PMCI - March - 2020

To start the process, I grabbed the inside of my left pants leg
with my left hand and pulled upwards to expose the holster
as I kneeled onto my right knee. With my eye on the target, I
raked the top lip back to expose the revolver’s grip with my right
hand and established a master grip before drawing upward on
the gun. As the gun came up center line of my body, I punched
out onto target and fired. After a dozen practice draws and two
Advil later, the process was smooth and comfortable to get shots
off relatively quickly.
This method of carry offers a few unique benefits aside from
just comfort. For one, changing your height to the perceived
threat can through off the accuracy of an attack will giving you
the advantage of being at a level not expected. Secondly, if you
find yourself fighting from a seated position or off your back
on the ground, it is easier to get to your ankle gun most times
than a firearm on the belt line. This is where the Gun Sox really
excels. Many ankle holsters I have worn in my career either
involved sweaty sheep wool lining or floppy rigs suspended by
a calf garter that often slips down. The Cheata Tactical’ s holster
fits like a second skin and held the revolver tightly in place even
during a light job back and forth across the range.
In transition to the mid-calf model, I wore it in conjunction
with my combat boots by the Original SWAT Boot Company. As
I slipped on the holster, I then put on my boot and nested the
bottom half of the holster down into the top of it. Instead of
carrying the revolver, I decided to use my laser equipped Glock
43 chambered in 9mm. After a bit of readjusting the position of
the gun in order to prevent the pistol’s grip from printing, the
Glock rode flat against my calf without any wiggle or wobble.
The ride height of the Glock in the mid-calf version of the Gun
Sox was noticeable but not an interference when drawing from
the kneeling position.
I spent a few days carrying my SIG P365, rotating between
both holster models. The result mirrored that of the Glock 43.
The only gun I tried that I would not carry in the Gun Sox was
my Glock 42 chambered in .380. This pistol was so comfortable
and small, I forgot I was carrying it on three different occasions
until the end of the day when I took my boots off. While this
doesn’t seem like a rational concern to be “TOO comfortable”, it
could lead to not using the gun during an emergency or simply
unknowingly carry the gun onto my kids’ school campus or into
a post office when dropping off packages.
FINAL THOUGHTS
In carrying the gun daily, I could not tell a difference between
either holster being more secure than the other, even with the
added support of the boot. I did notice the draw and reholstering
of the Glock seemed a bit faster down to the slim lines of the
semi-auto over the protruding cylinder of the revolver. The similar
design of both holsters may seem simple but surely well thought
out. With the Glock, I could carry an extra loaded magazine in the
opposite pouch, while a tourniquet fit nicely with the revolver.
Before wrapping up this review, I want to point out two
thoughts on this method of carry in general. First, it is a great
option when attire does not permit other on the body options. As
with my personal choice, the ankle holster allows for a fantastic
way to carry a second gun. I still carry either my Glock 19 or SIG
P365 on my strong side inside the waistband. Secondly, ankle
carry is a limited option in some places such as Florida where I
live. With above 80 degree temperatures eight months out of
the year, shorts are often the preferred style without looking out
of place. Cool evenings and winter time are the best chances for
maximum comfort.
Overall, I enjoyed wearing the Gun Sox during the 4-month
test period and would gladly continue using it for daily carry. I
firmly believe ankle carry method is an often over looked and
undervalued option. I feel the Cheata Tactical holsters are rugged
and user friendly enough to cause this carry method to start being
a regular part of CCW conversations again. I will certainly continue
to recommend the Gun Sox to the students in my firearms classes
from now on. To find out which Gun Sox model works best for
you, visit www.cheatatactical.com today.
GEAR ON TEST
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