Anyone use an ankle holster?

[Flagwaver]

I have a concealed carry permit. With all the junk I normally carry, my S&W Airweight .38 Special feels heavy in my pocketbook; someone could steal my pocketbook; and I like to walk without always having to have my pocketbook with me.

I would like to know what others (especially women) think about using an ankle holster. Are they comfortable to wear for several hours? Do they feel secure on your leg? Do you feel that the ankle holster allows quick access to your firearm?

Thanks.

[Matt In Oklahoma]

I'm not a woman but I would like to chime in on them. They have merit in area such as driving or if the pistol stays secure during a grapple where you can access it however overall they are not that good. An example of why I say this is, lets say you are walking in a parking lot and a person approaches you, how close would he be before you reconize him as a thug or a danger or just someone else shopping? 3-5 steps right? So you drop down to a knee and use one hand to pull up the pants leg and the other to draw. How long before he can cover 3-5 steps and assault you while BOTH your hands are busy?
This is just my opinion but ask yourself what the most likely avenues of attack would be and where are you the most vunerable then how you would draw. Also are you a runner?

[Flagwaver]

Matt in Oklahoma you brought up exactly what I need to think about. Your point about both hands being busy using the ankle holster is a good one. Even so, in a parking lot situation, wouldn't I have to have my firearm in my hand or in a pocket from the moment I left a store in order to be able to defend myself?

I am not a runner, but I do like to walk and go sightseeing without having to cart along a pocketbook. I thought an ankle holster would allow me to have my hands free but still maintain protection.

Do you think a shoulder holster is a better option?

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Your attire will dictate alot of what you can wear. The shoulder holster as with the crossdraw and ankle are very good in vehicles and are seatbelt friendly. I can also tell you much like purses and pocketbooks no holster does every job. I have 4 for my EDC. Inside the waistband for deep wear or hot days, serpa belt holster for security and speed, shoulder for when I wear a packpack with the waistbelt or insulated overalls when I hunt and a drop rig for when I am wearing heavy body armor.
The parking lot question, no, do cops and soldiers walk around the whole time with their hands on the gun, no. You must incorporate hands on training, observation, body movements and mindset into your protection. The gun is not always going to be the answer, if you can simply move in a diferent direction then that would be better than killing. If you think you are going to be in danger then sure put your hand on it and be ready to push away with the other or manage keys, kids etc. Head up, off the cell and make eye contact. Worst that can happen with eye contact is a guy thinks your flirting, in the middle another woman goes what's she looking at and the best that can happen is a thug says sh.. shes looking and move on.
I hope this helps and again these are just my opinions and not always right, just think thru what your needs are and dang the gun writers and advertisers

[Bearman202]

Flagwaver, do a search on Flash Draw. It's a holster system someone came up with that basically fits around your chest, beneath your bra. You pull up the bottom of your shirt, and there it is. I thought it was pretty neat.

[Matt In Oklahoma]

No matter what the gender have someone else look at you wearing whatever you decide and make sure that if it's a concealment rig that it is hidden. I recently helped my sisterinlaw with her Ruger LCP. She tried the pocket holster but she wears her pants to tight and is unwilling to give up the vanity for gun concealment. She bought a paddle type kydex but her shirts are the women type that are form flattering shirts that snug in on the sides to give the hourglass apperance. I noticed though that given her shape and front endowments that the front of her shirt hung loose at the beltline. I suggested that she wear it in the front just to her strong hand side and it made it disappear. It takes honesty and carefully chosen words but anothers opinions will help.

[Bill Foster]

In the past, I have seen two women friends of mine use an upside down shoulder rig. They were cross-draw and both were for snubbie revolvers. One carried an S&W Chief and the other carried an S&W Airweight. Neither reported problems. I did a quick search; www.vegaholster.it has one; I don't know anything about the company. Galco (great company, large prices) has a "women's section" http://www.usgalco.com/Women.asp I hope this helps.

[Flagwaver]

lots to consider

Thanks for all the options to consider in choosing a holster. It seems to be a little more of a challenge for women due to body shape and clothing.

I will investigate all the great links that were given, but I would still appreciate a woman's first-hand knowledge. If anyone has a friend or spouse who would be willing to comment as to holsters that work for them, that would be great.

[lungs]

hell, very few people can make a ccw belt rig draw before a man can charge from a standing start and strike them, from 7 yds. With an ankle rig, better figure on 15 yds, guys. :-) Forget them, they are a bad joke. get a small auto, 380 or 9mm and put it in a front pants pocket rig. problem solved, very conveniently.

[brokedownbiker]

Flagwaver, this is probably way out of date (your posts were in Jan.) but check out this link. This lady reviews a couple of holster options.

http://www.faliaphotography.com/search/label/holster%20reviews

[baldsith]

Flagwaver...I use an ankle holster I like the galco brand..they have a neoprene velcro band and a sheepskin liner. I carry my backup gun there which is a glock 26. AFter you get use to it it wont bother you. The biggest part is learning to draw your weapon from there. Takes practice, practice, practice. I also wear several holsters like Matt in Oklahoma...Each one serves a different purpose depending on what I am doing or who I am going up against. Giving up vanity is huge...I no longer wear jeans off duty...I have found that the blackhawk warrior brand kakhi style pants are awesome...come in different colors and are way comfortable. Loose pant legs for ankle holsters, adjustable waistband for inside the waist band carry, pockets to carry extra mags and small backups with out printing the gun for everyone to see. I use to be a diehard 511 man..and have since gone to all the blackhawk holsters and clothes for my job....very durable, affordable and dosent scream cop!!!

[baldsith]

And I have got my ankle draw down to a science...but thats also after 11 yrs of carry there