Appendix carry question

[Balrog]

I have been carrying concealed since the 1990s, and I am not sure when appendix carry became a thing. Anyone know who and when this was popularized?

I generally carry OWB, on belt strongside. Why has appendix carry become so popular? Looks like you could shoot your junk off if you had a reholstering mishap to me, but most people must not feel its a risk?

 

[Mauser lover]

I don't carry appendix, and I'm probably more worried about my femoral artery than reproductive organs. People make a big deal about that, but most of the holsters I've seen don't point right down the middle.

However, it's not new.

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/cowboy-appendix-carry-suspender-holsters.920063/

 

[21H40]

I prefer it for a couple of reasons:
1. It is easy to draw and be on target faster than anything at 3 o’clock or further back
2. No one can grab it by surprise if I’m ever looking the wrong way
3. It’s better concealed there than on my side

YMMV

 

[.38 Special]

I'm another one who doesn't get it. Aside from the morale issue, I find it physically uncomfortable, even when my gut is under control. And when I'm carrying an extra 20 pounds, it's far worse.

 

[Mizar]

Fashion - this too shall pass.

 

[trackskippy]

If you carry appendix now on a regular or daily basis, I seriously doubt its a fashion that will pass. You know its advantages, and arent likely going to go back to what you were doing previously. I know Im not. And why would you?

Its those who dont have any real experience with it to be comfortable with it, that dont understand its advantages and usefulness.

As 21H40 pointed out, its much quicker and easier to get the gun out and going, its much easier to protect the gun when in tight, crowded places, or should you get into a struggle, and concealing "full sized" handguns is very easy, even in just an untucked tee shirt of normal size.

You actually almost have to work at getting the gun to print, and unlike most of the other methods of belt carry, bending over at the waist actually aids in hiding the gun. It basically eliminates the "bump frisk" as well.

You have easy access to the gun while seated and telegraphing the draw, from all positions, is pretty much all but eliminated.

I suppose comfort could be directly related to your body shape and weight, but Ive carried this way within a 25# weight range, and never had a problem doing so, and have always found it comfortable, after a brief learning curve in getting used to it in the beginning. As with any of the other ways of carry, being in decent shape is always a plus, and that goes for everything about carrying and using the gun too. If how you carry makes you more conscious and aware of that, and helps you to maintain a good weight, how is that a bad thing

Reholstering AIWB, at least in my mind, is safer than most all the other ways most carry, as you can easily watch what you are doing while you do so. You can actually see if there may be something in the way that could be a problem, and watch the gun go into the holster. Youre also more clearly seeing the gun as you do, and can see that maybe you didnt decock or resafe the gun, so its just another safety check in the process.

Ive carried handguns on a daily basis my whole life and used pretty much any method of carry and holster you can think of, looking for "the one", and AIWB is as close as I think you can get to that level of perfection. Glock or not.

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

I carry appendix because:

1. It's fast
2. It's comfortable
3. I can see the cover garment is in place at all times
4. I can carry large firearms easier

I tried real hard to make regular iwb work but I have no backside to speak of and the holster likes to slide down

I carry a DA/SA and am not worried about shooting myself. I also pay attention on the reholster.

 

[Mizar]

Let me get this straight - I'm not saying that appendix carry in general is a fashion trend. It's a carry position that can be traced back to the flintlock era - it has it's time and place and it's a valid choice to carry a firearm concealed. All I'm saying is that the recent fad, where everybody and his brother carry appendix, is just a fashion. And it comes with it's hardcore fans, who will torch and crucify everyone that shares a little doubt that this carry method is the best of all.
As to who popularized it recently, I can't tell for sure (because I don't really care) - some 10-15 years ago, guys like Rob Pincus started to heavily promote on this carry style and it caught up (because it is, like I already said, a valid carry option).

 

[trackskippy]

Kind of like so many people carrying pocket and back up guns as a primary, especially those who dont regularly practice realistically with them, believing they are well armed and prepared?

I think that is the real big fashion trend and “mass formation psychosis” of the past decade or so now.

Hey, if AIWB isnt for you, by all means, do what you think best. The only real way to know if youre right, is to always keep trying to prove it is best, and if you come across something that proves that to not be the case, embrace it and continue moving forward.

 

[shoobe01]

As said above: it's always been around. It was semi-popular in KC among some plainclothes/off-duty in the 70s and 80s (policing is regional, not everyone does the same thing); a fun offshoot was a big high end indoor city mall sort of thing with their own security carried J frames like that. AIWB, but no cover garment and as far as I can tell the average citizen didn't know they were armed at all. The low-profile can help (nothing sticks out the side, so you don't bump into walls, and you have an unarmed silhouette) and mostly standing like security, or short barrels as the typical J-frame of the era, it works well.

There are other trends that are really on the downswing; anyone seen a small-of-back holster lately? I know the downsides to them, but they were a huge deal for a long time and now... not so much.

