@@stephencolley334 He claims he’s been in four gunfights and yet has never provided any proof. Just word of mouth. It was easy to make those claims back in the late 80s and 90s, pre-internet days which is what he did when he was telling tall tales in articles for various gun rags back then.
In the late 70's and 80's I carried a wheel gun on my duty belt and a S&W Chief 38 Special as a backup in an ankle holster. Thankfully I never had to use the backup but I wouldn't leave home without it. I still have both the backup gun and ankle holster today. Some habits are hard to break.
My first exposure to ankle-holsters was in an episode of the X-Files: Someone knocked Mulder down and he lost his Sig, but all of a sudden, he whipped another from an ankle-holster; I was absolutely 😮😮😮😮🤯🤯🤯🤯 to see such a thing.
I felt the same way, on a show called third watch, a NYPD cop named Morice had the same thing happen. Also, on an episode of Law and Order SVU, Det Stabler carried an ankle backup too.
Another benefit of the ankle holster is how well it’s hidden. I carried one as a backup and sometimes as a primary off duty. There were many times I attended events where security was wanding everyone entering. Being an active officer at that time I was always curious to see if they’d find it. THEY NEVER DID. I wouldn’t do it as a retired officer but my thinking was if they miss mine how many others did they miss. When interviewing robbery victims many times the perpetrators would pat the victims down quickly. I would always ask did they pat your ankles. I never had a robbery victim state his or her ankles got patted down. Sometimes the best weapon is the one no one knows your carrying.
My assumption is that ankle holsters are somewhat of a forgotten thing by many, In fact I hadn't really considered it in the last 20 or so years, just got reminded by this recommended video lol.
That is very interesting on its own, but also made me wonder just how much a wand is detecting. Are they strictly detecting iron? Obviously they aren't detecting plastic. But what about non ferrous metals like lead, brass, aluminum, titanium? Or coin metals? Do wands give many false positive hits(that might allow someone to b.s. their way through a beep)?
@@DavidLLambertmobile Also a certified Expert Witness, and has had several books and 100's of gun related articles published. Def within the very top 5 trainers and experts in the U S.
for those interested in using this technique , i suggest getting a matching weight for your opposing ankle . this is more important if you are required to walk consistently . if you are sitting / stationary , muscle imbalance is less a concern . it may seem little but joints are sensitive to extra weight , particularly over time .
I used to read Massad's articles in magazines years ago, before I became a LEO. Some of his insights on tactics saved my A** on more than one occasion. Now, retired, I recently found this channel, and can agree with Mas on a great many things that had actually happen to me and my fellow officers while on the job. My ankle gun was a charter arms Bulldog. LISTEN to this man! he knows his stuff.
I'm an office worker. Casual wear often exposes the clips of any holster worn around the waist, with the exception of the Philster Enigma, but sitting all day with appendix carry puts pressure on areas that become uncomfortable and complicate the draw from a seated position. I have ankle carried for quite a while, first with a S&W J frame, then a Bodyguard in .380, and now with a Sig P365 SAS in a DeSantis Die Hard holster. I typically practice crouching on the draw. As an office worker, my thought is that I will be obtaining cover behind my desk and making myself a smaller target while drawing and engaging my assailant. My movement would be crouched in the office environment, so I practice that as well. I do dismount at the end of the day by using the stork method, and standing at 5'7" is less than a 2 second draw, so it remains a viable option if the situation demands it. I very much appreciate your insight, Mas, and I look forward to the next video from you and the Wilson Combat channel.
I’ve been wearing an ankle holster every day since 1987. I retired in 2017. My first BUG was a Charter Arms snub gun, 6 shot 2”. The BUG I carry today is a Glock 43. I’ve been carrying two pistols for about 36 years now. I agree, if you can conceal only one, and the ankle is the only place to carry it, having one on the ankle is far better than not having one at all. Thanks Mas for sharing, great vid, excellent info.
@@kellyshea92 … I have used Uncle Mike’s #16 for as long as I can remember. It will securely hold the G43, G26/27 and I have used it to carry a G19. I’ve bought and experimented with Bianchi, Galco and others but … I’ve always returned to the old reliable Uncle Mike’s.
