I've been around guns all my life and have used them since I was a child. I can shoot practically any gun that I practice with very accurately and practice gun safety at all times. I am a responsible gun owner who takes the right and the responsibility very seriously. Although I am familiar with them, I don't go out of my way to learn the different calibers and models. I haven't done a lot of research and don't really pay attention when they're being discussed a great deal. It just turns into the endless "blah, blah blah" like the adults on the Charlie Brown cartoons. I don't wish to be a connoisseur of guns, just someone who uses what I have responsibly.

I recently went through the training to obtain a CCW permit and will be looking into what firearm best fits my needs. I don't intend to carry at all times as I do not feel I have a need to do so. However, there are times when it will be vey useful and may be needed.

I'm well aware that there are places where I cannot carry and I am comfortable with that and will adhere completely to the rules and regulations set forth. I say all this to ensure that I am not a "gun nut" nor am I "anti gun". I, along with a great deal of the population am somewhere in the middle. I see the importance of them but also know there are issues that need to be addressed, but will not get into that.

My question involves what type of gun would be most useful to me. My desire is to use an ankle holster. I wear pants 99% of the time ranging from basic dress slacks to jeans. I like to ride my four wheeler as well as hike here on the family farm and surrounding areas where wild animals may present themselves. Mostly snakes, but there are cyotes, bear, and even bobcats at times. My first impulse is always to move away from the danger, no harm, no foul, but it's not always possible. So, my carrying would be more for wild animals and the danger they pose as opposed to other people. However, I do intend to carry out in the "general public" area. This does not include the courthouse, federal buildings, schools or anything of that nature. I do work at a school and have absolutely zero intention of EVER carrying it to school (unless of course a law is passed for teachers to be armed, but that's another issue all together).

So, with the desire to carry in the general public for protection purposes only with the hopes of never, ever using it as well as carrying on my own land for protection against the many venomous snakes and other animals that may pose a threat, I wish to ask what would be the best choice?

I don't want something heavy or large. I want something that will be practically "not there" yet forceful enough to do the job that is intended. I realize I could easily carry a sidearm here on my own land with a regular belt holster but I don't want to have to have a different gun for every occasion, I want something versatile yet unobtrusive.

I'm not looking for high powered, blow the biggest hole possible type thing, just something that will do the job that needs to be done. I am very accurate and comfortable with my ability and don't need "overkill". A 22 with alternating snake shot would probably suffice, but I'm willing to go a bit larger. I don't want to get in the 44 range as I feel that is more than I need. I'm not a tiny woman, I'm cornfed but not super-sized either.

I presently have a 22 revolver, a 22 rifle, a 12 gauge shotgun and a 38 revolver (I like the old western type guns, my dad was a "cowboy type" ). Of course none of these are suited for ankle holsters

What are the choices I have and which would be best for my given situation?

I would say a compact .380 would be sufficiently powerful enough, yet small enough for an ankle holster.

Originally posted by JarheadFidelis
Get a decent in the waistband holster. Very concealable and easy access.

That is what I use to carry my sub-compact 9mm Glock. Very comfortable most of the time and keeps the gun right up against your body so as not to make such a large bulge out of the side of your shirt.

You might want to check out the Ruger LCP and LC9, both subcompact double action only pistols.
Another cheap but still good alternative is a keltec PF9, the also have a .32 auto model that's nice and small.
Colt mustang might be another contender.

Thank you to everyone for the great suggestions!!

ok... I can't decide if I like this or if it makes me angry.

As far as target shooting or killing snakes, they "younger" side of me says it's "cute" and interesting.

But for CCW, it looks like a "toy" or something and I don't like the feeling that comes from it.

The "older" side of me says guns are very serious and not to be taken lightly. It bothers me that they make them in pretty colors for people who may have children around who would be tempted to "play with the pretty toy"