Appendix Carry

[Marshal Tom]

I was a strong side only guy for all of my 36+years in LE. I am an instructor and am opened to all that is new out there. I started carrying AIWB a few years ago and find that it has many advantages, most of the time. it's faster once you get the draw down, it prints less and you can control your firearm better in a struggle as well. You must train which I do a lot and make very sure that there is nothing in the way when re-holstering the weapon. I am carrying a 649ND that way as I write this but most often carry one of my several striker fired 9mm guns that way as well. I have also gone mostly to red dots after much training and experimentation.

 

[sigp220.45]

Here’s how you reholster a gun carried in the waistband in front:

Remove holster

Put gun in holster

Put holster back

Don’t overthink it.

 

[chief38]

Appendix carry never appealed much to me. I either OWB carry or pocket carry my Sig P365.

 

[ladder13]

AC for me. Easy peasy to access.

 

[diyj98]

Totally understand the concern, but it demonstrates a fundamental lack of understanding about how firearms function . . .

Edit: As an example, those who wear a horizontal shoulder holster are totally unconcerned about pointing their pistol at everyone behind them . . .

I was just thinking this was one of the more civilized posts on appendix carry that I'd read, but I was just waiting for an insult like “you don’t know how firearms work” or “you need proper training “comment from an internet expert who constantly seems to toss insults at those who don't hold his same opinions on various topics. Y

You know your gun won’t go off unless you pull the trigger, so I guess you feel perfectly comfortable pointing a loaded pistol at your head on a regular basis?

 

[NCBeagle]

Jimmyj,

I carry AIWB almost exclusively, Smith J and K, Colt D, Glock, Smith Third Generation pistols.

If you search for threads that I have started in the last 3-4 years, you'll find quite a few that address appendix carry with photos of holsters, both off the rack and custom.

 

[gwpercle]

Over the years I gained some belly weight ...and got older .
If too much gut it ... crowds out the IWB carry .
Make sure you are slim and trim .
I had to go OWB and pocket carry ... wasn't slim and trim anymore !
Gary

 

[Xfuzz]

Guns..
Appendix carry...pocket carry...

They are all heavy, loud and keep pullin my pants down.

No wait... what ?
That was an old girlfriend.

 

[Muss Muggins]

. . . You know your gun won’t go off unless you pull the trigger, so I guess you feel perfectly comfortable pointing a loaded pistol at your head on a regular basis?

Where do you buy a holster like that?

 

[BKLooney]

I appendix carry my P365, very comfortable and probably the best way I have found to carry it concealed.

I do not holster the pistol while wearing the holster, they always go in or come out as a set.

 

[MG34/bar]

At first I didn’t think that I ever carried appendix, but then I remembered that (nearly 60 years ago) I carried my old Colt SAA made in 1903 that way in what we called “Mexican Carry”. When we did that, of course, the revolver only had 5 cartridges in it with the loading gate open to catch in the pants belt. Too fat to do that anymore.

 

[DHernandez]

At first I didn’t think that I ever carried appendix, but then I remembered that (nearly 60 years ago) I carried my old Colt SAA made in 1903 that way in what we called “Mexican Carry”. When we did that, of course, the revolver only had 5 cartridges in it with the loading gate open to catch in the pants belt. Too fat to do that anymore.

Yes sir, when I started on the job we called that Mexican Carry as well… must’ve been a common terminology back then.

 

[CH4]

Appendix carry isn’t my cup o tea. I carry using a shoulder rig, so my piece is covering those standing behind me in stead of my junk.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Considering Appendix Carry.
I normally CCW a full size service weapon. (sig p-220 .45)
Does anyone use Appendix Carry ?
Opinions ?

I have seen pictures of people carrying just to the right (from the perspective of the person carrying) of the belt buckle so that the weapon is pointing straight down towards the crotch and those people call it appendix carry.

What I call appendix carry for me is just in front of the right hip so that I can still reach into my right front pocket.

I find this more comfortable and it is easier to present the piece when seated.

I think back to the Bruce Nelson (inventor of the Summer Special) picture where he is seated in a car and his Summer Special is in front of the hip bone, but not so far over that it is pointing at his crotch.

 

[Well Armed]

I rather carry anywhere else but AIWB.

 

[balin]

Been my main way to carry for 15 years. Generally a quicker draw. Can be drawn from more positions easier then other ways to carry.

 

[max503]

I've got a crossdraw holster for my G42. Does that count?

 

[ladder13]

Carry however you want, no one has the perfect answer for everyone.

 

[Motorsporting]

I AIWB probably 50% of the time. It's actually easier to present when seated, and fairly easy not to muzzle yourself when done correctly. The right gear is essential. A purpose-built AIWB (JM Custom) holster and adjustable gun belt (Kore) are vital. I don't enjoy re-holstering with most striker fired guns, but my 1911s and Berettas are great. Watch some reputable trainers (John Lovell, WPS is a good one) for some tips.

 

[Shibadog]

Totally understand the concern, but it demonstrates a fundamental lack of understanding about how firearms function . . .

Edit: As an example, those who wear a horizontal shoulder holster are totally unconcerned about pointing their pistol at everyone behind them . . .

True, but I don’t carry that way either. For me it’s either pocket carry, or owb. I have exactly ONE IWB that works for me (aliengear). I hate plastic holsters but that one is pretty comfy. I know folks who swear by appendix carry, but it’s not for me. I would not carry a weapon pointed at my heart, I won’t carry one pointed at my femoral artery (or other important stuff). Yes, it’s “safe” at least until it isn’t. I know guns don’t go off by themselves, but I also know people screw up. I’m either DAO Smith J or cocked and locked 1911 style. YMMV. For what it’s worth, when the whole appendix carry thing started gaining attention a few years ago I did give it a try, albeit with an unloaded piece. To ME it just wasn’t comfy. It concealed fairly well, but my EMP in a strong side leather holster conceals as well under a T shirt (or sweatshirt) and is very comfortable.