Appendix Carry with Shield 9mm

[Drummer Boy]

Hi, I just joined from central NC. I recently purchased a Shield 9mm, as a carry gun, and my question is: how many of you guys or gals carry your Shield AIWB in condition 1? I know there's a lot on the web, debating whether to carry chambered or unchambered, but, there isn't much info concerning carrying chambered AIWB. I don't want to debate whether I should carry appendix or not, as I've pretty much already established that appendix is the most comfortable for me, after trying other forms of carry. BTW, I'm tall 6'4", slim, with high hip bones.

I'm still new to concealed carry (Oct.2015) and so far I've carried my Taurus PT140 with loaded mag, empty chamber (condition 3). The only gun I'm comfortable carrying chambered, is my Bodyguard .380, because it's DA hammer fired, and loading the chamber doesn't cock the hammer. I know the Shield has the built in trigger safety, the firing pin block, and mine also has the thumb safety. I guess I just can't get past knowing that the striker is "cocked" and aimed at my femoral artery! Am I being silly, or is this a legitimate concern?

I should also let you know that I'm confident with my draw & re-holster safety skills. I also use N82's Professional series holsters, for each of my guns, which are molded specifically for the firearms. (BTW, they're made just up the road, in Lexington ) I would like to hear from others that carry AIWB with the Shield or other similar striker fired pistols, with one in the pipe. I need some reassurance, and a pat on the back! "Everything's gonna be alright"

Thanks in advance, from a NC country boy!

[Arik]

Originally Posted by Drummer Boy

Hi, I just joined from central NC. I recently purchased a Shield 9mm, as a carry gun, and my question is: how many of you guys or gals carry your Shield AIWB in condition 1? I know there's a lot on the web, debating whether to carry chambered or unchambered, but, there isn't much info concerning carrying chambered AIWB. I don't want to debate whether I should carry appendix or not, as I've pretty much already established that appendix is the most comfortable for me, after trying other forms of carry. BTW, I'm tall 6'4", slim, with high hip bones.

I'm still new to concealed carry (Oct.2015) and so far I've carried my Taurus PT140 with loaded mag, empty chamber (condition 3). The only gun I'm comfortable carrying chambered, is my Bodyguard .380, because it's DA hammer fired, and loading the chamber doesn't cock the hammer. I know the Shield has the built in trigger safety, the firing pin block, and mine also has the thumb safety. I guess I just can't get past knowing that the striker is "cocked" and aimed at my femoral artery! Am I being silly, or is this a legitimate concern?

I should also let you know that I'm confident with my draw & re-holster safety skills. I also use N82's Professional series holsters, for each of my guns, which are molded specifically for the firearms. (BTW, they're made just up the road, in Lexington ) I would like to hear from others that carry AIWB with the Shield or other similar striker fired pistols, with one in the pipe. I need some reassurance, and a pat on the back! "Everything's gonna be alright"

Thanks in advance, from a NC country boy!

There really isn't a debate. There is carrying loaded and then there are those who have a mental block about it for whatever reason, usually has to do with older guns that weren't ment to be carried loaded, many from the 20s and 30s.

I don't like appendix because it's not comfortable but as far as others go it will depend on your training level. There are a lot of important veins there....where your leg meets your abdomen. ...if you have little to no training and grab that gun with a finger on the trigger you may shoot before you clear the holster or your body

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[oldfart64]

Originally Posted by Drummer Boy

Hi, I just joined from central NC. I recently purchased a Shield 9mm, as a carry gun, and my question is: how many of you guys or gals carry your Shield AIWB in condition 1? I know there's a lot on the web, debating whether to carry chambered or unchambered, but, there isn't much info concerning carrying chambered AIWB. I don't want to debate whether I should carry appendix or not, as I've pretty much already established that appendix is the most comfortable for me, after trying other forms of carry. BTW, I'm tall 6'4", slim, with high hip bones.

