for those who appendix carry...

[texas bulldog]

i'm finding that a gun conceals easier on my body in the appendix position than the more common 4:00 position. for those of you who appendix carry, i pose the following questions:

1. what gun are you carrying there?
2. what holster do you like for appendix position? i'm assuming IWB, but educate me if i'm wrong. most seem angled for 4:00.
3. do you find it more/less comfortable than 4:00?
4. do you find it more/less concealable than 4:00?
5. any difference in draw time, either positively or negatively?
6. do you feel there is any increase in the risk of ND at appendix position compared to 4:00?

anything else i'm not thinking of that would be helpful in comparing appendix to 4:00?

thanks in advance!

 

[BlindJustice]

I carry a 1911 5" Bbl. in a Milt SParks OWB #Axiom holster
at the approx. 3:30 position I'm not sure what you mean by
"Appendix" position. Perhaps you could put a clock value to
equate the difference tween 4:00 and "Appendix" ???

I wear a 'fishing type" vest most days,

Randall

 

[texas bulldog]

sorry. "appendix carry" is in front of your appendix, the vestigial organ people sometimes have removed. somewhere between 1:00 and 2:00 i guess. that's always what i've heard it called. sorry if i was being unclear.

 

[Matt-J2]

I've often thought of keeping something small there, like an LCP, NAA Guardian, etc. I'm just not good with pocket carry, but appendix carry would keep it out the way and the smaller pistol would be less annoying.
I think.

 

[JCMAG]

I have trouble with appendix carry. When walking, the gun presses against my leg as my leg moves forward. It is almost impossible for me when sitting, as the gun is then in my lap, twisted between its vertical fastening to my belt and the horrizontal pressence of my legs.

I just can't do it. I am curious to hear about others' experience, though. Appendix carry interests me, also. I've tried it and am perfectly open minded to trying it again with a little insight.

To answer your direct questions:

1. what gun are you carrying there?

My carry gun is a S&W J-frame.

2. what holster do you like for appendix position? i'm assuming IWB, but educate me if i'm wrong. most seem angled for 4:00.

When not pocket carrying, I use a Bianchi IWB. This is definitely not the holster for appendix carry, in my opinion.

3. do you find it more/less comfortable than 4:00?

Significantly less comfortable, nigh impossible for my body-shape (tall and skinny), dress style (regular cut jeans and semi-loose t-shirt), and the height at which I wear my belt (inch or so below navel).

4. do you find it more/less concealable than 4:00?

If I could manage to sit while appendix carrying and to prevent it from wobbling with my walking, I believe it would be among the best conceability out there, especially if you have computer-dork posture like I do.

5. any difference in draw time, either positively or negatively?

I noticed that, when drawing, the gun has to be turned toward the aggressor when drawing from the appendix position. When drawing from the 3 or 4 o'clock, the gun is already mostly lined up with the direction that the defender is facing.

If the defender had his weak side facing the aggressor in order to lower his/her profiile and to slightly mask his/her drawing, appendix carry could be have an advantage.

6. do you feel there is any increase in the risk of ND at appendix position compared to 4:00?

No. ND, I believe, results largely from negligence from the user. There is nothing inherent in an appendix carry holster, in so far as I am aware, nor a 3 or 4 o'clock holster, that would cause the carrier to grip the firearm and grap its trigger unintentionally. ND, unless a mechanical malfunction, is operator failure as far as I am aware.

 

[SAWBONES]

...sorry. "appendix carry" is in front of your appendix...

Or, if you're left-handed, in front of your descending colon (about 11 o'clock).

Somehow, "descending colon carry" just doesn't seem to catch on, though.

 

[alistaire]

There are peple who swear by this, but I just don't like the idea of storing a loaded gun pointing at my you know what.

 

[made2cut]

I carry all my guns (jframe, uspc, colt commander, sig 229 & 245) in that position IWB. I use lots of different holster brands both kydex and leather. I'm a slim built guy so I think that has a lot to do with whether you can carry at the 1:00 position. A full size 1911 is a little long but most everything else works for me.

 

[texas bulldog]

There are peple who swear by this, but I just don't like the idea of storing a loaded gun pointing at my you know what.

i hear that a lot with any kind of carry in front. that's why i threw in the question about NDs.

however...i gotta say that it seems to me that poor trigger discipline is a problem whether you carry in front or back. and proper trigger discipline will keep you safe whether it's in front or back. every time i read about someone shooting their junk, it's because they had their finger on the trigger while holstering (or "pantsing" as the case may be). simple solution...don't do that.

also...i would add that appendix carry isn't really pointing at your junk. it may, however, be pointing at your femoral artery.

so do you feel fine with pointing a gun at your butt? again, it seems to me that trigger discipline is paramount in either case...

