Bigger guy wanting to carry a bigger gun + backup

[cch35]

Ok, to start off, I'm a bigger guy (210 lbs. as of my last dr. visit) And I'm considering buying a Glock 19 Gen 4 plus a Glock 26 Gen 4 for concealed carry. I would like to carry the 19 IWB appendix style and the 26 on the outside of my left ankle as a backup. My question is, how easy is it to carry a full-size gun on a daily basis? Keep in mind I'll be carrying one or both year-round, with at least 1 spare mag for each.

 

[JVSfirearmstraining]

Are you right or left handed dominant? Normal ankle carry is left inside for right hand dominant and right inside ankle for left hand dominant. You need to try and see how it works for you. Training and practice is critical however you carry.

 

[telpinaro]

I've met three far-from-large women who CC a Glock 19 on a daily basis. I'm sure you'll manage

 

[wolf_fire]

From those that ankle carry, it will be something to get used to. You will sweat a lot. It will start to smell. Once you get through the initial week or so of wearing it there, you should get to the point where you are ok with it. No one I know that ankle carries has ever expressed how comfortable it is, unlike other carry methods.

With that said, learn how to quickly retrieve your firearm from this position. It will take extra training due to the difficulty of it. The best method I have seen is to plant your foot down in front of you (the one that has the firearm), and squat down with your weak side leg in a kneeling position. This will raise the pant leg, making it easier to retrieve the handgun.

As far as ease to carry a full-size. Telpinaro said it more beautifully than I can. However, I'm 6'1", 220 lbs and carry a G22 full-size on a daily basis. No problems. I use either a Kholster IWB, a Galco paddle holster, or a Blackhawk Serpa holster.

 

[Stengun]

Howdy,

With that said, learn how to quickly retrieve your firearm from this position. It will take extra training due to the difficulty of it. The best method I have seen is to plant your foot down in front of you (the one that has the firearm), and squat down with your weak side leg in a kneeling position. This will raise the pant leg, making it easier to retrieve the handgun.
.

This is what we call the "Kick Face Draw".

The reason it's called the kick face draw is while you are kneeling to draw your pistol from an ankle holster an old woman in a walker can hobble over and kick you in the face while you try to draw you gun.

Paul

 

[RobbK]

I know a few ladys that carry a Glock 19 every day

 

[wolf_fire]

Howdy,



This is what we call the "Kick Face Draw".

The reason it's called the kick face draw is while you are kneeling to draw your pistol from an ankle holster an old woman in a walker can hobble over and kick you in the face while you try to draw you gun.

Paul

Apparently, in your training when shooting from a kneeling position you are doing something wrong if little old ladies with walkers kick you in the face.

 

[GlennS1956]

For carrying a large gun it's hard to beat the Galco Miami Classic II shoulder holster. I carry my Glock 21 (which is the largest of the Glocks) in mine every day. A flannel shirt (with sleeves cut off in the summer) conceals it perfectly, and it carries two extra magazines on the weak side. It's never in the way, even when driving, riding a motorcycle, using public toilets, or any of the other difficult positions you get into when carrying.

 

[Stengun]

Howdy wolf,

Apparently, in your training when shooting from a kneeling position you are doing something wrong if little old ladies with walkers kick you in the face.

Just the opposite. We train old ladies with walkers to kick people in the face that are "trying" to draw from an ankle holster, hence the name "kick face draw".

I've always found it humorous and comical to watch people draw from an ankle holster.

Paul

 

[dogshawred]

Really 210 lbs, wow. Sorry that just isn't big in my book, I go 245 lbs. and my brother goes 285 lbs. so I really don't see the problem.
~
There have many larger persons (trying to be nice guys) who have been carrying concealed for a long time heavier than you, unless of course you failed to tell us that you are one of the little people (short stature, no offense intended, OK).
~
I carry a 1911 as my EDC and have chosen to OC everyday, except during the winter when my coat is worn over my choice for the day. Granted not everyone is willing to OC but using an OWB holster and clothing that will cover this will also provide you with concealed carry. I was always a jeans and t-shirt (tucked in) guy when off work since I had to dress for my job, so when I decided to carry it was a natural progression for me to OC. My decision was whether I was concerned about maintaining my normal style of dress or being protected and chose the best of both worlds. On the occasion I have to dress up the most they are going get out of me is a shirt designed to be worn outside my pants and if that isn't good enough that is their problem. I no longer worry about what other people think, especially when it come to my carrying a gun.
~
There will plenty of advise and you can use this to guide you, but YOU will be the only condition that will determines what works or doesn't work. Good luck in your search and clear out a box for those that don't work, some will tell you they have many.

 

[cjohnson44546]

I'm probably around the same size as you (same weight at least), and I don't see how I could ankle carry a G26 without bell bottoms. I think I'd want something smaller, or at least thinner.

 

[memphis_raines]

I've never carried appendix style, or as I call it, BYBO (blow your balls off) position. But I'm 6'2, 280 and have no problem with the weight of a steel frame baby eagle .45. After a while you don't even notice it.

 

[wolf_fire]

Howdy wolf,



Just the opposite. We train old ladies with walkers to kick people in the face that are "trying" to draw from an ankle holster, hence the name "kick face draw".

I've always found it humorous and comical to watch people draw from an ankle holster.

Paul

Interesting, I've never heard of a cop that needed to rely on his back up gun that he carried in his ankle holster ever being kicked in the face by lil ole lady.

Yes, ankle holsters aren't the easiest to draw from, but they are one of the most concealed methods. Great, we got it you don't agree with ankle holsters, but in certain situations, they can mean your survival. To mock them is a tell of true ignorance on your part.

If you truly have "experience" watching people draw from an ankle holster and you have found it humorous and comical, did you ever think to help them practice it more perfectly... or do you just mock most folk?

That's right, I guess anyone who wears an ankle holster must have a tinfoil hat and a command post in their mom's basement too, right? *rolls eyes*

 

[Stengun]

Howdy wolf,

Yes, ankle holsters aren't the easiest to draw from, but they are one of the most concealed methods. Great, we got it you don't agree with ankle holsters, but in certain situations, they can mean your survival. To mock them is a tell of true ignorance on your part.

ctly... or do you just mock most folk?

That's right, I guess anyone who wears an ankle holster must have a tinfoil hat *

Most concealable?

Gee, if it's normal to have a club foot, huge tumor on your ankle, etc.

Sure, some cops, especially old school detectives, carry(ed) a small BUG, usually a little .32 revolver, in an ankle holster, with a snub nose .38 in a hip holster. One thing to remember is that the OP isn't LEO.

Hollywood also was a big fan of ankle holsters.

Dirty Harry carried a 6 1/2" barreled S&W Model 29 .44 Mag in a shoulder holster. It was easy for him to conceal the holstered 29 because he never actually carried it except in the scenes where he used it.

Mock people? Nope. Point out, as I call them, "tactical errors", yes.

"tell of true ignorance on your part" Once again, nope. Just basing my POV from real world experience. I've known a lot of people who have used and some that still do and I've tried them myself when regulations require me to carry a BUG.

I don't like ankle carry. Never have, never will. The main reason is that it puts you in a very defenseless position when you are trying to draw your BUG. I know that would NOT matter or effect a Keyboard Kommando with secret Mall Ninja training but was a Regular Joe w/out superhero powers I think ankle carry is a bad idea.

Just my $.02, and your mileage may vary.

Paul