Changing carry position to appendix IWB

[Rockdoc16]

Always carried OWB at 4oclock but for the fun of it I tried AIWB today and thought it was great. Seemed very comfortable. Anybody ever made the change and stick with it? Seems like I've been in holster hell for a while anyway. Maybe this is the answer. Now to find a new leather holster that is a great AIWB.

 

[alwslate]

Where an individual can comfortably carry a gun seems to really
depend on how you are built and whether you have issues like back
pain. Appendix position is just about the only position that I can
comfortably holster carry a handgun but I find that finding an IWB
holster to be a challenge so usually opt for OWB. Good luck in your
search.

 

[hardluk1]

I primarily carry just in front of my hip bone ,2:00 position ?? I still use an 11 year old modified comp-tac neutral with a couple different hanguns over the years . Bought for a cw9 kahr moved to a larger tp40 kahr in the same body , tried my wifes m&p 4.25 core in a m&p kydex body after hand surgery and finally bought a sig p320 compact for a larger carry . Both double stacks are a bit on the long grip side but work wearing a t shirt and square tail button down

I carry with the grip laid back, "canted " to the rear so the grip is parallel to me belt just high enough to gasp cleanly . My old fat body body prefers a leather kydex hybrid design . I like the wider leather back half instead of a kydex only holster . The holster I use is comfortable but stiff enough to use for draw and fire drills .

MY wife has a Garrett Fusion hybrid that's a very nice holster , adjustable enough and glove leather lined but the back side leather is to flexable for drill use but very comfortable .

Foxx Holsters has a little hybrid that cant's in both directions and has some vertical adjustment .

 

[AlHunt]

Always carried OWB at 4oclock but for the fun of it I tried AIWB today and thought it was great. Seemed very comfortable. Anybody ever made the change and stick with it? Seems like I've been in holster hell for a while anyway. Maybe this is the answer. Now to find a new leather holster that is a great AIWB.

I find the "Ambush IWB" from these guys rides very well in the appendix position. Their holsters can sometimes be found for less on the auction sites.

Premier Holster

 

[jack the toad]

I really like AIWB for accessibility and also gets fairly good marks for concealability but comfort wise (sitting, bending, etc) not as much unless a smaller size gun (small .380, etc) is used.

 

[DD357]

I'm not comfortable with it but do whatever works for you. Do be careful reholstering.

 

[retiredbadge8091]

I prefer an OWB carry centered on my hip but the appendix carry is my second option. If proper gun safety procedures are followed I don't feel this is any more dangerous than any other IWB carry position. I know I'll be speaking heresy but I prefer a soft suede leather holster for hours of carry and have worked out a method of reholstering that I obviously feel is safe since it's me who will be taking an errand round if there's a screw up.

 

[Rockdoc16]

Yes I too am leaning towards a soft leather, probably a Galco stow n go. I'm not gonna worry about reholstering. Will use two hands. If I can't, I have worse problems.

 

[Old cop]

I carried OWB for all the years I was on the job, but switched too IWB shortly after retirement in '97 due to hip pain associated w/the gun & holster. Transitioned to pocket carry a few years ago due to back problems associated w/my 70th birthday coming this Fall.

 

[nodpete]

I carry AIWB with my KelTec P11. I use an Aliengear Tuck 2-0 at about 1:00 as close to 0 cant as possible and find it very comfortable when sitting, driving and just walking in general. My gun is DAO , has a fairly heavy trigger so it's about as safe as it can be. And it's the easiest to get at when sitting over other carry positions.

 

[iPac]

Due to my body size and lack of fat, when I carry concealed, the best option is for me to carry IWB at the 2 o'clock right in front of my right hip bone.

I usually carry my Detective Special. I got a nice Galco Tuc IWB holster for it and it works great.

AceCase makes good American made products at a great price. They currently have some nice leather IWB holsters. I plan to get one of those for a new carry gun I am waiting for.

So pretty much if carrying concealed, it is IWB for me. If carrying open, then OWB in a regular leather holster.