I'm still new to concealed carry (Oct.2015) and so far I've carried my Taurus PT140 with loaded mag, empty chamber (condition 3). The only gun I'm comfortable carrying chambered, is my Bodyguard .380, because it's DA hammer fired, and loading the chamber doesn't cock the hammer. I know the Shield has the built in trigger safety, the firing pin block, and mine also has the thumb safety. I guess I just can't get past knowing that the striker is "cocked" and aimed at my femoral artery! Am I being silly, or is this a legitimate concern?

I should also let you know that I'm confident with my draw & re-holster safety skills. I also use N82's Professional series holsters, for each of my guns, which are molded specifically for the firearms. (BTW, they're made just up the road, in Lexington ) I would like to hear from others that carry AIWB with the Shield or other similar striker fired pistols, with one in the pipe. I need some reassurance, and a pat on the back! "Everything's gonna be alright"

Thanks in advance, from a NC country boy!

Welcome from a former North Carolinian. This is a nice forum with good folks and info. I pocket carry mine in a DeSantis Nemesis or open carry in a Blackhawk. Even though I am not as tall as you I too have high hips. this works fine for me.

[Drummer Boy]

Originally Posted by Arik

There really isn't a debate. There is carrying loaded and then there are those who have a mental block about it for whatever reason, usually has to do with older guns that weren't ment to be carried loaded, many from the 20s and 30s.

I don't like appendix because it's not comfortable but as far as others go it will depend on your training level. There are a lot of important veins there....where your leg meets your abdomen. ...if you have little to no training and grab that gun with a finger on the trigger you may shoot before you clear the holster or your body

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

Thanks for the quick reply. I've trained quite a bit with live ammo & snap caps, but, I'd probably feel more comfortable with more training, before carrying with one chambered.

Thanks again

[Drummer Boy]

Originally Posted by oldfart64

Welcome from a former North Carolinian. This is a nice forum with good folks and info. I pocket carry mine in a DeSantis Nemesis or open carry in a Blackhawk. Even though I am not as tall as you I too have high hips. this works fine for me.

Thanks, from one tarheel, to a former tarheel

[ChiefStealth]

I carry a Shield cross-draw from appendix. 10:30 - 11:00 o'clock. Condition 1. To me, that means cocked and locked, safety on. So I have the thumb safety and the trigger safety working for me. I'm not worried about shooting myself.

[Drummer Boy]

Originally Posted by ChiefStealth

I carry a Shield cross-draw from appendix. 10:30 - 11:00 o'clock. Condition 1. To me, that means cocked and locked, safety on. So I have the thumb safety and the trigger safety working for me. I'm not worried about shooting myself.

Actually, my appendix carry is cross draw. I forgot to mention that. Thanks for the confidence boost!

[Doug M.]

There is no choice. If you are not willing to carry a pistol with a round chambered, have only a few choices. 1) Improve your training, which should increase your comfort level. A pistol with an empty chamber is as useless as milk glands on a bowling ball. 2) Improve your pistol, if your problem is what you carry. A pistol with an empty chamber is as useless as milk glands on a bowling ball.

Do you see a pattern?

I know some VERY switched on folks who are fans of AIWB, for many good reasons. A friend often carries a Shield or M&P Compact that way. Some who do carry that way are not fans of doing so with a striker fired pistol, because re-holstering requires so much attention. This is not something I have found to work for me in the briefest of experiments; low waist and a bit too much food blister. No matter what you carry there, it is an expert's choice, and means a complete dedication to being well trained and completely switched on every minute of every day. This is true of any decision to be armed, but more so with this carry style. It is not a choice for low budget firearms and holsters.

[Drummer Boy]

Originally Posted by Doug M.

There is no choice. If you are not willing to carry a pistol with a round chambered, have only a few choices. 1) Improve your training, which should increase your comfort level. A pistol with an empty chamber is as useless as milk glands on a bowling ball. 2) Improve your pistol, if your problem is what you carry. A pistol with an empty chamber is as useless as milk glands on a bowling ball.

Do you see a pattern?

