{"id":60082,"date":"2016-09-27T14:12:35","date_gmt":"2016-09-27T18:12:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/?p=60082"},"modified":"2016-09-27T14:12:35","modified_gmt":"2023-08-19T23:56:48","slug":"best-ankle-carry-handguns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/best-ankle-carry-handguns\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Ankle-Carry Handguns for When the Waistband Isn’t an Option"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"ankle-carry\"<\/a>

Carrying off-the-waistband presents some challenges. These guns tackle that tall task by being extremely compact and lightweight yet remain shootable and chambered for effective cartridges. (Photo: David Higginbotham)<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

Why Ankle-Carry?<\/h2>\n

Or Belly Band, Bra Holster or Pocket-Carry<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ankle-carry has less appeal today thanks in a large part to the Kydex revolution and the many many great, reliable single-stack pistols out there. Today’s in-the-waistband holster materials have made concealing small handguns easier than ever. By contrast ankle holsters are awkward, out of the way and hard to reach. But they’re not irrelevant just yet. Not everyone has the option of wearing today’s mainstream options, depending on their work dress codes or other restrictions, and that means ankle-carry is still one of the best on-the-body options for many concealed carriers.<\/p>\n

For those with a “two is one” mentality, ankle-carry is also a convenient way to walk with a backup at all times. In both cases, there are some problems with ankle-carry \u2014\u00a0besides the draw. A gun on your ankle is a pendulum, so light weight is important. Keeping the weight down helps with retention, just as much a good holster, so picking a gun with a good amount of holster support is equally important.<\/p>\n

See Also: Bra Carry with the Flashbang Bra Holster<\/a><\/h2>\n

Of course, the smaller the gun, the greater the felt recoil. You can reduce recoil by going to low-powered cartridges, but only to a point. Nobody’s saying .22 Long Rifle and .25 ACP aren’t deadly, but they are debatable as adequate self-defense cartridges. For most people, .380 ACP, .38 Special and similar options like 9x18mm Makarov are considered the entry level for protection. They are also about as hot as you can go with a lot of smaller handguns, because otherwise the recoil goes through the roof.<\/p>\n

This guide is a jumping-off point for people looking for ankle \u2014\u00a0or belly, bra or pocket \u2014 carry guns. Keep three things in mind: low weight, good holster availability, and good cartridge options. These guns are all in production, with decent aftermarket support and weigh under one pound unloaded.<\/p>\n

These are mostly .38s and .380s. While small semi-autos generally have better capacity and can cost less without sacrificing reliability, revolvers have an organic profile that many people find easier to conceal. And .38 Special has a load advantage over .380 ACP, with everything from soft-shooting loads for a good time at the range to near-magnum +P loads.<\/p>\n

The Semi-Autos<\/h2>\n

Colt Mustang XSP<\/strong><\/p>\n

Colt recently reintroduced the Mustang<\/a> after overhauling their methods and materials. These little pistols are surprisingly shootable despite their low weight. They’re single-action mini-1911s with an integral snag-free front sight, an adjustable rear sight and good controls. The XSP is the featherweight model with a polymer frame and approachable price point.<\/p>\n