Need some opinions on appendix carry

[Comedian]

Alright, since this is my first post on this forum (although I've lurked for quite awhile) I'll give a brief introduction to myself (if you aren't interested in me, feel free to skip to the next paragraph which contains my inquiry). I'm 22, I currently live in Michigan, and I'm currently in a police academy with the hopes of joining a police department within the next year. As far as my experience with firearms, I've shot rifle since about age 12 and pistols since about age 18. I don't have any real awards or competition experience to speak of, but last week I did win top gun at my academy, and even managed to tie in a competition with a couple of the instructors (one of which has a list of prestigious awards longer then my right leg).

Now for my question: For the last year or year and a half I've been carrying an H&K USP compact in a Covert 28 holster from Horseshoe Leather. Originally I bought it as an experiment to see if I would like leather more then kydex, but sadly I don't (keep in mind, this is not a reflection of the quality of the hardware itself, which is excellent, just my personal preference). Anyway, while browsing the net I came across the Raven Concealment brand of holsters, and was drawn particularly to their appendix carry model. Previous to about a month ago I wasn't really privy to this method of carry (because it seemed very unorthodox and uncomfortable at a glance) but I've begun to seriously consider it. From what I can tell from various reviews and testimonials, they seem to be a serious competitor in the mid to high end kydex market, so I'm confident that the holster will at least be properly built and durable (even if it does turn out to be uncomfortable and not to my liking).

That said, I was wondering whether or not it would be wise to attempt to carry a USP compact this way. And if not that, would carrying a full size 1911 be possible under this configuration. I ask because I'm currently in the market for a Springfield Armory Loaded 1911 with a stainless finish and it wouldn't be to hard to convince me to buy a holster along with it (and maybe some mag pouches too). Anyway, if you've read this far congrats, you've survived my long and blathering post. Any and all relevant responses are appreciated. On a side note, a quick thanks to everyone who posts here for providing the information that has helped me make the decision to buy or not buy several of the firearms and related equipment I've come across over the years.

 

[sophijo]

appendix

It doesn't work for me; awkward draw, painful to sit. DM Bullard has some nice leather for that style though.

 

[bensdad]

I carry appendix IWB. My wife does too. We're both fit. If you have a big gut, forget it. Actually, I'd even say if you have a moderate gut forget it. It is the most comfortable and fastest for me. I don't even know the gun is there. I carry a MilPro. Both me and the wife are about 5'6". I'm in the 155lb area and she's in the 120-125 area.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

With a shorter-barreled gun it can be reasonably comfortable - as long as you are mostly standing or walking - and quite fast. I find that a barrel longer than about 3.5 inches pokes and prods uncomfortably. If you need to draw the gun from sitting, don't touch the trigger until the muzzle is well clear of your body. (You should not do this anyway, but sitting adds the additional danger of shooting yourself in the groin or even femoral artery.)

 

[PT1911]

I dont like that particular method of carry, not for discomfort but for the fact that I am pointing a gun at my groin... I much prefer a small of the back carry ITP holster.

 

[Maia007]

I got turned onto appendix carry last fall. I use it for a 2" J frame and a 3" Kahr PM9. I am middle aged and am not as lean as I once was but I don't have a huge gut. It is more comfortable to me than the same guns carried IWB at 4 o'clock. Don't know why that is, but it is.

In my view, these pieces conceal well with only a light sweater or vest with appendix. In the heat of summer, I pocket carry the same.

There is no way that I would find appendix carry comfortable with a larger framed piece.

I use the Comp Tac 2 o'clock kydex holster with a very good belt.

 

[Comedian]

Duh, I probably should have posted some physical info here to help you guys out a bit. I'm about 5'9", 165Lbs, wear a size 32 or 34 pants (depending on what kind of pants they are). I'm pretty fit, no real gut to speak of. Anyway, from what I'm reading here, a 5" 1911 is looking like a no go. However, would an H&K USP compact work (at least, theoretically)? As a comparison I just tucked the gun with leather holster at about the 2 o'clock position about as far as it would go and it didn't really bother me all that much (at least, not any more then carrying OWB does). Granted, I don't know how representative any of this is, so feel free to comment. Thanks for the advice so far.

 

[bensdad]

You're gonna have to go through the same process we all have. There's just no way to avoid the "holster drawer." Get what looks comfortable. Try it. It won't be. Get something else. Rinse, lather, repeat.

My third holster (for my carry piece) finally worked out. The other two are sitting in a box with some friends. There's even a shoulder rig in there. Talk about a miserable way to carry a gun. But some folks dig it. It's a very personal, individual thing.

 

[9mmepiphany]

a well known eary pratitioner of this concealed carry was also a well respected holster maker whose designs are still copied. he was a undercover narc who carried a Colt Commander in this position under and untucked shirt.

his name is Bruce Nelson and he wwas the original desiner of the definative IWB holster...the Summer Special.

a IWB holster in this position conceals well and is extremely fast. comfort with the full sized 1911...it's just .75" longer than the Commander... will depend more on your body build (from waist to inseam)

 

[dairycreek]

I carry a 2-1/4" Ruger SP-101 in a Comp-Tac 2 O'Clock Carry holster which is a more or less dedicated "appendix carry" holster. For the record I am 6"3" and weigh 259 pounds and am 72 years of age. I am wearing this combo while I type this response and find it both secure and comfortable. For me it is an excellent carry mode and I recommend it highly.

 

[Comedian]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I think I'm just gonna take the plunge like bensdad suggested, since it's a bit too much to expect anyone to know how the holster is going to feel when I'm wearing it. I'll probably put an order in for one later this week, so perhaps when I get it I'll post a review. Thanks again for the advice!