Having used ankle carry for deep concealment needs in the past, I have embraced it again in the last couple of years for a different reason. Years ago, I would carry on the ankle to accommodate formal dress where absolute discretion was required, but in the current era of the Phlster Enigma I simply carry under tucked shirts when needed. However, ankle carry is now my primary method for carrying a backup, second gun. As I have discussed many times, the primary motivator for carrying a BUG as an armed citizen is so that you can arm someone else, if necessary. Having family members with basic training, but who do not carry themselves, the BUG is a potential force multiplier, so I usually wear one when out and about with family.
I carry my Ruger LCR 38 on the ankle as my BUG. I have tried a variety of ankle holsters that I did not like because they were either too bulky, too uncomfortable, had poor retention, or any combination of those problems. For the past two years I have used the Galco Ankle Lite, mainly because the better Galco Ankle Glove is not made in left-handed revolver options, and to be honest I was satisfied with it. The Galco Ankle Lite retains the gun well and is very comfortable. My only criticisms of the Ankle Lite is the fact that it is a bit bulkier on the ankle than some other options, and the holster itself swings around ever so slightly when running, and I think that is due to the neoprene strap, though very comfortable, it allows for some movement.
I have read many good things about the Renegade ankle holster over the years, apparently made by a different company in the past. However, for the past decade or so Wilderness Tactical has produced it in an updated and somewhat modified design. I ordered the revolver model that is all nylon, as a model with a leather holster is available, but the all nylon option seemed the lowest profile. I also ordered it with the optional and additional “Yeti Pouch,” which is an added pouch pocket named such because it was suggested by Steve “Yeti” Fisher. Good job, Steve, I like the pouch a lot as it easily accommodates a speed strip for the revolver.
This model of the Renegade does not have a retention strap, which concerned me. However, the natural retention is extremely tight, and the nylon lip of the holster pocket comes up and over the back of the trigger guard, so the retention is very stout. I don’t think it will be an issue, the gun has not budged in my wearing so far. The rig conceals very well, and the Yeti pouch, if anything, seems to round out the profile and make it look even more natural around the ankle rather than add bulk. I really like how a speed strip can ride in the pouch so that both the BUG and a reload for it can all be added to the body in one package.
I was, above all, worried about the comfort, as I have found that any other nylon made ankle holster I have used previously proved uncomfortable, thus the neoprene of the Galco was the only solution I could stand. However, that is not the case with the Renegade at all. Between the well-designed strap and the sheep skin pad, I find it just as comfortable as the Galco. And, the Renegade is more concealable than the Galco and also completely eliminates any movement or play in the rig. It is rock solid and does not move around at all.
The Galco Ankle Lite has been retired to spare/backup status, still being perfectly adequate, but the Renegade is the best ankle holster I have ever used. Unless it fails in some way by losing retention over time or some other thing, which seems doubtful considering how robustly it is constructed, this has proven the perfect solution for wearing a small-frame revolver on the ankle as a BUG. The comfort is great, the concealment is excellent, the retention and steadiness is amazing, and being able to so easily add a BUG and accompanying reload to the body is truly excellent. While out and about by myself I rarely wear a second gun, but I most often add it whenever out in public with loved ones, and the Renegade is the best solution that I have found. Highly recommended.
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