Appendix carry?

45doubletap

45doubletap

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Been in Law Enforcement for 17 years and have carried concealed for longer...so I'm not new to the concept. However, after reading some blogs, etc and seeing how "all the cool kids" are doing it, I decided to try appendix carry for the first time ever! I can't describe how fantastic it works for me! Good quality holster, very safe handgun, and a bit more experience than your average Joe make me feel pretty comfy doing it! There is always this thought in the back of my mind though...I'd much rather blow am asscheek off opposed to a nut (or the femoral artery!) I'd rather not blow off anything, but I'm just making the point...

How about some other opinions or discussion on appendix carry from y'all?


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Covering anything with the muzzle that you're not willing to destroy is always a bad idea. Even so, the muzzle exists so, it's always covering something.

Appendix carry seems really uncomfortable to me. What's it like when you sit?
 
AIWB...Yes!!!!

As I have become older...Appendix carry is sweet and easy.
Most of the time... Revolver. (DAO)
 
Rastoff said:
Covering anything with the muzzle that you're not willing to destroy is always a bad idea. Even so, the muzzle exists so, it's always covering something.

Appendix carry seems really uncomfortable to me. What's it like when you sit?
Click to expand...


For sitting it's been great so far. I've only carried my shield in this manner but it's comfortable for me(not exactly a skinny fella either). The other bonus for me is driving!
Quickest way I've found to have a handgun on your person and access it. I definitely believe that this method of carry requires a good deal of practice, experience to use. I personally don't see it for the FNG so to speak.


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I have been carrying that way for a couple years. It is comfortable for me, and I have no worries about carrying that way. I carry a compact 9mm with manual safety on.

As a side note, I have picked up a few extra pounds over the last year, and find that my once comfortable holster is occasionally not as comfortable while seated for long periods. It may be time to go holster hunting. The discomfort seems to be from a section of the holster, and not the weapon itself, so I think I can still carry in my preferred position with a different holster.

Alternately, I can lose a few pounds.:rolleyes:
 
One thing that led me to AIWB was bulged lower back disks and the resulting pain. Got to the point where a pistol placed IWB behind the hip would start the pain flowing. Thought I could only carry OWB now. Tried AIWB two years ago and zero pain. I have no problems when sitting and like the easy access to the pistol when in a vehicle. Not having a "spare tire" is a must with AIWB carry. I will say that you must give total attention to proper weapon handling in this mode of carry. The only pistols I AIWB carry are my DA/SA HKs. Bill
 
Summer time AIWB is the only way to carry for me. My little 638 j-frame in a Desantis Summer Heat is comfortable.
-mike
 
I've tried with a couple of holsters and settled on the MIC from Glocktech. The holster only covers the trigger guard. Works great in a vehicle.
 
Definitely only for short barrel guns (at least for me), especially when you're going to be sitting.
 
A-IWB carry works well for me -- easy access and good concealment. I use a soft leather Ace Case holster so it's also very comfortable-- size B for my 2" j-frames and size A for my LCP & Sig 938.
FWIW back about 30 years ago when I shot in the SW Pistol League, I used a Bianchi #50 "Chapman High-ride" holster -- it was originally intended for cross-draw use but a lot of us wore them at the 1 to 2 o'clock (appendix) position. Very comfortable & fast draw stroke.
 
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I guess it doesn't work as well for those of plumper proportions, however it is the primary way I carry. I don't have the gut yet to worry about. It conceals so much better than anywhere else (as far as waistband goes) in my opinion. Carrying more on the hip produces a huge bulge which I am not a fan of.
 
It works for me as well and I use it primarily for summer carry. I have AIWB dedicated holsters for everything from 3" K Frames to full size 1911s. Once you find the sweet spot, no other method of carry conceals better for me.
 
Once you find the sweet spot, no other method of carry conceals better for me.[/QUOTE]


You said it perfectly!!! Once you find that spot it's a fantastic method of carry!



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Maze 686 said:
I've tried with a couple of holsters and settled on the MIC from Glocktech. The holster only covers the trigger guard. Works great in a vehicle.
Click to expand...


Do you really like the mic holster? I'm very intrigued yet still skeptic. Am I correct thinking that they are only for GLOCKS?


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I use a kydex trigger guard on my HD piece since it does not have an external safety. I put a piece of braided para cord on it to make it quick to rip away if things go bump in the night. However I probably won't be carrying with this holster style (or mic) via appendix due to a couple of issues I have with it.

Some, if not most, of the piece would be again my skin or maybe backed by a t-shirt. Either way it potentially exposes the piece to sweat and my clothing and skin would likely get oil on it. Secondly practicing with this carry method may be a bit of an issue when stuffing it back in to appendix position after the slide has gotten hot after a few rounds.