 

[Haywood]

I carry Snubs in the appendix area most of the time. I carry my backup Snub in my left rear pocket or on the waist on the left side at about 8:30 to 9:30 depending on the cover garment. I like the main carry gun at appendix position because after a while at the 4:00 position it bothers my back. Appendix seams to be more comfortable for my fat gut. I can draw easy from there and I can move it in to a 1:00 or back to a 3:00 depending on the size. My 617 Taurus is the biggest and my 605 Taurus is the smallest. My Glock 26 is not that comfortable there so it gets pushed back or is carried in a back pocket or on the belt. If I had to draw in self defense, I think it would be easy to kind of turn away a little and make for a more discreet draw.

 

[symr00]

1. what gun are you carrying there? Glock G23 and SIG P229R
2. what holster do you like for appendix position? i'm assuming IWB, but educate me if i'm wrong. most seem angled for 4:00. All IWB holsters with a straight drop 0 degree cant....FIST Kydex #, High Noon Mr. Softy and Don Hume PCCH
3. do you find it more/less comfortable than 4:00? More comfortable
4. do you find it more/less concealable than 4:00? Much more concealable
5. any difference in draw time, either positively or negatively? Much faster on draw during CQB scenarios and while flying and driving.
6. do you feel there is any increase in the risk of ND at appendix position compared to 4:00? Absolutely not. In fact I think a ND is less likely because you can see the gun when reholstering. Personally, my off duty gun is always holstered when clipped to my belt. My duty weapon only gets holstered when I'm in plain clothes and need to lock it up before going into a secured area at work.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Aah yes...mexican carry only with a holster. In the summer I carry a semi-auto at 4:00 IWB with a sport shirt not tucked in or buttoned. In the winter I carry at 1:00 (appendix?) a .357 magnum mod 19.

In the summer it is much easier to conceal at 4:00. In the winter I can get at it much faster at 1:00 by unsnapping my Levi fleece lined coat...

There is no more danger for a ND in front or in back as long as you keep your "booger hook" off the trigger. Just more to blow off if you have a NG...

 

[Erik]

1. what gun are you carrying there?
SIG P229R or S&W 340

2. what holster do you like for appendix position?
I've tried a variety, and still haven't quite settled on one. Straight drop will do, an adjustable cant is ever better so you can dial it in. Holsters without a lot of extra bulk or width work best - you don't need extra material jamming against your thigh crease or anywhere else.

3. do you find it more/less comfortable than 4:00?
More comfortable
4. do you find it more/less concealable than 4:00?
More concealable

5. any difference in draw time, either positively or negatively?
Two handed draw times from appendix are faster; much faster while seated, negotiating a seat belt, etc. One handed is faster or equal, depending on where the hand begins from and the cover a bit slower, but that puts it about even with strong side draw times. Note: Where the hands begin from and what is being worn factor a lot into the equation. Staged up front, hands casually clasped or from amost any centerline posture, the economy of motion really pays off with draw times.

6. do you feel there is any increase in the risk of ND at appendix position compared to 4:00?
No. I have noted the tendency for many appendix carriers either watch the reholstering process, or take unnecessary time with it while not watching. Both can be bad, with watching the worse of the two. It is possibly familiarity related, comfort level related, extreme caution related, or some combination.

 

[dairycreek]

Carry the Ruger SP-101 in a Comp-tac 2'O'clock carry holster otherwise knows as "appendix carry". Done this for several months now and have found this to be safe, secure, stable, and, above all, a comfortable way to carry concealed. Like it better than the 4:00 O'clock carry position in every way and recommend it highly.

 

[DJW]

Like Dairy Creek I carry the little Ruger(2+in.)but in a Bianchi #100 iwb. More comfortable and concealable than behind hip for me. Have found I can move it around(change the cant)to suit driving or walking fairly easily. Also feel it is less likely to be snatched by some miscreant in the appendix position. Do not like behind the hip for driving(not comfortable for me)and feel exposed to those behind me in that position. Have found an untucked shirt or t-shirt conceals it very well. YMMV.

 

[eagle45]

1. what gun are you carrying there?
Ruger SP101 or Taurus 851 BUL.

