Help with finding the right ankle holster

[sessna]

Hey everyone! I'm new here. I'm a police officer and recently purchased a used Kahr PM9 for a back-up weapon and off-duty concealed. I'm a tall, slim guy and I don't wear very big or baggy clothing. Even a weapon as small as the PM9 can be a challenge to conceal with my build and style of clothing I wear.

An option I'd like to explore is an ankle holster. What I'm looking for is a balance between small profile and comfort. I know the Gould and Goodrich holster as well as the Galco Ankle Glove have that thick sheep skin and look very comfortable. But they seem like they would add bulk that may poke out of my Levis 514 straight leg jeans. Some of the more bare-bones holsters seem to be less for all-day wear.

I now people that love their cheap Fobus ankle holsters and other that don't trust them. Also some holster are heavily canted while others aren't canted at all.

Any advise towards wheat to check out or what holsters to absolutely avoid, I'd appreciate it.

[CS534]

Im with az, I keep my backup in a pocket holster on my weak side, If someone tries to get my duty gun I will use one hand for retention and the other to get my bug. There are a variety of pocket holsters available and some that are made for cargo pants.

[sessna]

I know that ankle is not tactically optimal, and I have been shopping for a vest holster for work. The ankle holster option is primarily for off-duty where concealing otherwise is difficult. Pretty much the "one on my ankle is better than none at all" mentality.

The companies you provided links for make some nice looking holsters! A little on the pricey side, but they look high quality. There are just so many holster-makers out there it's mind-numbing.

[Bawanna]

I would say that any lawman "working" carrying his only sidearm in an ankle holster would be not good at all. Especially in the above shared story.

As a backup or off duty I'd have no issue at all with a ankle rig. As I've stated before when your belted into your car and your sidearm is all jammed up the ankle is a really convenient option.

Of duty while not ideal when something happens fast as it usually does is still a better than nothing option.

My PM 45 is in a Galco whenever I'm awake. Always. I do have the advantage of being in a wheelchair so running and walking fast arent' a concern. I figure I can go into my I'm scared please don't hurt me sitting fetal positon which puts me in perfect setup to draw the ankle gun. (if the belt gun don't work?)

[O'Dell]

I use an ankle holster occasionally if I'm going to be driving or sitting for long periods for the PM45 or LCP. The main problem I have is banging the gun on the door sill of the Boxster if I don't think about it.

[Bawanna]

I use an ankle holster occasionally if I'm going to be driving or sitting for long periods for the PM45 or LCP. The main problem I have is banging the gun on the door sill of the Boxster if I don't think about it.

I just asked the wife really nice as I could if I could get a boxster so I could see for sure if its a general issue or just something that effects you. First I felt pretty good since she didn't know what a boxster was just like me a few months ago before you enlightened me.
BUT when I told her she was not supportive (wench). She did warm up again when I told her they were most likely all stick shifts so she'd have to drive me around. Whats' with that?

[jlottmc]

I use an el cheapo from CTD, when I don't want to pocket carry my snub 357. I usually use it as a back up, but have done it for primary when on a road trip. Things I insist on for that method of carry: 1. Retention strap (had one get kicked to a suspect I was chasing) 2. calf strap 3. optional lambs wool liner. I seldom use the holster but it does have a retention strap, which is a big plus. Down side that has not been listed, I have a bodyguard style snubbie, and the retention strap goes around the trigger guard, making my middle finger the one to break the snap loose. That makes for a different draw, especially if I haven't done it in awhile. I carry in the pocket 90-95% of the time with that gun. The ankle is also only used when I anticipate light activity, walk a gun show, ok, run more than 100ft, hell no. Fight, hell no. Just my 2.

[TheTman]

I have an Uncle Mike's ankle holster for my .32 Beretta Tomcat, but I don't use it much. It's seems comfortable enough when I wrap it around a good pair of white socks. It just seems too obvious with tennis shoes and a pair of levi's. I have this big bulge sticking out of the inside of my leg. Most people probably figure I'm a criminal with an ankle bracelet. The holster is comfortable, keeps my gun secure, it just prints too much with most the pants I wear. It is very handy if you happen to be sitting when you draw, but way too hard to get too when standing. I'd only do it with a BUG. I'm very slender, but when I wear my De Santis Sof-Tuck with my CW40, at 4-5 o'clock, with a strong forward cant, the handle stays up close against my back unless I bend over at the waist. A long shirt covers it very well. Has to be long enough to cover the bulge just above my wallet pocket. I find a long undershirt, with a long outer shirt seems to work very well. And no bending over at the waist or the handle will come away from my body and print very obviously. If I carry the .32 it's usually in a jacket pocket instead of the ankle rig, usually just for a quick trip down to the mailbox or someplace I'm pretty certain I won't have to use it, but like to have SOMETHING on me just in case.