I know some VERY switched on folks who are fans of AIWB, for many good reasons. A friend often carries a Shield or M&P Compact that way. Some who do carry that way are not fans of doing so with a striker fired pistol, because re-holstering requires so much attention. This is not something I have found to work for me in the briefest of experiments; low waist and a bit too much food blister. No matter what you carry there, it is an expert's choice, and means a complete dedication to being well trained and completely switched on every minute of every day. This is true of any decision to be armed, but more so with this carry style. It is not a choice for low budget firearms and holsters.

Thanks for the input! I agree that re-holstering requires extra care & attention, especially AIWB. All my pistols have thumb safeties, and I'm not above using them & training with them. I know some don't care for the use of safeties, but I think if you use them & train with them, it's only going to add a split second to your reaction time. Keeping your trigger finger pointed forward until target is aquired should be practiced 'til the point that it's automatic.

[Motorsporting]

I carry AIWB about 75% of the time. With the right gear (truly DEDICATED AIWB holsters), it is comfortable and super concealable, for me. Do not just buy a "vertical" and "slim" AIWB holster - those are not the best (although, IMHO, they do work o.k. for sub-compacts like the Shield). Check out Keepers Concealment, Dale Frickie, and JM Custom for truly dedicated AIWB. The features ("butt tuck", wedges, etc.) on those holsters make AIWB super comfortable and I can conceal my full-size M&P with ease.

You absolutely need to be wary of safety concerns when practicing (the reholster mainly). I recommend getting some training or at least watching some qualified trainers discuss proper drawing, engaging, and reholstering techniques.

[DD357]

I would not carry a striker fired gun AIWB, (and I shot plenty of Action Pistol & IPSC back in the day) but that is each individual's choice. I do agree your EDC must be carried with a round chambered. If you are uncomfortable doing so then you either need to change guns or change how you carry it.

[bigwheelzip]

Regardless what you carry or where, needing both hands to put your carry into battery seems foolish, when most defensive shootings are close range.

[Drummer Boy]

Originally Posted by DD357

I would not carry a striker fired gun AIWB, (and I shot plenty of Action Pistol & IPSC back in the day) but that is each individual's choice. I do agree your EDC must be carried with a round chambered. If you are uncomfortable doing so then you either need to change guns or change how you carry it.

Being striker fired, I guess, is the part that bothers me the most. I can carry the Bodyguard .380 all day long with no worries, because it's DA hammer fired. It has about a 12lb trigger pull, and I carry it chambered, safety off. I'll be turning it over to my wife, as soon as she receives her CCH permit, so, my options will be the striker fired Tauraus PT140 or the Shield 9mm.

[Doug M.]

Originally Posted by Motorsporting

I carry AIWB about 75% of the time. With the right gear (truly DEDICATED AIWB holsters), it is comfortable and super concealable, for me. Do not just buy a "vertical" and "slim" AIWB holster - those are not the best (although, IMHO, they do work o.k. for sub-compacts like the Shield). Check out Keepers Concealment, Dale Frickie, and JM Custom for truly dedicated AIWB. The features ("butt tuck", wedges, etc.) on those holsters make AIWB super comfortable and I can conceal my full-size M&P with ease.

*
I am not up on AIWB as I does not work for me, however, Fricke and JM do have great reputations among people I respect, and I am in fact getting my second Fricke IWB holster because the first one is so good.

[Protected One]

Originally Posted by Drummer Boy

Being striker fired, I guess, is the part that bothers me the most. I can carry the Bodyguard .380 all day long with no worries, because it's DA hammer fired. It has about a 12lb trigger pull, and I carry it chambered, safety off. I'll be turning it over to my wife, as soon as she receives her CCH permit, so, my options will be the striker fired Tauraus PT140 or the Shield 9mm.

Welcome to the forum. It has been for me a source of learning and enjoyment. Hopefully, your experience will be the same.