I'm not sure AIWB is that popular today. For example, IDPA semi-recently opened up appendix and (for a club that is indeed mostly actually carry guns and carry gear) we get not even 1:10 carrying that way at match days.

For whatever reason, appendix folks are like vegans or revolver shooters and won't shut up about it, but overall I am happy that it's available as an option. Before the current "trend" it was nearly impossible to find specific forward-of-point-of-hip holsters, so people who wanted to carry there just moved their holster forward and lived with it, or maybe bought an unusual cant on a "normal' holster.

I do mostly see small pistols carried like that, vs full sized, so that may be another reason they are visible now; subcompacts fit there better and for the profile reasons my be preferred by some?

 

[dweis]

I recently switched from IWB at 4 to 4:30 position and adopted appendix carry. I had never been a fan of it over the decades, but I had issues that compelled me to switch. The first issue was that my right rotator cuff was injured 20 years ago and is inoperable. Over the years it became increasingly more difficult to rotate my shoulder rearward to draw from that position. So I went to 3 o’clock, but that was hard to avoid printing while in IWB mode. That was the second issue. So I did some research on Appendix carry reading about all the fear factors, and they were reasonable concerns that could only be eliminated by taking precautions. So I tried appendix carry (unloaded practice sessions) for a few hours over two weeks.

I found that I could draw faster, protect against a gun grab, and present toon- target more readily. Appendix carry cuts down on the amount of motion it takes to get into firing readiness. It is particularly good if you follow the Center Axis Relock system for CQB, which I do. So I bought a comfortable sofa leather holster and tries loaded appendix carry and tested it at the range, All went well, but i still felt a bit apprehensive. My EDC was a Ruger Security 9 compact, it is not too long to be uncomfortable, and I am hin and short. I learned to carefully holster the gun and to let my trigger finger fall into the safe position as I drew. I lost all fear of shooting myself.

Recently, due to advancing arthritis in my hands I switched over to a Ruger Security 380 (lite rack).it has an external safety, which I engage. I do not have issues with safeties. For 6 of my ten years in the Marines i carried a M1911 (two years in combat). We carried with safety on and an empty chamber. I got accustomed to switching off the safety on the draw. I found that skill had not eluded me in my late years. I do carry with a round in the chamber.

I feel secure with appendix carry and it has become my standard for IWB carry.

 

[Riomouse911]

I have carried IWB “appendix” since at least 1991, starting with a 640 centennial .38. Not every day, nor every gun, is carried this way. But that position has been a part of my ccw routine for over 30 years.

Stay safe.

 

[sgt127]

That’s when I first started thinking about it…

1985 ish.

That’s about the only way I carry anymore. Pocket carry if I want to tuck in a shirt.

Pros:

Doesn’t print when you bend over.

Conceals under a Tank Top.

Men, in a crowd, will bump into each other. Men will not bump into each others groins.

Sitting in a car, the guns accessible.

Leaning away from a threat at the drivers door does not trap your gun against the console.

Pinned on the ground, on my right side, against a wall, my guns not trapped by concrete. My odds of wedging my hand between me and an attacker are better. Both surfaces have some give.

I can draw, with my left hand, upside down and pull the trigger with my pinkie. (Strongly recommended only at very close range)

I can socially hug somebody by just leaning forward. Their hand doesn’t land on my gun on my right hip.

I can more covertly get my hand on my gun, and even draw, with less attention than the classic elbow out reaching for your right hip.

My shoulders are a little messed up and drawing from a high ride right hip concealment holster is not that good for me anymore.

Now. That said. I will only carry a gun that does not have enough stored energy to fire and, has a hammer. Revolver. TDA auto. My choice is an Sig DAK trigger.

I can put my thumb on the hammer when I holster and there’s tactical feedback if somethings not right.

Outside the waistband appendix was pretty popular in early IPSC days. When the Weaver Stance ruled, right foot back, the draw from appendix was almost perfectly aligned with the target you were aiming at.

 

[balin]

Fast, easy convenient, accessible in more situations. Been my primary way to carry for about 15 years. And haven't shot myself yet!

 

[GRIZ22]

Appendix carry was there in the early 70s when I started carrying. Has been there since people started carrying. Not the only way I carry but I do often.

Far from being a fad.

 

[drobs]

I found appendix carry to uncomfortable when I was skinny and just as uncomfortable now that I'm fat.
I think James Yeager (RIP) made appendix popular.

I thought that guy was a blow hard.

 

[JDeere]

To each his own I guess. I have been carrying IWB at 4 o clock since I started carrying atleat 40 years ago. I have no reason to change...

