Appendix Carry Third Gen Smith Pistols

[NCBeagle]

It is difficult to find decent appendix carry rigs for Smith Third Gen pistols. Many of the best “modern” AIWB holster makers forcus on Glock, Sig, M&P/ Shield, etc.

The folks at Watchdog Tactical in Charlotte, NC made this custom AIWB holster a few months ago. It also made one for the Colt D frame. Dropped the guns off and had holsters back by mid-afternoon. The holsters are well-made, slightly adjustable, and kydex. Different belt loop attachments available. Get to support a local company as well. Hope to get one for my CS9D this week.

Carrying the 3953 today

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[equin]

Nice! I don’t have near as much holster selection for my 3rd gen 3913 as I do for my Shield Plus and 1911. I did find a nice kydex IWB holster from Clinger Holsters for it, though. Good to know of someone else willing to make one for the 3rd gens.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Why do they call it appendix carry when it is pointed at your ding a ling?????

 

[Erocksmash]

Thats awesome I carry a Shorty. 40 in a cloth style holster but wish I could find one in kydex.....

 

[BAM-BAM]

Why do they call it appendix carry when it is pointed at your ding a ling?????

Cus if you go off half cocked..... you'll still have your "appendix"!

 

[chief38]

I may be in the minority here, but I would NEVER appendix carry!

Aside from where the pistol is pointing in this scenario (not ready to join the priesthood yet) it is just very uncomfortable, especially when sitting down. It is also in a very vulnerable position for someone else to grab your Rosco!

After 45 years of CCW I have settled on these 2 methods:

1) OWB in a Horsehide Kramer Speed Scabbard
2) Pocket carry in a DeSantis Nemesis holster

I have tried them all and the two methods above are what work for me.

 

[kbm6893]

Nice to know the option is there, but I would never carry appendix carry. Just not comfortable while sitting down. Now, if they can make a Kydex IWB holster so I can carry my 3953 at 3 o’clock position, I am interested. Although, I don’t see why I couldn’t just move the appendix carry over to 3 o’clock and it work just as well.

For now, when I do carry my 3953, it’s in a nylon Desantis IWB holster, or in a leather Desantis pancake holster that was made for my Shield.

 

[CB3]

NCBeagle’s rig looks safe, concealable, readily accessible, comfortable, well positioned and protected to me.

It takes someone competent and confident in their gun handling skills and rig to carry concealed safely—in any position. Training overcomes negligence. Finger off the trigger, holstering or drawing.

AIWB carry is the easiest to defend against a gun grab. Either or both hands have their greatest strength in front of the body. Visibility is the best. Grabs from the rear are very difficult, unlike side carry.

Sitting is not uncomfortable when the gun is positioned correctly. A piece of closed cell foam at the bottom of the holster is a little add-on for greater comfort. The gun is more accessible when seated than any other position with the least telegraphing of draw movement.

Vision into the holster to check for an obstruction before putting the gun in is better and easier than any other position.

Once the gun is safely in the holster, it cannot go off, no matter where it is pointed—hip, leg, foot, thigh, butt, all of which get swept/muzzled from the various holstered positions. If one cannot get a gun into/out of a holster without negligently firing it, one shouldn’t be carrying concealed, in any position. The “pointing rule” has intelligent exceptions.

Good job NCB. Do what works best for you. I’m sure you have taken into account the pros/cons of different carry positions, since all concealed carry of handguns involves numerous compromises. Be safe.

 

[URIT]

A nice looking holster. Too bad Charlotte is so far away from me.

My EDC is a model 3953 (90% of the time) and I AIWB carry.

For those that have trouble finding a good holster for Gen3 Smiths, consider the makers who supplied many of the police departments back in the day, e.g., Don Hume's wide selection of holsters for older smith handguns.