I'm afraid I can't offer you any comfort on your plans for carry because I believe your priorities are wrong.
I get the impression that you have either had a bad experience with a striker fired gun discharging unintentionally, or read discomforting stories about same? If an actual experience is the driving motivation then it's understandable, but if it's concern over what "COULD HAPPEN" then there is a long list of things - gun related, that fall into that category. And an appendix carry discharge is NOT the scariest one.

To my way of thinking your priorities are misordered. If you are going to carry it is implied that you acknowledge the possibility of a situation that might require you to use a gun. This means that the FIRST order of business should be to insure that said gun is "ready for business" when drawn! Meaning - A ROUND IS IN THE CHAMBER. If you can find even ONE certified/credible civilian firearms instructor who practices and teaches carrying with an empty chamber it will be the first I've ever heard of. To assume that the time or opportunity to chamber a round will exist in my opinion represents foolishness on the part of any carrier as it is something beyond your control. Also, there are many stories of people who, despite their training, have "forgotten" to disengage the safety when their moment of need arose.

Carry position and comfort should be second and third considerations to being ready at all times. If this means switching to a hammer fired gun in order to carry in your "preferred" position....then by all means do so. There are plenty of options available. But if you are determined to stick with the striker fired guns mentioned then you should either trust that the gun will not fire if your finger isn't squeezing the trigger, or select a less unnerving carry position.

[adwjc]

My personal experience with appendix carry (40yrs) is that I find most modern (polymer) pistols uncomfortable to the point they feel like they are falling out, compared to all steel pistols (only marginally better) the best I found were always J frame snubbies.

I base this on the balance- the hi capacity pistols tend to be "butt heavy" and don't ride deep enough in the holster to maintain their position within the waistband. The steel frames were a bit better, almost neutral in balance, but way better than any of the polymers. The J frame stays put.

The result is I tend to belt carry the polymer pistols.

As to carrying with an empty chamber, nope, won't do it, if i wanted to carry a short club, I would do so.

[bigwheelzip]

Originally Posted by Drummer Boy

.. no worries, because it's DA hammer fired. It has about a 12lb trigger pull, and I carry it chambered, safety off.

Seems like you answered your own question, as to the type of gun you want to carry. DA, heavy trigger, no safety, are a good set of features for a safe and ready carry.

Along with the obvious choices for that feature set, DA pistols and revolvers, there is a smaller category, DA/SA De-cocker, that offers the heavy trigger on the first shot that transitions to SA for follow-up shots, with a corresponding light and short-reset trigger.

[DocB]

I'm changing my carry today to a right-hand Bianchi holster worn on my left side. . .cross draw obviously. It rides much better in my truck. In addition, I keep all my stuff in my right pocket and the gun gets in the way big time. Reaching to get the gun out is much more natural than a right-side carry. Of course, a round is chambered under the hammer! Just don't be playing with the gun. Leave it holstered until you need it. You'll be fine.

[Drummer Boy]

Originally Posted by Protected One

Welcome to the forum. It has been for me a source of learning and enjoyment. Hopefully, your experience will be the same.

I'm afraid I can't offer you any comfort on your plans for carry because I believe your priorities are wrong.
I get the impression that you have either had a bad experience with a striker fired gun discharging unintentionally, or read discomforting stories about same? If an actual experience is the driving motivation then it's understandable, but if it's concern over what "COULD HAPPEN" then there is a long list of things - gun related, that fall into that category. And an appendix carry discharge is NOT the scariest one.

To my way of thinking your priorities are misordered. If you are going to carry it is implied that you acknowledge the possibility of a situation that might require you to use a gun. This means that the FIRST order of business should be to insure that said gun is "ready for business" when drawn! Meaning - A ROUND IS IN THE CHAMBER. If you can find even ONE certified/credible civilian firearms instructor who practices and teaches carrying with an empty chamber it will be the first I've ever heard of. To assume that the time or opportunity to chamber a round will exist in my opinion represents foolishness on the part of any carrier as it is something beyond your control. Also, there are many stories of people who, despite their training, have "forgotten" to disengage the safety when their moment of need arose.