 

[Mizar]

Every carry option is a compromise - it has advantages and disadvantages, and it's up to the "end user" to decide which one suits his needs the best. I tried appendix in the past, for about a week with a Colt DC - didn't like it because it restrained some of my movements (I was sort of athletic fit back then, not the fat middle aged guy I'm right now...). I wanted to like it because it offers a lot when it comes to real concealment, but it just didn't work well for me. Also, I'm an avid fisherman, who likes to chase trout with artificial baits in small mountain streams - that means lots (and I mean lots) of walking thru rough terrain, constant squatting, bending over, even crawling... No appendix carry for me here, because it simply hurts my guts.

 

[12Bravo20]

The possibility of hitting your femoral artery aside, I have never found AIBW to be comfortable unless I want to wear my pants pulled up above my belly button AKA Steve Urkel style. I am skinny with a slight beer gut and appendix carry has never worked out for me.

There are many different ways to carry concealed. Go with what works best for you and don't worry about what others do.

 

[dodo bird]

I have tried it briefly and can’t understand why is is so popular. Maybe I am doing it wrong, but sitting down was the major problem for me. I can see the advantage if you had to ride a crowded subway everyday.

 

[zdc1775]

I tried appendix carry for the first about a year ago after around 12 or so years carrying IWB at 3-4 o'clock. I quickly found it to be by far the most comfortable way I have ever carried a firearm concealed, especially while driving or riding a motorcycle, and after practicing draw and fire drills a few hundred times over the course of a couple weeks it significantly improved my draw time. It also has the added benefit of allowing me to more easily conceal both a larger handgun and a spare magazine than strongside carry ever did. I will say that it isn't for everybody but you really shouldn't avoid it.

In fact for me it is so much better that I have actually gotten rid of all of my strongside holsters with the exception of the one on a competition rig and another on a battle belt.

And just in case you think it's only for smaller or "more fit" individuals I'll let you know that I am right at 6'0" and weight ~265 lbs with a 38" waist, so not fat but definitely not slim either, and deal with daily repercussions of having broken my back 15 years ago and it works great for me. Actually part of the reason it's so much more comfortable for me is that since I can now use a belt that is not cinched nearly as tight and the gun is still be held in place securely, it significantly reduced the pain I have in my back while/after carrying.

 

[sgt127]

View attachment 1158779 I have tried it briefly and can’t understand why is is so popular. Maybe I am doing it wrong, but sitting down was the major problem for me. I can see the advantage if you had to ride a crowded subway everyday.

You haven’t tried the right holster. Or, your body simply isn’t a good fit. Long waist, Short legs, long torso…whatever. Some things just don’t work. As I mentioned above, my right shoulder really doesn’t like going up high to draw. I used to carry a 1911 in a Milt Sparks Roadrunner. Incredible holster. Right hip. Conceals under almost anything.

Tried it out again the other day. My shoulder said “No” before I even cleared leather. Of course, my hand was almost in my armpit at that point. It also doesn’t help that I have a short torso and, really long legs.

I’m 6’. 174 and wear 34x34 pants.

 

[Mike J]

I have recently moved to appendix carry. I bought one of the little double stack micro 9's for that purpose ( I went cheap it is a Ruger Max 9). It is easier to conceal than any other carry method I've tried.
It was a long while back but I read a post on a forum that made me seriously consider appendix carry. The gist of it was something like this. If I carry a gun on my ankle when I stand up I don't have access. If I carry a gun in my pocket when I sit down I don't have access. If I carry behind my hip access is difficult when seated in a car. Appendix carry means that I have access to the gun at all time unless I am laying on my belly.
It also makes it more difficult for someone to grab my gun without being seen.
My Max-9 has a thumb safety & I believe for this carry method I am fine with that. I have been practicing both dry at home & live at the range disengaging the safety as the pistol comes up on target. It has been a while since I carried a pistol with an external safety but with this carry position it gives me a little more peace of mind.

 

[dodo bird]

You haven’t tried the right holster. Or, your body simply isn’t a good fit. Long waist, Short legs, long torso…whatever. Some things just don’t work. As I mentioned above, my right shoulder really doesn’t like going up high to draw. I used to carry a 1911 in a Milt Sparks Roadrunner. Incredible holster. Right hip. Conceals under almost anything.

Tried it out again the other day. My shoulder said “No” before I even cleared leather. Of course, my hand was almost in my armpit at that point. It also doesn’t help that I have a short torso and, really long legs.

I’m 6’. 174 and wear 34x34 pants.

I would agree I have not put in the effort. It does make sense for some people. And I think you would agree it’s not for everyone. I am happy with Owb or iwb. Like I was saying if I rode a subway I would think differently.

 

[CDW4ME]

I've carried AIWB for years.
-Less likely for me to need to "adjust" or otherwise re-position versus strong side IWB
-Quicker draw than strong side IWB
-I can effectively conceal a larger pistol AIWB than strong side; grip printing if I lean over strong side is a factor.
-I don't print if I bend over or if seated on a stool AIWB. I know, allegedly nobody notices, that said: if there was a contest to spot somebody printing sitting on a stool, you won't catch me.