Appendix Carry J Frame Holster...

[NCBeagle]

I have done a few appendix carry posts recently. Most over in the "concealed carry" subforum. This is probably a better place.

I switched to appendix carry about 18 months ago. So far, Watchdog Tactical and PHLster holsters have done the trick. Watchdog made custom gear for my Smith third generation pistols. PHLster has the City Special for revolvers and, all things considered, it's very good but not perfect. It needs a wider "claw" to really crank the grip flat against the body. So, I ordered a few more AIWB J Frame holsters from T5 Custom Kydex and Forged Tec.

The Forged Tec arrived today. Very pleased, so far. It is well made, slim, comes with DCC MonoBlock clip and the Raven Concealment wing/claw. Looks like it will shield an exposed hammer but have not tried yet. This is very comfortable. In my experience, a "gun belt" is not required with light J Frames and small semi-autos, like a Glock 42 or 43. Also, the Forged Tec is only about $50. That's about half the cost of the others, after upgrades.

 

[BigBoku]

Looks like a nice rig, Kydex holsters have come a long way and there are many good choices. I hung up my gun belt after 27 years a few years ago and carry AIWB 99.9% of the time which includes several J frames that all ride in a Vedder Light Tuck.

 

[NCBeagle]

I like the Vedder Light Tuck shape overall but the hardware / clip was a bit harsh. The clip’s bottom chewed up my pants a bit, from the inside out. Not talking about thebpart that clips onto the pants, but the bottom where the clip screws onto the holster.


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[BigBoku]

Luckily I have not had that happen, thing with appendix carry as we know is it’s different for everyone for many reasons beyond body type. I really like the look of your new rig and the price point as you said is very nice compared to a Vedder with upgrades. I just may have to order one and give it a try Thankfully the holster box we all have is bottomless!

 

[NCBeagle]

Yup, I am a big fan of this one. Completely shield’s the hammer, unlike most of the other AIWB J frame holsters. Going to carry the a Model 60 today.

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[Erich]

"Right hand only!"

Appendix Carry / Inside the Waistband Holsters

 

[hyena]

I had to quit wearing a heavy leather gun belt last year because it was compressing a nerve in my hip, causing problems with my left leg. Thankfully the problem went away within weeks of wearing suspenders. After that, I went back to wearing the 1.25 inch cotton belts I buy for $5 at my LGS and had been wearing for about 30 years, and found I can still carry my 642 AIWB in a Lobo Offset belt clip just fine. I wouldn't try to carry OWB with that belt though.

 

[sipowicz]

"Right hand only!"

Appendix Carry / Inside the Waistband Holsters

It’s ok Erich…I bet your Bellcharteroak is way more comfy. There. I just saved you $41 and having to learn to shoot right handed.

On a related note, I like kydex for my striker autos but with a double action revolver, I’ll stick to good old comfy leather, especially inside the waist.

Pretty model 60 btw…love those grips with the T.

 

[NCBeagle]

It’s ok Erich…I bet your Bellcharteroak is way more comfy. There. I just saved you $41 and having to learn to shoot right handed.

On a related note, I like kydex for my striker autos but with a double action revolver, I’ll stick to good old comfy leather, especially inside the waist.

Pretty model 60 btw…love those grips with the T.

I agree with sipowics that a leather AIWB is nice for revolvers but find that moisture retention becomes an issue during the warmer seasons. The Kydex mitigates that problem. But, the super soft, old school, suede holsters of the type made by Safariland or S&W back in the day work well in a pinch. Have also carried AIWB the Sideguard (clip and loops), Bell Charter Oak, Lobo offset, and a couple others.

Lots of good options. The best AIWB rig is going to be a personal decision. I like to see what everybody else is doing. Body types and dress are vary so much. Heck, I change holsters and guns daily based on feel. Overall, I do best with a purpose built AIWB holster that as a claw / wing to crank the grip back into my body. I also upfit most with a foam wedge.

EDIT: Here’s one of the old holsters…

 

[crazyphil]

Way back in pre-historic times, when I was teaching a class for the
enhanced CWL, I took a little survey. I had quite a few women in my
classes, and most of them seemed to like the little J Frame.

Since most women don't wear belts, at least all the time, a clip-on
IWB was the preference. The clip had to grasp the fabric well enough
that the holster didn't come out on the draw wrapped around the gun.

Appendix carry was their preference for location. They liked the off-set
clip because it reduced the thickness.

I tested quite a few IWBs trying to find the one that best suited all of
the criteria. The winner was Mark Garrity's "Inconspicuous" shown
below.

 

[Jimmyjones]

I've been using these AIWB for a long time, I dislike wearing an untucked shirt, I found I can easily tuck and dress my shirt around them on days I don't wear a cover garment. I mostly carry a 640-1, but with an Airweight, I almost forget it's there.

Lobo offset clip IWB

 

[crazyphil]

I suppose Ken Null's VAM (for Vampire) could be carried in the appendix
location.

 

[sipowicz]

I suppose Ken Null's VAM (for Vampire) could be carried in the appendix
location.

Phil…I gotta ask…is that a selfie or did you lay the clothes out flat on the bed.

 

[crazyphil]

sipowicz - you are way too perceptive. Actually the cloths are laying
flat on my desk top.

 

[max503]

This works for me. Surprising how secure it is. I generally position it X-draw on my left side for deep concealment, or on the hem of my right front pocket if I'm wearing a long shirt.