Carry position and comfort should be second and third considerations to being ready at all times. If this means switching to a hammer fired gun in order to carry in your "preferred" position....then by all means do so. There are plenty of options available. But if you are determined to stick with the striker fired guns mentioned then you should either trust that the gun will not fire if your finger isn't squeezing the trigger, or select a less unnerving carry position.

First of all, thanks to everyone that has responded. I appreciate it. Protected One, I haven't had a personal experience with a ND, thank God, so I guess I fall into the "what could happen" category. I'm not afraid of a ND during draw or re-holster, because I practice religiously the trigger finger "point" anytime the firearm is handled, except when ready to fire. I guess I should have more trust in the firearm manufacturers built in safeties. I could be wrong, but, I don't think there is any documented cases of a modern striker fired gun firing it self, without someone or something squeezing the trigger. (I just need to keep telling myself that, over & over! ) BTW, you can add my CCH instructor to the list of those that teach you to carry with chamber loaded! (He's also a LEO - Chatham County sheriff's deputy.)

As for the built in thumb safeties, I don't have a problem with them. I've gotten into the habit of sweeping my thumb down over them, during the draw. My Taurus PT140 is very easy to disengage, and I find that the Shield is a lot easier than I thought it would be. My thumb sweeps across it in the same manner as the PT140.

On a different note; I just received my first e-mail notification of a post reply, this morning! I guess since I just joined, it took a couple of days to kick in!

[Protected One]

Originally Posted by Drummer Boy

First of all, thanks to everyone that has responded. I appreciate it. Protected One, I haven't had a personal experience with a ND, thank God, so I guess I fall into the "what could happen" category. I'm not afraid of a ND during draw or re-holster, because I practice religiously the trigger finger "point" anytime the firearm is handled, except when ready to fire. I guess I should have more trust in the firearm manufacturers built in safeties. I could be wrong, but, I don't think there is any documented cases of a modern striker fired gun firing it self, without someone or something squeezing the trigger. (I just need to keep telling myself that, over & over! ) BTW, you can add my CCH instructor to the list of those that teach you to carry with chamber loaded! (He's also a LEO - Chatham County sheriff's deputy.)

As for the built in thumb safeties, I don't have a problem with them. I've gotten into the habit of sweeping my thumb down over them, during the draw. My Taurus PT140 is very easy to disengage, and I find that the Shield is a lot easier than I thought it would be. My thumb sweeps across it in the same manner as the PT140.

On a different note; I just received my first e-mail notification of a post reply, this morning! I guess since I just joined, it took a couple of days to kick in!

That's the point - there ARE no documented examples of a striker fired gun going off without the trigger being pulled!

It's natural for those new to carrying to be "leery" about some things, but I wouldn't let that be one of them. Also, keep in mind what I said about people and safeties! I carry my shield with the safety off because I'm unwilling to take the chance that the sudden stress of a self-defense situation may cause me to forget to disengage it. Regardless to training, it happens often. Even to seasoned shooters.

Welcome to concealed carry.

[cleans up]

I'm a AIWB guy at this point. I do think it takes time and training. Can't just put it on and feel good about it an hour/day/week later. I mostly carry a shield w/o saftey w/ round chambered. I'm very aware of the potential for harm and take time/effort not to get complacent. Reholstering is always and "administrative function", i.e. Done on my time, and I will take my sweet time if needed. I've no illusions about being in some quick draw comp where the speed to return to the holster matters.

Check with a reputable trainer (or multiple) think through the concepts and come up with a simple consistent and safe routine. then stick with it and stop worrying.

[Drummer Boy]

Originally Posted by cleans up

I'm a AIWB guy at this point. I do think it takes time and training. Can't just put it on and feel good about it an hour/day/week later. I mostly carry a shield w/o saftey w/ round chambered. I'm very aware of the potential for harm and take time/effort not to get complacent. Reholstering is always and "administrative function", i.e. Done on my time, and I will take my sweet time if needed. I've no illusions about being in some quick draw comp where the speed to return to the holster matters.

