Tactical disadvantages of appendix carry?

1. If you have much of a gut, the gun will tend to print like crazy under your cover garment. If you go with a super-size XXL/XXXL shirt to compensate, you look unusual and out of place(as well as like a doofus).

2. If your fight starts hand-to-hand and you go to the ground supine, and if your attacker straddles/mounts you at your waist to do a MMA-style "ground-'n-pound," his thigh may block your access to the gun in an appendix-carry holster, and you'll have to dis-mount him or at the very least move his thigh somehow to access the gun. One poster on Gabe Suarez' www.warriortalk.com forum worked the problem in a practice session, and found that a gun carried in a traditional strong-side position allowed the defender to draw by first "bridging" his body up off the ground(press down w/both feet against the ground, lifting the hips w/both sets of thigh muscles).

3. Yeah, we all know what the muzzle is pointing at as you draw or re-holster...use a top-quality rigid holster, keep your finger completely clear of the trigger, and avoid "speed re-holstering," and you'll be fine. As Gabe Suarez says in his Advanced Close-Range Gunfighting video, if you do not have an educated trigger finger...appendix carry is not for you.

4. Drawing from appendix-inside-the-waistband requires a slightly modified method of acquiring a grip on the holstered gun, in that it is difficult for some(with the aforementioned gut) to get their thumb between the gun and their gut to establish a full firing grip in the holster. You have to learn to "flag" the thumb high up over the back of the slide/rear sight, and "scoop" the gun out with your fingers until you get enough clearance to bring your thumb down into a full firing grip. IMO the problem is exacerbated somewhat by the body's tendency to hunch forward in the throes of the "fight or flight" reaction - which, ironically, actually helps establish clearance for the thumb when drawing from a traditional strong-side IWB/OWB holster.

I've bought purpose-designed AIWB holsters and given the concept as fair a shake as I can, but I'm still not as comfortable physically or mentally with appendix-IWB carry as I have become with the strong-side IWB carry I've used for nearly 15 years.

On the other hand, I have an excellent Alessi custom appendix-OUTSIDE-waistband holster that conceals a S&W J-frame VERY well and draws like lightning, and which I might consider carrying to supplement the Glock at 4-o'clock IWB...

Appendix carry can make driving uncomfortable. Otherwise you have to remove the weapon each time you get in and replace it when you get out. If the gun is small enough try a pocket holster. They make some good ones that hold securely and break up the outline.

It's not so bad, it just makes you look like you have a large "piece" down there.

Advantages:
1. I can visually check if the gun is still hidden under the cover garment.
2.It is easier to reposition the gun discretely. (When readjusting a gun on your back hip position, you don't know for sure if some one is watching you from the rear.)
3. Weapon retention (unless you are down on the ground) is easier. No one is sneaking up behind you to get the gun.
4. I wear a short sleeve button down shirt untucked. It provides enough cover garment for this type of carry. Most button down shirts are slightly longer in the front (as opposed to the sides) and this aids in covering the gun at this position (appendix carry).

Disadvantages:
1. if you are overweight (as stated in an earlier post)
2. It's uncomfortable when sitting down.
3. I don't like where the gun is pointing.

IWB ten and two o'clock carry...

I've carried IWB behind my belt buckle, ten o'clock, and two o'clock...on and off duty for 45 years...sizes from .41 Magnum 4" M&P to Combat Commander to P90 to J-frame 2"...behind a tucked-in shirt and under a light t-shirt or a polo shirt...mostly now under a heavy cotton pocket t-shirt...right now a Taurus .44 behind the belt buckle and the backup J to my left in the small hollow that remains....from 154 pounds to 245 and back to the mid-230's...never spotted...no problems...crawl under houses and into attics and up on roofs...most of carrying concealed is what you decide you like...what works for you...I don't know of a way you'll find that except try several ways...I can hook up my shirt with my drawing thumb easier in front than I can on my side or appendix area...have more control when it's in front...and haven't had anyone sitting on me...yet...so that hasn't been a problem...it's a bit slower than OWB...rust is a factor to consider if you sweat a lot...all mine are stainless...I've found that seated, in a chair or driving...it's actually easier to draw than strong side OWB...but I've never had to draw seated other than practice...choose a gun that's not likely to fire unless you deliberately squeeze the trigger...I wouldn't carry a Glock-type triggered gun IWB in front...nuff said...have fun finding what works for you!!!

