Carry positions, the ups and downs... 2

Still following our basic criterion for review:
1. Comfort
2. Concealability
3. Mode of dress
4. Speed of access

Shoulder Holsters
The comfort of the shoulder holster is, again, a point of personal preference.
However, considering that you have a weight dispersal strap that covers both shoulders you can heft a pretty sizeable gun without discomfort. Just keep in mind that you may be banging in to this thing with your elbow and upper arm all day.

The concealability is pretty good, all in all. Standard movements are still easily performed without worrying about printing because the gun rests under your arm.

Mode of dress is pretty simple, wear an outer shirt and you're good. It can be tucked in, untucked, open, or buttoned up. It doesn't really matter.

However, all of that ease of use comes with one huge draw back. You can't get to the weapon quickly. The positioning of the holster means that you have to draw across your body after you've swept away any clothing that was in the way or unbuttoned or untucked or lifted up whatever shirt or jacket you were wearing. Also the draw forces you to sweep a part of your body with the barrel of your firearm.

Most people are going to say that isn't a problem because they are safe in their draw. While that may be true, in a moment of panic you could very well startle yourself in to putting a whole in your arm or someone in the 90 degree arc that you have to cover in order to get in to a forward facing grip.

It just isn't as safe and as quick as I would like. You can pack a full sized service pistol in a shoulder holster, but a reasonably savvy bad guy will be all over you by the time you've been able to present your firearm.

Remember, you've got 1.5 seconds.

Ankle Holsters
The comfort of these is pretty good. So long as you have a reasonably weighted firearm, Kel Tec, Beretta Tomcat, so on and so on. Remember, this thing is going to rest against your ankle and, depending on the model, have a calf retention strap further up the leg. After a while, it can get itchy, uncomfortable or warm.

Concealability is good. Most people don't look at people's ankles, they especially don't notice a bulge around the ankle, so a good flat or small framed firearm will be well hidden there.

Clothing options are almost limitless...aside from the fact that you can't wear shorts... I hope that much was obvious. Also you have to be careful about tight jeans or tight pants. Not only could they emphasize the bulge you're carrying, they can also really impede your draw.

Speaking of which... the ankle holster is the one of the more cumbersome holsters to draw from. Remember you have to bend down, reach down, move your pant leg, draw the weapom, aim, and shoot. That's a lot. And if you've never shot from a one knee position, you could have some trouble.

All in all though, the ankle holster is a great option for when you're traveling in your car. More often than not a potential bad guy isn't going to notice you going for the draw since you can move your leg and not your whole body from a sitting position.

Up next... the belly band and concealment shirts!