Ankle carry blows for carrying your only gun under most circumstances, although, while seated, it can work quite well. Otherwise, I don’t like it for carrying my primary on-person firearm. Years ago, I often ankle carried to accommodate deep concealment needs while in non-permissive dress, such as wearing a suit. I no longer bother with ankle carry for deep concealment because the Phlster Enigma, combined with a small gun, makes it disappear even under formal, tucked-in, shirts. Many might think ankle carry is dead due to the Enigma and other such innovations. For me, personally, it is dead for carrying an only gun. However, it remains my preference for carrying a backup gun, and many think similarly. Here is why:
I don’t carry a BUG every day, I only add it when out and about in crowded public places, particularly when with my family, as for civilian defensive use I think the most likely role of a BUG is to arm someone with you who may be at least minimally trained, but does not carry themselves. For a backup gun, ankle carry is great. While the fact remains that it is a difficult draw when standing, ankle carry simply works well for backup gun carry for many people because, when already carrying a gun in the waistband, with additional magazines and other gear, there is usually no room to spare for a second gun. Hence, putting the ankle to use. Realistically, it comes down to a real estate issue.
The other alternative for a BUG is usually pocket carry, which is better for a number of reasons, but if you are like me, your pockets are dedicated to other important EDC items. The ankle, therefore, is ideal for adding the supplemental gear. When I add the BUG to the ankle, I add a small ankle pouch to the opposite ankle which carries a pack of QuickClot gauze (my tourniquet is always in a hip pocket already), and a speed strip for the BUG, which for me is exclusively a snub revolver. I have written extensively about my favorability towards small revolvers for backup guns, as they prove ideal “hand off” guns, and they are particularly well suited to ankle carry due to their robust design and infallible controls when in this environment.
If you put ankle carry to use for your BUG, be sure to practice the draw. To learn the different techniques involved, see my article: How to Carry and Deploy an Ankle Gun.
The ankle draw can be efficient with practice:
For the best prices on ammunition, shop Ammoman.com https://www.ammoman.com/
For the ammo I use for training, go to: https://www.ammoman.com/9mm-blazer-brass-124-grain-fmj-5201-1000
Reflex Handgun 
Leave a comment