The only downside I've found is that it can poke the leg when sitting & get uncomfortable after a while, but that's the price I pay for carrying a full size gun with a light attached AIWB.

In the mount the bridge might help access a behind the hip gun, but you still have to deal with getting it on target. The whole motion is much easier to spot. If you can bridge up while giving the attacker a butt-hug you can bring him forward & up enough to access AIWB. Likewise, a bridge & roll, if done well can clear the space required.

In any case, going for a weapon without having established positional dominance is the best way to end up fighting over the gun instead of fighting with the gun.

I have some chunk (working on it with diet and excercise) but AIWB/centerline is not too much of an issue with a G19 or even a heavier gun.

Hiking up your pants higher helps with any drooping you might have along with a cover garment sweatshirt.

Try wearing a hoodie/sweatshirt from an Ivy League school. It makes you stick out less oddly enough since those Ivy Leaguers are not seen as the type to carry guns.

Well, if the gun is carried there you'll need surgery to get to it.

The only disadvantage that I have with it that hasn't been stated is if you're defined in the midsection it can cause concealment issues. If you have a large gut, it pushes the gun out, but if you have nothing "absorptive" in the middle the grip will try to show as well. The holster has to do a very good job of pulling the grip back across your stomach or you get odd points printing through your clothes.

TheProf said:

Advantages:
1. I can visually check if the gun is still hidden under the cover garment.
2.It is easier to reposition the gun discretely. (When readjusting a gun on your back hip position, you don't know for sure if some one is watching you from the rear.)
3. Weapon retention (unless you are down on the ground) is easier. No one is sneaking up behind you to get the gun.
4. I wear a short sleeve button down shirt untucked. It provides enough cover garment for this type of carry. Most button down shirts are slightly longer in the front (as opposed to the sides) and this aids in covering the gun at this position (appendix carry).

Disadvantages:
1. if you are overweight (as stated in an earlier post)
2. It's uncomfortable when sitting down.
3. I don't like where the gun is pointing.

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+1, Exactly my thoughts.

TheProf had it pretty much nailed. I will carry my 2"bbl revolver in the front sometimes, but my 1911 I almost always carry in the back.

I carried a G19 for years with Milt Sparks Executive's Companion IWB behind my strong side hip. I lived in the Pacific Northwest, near Seattle, and it was a great method of carry with a light jacket most of the year.

Two years ago I moved to Florida and I found the G19 to be too heavy and too bulky for hot/warm weather clothing. After some research I replaced my G19 with a Kahr PM9.

Based on my early experiences in Florida I was concerned that lightweight shirts wouldn't drape reliably over the PM9 keeping it concealed, especially in breezy conditions. That's when I started to consider appendix carry. I experimented with 2-3 holsters before I decided that appendix carry would work for me. I ended up purchasing a Milt Sparks Summer Special II IWB, trimmed off excess leather under the trigger guard area and cut off one belt loop. (I prefer belt loops to belt clips as I've always had trouble with clips working loose from the belt.)

The single belt loop allows me to discreetly adjust the holster for comfort so the pistol doesn't poke into me when I'm sitting, kneeling, etc.

This setup has worked very well for me so far.

Good luck.

SomeDude said:

Appendix carry can make driving uncomfortable. Otherwise you have to remove the weapon each time you get in and replace it when you get out. If the gun is small enough try a pocket holster. They make some good ones that hold securely and break up the outline.

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I have found the opposite to be true. Perhaps it is the holster you use/used. do you use a quality gun-belt?

I have a comp-tac 2'Oclock holster for my J-frame. I find that while driving or sitting it sits straight up above where I bend. Which provides unparrelleled access to the gun while driving or sitting. When i know I will be in the car a lot I prefer to carry this way.