Check with a reputable trainer (or multiple) think through the concepts and come up with a simple consistent and safe routine. then stick with it and stop worrying.

Thanks! That's exactly what I needed to hear from someone that carries AIWB, especially with the Shield. I consider myself pretty safe, especially when it comes to re-holstering, and I have a very good holster (N82 Tactical Professional) that will not collapse or snag on the trigger. I guess I have the fear that the gun will go off, for no logical reason, and I realize that it's silly to think that. I guess it's a newbie thing to feel that way, especially when it's pointed at your "favorite parts"

[shawn mccarver]

If you want reassurance about carrying anything in the appendix position, go to Warrior Talk forums and read all that the folks there have to say. Appendix is how Gabe Suarez carries and he recommends it, as I understand his writings, for reasons that are too numerous to repeat here.

On the other hand, there are respected trainers who have said they will not permit a student to carry in the appendix position in one of their classes. Unless he has changed his policy, Larry Vickers is one such - and there are others.

That said, with a gun as small and thin as the Shield, or similar models like the Walther PPS or the Glock 43, pocket carry seems the obvious choice, and it is MUCH more comfortable. And, you never have that lingering feeling about having a bullet pass through your femoral artery or your "male parts."

[Protected One]

Originally Posted by shawn mccarver

That said, with a gun as small and thin as the Shield, or similar models like the Walther PPS or the Glock 43, pocket carry seems the obvious choice, and it is MUCH more comfortable. And, you never have that lingering feeling about having a bullet pass through your femoral artery or your "male parts."

You must have some HUGE pockets!
At 6'-2" and 200lbs, it would take me forever to draw a shield from my pocket...assuming I could even get it in them.

[Drummer Boy]

Originally Posted by Protected One

You must have some HUGE pockets!
At 6'-2" and 200lbs, it would take me forever to draw a shield from my pocket...assuming I could even get it in them.

I have to agree. I don't think any of my pockets would allow me to carry or remove the shield, with any comfort or speed. The only pistol I pocket carry is the Bodyguard .380.

[Drummer Boy]

Originally Posted by Drummer Boy

I have to agree. I don't think any of my pockets would allow me to carry or remove the shield, with any comfort or speed. The only pistol I pocket carry is the Bodyguard .380.

Well I decided to give it a try, and was surprised at the results! The Shield went into the pocket of my cargo shorts with ease, and I could draw as fast as my AIWB holster! However, it didn't work with my jeans. The draw was way too slow & clumsy, plus it printed a tad too much. End results: summer pocket carry, maybe. Winter pocket carry, no way!

[Sax Guy]

Originally Posted by Drummer Boy

Thanks! That's exactly what I needed to hear from someone that carries AIWB, especially with the Shield. I consider myself pretty safe, especially when it comes to re-holstering, and I have a very good holster (N82 Tactical Professional) that will not collapse or snag on the trigger. I guess I have the fear that the gun will go off, for no logical reason, and I realize that it's silly to think that. I guess it's a newbie thing to feel that way, especially when it's pointed at your "favorite parts"

I've been carrying AIWB, have a Shield, but it worries me. I also have a Taurus PT145 (they were recalled due to a lawsuit over firing without the trigger being pulled resulting in injury). I kept mine (the recall was voluntary) because I don't see any way in the world that someone could possibly have one go off accidentally. I'd much rather carry it AIWB than the Shield, but it's a double-stack .45 and quite a bit wider than the Shield. The PT145 is double action, Shield is single. The PT145 has the sear and a striker block preventing an accidental discharge due to mechanical failure, and there is no net forward pressure on the striker when not pulling the trigger, so if both the sear and striker block failed, the striker still wouldn't travel to the primer. The Shield striker is always under forward pressure, and if the sear fails, only the striker block would prevent personal injury. That's how I carry, but the Shield worries me. Sounds like no-one else is worried about it, so I guess I'm over-thinking it.

[Arik]

Way over thinking. First and foremost a recall is for a reason. Don't worry about seeing how it could happen since obviously it can.

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