Found an old Gander Mountain catalog from 1964-65. Hercules Bullseye powder was $2.30 per 11 oz can. Red Dot was $1.80 for 8 oz can. Unique was $2.50 for 13 oz.
This is a great tutorial! I carried steel frame five shots, Glock 26/27s and finally a 43 on an ankle for 24 years. I will personally attest that the Galco Ankle Glove is the best one out there, but we all come in different shapes, sizes and tastes. The lighter the pistol the better as a a 43 or an alloy frame is light enough not to grate on the ankle bone when running or just experiencing a long day on your feet. I never had any to draw for real from one but do recall a couple of instances where I realized it wasn’t the best option for primary carry.
Mas it's been 40 years since I read your book, "In The Gravest Extreme." I still consider it one of the best books on the subject I have ever read. I always learn something new from you. Thanks for all you do.
Thank You Mr. Ayoob! Thank you for your sophisticated analysis explained in simple, elegantly understandable terms. You’re not only explain “What” to do, but provide the “Whys” behind the techniques proffered. No nonsense, just straightforward, helpful and life-saving information provided.
The history about Chic Gaylord was interesting. I used that lift-the-leg technique in the 90’s. It always shocked the local RO’s when you could get a 2 second hit on target from your ankle.
I make Kydex holsters as a hobby now but I used to make them for a living. One of the holsters I designed was a "boot holster". It was a leather cuff that wrapped around the upper part of the boot and laced to it. I used this type of holster many times to carry a backup gun. The first one I made was rather crude. It was a traditional hybrid design with a Kydex outer shell and the leather of the cuff as the back. It held a Taurus 38. Later I upgraded the design so the holster could not only be used as a boot holster but also could be used as an outside the waist holster or an inside the waist holster. I also upgraded the Kydex holster by making it a traditional "Toco shell " Kydex holster. This made it more comfortable because the retention of the gun was no longer dependent on how tight the boot was laced. I used this design to carry a Glock 26.
I have used an Alissi ankle holster for years. Very comfortable but expensive. I quit using an old heavy steel frame S&W 36 once I tried a S&W 642 Airweight. Much lighter. The Alissi is an all leather hand made holster. Standard in federal LE.
Thanks for the information. Expensive is fine if the quality is there. You only need to buy it once, and price should not be an object if it can save your life! 😄
I have been carrying a 340PD on my ankle for 15 years-it backs up my G19,and I love this video-I went to one of Mas’s classes and I remember him saying “I’d rather have 5 right now rather than 10 a half a second later than right now”and that’s what got me to stock carrying my G26 as a backup-and I am so thankful for it.Its faster by far to draw and more than half the weight-and loaded with 357’s,just as effective as 9mm in a smaller lighter easier to draw package.
I work church security here in Texas. I was looking into an ankle rig for my Sig P365XL. This video popped up just in time! Summers in this part of Texas are brutal, so wearing a sport jacket over an OWB pistol and holster is not always the most comfy way to go.
@70selvisfan Greetings from the Texas Hill Country (Kerrville). I also carry at church, and I own a P365XL w the Romeo Zero red dot. Being slender, I would not be able to conceal that gun in an ankle holster configuration. However, I will carry a S&W 360PD J frame snubby that way w/o issues. The P365 is a versatile platform. You may be aware that there’s a configuration that marries the 3.7” XL barrel/longer slide to the shorter grip (10 rd magazine) that comes with the 3” bbl model. That may be an option if you find the XL to “print” at your ankle.
On your advice years ago , I carry a lightweight J frame. When traveling I can hand my wife or daughter, who is 18 both are both trained. My back up and I can leave them armed. While I carry the primary gun. I also leaned that from you. Thank you for your words of wisdom.
Pro tip: A altoids mint tin can conceal 2 5/6 round .357 or .38spl Quik Strip, Bianchi speed strips. I've used this method for my .38spl J frames or DA revolvers since 2012 or so. ✅️
This old guy has two speeds..... slow and slower. Thanks Mas, this has brought back some old memories of boot gun and boot knife and I eventually got my first ankle holster for my PPK/s in 75. Thanks and Blessings!
I met Mas at Aslet conference in 1989. He gave me the same advice then. Except he said to get used to it wear it around d the clock. I did. I wore an Allesi ankle rig for some 25 plus years after that until I retired. It was good advice then as it is today.
