Ankle carry can be a bit controversial. Most people use this position to carry a concealed weapon as a backup gun. Some like it as their primary pistol though, but it does have pros and cons.
This is only a subtle way to unholster your gun if you aren’t standing. Otherwise, it’s pretty obvious when you are reaching down by your ankle. It does take a little longer than a traditional waistband carry.
So, how do you know if you should ankle carry? Let’s look at some details about ankle carry that will help you decide if this method is right for you.
You Need the Right Shoes and Pants
You need a proper shoe that will accommodate your ankle holster the right way. It’s a myth that you can’t wear boots with ankle carry, and considering that lots of people wear boots each day for work, it’s important to have the right holster that’s adjustable so you can wear your gun above the top of the boots.
The pants you wear also need to be wide enough at the bottom to conceal your weapon. Skinny jeans will not work — neither does a long skirt for women. There is too big a chance that your gun will be seen.
If you want to wear jeans, just make sure they are considered a “bootcut” so that you don’t run the risk of printing. Printing is where you can see the outline of the weapon under your clothing. Pants that have a wide enough leg will prevent this problem.
Wear a Comfortable Ankle Holster
Finding the right holster is key to a comfortable wear with your ankle carry a firearm. Try on a few different styles to figure out what is going to feel the best for you. They come in a few different variants, including a single strap that just goes around your ankle, or a double strap that rings around your calf as well. Until you try it out, you won’t know which type you prefer. Above all, the holster should fit securely to your ankle without any movement or gaps.
Learn the “Four Count Draw Stroke”
Training groups advocate for a “four count draw stroke” when using an ankle carry the proper way. This is a great video that demonstrates the technique for you from Trident Concepts, a company out of Austin, Texas run by a former Navy Seal named Jeff L. Gonzales. He has gained national attention as a premier instructor of weapons and tactical measures.
If you opt to ankle carry it’s better to take a training class that specifically go over this method from a shooting range near you. Practicing from this draw position is important to keep your skills up to par.
Keep Your Gun Clean
Since your gun is closer to the ground, there is the potential for more dirt and debris to come in contact with your weapon. Keep your gun clean on a weekly basis to make sure that nothing is going to compromise its use.