I am 5'10" and 155lb (of shear terror..) and I carry my G19 with an extra mag using the Thunderwear. No, I haven't shot my bollocks off yet.

For me it is more concealable and quicker to draw than my Galso OWB holster in the 4 o'clock, especially when sitting. I have a 32" waist, so there are only a couple positions I can carry in that don't print the gun, and appendix IWB really is my only option for deep concealment. If I carry in the 4 o'clock position I have to wear a jacket, because it will print with an untucked shirt. Its either appendix IWB or get a smaller gun...

I think it takes a certain build for appendex becomes compartable. 4:00 or behing the back is how I carry. Since you now have the right to carry conceled I use 4 :00 . Its my favorite.


Jim

I looked at the Smart Carry (Thunderwear) holster. Bought one and tried it out for myself. It didn't work for me because it requires two hands to draw: one to pull the waistband of my britches away from my body to provide clearance for the other to grasp and draw the gun. I felt it put me at a disadvantage if I had to parry or struggle with an attacker while drawing.

With the SmartCarry you just slap your belly & drive the hand down to the weapon. No need for the support side hand. It helps to have a belt on your pants but the same technique works with gym shorts w/some more practice.

With the SmartCarry you just slap your belly & drive the hand down to the weapon.

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I'm sure this technique works for some people but I'm not one of them, especially when seated or driving.

Driving is definitely the downfall of the SmartCarry.

If I'm carrying an autoloader I prefer IWB at the 4 o'clock position. But with a small revolver, such as a S&W j-frame, I prefer appendix carry at 2 o'clock. But let me add that I also carry a revolver with the top chamber empty. This allows me to carry in that position without that nervous little nagging feeling about AD in a critical area -- if you know what I mean and I think that you do.

I'm 47 years old. I carried in the 4 o'clock IWB position since I got my first carry permit in 1983-until I took Gabe Suarez's Extreme Close-Range Gunfighting class in Feb 2007. He had recently moved to AIWB carry and suggested we at least give it a try.

When I took the class, a Glock 30 was my EDC. I am 5'11" and was about 240 at the time. After the course was over, I started wearing the G30 AIWB around the house to get used to it. It took about two weeks before I tried it out in public. Found out it wasn't too bad after I got used to it.

AIWB is somewhat of a challenge for those with a 'successful life body' to pull off. I like it so well, though, it gave me incentive to lose weight. That, and the realization that I may actually have to fight someone off before I can even get to my gun was an incentive to get in better shape. I'm around 200 now, and have since switched to a G19 or G26 for EDC.

Comfort: If you carry so the holster lies in the (inguinal?) fold between your leg and your 'manhood', it isn't too bad. Gabe recommends using a full length holster, even if carrying a compact gun, because it prevents the gun from wanting to spill over the top of the belt. The extra length adds stability. Driving: I drove a couple hundred miles a day carrying AIWB when we went on vacation this year. Not a problem.

I carry in about the 2 o'clock position, with my spare mag also AIWB about 1 'oclock. I find everything to be a bit quicker near the centerline of the body, and easily reached with either hand.

Groundfighting: When I took another of Gabe's classes in APR 2009 (0-5Ft Gunfighting), I was put in a position on my back with a knife man on top. After wrestling around for a bit, I managed to access my G19 Airsoft left-handed and shoot him multiple times in the side. In my position, I would have never been able to get to a strong-side or 4 o'clock carry gun. Lesson: always have at least a knife you can reach with your off hand.

Many RO's and matches won't let you carry AIWB. I took a class with another instructor, and he did let me carry AIWB. Everyone watched me on my drills and in the end, a few people had decided to try it also. Last I heard, that instructor had ordered him a holster to carry AIWB.

After 3 classes, several hundred draw cycles and rounds down range, I'm not comfortable carrying any other way now. I had many more draw cycles and rounds fired in my previous carry mode, but I found I was quicker on target after just a short time of experience with the AIWB carry.

I have, on occasion, even carried my G17L longslide there for short periods of time.