[Bawanna]

I use an ankle holster occasionally if I'm going to be driving or sitting for long periods for the PM45 or LCP. The main problem I have is banging the gun on the door sill of the Boxster if I don't think about it.

Another one of lifes miracles. My neighbor behind me (think Mansion, next to Mobile Home) called and wanted to know if my kid could come over as he backed his car into the ditch a little and needed a little push.
So I tagged along thinking it would be cool to pull it out with my power chair. Well you ain't gonna belive it but it was a boxster!!! I've seen him drive by in it from time to time, had it a few years but didn't know what it was. Dang nice little car. His looks like a hard top but I guess it comes off somehow (without a sawzall) for days when you want a convertible.

So now add seeing a boxster in real life to bawanna's worldliness. Even got it out of the ditch real easy cept he threw mud all over my kid.

[OldrSlowrSGT]

I very regularly carry my PM9 in a Blackhawk ankle holster. I sit at a desk or drive very regularly, so access-while-standing is not as much of an issue for me as it is for some others. If I was in a situation that quickly deteriorated, I'd be dropping behind cover (or to make myself smaller) anyway, so I'd be able to access it quickly.

The Blackhawk has a calf strap, and it does a very good job of holding the weight of the gun & holster above the ankle (and out of site below the pant leg). Keep that strap tight! It comes with a thumb-break strap, but I have tested it with the PM9, and I find that I don't need the strap; the pistol stays put when I tighten the holster strap tight enough.

You can adjust the height of the holster depending on where you attach the strap from the calf. I holster the PM9 before I tighten the holster strap, and I pull it very tight. I wear thick athletic socks (in black so the holster would not be obvious if it DID get seen under my pant leg) to give a little cushion.

Depending on the shape of your calf and ankle, the holster placement will determine how visible it is. I create a little cant by not attaching the holster strap levelly... I attach it at a downward angle so it pulls the top of the holster a little to the front... it reduces the printing. I also wear my jeans or Dockers an inch longer so they bunch up just a little on my shoes or sneakers. This makes both legs bulge just a little above the ankle.

I also only load the flush-base 6-round magazine when carrying on the ankle... the 7-round is in my weak-side front pocket. I've tried carrying my K9 in the ankle rig, and it just doesn't feel right.

Here's a link to the holster.

I also pocket-carry it in a Desantis Nemesis.

[sessna]

Which size Blackhawk ankle holster fits the PM9?

[OldrSlowrSGT]

I'm using the size 1.

[Knuckler]

I have carried in an ankle holster for at least 10 years now. I have carried that in uniform, off duty, and also worked UC for a couple of years.

Ankle carry is OK for a second gun...but definitely NOT as a primary mode of carry. It has it's limitations.....I agree with another poster....it is completely ineffective against a gun grab...to clumsy. (A good edged weapon is FAR more effective for that...).

Not trying to lecture you, but if you have a hard time concealing a PM9....it's time to invest in good gear, or change the way you dress. I carried my PM9 while working UC (As a primary), and carried a J frame on my ankle. With good leather and appropriate clothing, they were easy to hide. That assignment dictated that my weapons NOT be seen, and with the right gear, it was easy.

Good gear isn't Uncle Mike's, or crap made out of plastic. Good gear is custom made leather that is specifically made for a single purpose. It is usually made by a guy who has YEARS of experience making holsters…..someone who knows what works, what conceals well, and what is comfortable.

Is it expensive….sort of. I spent far more money trying out “cheap” holsters than I did buying an “expensive” one. I think of it this way……if the rig is comfortable, I will wear it. If it sucks….I might end up leaving it at home…on the day that the gun might be needed. My comfort, and my safety, are worth 200.00.

The best ankle rig I have found is made by Mitch Rosen, and the best ankle gun I have found is a J frame. The curve of the gun allows it to hide well (With appropriate pants...). Semi's (Even small ones) do not seem to hide as well...they are too square. The angles seem to poke out too much.

[JLeephoto]

Once upon a time I tried various ankle holsters with a S&W J-frame and with a Colt Pony. Quickly discovered that the square Pony didn't work well for me. With the J-frame everyone said to go with Lou Alessi's legendary ankle holster. I resisted and probably spent his price 2X over on cheap stuff before I finally splurged on the Alessi, and was amazed at the difference in comfort. I don't know if they still make 'em the same now that Lou's gone. But if ankle carry was a must for me, I'd go with another Airweight J-Frame and good custom leather.
+2 on the PM9 in the pocket carry Nemesis mode. I have IWBs & OWBs, and a custom leather pocket holster but think pocket carry just makes the most sense with this little guy, and the Nemesis is the most comfortable and reliable.