Appendix carry safety while in car

[RyanM]

Has anyone been involved in a frontal collision car wreck while carrying a concealed handgun in the appendix, or other front-carry position? Did the handgun cause significant injury (i.e. more severe than a handgun-shaped bruise) which wouldn't have happened if the gun had been in a different location? What was the model of the handgun?

Medical professionals, would you say that a compact handgun (MK40 in my case) in between the stomach and the belt has the potential to greatly increase injury in a frontal collision?

It seems to me like the worst injuries would be the result of the seatbelt causing the butt of the gun to jam into the stomach, which could have pretty ugly results. But I'll wait for a more qualified opinion.

 

[Autolycus]

Tag as this is an interesting question. I imagine that it could be a pretty painful bruising at the least.

 

[Erich]

My appendix carried guns are in front of my pelvic girdle - and the butt extends to the side. I'd get a heck of a bruise over the pelvis, but I can't imagine it would break anything. The stomach doesn't even get compressed - I'm pounding my new Shotist AIWB kydex holster with both hands right now, and it's not flexing soft tissue at all.

 

[RyanM]

Hm, I can see where carry at about 2:30 would put the gun over bone. I sort of prefer more like 1:00 / 11:00, though. Further to the side, and even the short little barrel of my MK40 digs into my thigh when sitting.

 

[GunNut]

In the type of accident that it would take for the gun to hurt you seriously, I think the gun on would be the least of your problems.

Most serious accidents seem to be more head trauma and upper body damage than waist level.

I would imagine that the gun and seatbelt would possibly create more bruising, but unless something solid hit the gun there should not be serious damage.

 

[Guitargod1985]

Just don't get into an auto accident while appendix carrying a chamber-loaded 1911 with the hammer down OUCH!

 

[CajunBass]

Under the seat belt sounds uncomfortable even without an accident thrown into the equation.

 

[koja48]

There are better ways to carry, but I think any injuries caused by this would pale in comparison to others that could be sustained in a serious frontal collision.

 

[RyanM]

In a serious accident, yes. But I mean in a slightly more minor one. Could a handgun give you a hernia, when you would've ended up with just a seatbelt bruise instead, without it?

 

[koja48]

I'd guess that in a "fender-bender" the area of your shoulder/collar bone where the shoulder belt crossed would be more sore than that where the lap belt compressed your pistol.