2. what holster do you like for appendix position? i'm assuming IWB, but educate me if i'm wrong. most seem angled for 4:00.
Clipdraw for the SP101, Bianchi #6 IWB for the Taurus.

3. do you find it more/less comfortable than 4:00?
Much more comfortable for me. Between a developing Rotator Cuff issue on my right shoulder, and some annoying arthritis, 4:00 just isn't an option for me.

4. do you find it more/less concealable than 4:00?
Since I never carry at 4:00 I can't really compare, but I find appendix carry very concealable. The SP 101 with the ClipDraw really disappears with just a t-shirt covering it.

5. any difference in draw time, either positively or negatively?
Again, I cannot compare to 4:00 carry, but draw time is quick and access is easy.

6. do you feel there is any increase in the risk of ND at appendix position compared to 4:00?
No, and I wouldn't consider it more of a risk compared to any other mode of carry if I keep my finger off the trigger as I should.

 

[CHEVELLE427]

Most of my IWB holsters are Bianchi PRO 100 IWB. They seem to do the trick for me, I have just lately tried out a Bianchi shadow for my CIA 38 and am liking it a lot.

on the pro 100 i have used them for my XD sc40, 1911, PT1911, PT145, baby eagle 45, there maybe better holsters out there but i have not tried many of them.
did use a DON HOUM sob ONCE, got out of the truck and heard a clank behind me, turned t see what it was and there my gun laid, never felt it come out. That was the last time for that holster.

 

[BlindJustice]

I have the Milt Sparks #Axiom OWB "FBI" cant
I.E.
1 - the muzzle is reareward
and the gun canted forward, if the muzzle is aimed anywhere
it's about a foot behind me.
It wears differently somewhat depending on
the position of the belt loops. At times it sits almost
4 o'clock and interferes with my access to the bill fold.
I don't see any chance of the finger going onto the trigger
on the draw as the trigger is completely encased by the holster
- i i'ts for a 1911 Condition one, cocked and loked.

I recently purchased a CZ 75B with the DA first shot option I
am ordering a Milt Sparks #55BN with a cross draw cant - for sitting
at a table or in a car it is far more accesible for a expedient draw.

I probably don't need to say I have a CPL - but I should also say
I'm legally blind - I usually have a sturdy "support" cane that is white
with the red tip. It's come in handy twice for a quick chop or poke
and a fist or other come hither bitch and don't think about it....
I remember the baton training for SP duty USN. and my dark glasses
yah know? It's about Jeff Cooper's awareness deal.... I travel by
Greyhound a bit and the bus drivers know me or I let them know
I'm there to be part of the solution etc.

what was the question.... oh screw the 1-2pm carry
nobody points a weapon at my lifelong playmate Big Johnny
or my femoral artery without me taking action.

YCarryMV,

Got it?

Randall

 

[bakert]

I carry this Ruger P97 and revolvers forward like this most all of the time but although I've shot 'em quite a bit I'm fairly new to carrying a 1911 concealed, and being a rather timid soul, a cocked and locked pistol goes further back for peace of mind concerning Willy.

 

[sgt127]

I'm a huge fan of appendix carry. However, I don't think I could carry anything larger than a 3" K frame there, Thats what I have been carrying for awhile now in a Milt Sparks Summer Special.

Here are the advantages as I see them:
Easy access while seated, in a car, at dinner etc.
Gun stays concealed better. In a crowd, people will bump into you, brush against you from behind. Very rarely will somebody brush up against the front of you. You can just kind of drape your arms in front of you to protect it.
Doesn't print when you bend over.
You can access the gun if you are pinned to a wall or flat on your back. Alot of current gun training goes back to the IPSC days. We envision ourselves standing up in a classic Weaver stance (or whatever stance you like), drawing our weapon and dealing with the threat. In the real world, that threat may be two big drunks with pool cues beating the crap out of you while you lay on the floor...Pinned up against a wall being beaten senseless, curled up on the ground in the fetal position trying to protect your head from kicks...whatever. A gun at the four o'clock is a bitch to get to if you can't get that elbow behind you.
And, finally, the appendix draw can be blindingly fast...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Q2Il86-38A

 

[3KillerBs]

Being female and about double my ideal weight the 2:30 position seems to be about the only place on my body that I can conceal. Even overweight females have a hollow just in front of the hipbones that non-spandex clothing skims over.