I think appendix carry is probably one of the fastest drawing methods. Maybe someday if I ever get more of a desire to carry appendix mode, I would plan to spring for a holster that covers the piece more than this style does.
 
.45, as long as you consider the appendix carry for comfort and concealment only, the chance of injuring the vital parts doesn't enter the equation.

On the draw, NO finger on trigger until clear; when re holstering, take the holster out, place the gun in it and insert back in the WB with the gun in it.

If you need both hands right away after use, you're better off putting the gun in your pocket until the incident is under control.
 
Wearing shorts and tees or untucked shirts most of the time IWB appendix is about all that works for me and my build. I use a run of the mill Galco suede holster and its quite comfortable sitting, driving or standing. Only time its a little uncomfortable is if I have to squat down to get something off a bottom shelf at a store. Of course that's all with a 9mm Shield. At least for me I couldn't see doing that with a larger gun. Draws are quick and smooth but holstering takes a little more effort. Then again when carrying I've never had a need to holster. Being a clip on it usually just stays in the holster. Of course being in the vicinity of Johnson and company (and femoral artery) I DO use the thumb safety.
 
45doubletap said:
Do you really like the mic holster? I'm very intrigued yet still skeptic. Am I correct thinking that they are only for GLOCKS?


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Click to expand...

Yes, I like it for my Glock 23, but not my smaller Glock 27. They make them for other guns like M & P or J frames. Raven makes a version too and with a belt loop.
 
Then again when carrying I've never had a need to holster. Being a clip on it usually just stays in the holster. Of course being in the vicinity of Johnson and company (and femoral artery) I DO use the thumb safety.[/


If I have to reholster when carrying AIWB I always remove the holster. Just the standard leather clip on belt holster.

I started re training myself to get used to and use the safety again as well. Mainly it's just extra piece of mind with Mr Johnson and the femoral artery.





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Thanks to everyone for your ideas, opinions, etc!!!


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Been carrying over 30 years now. Majority of time its on my right hip. Hardly notice it there. Having a quality holster helps. Other than that, It's in a shoulder rig.
 
Carry an XDs-45 in the supplied pancake holster. Slide it on right hip driving, but in the store it is OWB in appendix position. Very, very fast for me. Also easy to grab with either hand, and would be difficult for someone to do a reach around grab on it.


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Appendix carry is my much preferred IWB carry method, very comfortable if you have the right holster. For me its anything from a glock 19/surefire x300 in a kydex holster to a j frame held up by some 550 cord. I tried 4 o'clock IWB and that lasted for about 10 minutes, I couldn't stand it. That said I would never carry any single action pistol in the appendix position, IMO revolvers and glocks/sigs etc only.

Advantages:
-Faster draw
-Quicker draw from on the ground
-your chances of printing are almost zero if you dress correctly
-Easier/quicker to fire from the retention position

Disadvantages:
-Challenging to draw from prone
-tough to pull off if you have a large gut
-can be hard to draw from seated (it takes practice)
-Risks are huge if you dont know what you are doing
 
I made one for someone for appendix carry. He really likes it and uses it now for EDC of a G19. I made one for me... and just can't get on with it - I'll try again I think once I've lost a couple of pounds and with a smaller gun - if it takes a smaller gun I'll probably pass though.

I'm back to 4PM.

I also can't get my mind off of what it's pointing at, but I suspect like anything it's just getting used to it.

IMG_0754.JPG
 
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I started carrying at 4 o'clock and just didn't like the punch in my back when driving and it didn't feel comfortable reaching back to un holster.

I then changed to appendix and really like it.

I always carry a LCR in it. Can't see me carrying my MP in appendix, it rides in a Crossbreed at the 4 o'clock position

For me personally, I would only carry a snubby in appendix. I would not feel comfortable with a small semi in that position, but that is just me.
 
I've tried appendix carry, and it works for me despite a gut much bigger than it should be. Most of the time I pocket carry, but if I am carrying IWB I find the appendix area is the easiest to get to. Maybe its just me, but I can't seem to carry comfortably at the 3 or 4 o'clock position that it seems most guys use. Maybe its just that my pants are snug and I can't seem to wedge a holster in at other than the 2 o'clock, or appendix location. But it does poke me in the belly when I sit, so if I am driving anywhere I have to totally avoid IWB carry. Another alternative for those of you who have the same concerns that I do, is the Smart Carry holster. You can't easily draw when sitting, but it doesn't print or get uncomfortable at all. Probably the biggest drawback is that it does take two hands to draw; one to pull the waistband away from the body, the second hand to reach in as if you mean to scratch yourself, but you pull out a gun instead!
 
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