Literally have been thinking strongly about an ankle pistol a lot lately and this pops up. Answered many of my questions including what type of pistol would be a good choice. Perfect timing and Thank You Massad for this Video! *Cannot beat experience!*
I carry a S and W Bodyguard in a velcro rig with room for 2 mags. I've modified it somewhat, so it doesn't show and feels comfortable. Always grateful for your advice, Massad
Outstanding video. Your mentioning of not using an ankle holster if they have a circulatory issue is very important. Some of the best advice on using an ankle holster. Thank you 🙏
I am 64.5 years old living in warm South Africa. Since i were 18 i only used the ancle holster. When i have to take it off i feel naked. Yes you have to clean it very often and it is only a Walther 7.65 but is is always on me, a hell of a lot better than a 44 or 45 in tga safe at home.
As Texas police officer I carried my backup 2” in a pancake holster in my western boot. Went to an ankle holster when using shoes. Galco ankle is current holster for Glock 43.
My ankle holsters were always about my 3rd choice of backup while in uniform. Mainly because of being airweight 5 shot 38s. Now running my P365 with 11 of our +p duty loads I feel much more comfortable moving it to my primary mode of backup gun. At 64 (with lots of injured parts) my longer foot pursuit days are over, so i dont worry as much about the security of my friction fit holster.
Since I have been binge watching your reels and podcasts my gun collection keeps growing. I now want a WC Commander. I retired after 30 years and now realize I should have started saving before I retired. Thank god for pensions. Great content!
A ankle medical kit on the opposite side would probably make it feel more balanced. My primary carry is a Glock 19 and backup is a Glock 26 on the ankle. Great video guys!
After hearing commentary on the pros and cons of different CC methods, I've concluded I need to have a firearm surgically implanted inside me (with no imprint). Then it fits perfectly with any clothing, never gets in the way, stays clean, and is quickly accessible.
Have carried a Colt Agent 6 shot in an ankle holster as a backup both in my Leo days and still 40 years later and found it very practical to keep tuned especially now at 80 years old to practice different positions and adapt to my current physical limitations in order to be able to efficiently draw it to my satisfaction .
Great as always. I very much appreciate that your physical issues and mine are similar. A lot of young and very muscular presenters assume abilities long gone and probably never present in me.
I carried a J Frame in an ankle holster long ago & the only problem was sitting down. The trouser leg rides up exposing the weapon so depending on where you are, could be a problem. I’m now in my late 70s so that ankle holster sits in a drwaer w/other unused gear. Good video Mas.
I prefer pocket holsters over ankle rigs. ✔️ Both have benefits but I'm left handed, 53 & have vein, ankle-leg issues. I would agree having 2 guns is +.
1. Longer pants with cuffs. You can put small weights in the cuffs, but just the doubled material helps. 2. Pull the sock up over the holster, not enough to block the draw. 3. Be careful where you sit.
Thanks for that, a very helpful video. I'm in South Africa. I've carried a Glock27 for two decades in an ankle holster by K.L (Ken) Null (Resaca, GA 30735, USA) - it's a great holster, open top with no retention strap of any kind. I walk, run, work . . . the gun never moves
I have an ankle rig for a PPK. Not heavy, but it tended to slide right down my leg, almost dragging in the dirt. Made myself a suspender that fits above the calf, and that solved that issue.
I carry ankle as tertiary with a Bond Arms Stinger. It's light and very flat. It's very easy to carry on the ankle and fast to access when seated, especially in a car.
Great information..I carried a Snubbie in a AH as I worked a Armed Executive Protection Patrol, Most of the Time in a Auto, and as a RH shooter the seat belt trapped my Pistol, the AH was a good solution. thanks for the Information a good lesson....
This is easily one of the best channels to hear others experience with guns. Because of this channel I’ve been able to learn how to shoot better, understand more about guns, and even teach members of my family how to shoot. Thank you and great work gentlemen💪
Ran across Massad Ayoob some twenty years ago or so. Now that I have a CCWL in California I find his content, instruction, and advice quite valuable. Keep fighting the good fight.
