The problem with ankle-carry: you have to take a knee (or hop around on one leg) to reach your piece. That can make getting your gat, and then moving and shooting, difficult. If you’re young and athletic it might not be much of a problem. If you spent your youth jumping out of planes, helicopters and/or trucks; if you played sports, or just generally have bad knees or a bad back, ankle-carry might not be for you. On the other hand . . .
Adrenalin. You ain’t gonna feel a thing in the heat of battle. Besides, an ankle holster’s ideal for people who carry a second gun. Or people who can’t wear a gun anywhere on their body (e.g. doctors). That said, choosing the right ankle holster is key to comfort and comfort is key to utility. Enter the Telor Tactical T-Fit holster.
The T-Fit is much like many other cloth/elastic/velcro ankle holsters. Or is it? Speaking of doctors, it’s made of breathable medical grade material that “increases airflow which reduces moisture and heat buildup.” In other words, the rig doesn’t retain sweat and start to smell like leather ankle holsters. And if it does, the T-fit is machine-washable.
For comfort’s sake, the T-Fit has a anhydrous-polyurethane/potassium carbonate polymer insert that permanently molds to leg and gun. The technology’s been around since the mid ’90s in the form of waterproof orthopedic casts and (as early as the 1950s) spray-foam insulation. That insert comes in a plastic bag; it hardens when exposed to ambient humidity, just like NFL rib and FIFA shin-guards.
I tried out two T-Fit inserts, one bare-legged with a S&W Airweight revolver and the other with boots and a Glock 42. Both inserts worked as advertised, hardening in ~30 minutes. It was easy to swap inserts.
Maybe I have smaller-than-average legs, but I couldn’t get the T-Fit holster tight enough around my gam to keep the holster from moving around and chafing when I walked. Wearing it with boots was another story. I fitted one insert to my 5.11 ATAC boot. Carrying the premie GLOCK 42 I didn’t even feel it when I was wearing it. Nada. Nothing.
Drawing and firing was another issue. The GLOCK 42 is too small for an efficient draw. I could get my middle and ring finger on the handle but I had to grab the rear sight with my thumb in order to draw. The S&W Airweight was easier to pull; the finger-groove grip was a little longer and thinner and easier to get ahold of. My Rossi 641 was easier still (although noticeably heavier the the Glock 42 or the Airweight).
You certainly don’t have to worry about your firearm falling out of the T-Fit. The insert keeps the gun from moving and the retention snap is pretty tight. You really have to mean to pull a gun out of the T-Fit.
Overall, I liked the T-Fit holster’s security and comfort. But if you want versatility – with either footwear or with firearms – the T-Fit is an expensive way to go. A single holster with insert costs $80. If you buy a new pair of boots or a new backup gun you’ll need to spend another $40 for a new insert as well. My Uncle Mike’s ankle holster was $40. Five sizes cover any possible combination of footwear and firearms. If, on the other hand you are an LEO or security officer who wears the same boots and carries the same gun all the time, then the Telor Tactical T-Fit is the holster for you.
Specifications:
Type: Ankle Holster
Color: Any color you like as long as it’s black
Price: $80
Ratings (out of five stars):
Fit, Finish, Feel * * * *
This holster seems durable and well-made. The insert is waterproof and tough.
Comfort * * * *
Provided that you use it with the same gun and same boots every time it’s quite comfortable. Not quite so much on a bare leg.
Concealability * * * * *
Unless you’re a fan if the skin-tight, hipster jeans or you try to schlep a full-sized auto in it, no one will know you’re carrying.
Overall Rating * * * *
This holster is very good at what it does. There are cheaper and more versatile options available for ankle carry, but this one is solid and comfortable.
In my humble opinion an ankle holster for fr your last b.u.g. Not your main firearm. Just my 2 cents worth.
I tend to agree and I’d say <9mm is also for a BUG and not a primary but the first rule is have a gun. I carry my BUG (which happens to be a .380) in an ankle rig. It's comfortable, totally out of the way, but it is always there. If I really needed deep concealment it would be ankle holster all the way. In my case I just don't have any place left to put a 2nd gun but my ankle. Different people have different needs and expectations though. While I think ankle is a BUG only position if it's the only way you can carry then it sure beats nothing at all.
Videos are private? I thought that designation was only for the “but cheeks” and vaginal holsters.
Car rides, I think they’re great for. Or office use where you usually sit down (can reach and grab easily).
But for a guy with huge calves they’re just not as wearable even then.
anhydrous-polyurethane/potassium carbonate polymer, damn that is a name.
Videos are private also, wasnt sure why they were all black at first.
Economy of motion is one of the most important factors in defensive gun use. I do not like the velcro strap that adds another step (and another point that could go wrong) into the equation. My Galco ankle glove is awesome for when I want to carry my S&W 637 as a back-up. I would only consider ankle carry as a bottom line last resort. It is better than not carrying at all.
Like you, I have skinny ankles. Only a calf-strap will work with me. Does this come with one, or is a calf-strap available?
I have yet to find pants that fit well over an ankle holster. Having the weight on the leg is uncomfortable as well.
I find that my .380 Bodyguard hides under levis 501 (straight leg) and 527(boot cut) jeans and all my slacks and trousers whether over my boot or on my leg (with shoes). I’d first have to ask what you’re wearing for pants and carrying on your ankle that it’s not highly concealed.
My second question follows the first, I’d have to wonder what you’re carrying on your ankle that is causing the weight issue. I have skinny little legs and I’m not terribly strong but I actually forget about my S&W .380 BG on the ankle sometimes. It might be that you have the wrong gun for ankle carry.
The Colt Mustang MKIV .380 fits perfectly in my pocket with its wallet holster. I tried my S&W Model 37 in an Uncle Mikes ankle holster. Too too heavy.
I have strong legs with not much extra room even at the ankle. Everyone has their own unique carry conditions. I’m happy with mine, but it just can’t include an ankle holster.
Levi 501 all the way all the time.
If your are sitting it maybe a faster draw than a waistband draw? So your BUG maybe just as important, be sure it is a good one. Always watch your back, never trust it to no one.