer

 

[Texan-in-Training]

Can't wait to hear about it.

Well I should close this out by saying I'm pretty happy with this.
I needed to buy a better pair of shoes than I had, so this provided an excuse. I got a lightly higher pair of "hiking shoes/boots" to keep the holster off my ankle and a little higher up on my leg.
Wore the holster for the better part of the day, P238 "cocked and locked" on an empty chamber, out and about driving and walking in a hay field, and all was good. I'll probably wear it a couple more times like this before I go Condition 1, but I don't foresee any problems. The sheepskin between my leg and the Sig not only makes it comfortable, but it also keeps the safety in place.
Any questions I'll try to answer. My internet has slowed to a painfully slow pace, so be patient with me.

 

[Kara Robert]

I use an Uncle Mike's ankle holster for the Beretta 21A.
It works fine, but it does not use much. I usually carry my pocket. I used the ankle holster on a long drive trip and helped me get the gun closer when I was in the car with the belt.