Thanks for that draw option. I always used the knee down method yours is much better. Like you said a good holster I had one fail in a foot pursuit. I went over an 8 foot fence after bad guy and jumped from the top of fence to ground, top strap on holster failed when I hit the ground and the holster dropped down my leg. Fortunately bad guy laid on the ground and gave up after he saw me clear the fence with ease.
Great video Mas. During my time as a DHS/ICE/HSI SA, I used an ankle holster to carry a backup pistol. I used either a DeSantis or a Galco leather ankle holster that had a thumb break on it precisely because of the potential to have to run and chase a perp down. My first few years I paired a S&W Model M&P 360 five shot revolver on my ankle and an Sig Sauer P229 Elite .40 on my hip. I carried ten rounds of .38+P in a center line belt speed strip carrier and of course, the normal three spare mags of .40 for the Sig. I really liked how lightweight the revolver was, you easily forgot it after a 10-20+ hour shift. I’m a big guy (6’5” 280) so hour after hour sitting in my duty vehicle watching a load vehicle or boat ramp, or tunnel/warehouse, the revolver was far easier to get to an an emergency if someone snuck up on my vehicle. Eventually I switched over to carrying a Glock 17 on the hip and a Glock 26 on the ankle. The backup ammo situation was simplified , but the G26 was bulkier and heavier than the revolver. I found that after a real long shift, my ankle sometimes was sore. Ankle holster fitment is key and the key reason I liked the hard body leather holster is the pistol would not be held in by elastic up tight against your ankle/lower leg. Just the neoprene band would be tight against you. That aided in the ability to carry the ankle holster for longer periods of time.
I used to carry a Ruger LCP2 in my boot before the pandemic but stopped when lockdowns started - mostly pocket carry when things opened up - but I recently picked up a S&W M&P 340 in .357 that I’ll probably ankle carry with .38+P so this was timely.
I carry a 3” Detonics 1911 in a Alesa ankle rig since 1980 as a backup and primary weapon, now to a Staccato CS 2011 in a belt holster. I HIGHLY recommend an ankle holster for any carry needs
Thanks for this content; As a result of your assessment (and my two week trial of an ankle holster) I am moving my Ruger LCP Max back to my waist as it is much easier to access there.
I’ve ankle carried on and off duty plus as a UC and have found it effective as long as you practice and maintain situational awareness. My favorites are the Renegade Apache (out of production), KL Null and the Alessi.
Superb words of experienced wisdom from the preeminent authority on survival firearms. To echo Mas's comments, the pull-through security snap on Lou Alessi ankle holsters is both fabulous and essential.
Mas is the man. Would like to see his actual EDC or some basic combatives for CCW (building on what he used to do on the PDN, but now combatives is light years ahead of where it was in those days
For years working as a plumber I carried a Walther PPK/S in an inside the boot holster inside my Wolverine work boots. The gun had to be concealed at all times in customers properties. I am very lucky that I never had to use that PPK/S for anything other than practice.
This is a good contribution to overall concealed carry knowledge. I think an important consideration with the ankle holster is weapon retention. Something strapped to your ankle is a piece of equipment furthest away from your ability to protect and control it. If you get into a physical confrontation with someone this might go flying and now you have a real problem on your hands. There is a video of this on youtube where two PA State Troopers are fighting a violent felon and one of their ankle guns gets knocked loose in the melee. It goes poorly from there.
I’ve been carrying on the ankle for years using Galco ankle gloves, first with a 5 shot smith j frame .38, then a smith m&p shield with 8+1 capacity, and now a Glock 43X with PSA mags giving 15+1 capacity. The Galco is great because they design them for many different guns and they feel custom without having to deal with custom prices or wait times.
Solid advice…S&W 442 or Kahr PM 9 has logged many of miles in the galco ankle holster. When placed into a deliberate plan, the ankle carry is an outstanding choice for a backup option.
Thank you Mas for the info you gave.I have always favored an ankle carry gun as a back up weapon.Thanks for teaching me that I am correct on this one. I appreciate learning from you the best way to access the ankle carry weapon and bringing it to bear to remove the threat.Thanks.
Thanks for all the great information and its exactly what I needed. About to start the firearms portion of the police academy and was already thinking about a backup gun and where I would place it. This was very helpful and I'm planning to get used to carrying a Sig 365 x macro as my ankle holster back up.