So, you carry a Glock 43? First off, congratulations on owning what is currently the leading edge of Glock engineering & ergonomic design to date. Now, you need a CCW ankle-carry solution that works in synergy with all the strong points of your Glock 43? But where should you begin looking when it comes to a Glock 43 Ankle Holster? Why, right here naturally, that’s where!
While no handgun can be the best for everyone’s situation, the Glock 43 slimline for many, offers the optimum balance of reliability, handling, and excellent concealment.
In this article, we consider some of the most popular Glock 43 ankle carry holster solutions, including my favorite, the Galco Ankle glove.
Personally, the chief points for me were it’s simplicity of design, secure retention, easy retention release, and comfort. No other handgun on the market can match the ultra-concealment of the Glock 43, combined with a 9 x 19mm punch, and the reliability in use Glock are famed for.
Let’s jump in and take a look at the important points to consider when shopping for the Glock 43 ankle holster best suited to your needs.
This informs all other considerations, and it’s understandable that after paying for a new Glock 43, there is a temptation to consider, ‘what is the best cheapest GLock 43 ankle holster I can get away with?’
Many holsters at the bottom end of the scale, are a false economy. Commonly this reflects in poor stitching, which can be repaired, incurring additional cost, or e.g. delamination of holster composite material, but either way, occurring too soon. Another typical problem with cheaper holsters is poor comfort.
Though most owners will say their #1 primary consideration is functionality. (It should ‘just work’, as Steve Jobs put it). A fundamental aspect of ankle holsters just working, is precisely in terms of comfort, such that the wearer may even forget it’s on, (versus being a torture device).
One component of comfort being weight of your Glock 43 ankle holster. This can be an issue, including backup-magazine-type holsters, which I’d argue normally are not worth the impaired mobility, or risk of dropped magazines.
This comes down to context / personal preference, (particularly given the Glock 43’s 6+1 capacity), so I’d refrain from completely discounting the idea for all situations.
I feel a core concept the Glock 43 was developed around, was minimizing weight, as well as printing. Accordingly, I incline toward lightweight holsters, playing to it’s strengths.
The angle of the ankle holster, vertical or slightly canted, (aka FBI canted) will have a bearing on how quickly the gun can be drawn, (and potentially, printing of the grip, e.g. with aftermarket higher capacity magazines).
Opinion is divided on these, however, should you feel the need, most ankle holsters allow for this option. Again this is about personal preference, holster model, and how it fits you.
Other aspects to bear in mind are does the holster incorporate a retaining strap, if so, how easily does the strap disengage / unfasten, does the strap upon opening spring away clear of the weapon as it is being drawn?
Cognizant of Glock’s safe action trigger™, i.e. no orthodox external safety catch, does the retaining strap stand clear of the weapon automatically? Or does it flop around increasing the possibility of fouling the trigger / an ND?
With all the factors outlined above, here is our list of the best Glock 43 Ankle Holsters to consider.
The DeSantis Die Hard ankle rig is constructed from PU coated, top grain saddle leather, embodying DeSantis’s core principles of performance and durability. A smooth leather lining protects your Glock 43’s finish and ensures a silky quick draw.
The ComfortTac Ultimate ankle holster eschews model-specific holsters, instead aiming to accommodate a range of guns, from 22LR micro-pistols up to 9mm /10mm compacts. To this aim ComfortTac use medical grade elastic for the holster, a padded neoprene leg band, and a metal-snap silent-draw retention strap.
The injection-molded polymer Fobus GL43NDA ankle holster incorporates a ¾ inch thick suede-lined cordura pad, securing around the ankle with a 2-inch wide Velcro strap, returning through a buckle at the front. Weapon retention is by an adjustable internal passive retainer, hence the pistol grip sits clear of any straps etc.
The Galco Ankle Glove Holster for Glock 43 comprises a Premium Steerhide body & retention strap. The retention strap incorporates a reinforced thumb-break release, while the holster is secured around the ankle by a wide neoprene ankle band with Velcro fastening. Local to the weapon, the holster has thick genuine sheepskin.
Ultimately, the best ankle carry holster for the Glock 43 for you is something that needs to be determined by hands-on field experience.
We are all made in different shapes and sizes; what works great for me, might not be for you. That said, however, my recommendation for the best ankle carry holster for the Glock 43 is the Galco ankle glove.
The Glock 43 dominates its niche as an ultra-concealable 9mm handgun, superbly engineered, but zen-like in its simplicity, providing a new paradigm within the CCW / EDC community.
To complement the Glock 43’s strengths, you need a holster that delivers the same values of reliability. Also optimal ergonomics and unbeatable concealment. For these reasons, in my own opinion, there really is a no better choice available than the Galco ankle glove.
Having second thoughts about ankle carry? Check out this alternative list of IWB holsters for the G43.
Best IWB Holster for the Glock 43
Best Glock 43 Shoulder Holsters
Great review. I was checking continuously looking for the right holster for my G43 and this helped me make a choice.
Very useful info – particularly the last part 🙂
Great review , I went with the galco ankle glove holster. Comfort is number one for me . I am a lefty and was lucky to find a brand new one on ebay for $70.00 . Great holster!
I’ve had my desantis Apache ankle holster for 15 plus years in a 29 year career. Before the glock 43 it held a sa bodyguard lightweight, then a Walther PPK, and finally the glock 43 as back up in duty and concealed off duty. I just got rid of it because while it stayed intact with no tear, unstitching or any kind of flaw manifesting, the elastic Velcro band finally stretched out beyond the point of usability. They still make them And I’m buying another as it will probably serve till I kick the proverbial bucket with either a glock 43 or sig 365 as my companion in the badlands of America.