I don't normally comment on things, but for the appendix carry topic I just have to ask, how does anyone whether fit or not carry this way without pointing the muzzle at themselves?
This is an accurate observation about where the muzzle may be pointing when the gun is holstered. Everyone who has thought about, actually tried or chooses to carry AIWB struggles with this initially.
The dominant explanation is that a handgun safely holstered in a good (almost always Kydex) holster cannot fire when it is stored in there. Since the trigger cannot be manipulated or the cocked hammer/striker dropped to ignite a primer, no matter where it is pointed it is not going to go off.
You can carry AIWB with a DA revolver. It's not going off once safely in the holster.
You can carry a DA/SA semi auto hammer down. It's not going off once safely in the holster.
You can carry a semi auto with a manual safety that blocks the striker/hammer and/or trigger until deactivated, which will not happen when safely holstered.
The corollary question is, "How do you holster safely without pointing the muzzle at some part of your body?"
The exact same way you holster in any other carry position.
While standing, visually clear the path to the rigidly open holster mouth, carefully and slowly insert the gun with your finger off the trigger, tipping the holster away from your body if necessary. Don't allow the gun to point at your body during this process.
Because of the easy visual and tactile access to an AIWB holster, such a careful holstering is actually as safe or safer than trying to put a gun away behind your hip IWB with a covering garment.
Handguns have been carried in this position just about since they were invented. The position is not new or a passing fad. As with every carrying position, it is not for everybody. However, most of the supposed negatives are overcome with good training and equipment. The equipment we have today, belts and holsters as well as safe guns, make this an effective means of carrying a handgun for self defense.
That does not mean all other forms of carry are wrong or outdated. It is just another option based on many factors of concealed carry. However, too often folks make incorrect judgments based on assumptions or poor information. The hard and fast muzzle rule is a very good one and no one should be chastised for observing it very strictly.