Really depends on the person and their body type as to what is comfortable.

 

[Motorsporting]

Please, especially for appendix, stick with a rigid holster. Even then, careful, meticulous reholstering is vital. The issues with AIWB are almost always a result of a poor holster/reholster (something getting squished/pressed in the trigger. As for a leather AIWB, I've heard good things about JR Custom. For kydex, the best I have is Keeper's Concealment.

AIWB-CDA II

Home / Training Events - Keepers ConcealmentKeepers Concealment

FoxX Holsters "Deluxe Trapp" IWB Holster (All Kydex) – Foxx Holsters LLC

Depending on your body type and gun you plan on AIWB carrying, you might be able to go with a minimalist holster from FOXX (or something similar). I find the bigger guns work better with the Keeper, but my Shield rides fine in the FOXX.

 

[Vulkan]

I've tried AIWB but it just doesn't work with my "body type" (which is a nice way of saying I have a gut). One of these days, if I ever lose enough weight, I might give it a try. I've got friends who swear by that method and are pretty darn quick on the draw with it was well. Seems to work best with smaller guns, but your own mileage may vary. Best of luck in your search.

 

[CQB27]

All the specific worry over "soft" holsters for appendix carry is just that.....worry. Poor re-holstering technique is dangerous no matter the the holster type or position of carry, and using proper technique can be easily mastered. Actually when it comes to concealed carry in citizen mode, re-holstering is not something I am overly concerned about.

I have carried off duty "appendix" for 23 years. And I have used the same $12.00 holster to do it. Sometimes I carry a J-frame, sometimes a full size G 17. I actually have used it to carry a backup on my vest, one the beauties of this type holster...versatility.

 

[Sclays]

Have been carrying a G43 AIWB in a BlackHawk ARC for about three months. Only concealed carry technique that has been comfortable.
Amazon lists this holster for just under $20.

 

[Mal Cap]

When a young LEO, I carried a Model 10 in AIWB for several months until I got my Model 36. It was OK but I was skinny the and 30 pounds "shorter." Now the 9 Shield is fine in that slot.

 

[Rastoff]

Yes I too am leaning towards a soft leather, probably a Galco stow n go. I'm not gonna worry about reholstering. Will use two hands. If I can't, I have worse problems.

Obviously how you carry is your business. Even so, rigid holsters are better. Here's why...

The most likely time for a negligent discharge (ND) is during re-holstering. If you have an ND while re-holstering and carrying AIWB, the results could be death.

Also, any holster that requires two hands to holster the gun almost requires muzzling your support hand. Again, this is bad when holstering the gun.

Now, many have carried for many years with soft holsters. OK, but the absolute last time you want to be fumbling with a holster is when you've just been in a shooting. You're going to be on an adrenaline high or crash. Adding difficulty to re-holstering is bad.

Just some thoughts that people may not have thought of.

 

[Rockdoc16]

My pistols (Shield and 9C) have safeties and I train with those safeties. It goes off when it is presented coming out of the holster, and goes on when not shooting or going back into the holster. Have I done this in the heat of battle, no. But not many of us have done anything In the heat of battle. If you don't train, it doesn't matter where you holster the gun. I understand that rigid holsters are better, but I've been handling and shooting pistols over 55 years and at my age, if the carry is not comfortable, I probably won't carry. I have a little Foxx on order and have heard good things about that holster and AIWB.

 

[amazingflapjack]

carried that way for decades.

 

[Slingn]

I carry cross draw about 11oclock. Very comfortable and very discrete with my shield. Also very easy to draw without making an obvious motion like sticking your elbow out to draw from a 3 or 4 o'clock position. It is Canted out to the left so I feel comfortable about where the gun is actually pointing. I'm just a little weary with a weapon pointed at that special aree even though I know how careful I am. My cheap DeSantis soft tuc is most comfortable so far but I may pick up a rigid holster and try it. I did replace the cheap plastic clip with an over the belt metal one. It hides well behind the belt overlap. I didn't like the weight hung only on my pants with the behind the belt plastic clip it came with.