There are many things to consider after purchasing a handgun. Safety is at the forefront of things to consider. Finding the right holster is key to the safe and effective carrying of a concealed firearm. When deciding to carry a firearm, there is a myriad of questions that you must ask yourself in order to get the most from your experience. First, consider the fashion in which you’ll carrying your weapon. Accessibility is a primary concern for anyone wearing a holster. Because of the location, an ankle holster will provide less accessibility than some of its counterparts and because of this, an ankle holster is most effective for housing a backup weapon. Regardless of the type of ankle holster utilized, carrying a handgun on this area of the body requires the wearer to bend down to access the weapon from a standing position. Ankle holsters are not ideal for fast-draw usage. In most normal circumstances, the extra time necessary to retrieve the weapon is usually of no consequence, but if your handgun is intended for defensive purposes, the additional time needed can be of great cost.
What type of handgun will you be carrying? Due to the location, ankle holsters are ideal for compact handguns. Depending on the brand of holster you purchase, the level of comfort it offers can be of varying degree, but a larger handgun will be more difficult for the wearer to both, conceal and move about comfortably. It is important to understand the type of handgun you are using (revolver or semi-automatic) as this can greatly affect the size, motion for removal and comfort level of the wearer. While retrieving your handgun from a standing position can be difficult when utilizing an ankle holster, there are instances in which an ankle holster will offer a significant advantage. When riding in a vehicle, the sitting position will allow the wearer to reach the handgun with a lower degree of difficulty than a traditional gun-belt holster.
The materials used for the variety of ankle holsters on the market can differ considerably, offering a myriad of pros and cons. While leather holsters are usually effective for weapon retention, they are generally more expensive than nylon holsters. Although the price is certainly a factor to consider, the true value in an ankle holster is usually a direct correlation to cost. You tend to get what you pay for. The quality of the craftsmanship will differ with each manufacturer, making most higher priced ankle holsters more effective due to an increased emphasis on retention, as many may utilize extras, such as a thumb break. Because ankle holsters typically house backup weapons, the draw stroke should be straight-line and consistent with to the target for maximum efficiency.
Reholstering is often an overlooked aspect when searching for the perfect ankle holster. Reholstering should be a smooth process that allows for the handgun to be replaced without difficulty, as this can lead to accidental firing. A proper ankle holster will emphasize a wide mouth, that will allow for the handgun to be reholstered easily with one hand if necessary. This is particularly important when facing a physical threat, as your other hand may be needed for defense while the weapon is being drawn. Because safety is one of the most important aspects to consider, finding an ankle holster with a proper trigger guard is essential. An inadequate or ill-fitting trigger guard can lead to the trigger being pressed unintentionally.
For those with little experience carrying a handgun, clothing can be a legitimate obstacle and should be considered carefully when wearing your handgun. With an ankle holster, short pants are usually not ideal, as they may completely negate the concealment factor. If concealment is a primary concern, long pants should be sufficient, but this too can raise the degree of difficulty in regards to retrieving your weapon. Longer pants can create a natural barrier to the accessibility of your weapon, as the pant leg will need to be discarded for proper retrieval. Short pants, although lacking in the concealment department, may offer an advantage to the wearer in terms of retrieving your weapon. When shorter pants are worn, high-top shoes or boots will help with the concealment factor. In order to get comfortable with your handgun and holster, it is necessary to practice the placement and removal of your weapon.
Women may experience an additional set of obstacles when considering an ankle holster. Ankle holsters are generally designed for male usage and because of this, the dimensions of the holster may not be ideal for women. Women are generally smaller than men and because of this, hand size, armpit to hip distance and physical strength all become significant factors.
There are many types of ankle holsters to consider. Here are few brands that we find exceptional.
The Protech Ankle Holster
The Protech Ankle Holster is made with grip-strip elastic and a nylon strap that will help to keep it securely and comfortably locked to the ankle. The outer layer of the Protech Ankle Holster is constructed of CORDURA ballistic nylon, while the inner layer is equipped with a vinyl barrier made to decrease condensation accumulated by practical usage. Reducing the moisture between your ankle and holster can help to alleviate any issues associated with sliding, or a loose-fitting weapon. On the inside of the Protech Ankle Holster is foam padding, made to reduce pressure on the ankle associated with movement. The Protech Ankle holster is also extremely durable, designed specifically to prevent the material from unraveling after extended use. The downside to ankle holster made with elastic is that over time, the elastic may begin to stretch, reducing the ankle security. This will cause your handgun to flop about during movement, which can drastically reduce the safety of your weapon or possibly lead to damage.
The Galco Ankle Glove/ Ankle Holster
The Galco Ankle Glove/ Ankle Holster is designed specifically for the Glock 26, 27 and 33. This ankle holster is perfect for the experienced gun owner as it provides a level of concealment that suits needs beyond practical usage. The Galco Ankle Glove/ Ankle Holster is fashioned from leather but also implements a comfortable neoprene band. A leather holster may offer a significant advantage to its nylon counterpart, as over time, the leather will conform to the shape and size of the holstered weapon. This will allow for a secure hold for your weapon, keeping movement to a minimum during daily usage. Because comfort is essential for a positive experience when wearing your handgun, special emphasis is placed on using high-quality materials for the Galco Ankle Glove/ Ankle Holster. Aside from The Galco Ankle Glove/ Ankle Holster’s high-quality saddle leather and neoprene band, it sports a sheepskin barrier for maximum support, comfort, and moisture reduction. The Galco Ankle Glove/ Ankle Holster is ideal for both semiautomatic pistols and revolvers.
NIANPU Ankle Holster/Concealed and Carry
The NIANPU Ankle Holster/ Concealed and Carry is a simple ankle holster, made from elastic, velcro and heavy-duty webbing, that offers a mix of comfort and style, without sacrificing practicality. Because comfort is essential for an efficient ankle holster, the soft-knitting of the holster is designed to function comfortably even with direct contact with the skin and utilizes a foam barrier to combat moisture. What separates the NIANPU Ankle Holster/ Concealed and Carry from its counterparts, is its ambidextrous appeal, as it is designed for any position on the ankle. This holster is secured to the ankle by velcro, making for quick and easy retrieval of the handgun. Because of its universal design, the NIANPU Ankle Holster /Concealed and Carry holster is perfect for most compact semiautomatic pistols and revolvers, while still exhibiting a versatility that will allow it house larger handguns.
Blackhawk! Ankle Holster Right Ankle
The Blackhawk! Ankle Holster, Right Ankle is constructed of CORDURA nylon and is one of the most comfortable ankle holsters on the market. Because of its soft-knit nylon fabric, it is perfect for skin for skin contact and utilizes closed cell foam that helps to reduce moisture for the wearer. The molded thumb break is very effective against the accidental drawing of the weapon or drawing of the weapon by an attacker. For maximum retention, the Blackhawk! Ankle Holster utilizes a non-stretch retention strap, which is ideal for preventing looseness within the holster after long-term usage. The calf strap is very effective in stopping sliding that may occur while walking but may cause friction when worn with high-top sneakers or boots. The Blackhawk! Ankle Holster, Right Ankle offers a great deal of versatility and will support medium to large-frame semi-automatic pistols.
There are many considerations to be made when deciding on the ankle holster most suitable to your needs. While price is often a major factor when purchasing an ankle holster, finding the right balance between accessibility and concealment is key to finding the right holster for your needs. The importance of choosing the right ankle holster cannot be overstated, as it is a physical connector between the person and handgun, providing comfort, safety, accessibility and protection from damage.