Sidearms & Scatterguns Hard use, thin, and lightweight ankle pistol recommendations

[Pusher591]

I'm an LE officer and our department has finally approved a back up weapon policy. The policy states it must be an approved caliber which will most likely be the standard .380,9mm,40, or 45acp. It also must not be visible to the general public.

With that in mind, I want to add I'm a K9 Officer and currently wear a duty belt with my duty pistol on my hip and an exterior vest with all of my equipment on it. I'm planning on using an ankle holster but being K9 I need a pistol that can take alot of abuse such as dirt,mud, and under water trips while running tracks with my dog. Glock first comes to mind but really dont want something that thick

Any recommendations? I would love to carry a KAHR 380 or PM9/40 but their tolerences are very tight and I'm not sure how well they would do if used that way.

 

[Delta4-3]

Springfield xds? I have the .45 it's pretty thin. Never had any trouble out of the PM9 either, except that wearing it for 3 days in Tulsa in July, working outside, will cause some surface rust.

 

[Pusher591]

Springfield xds? I have the .45 it's pretty thin. Never had any trouble out of the PM9 either, except that wearing it for 3 days in Tulsa in July, working outside, will cause some surface rust.

Thats what I was concerned about. More then likely what ever pistol I choose I will have it sent off (if not already) for melonite or DLC to combat the rust. I'll proably do the internal parts with DLC and then the slide/barrel with melonite.

I'm also thinking of going with S&W Shield but I'm wanting to hold out for the non-safety LE version.

 

[xdpatriot]

What about a revolver? Charter arms makes a couple 'snub nose' wheel guns in 9mm and 40 S&W. I may be mistaken, but I think Ruger makes a 9mm revolver as well, SP101 I think? A revolver may comfort some of your reliability concerns. Stay safe

 

[Graham]

Revolvers and muddy ankles don't mix.

I hate to sound old school, and it's a bit heavy by modern standards, but a stainless Walther PPK would suit your needs.


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[Delta4-3]

Of the small ones, discounting the xds because it's a touch bigger, I am happiest with the khar pm9 and cm9. After shooting both side by side, the cm9 seems to be just as good as the pm, but $200 cheaper. Dealer is $340ish. I wish I would have gone that route. You could try the Kel-tec as well. My wife has the .32 and it is reliable, and it is well broke in to say the least. For some reason she carries her taurus ultralite .38 more than anything though. Revolvers are too wide for ankle holsters though, for me.

 

[AMF]

I love my PM9. However, I thought it was a little bulky to carry on my ankle. I do carry a Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .380 on my ankle. It's slim, lightweight and reliable. That having been said, I have never submersed it under water or buried it in the mud. Whatever gun you choose make sure you get a comfortable holster. I hate the holsters with the elastic band. Maybe I’m a wimp, but they rub my ankle raw. Get a holster with the neoprene band. It looks bulky in the package, but it’s not. It’s way more comfortable.

 

[Strykervet]

Rorbaugh for semi auto, Smith 340PD for revolver. Those would be the lightest I think. Rorbaugh's can't be used much, they're that light and that small (and I don't know much about them other than that and that they can't be fired much). Backup for life or death use only. The 340PD is just a super light titanium and scandium alloy .357. I love mine and never leave without it. Even if I carry another pistol I still have this thing on me, and I've forgotten I had it on me more than a few times.

The only thing smaller or lighter I can think of are the NAA .22 magnums, and those way overpriced titanium derringers that fire 2 shots of .45LC/.410. Which might not be a bad idea for ankle carry actually given how slender those derringers are. I just have no use for one --I pocket carry the 340PD.

 

[ArmaHeavy]

Glock? Just trying to throw something out there.

I'd say the S&W Shield is a good fit right now. Couldn't you always buy, and change the parts you need later, or just send it to Bowie Concepts?

 

[BLDTYLRY]

Glock 27 with an Alessi Ankle Holster

 

[jbjh]

My Kahr P9 has never hiccuped because of dirt, and the trigger on the P380 is leagues better than the Smith or Ruger. Only thing I can imagine funking it up in your circumstance is shite in the mag.

Whatever you go with, you're going to shake it out with several hundred rounds of your carry ammo. Torture test it and then you will be confident in your gear.

Stay safe

 

[Graham]

Hard to beat a Glock 36 for your purposes, OP.


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