I haven't gotten the gun yet but I experimented with a borrowed gun and it worked well -- as long as the gun was below a certain maximum length (determined by what would poke into my leg when sitting), and maximum height (determined by what would jab into my ribs when sitting).

The part that's going to be difficult is that my extremely female pelvis (I gave birth to a baby with an 18.5" head), requires between 30 and 45 degrees of barrel-forward cant. I don't know if holsters like that even exist.

Once I have the gun I expect I'll have to start by modifying a belly band or a smartcarry/thunderwear holster. Fortunately, I'm an accomplished sewist.

 

[pogo2]

Kahr MK9

I often carry a Kahr MK9 pistol in a Comp-Tac "2 o'clock" holster in appendix position. It works very well and is quite comfortable. I believe the draw is very fast from that position, as you can use your weak side hand to lift the cover garment before drawing the gun, and the distance travelled by the gun to aiming position is shorter than with behind the hip carry.

I think appendix carry works best with a small gun (the MK9 has a 3 inch barrel and a 2 finger grip), and with a fairly flat stomach so the gun has a hollow spot in which to hide. The gun is pointed at your right thigh, so it is good to be very careful with drawing and holstering to avoid an accident. The Kahr has a 7 pound DAO trigger with a long stroke, and I am careful to keep my finger off the trigger until the gun is on target.

Here are photos of the gun and the holster:

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I've done a little "appendix" carry. I remain ambivalent about it, but can provide some input.

1. what gun are you carrying there?

Glock 19.

2. what holster do you like for appendix position? i'm assuming IWB, but educate me if i'm wrong. most seem angled for 4:00.

An IWB with a neutral (vertical, no tilt) cant seems to work the best. In this case it is a Don Hume H715 because it is what I have. The typical forward-canted IWB, in this position, is very awkward to draw from.

3. do you find it more/less comfortable than 4:00?

Less, because the muzzle pokes me uncomfortably - and in a tender spot - when walking. However, a slimmer and shorter gun would probably be more comfortable.

4. do you find it more/less concealable than 4:00?

About the same. If you are moving through crowds, IMO there is a little less risk of someone feeling your gun if they bump into you.

5. any difference in draw time, either positively or negatively?

It seems about the same.

6. do you feel there is any increase in the risk of ND at appendix position compared to 4:00?

Not if you keep your booger hook off the bang switch. But if you do have a "ND" while drawing, you can shoot yourself in the lower intestines, genitals or even the femoral artery. whereas a ND from 4:00 might just plow a furrow through your butt cheek or thigh. This is particularly risky from a seated position. When you draw, pull the gun straight upward and turn the muzzle away from yourself before you start pushing your arm/gun toward the target. Under no circumstances should you ever angle the muzzle toward your body.

anything else i'm not thinking of that would be helpful in comparing appendix to 4:00?

When driving, the gun is much more accessible (in case of a carjack) than at 4:00. However, it also sits where the lap part of your seat belt wants to ride. I would not want a hard object suddenly jammed into my gut in case of an accident.

 

[Daemon688]

u1. what gun are you carrying there?

P239

2. what holster do you like for appendix position? i'm assuming IWB, but educate me if i'm wrong. most seem angled for 4:00.

I got a holster IWB cochise defender from KDholsters.com waited a couple of months for it, but it was totally worth it.

3. do you find it more/less comfortable than 4:00?

More comfortable.

4. do you find it more/less concealable than 4:00?

Much more concealable.

5. any difference in draw time, either positively or negatively?

If there is any difference, it's probably very minor.

6. do you feel there is any increase in the risk of ND at appendix position compared to 4:00?

An increased risk of ND? I don't think so. When I reholster I look down and very carefully put it back in its home. A ND while standing would probably put a bullet if not in my foot, somewhere near my foot. A ND while sitting would be pretty catastrophic since my gun would be situated in the area around the femoral artery. Am I concerned? No, as long as my finger is off the trigger, there is nothing for my trigger to get caught up on.


It's much easier to draw from the sitting position while appendix carrying. Sitting is also more comfortable than at the 4 o'clock position. With the way my holster is canted, it doesn't jab against my thigh but it rests there.

 

[Prince Yamato]

Not to go off topic here, but I often appendix carry and am looking for a holster that puts most of the gun below the belt. I currently use an uncle mike's holster for my G26 and the thing rests up by my ribs. Is there anything that securely holds the gun low (as in "as low as the gun would ride if I just stuffed it in my pants alla mexican carry")?