Who likes "appendix carry"?

[ravencon]

Maybe it is an increasingly creaky shoulder, but I'm starting to like "appendix carry" more and more. It has a lot of advantages and some substantial disadvantages.

Pro--Access is quicker and less encumbered, more secure, less likely to "print", can move hand closer to gun without telegraphing intent.

Cons-uncomfortable when seated, limits carry choice to smaller guns.

Those who appendix carry--what do you carry and what kind of holsters do you like.

Feel free to jump in and discuss your experiences.

 

[wally]

Works for me, the butt of the gun fits nicely in front of the "love handles" and doesn't print

Kahr PM40, S&W SC360 or Keltec-P3AT is what I usually carry -- right on about the sitting down issues. I use a cheap Uncle Mike's or Gunmate IWB clip on. The way I dress, I couldn't conceal a quality leather belt holster without the gun.

--wally.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I've tried it, both on my strong side and as a semi-crossdraw, but don't really like it. It is far more accessible while driving than behind the hip, but when seated in a vehicle the muzzle points at my femoral artery, pokes and prods uncomfortably, and the seat belt runs across it which would jam a hard metal object into my abdomen in the event of an accident. When standing and walking it isn't bad. An IWB holster with a vertical (no cant) carry is just about perfect for it.

 

[Starter52]

I used to carry a PPK that way, thirty years and 30 pounds ago . . . .

OK, maybe it was FIFTY pounds ago.

 

[glockman19]

I just don't like the fact that if I had a AD I'd blow my B@##$ off.

 

[Jkwas]

I can carry a Taurus 605 snub at 2o'clock all day in a Bianchi black widow and you can't even see it under a loose polo or t-shirt. For OWB it's the best way I have found. That said, I can't see it working with more than a 3in barrel.

 

[springmom]

That's how I carry both my Kimber and my snubbie. Actually, I sometimes slide the Kimber around to the side a bit, because sitting down can be a tad uncomfortable with appendix carry. But it's the best way I've ever found to disguise the grip. The snubbie, especially, just disappears when I wear it that way.

Springmom

 

[eagle45]

Taurus 85BUL in a Bianchi #6 works for me.

 

[littlelefty]

Well, my only experience with appendix carry was when I was experimenting with CCW with my unloaded 1911. I puchased an inexpensive Bianchi IWB to give it a try. I placed said combo just left of front center and wandered around the house a bit. Hmm, not bad, no one notices. Then I tried to get in the car
It's all OWB for me now. But soneday I'll have to get a smaller piece for times when the 1911 can't come with me.
Oh well, it was funnier then that it sounds now.

 

[JN01]

I've been appendix carrying my Glock 26 in a Don Hume H715 (will occasionally use SmartCarry depending on how I'm dressed).

The Don Hume has the gun riding a little higher than some others, and combined with the short slide of a sub-compact Glock, is comfortable even when sitting.

I've tried other holsters for conventional IWB carry, but never found anything I found as comfortable as appendix carry.

I also have a FIST #9 pancake holster which I like, but found more advantages to the Don Hume holster.

As you pointed out, it prints less and is a liitle quicker to draw from appendix carry.

I also like the fact that the Don Hume is easily and quickly removeable if I need to stow the gun in the car before going into a CPZ.

 

[crebralfix]

I like it too. I've been converting over now that I have a means to make and modify kydex holsters. I built one that works great and modified my Blade-Tech IWBs to be serviceable.

 

[pax]

Works for me -- it's the primary way I've carried for over 7 years now.

Glock 26 (subcompact 9mm); Blade-Tech UCH holster (IWB tuckable); currently using a Cunningham Custom Leather belt.

Oh, classic hourglass female body shape. Not a whole lot of other on-body options work with curves.

pax

 

[elrod]

I have an ambidextrous holster that I use appendix carry, not only does it hold my M60, but also hi-powers and even my 24/7. The big thing is the ability to change cant to conceal or to make the carry more comfortable. A shirttail or windbreaker covers nicely

 

[johndoe1027]

I carry IWB a Rossi M88 38spl snub in a Uncle Mikes Sidekick (soft) with no strap. I love it for summer. I can take off the gun and leave to holster on with zero discomfort which is nice while driving and the bank etc.
I also use the same holster for the M&P compact but I have to slide around to 3 oclock because it's too darn wide for up front.
1:00 to 1:30 is my favorite Carry spot. The AD scares the crap out of me too which is another reason the 5 lb "trigger safety only" M&P doesn't point at the same place the DAO 12 lb'er does.

 

[targatop]

I second Glockman!

 

[jrfoxx]

on the rare occasions I carry IWB, thats how I do it. S&W 637 in a cheap Uncle Mikes IWB holster.It hides very well, is easy to get to, and its as comfortable a position as IWB gets for me (which I dont find terribly comfortable, but do-able when needed)

 

[Legionnaire]

My IWB preference is 4:00 o'clock on strong side hip. However, right side appendix carry is where my 2" SP101 rides using a Clipdraw instead of a holster. Works great under an un-tucked polo shirt or sweater. Short barrel makes it easy, even when seated.

 

[nathan]

I use the appendix carry using my Polish P 64 in a Don Hume IWB. Even with a t shirt its very concealable. The SIg 228 rides at 4 pm IWB when i carry.

 

[Trebor]

I carry a 3" S&W Model 65 in a Alessi Talon clip-on IWB holster in the appendix carry position. My previous carry gun was a EG Makarov in a cheap clip-on IWB rig in the same location. Works for me.

Gun size is important. The Smith and the Mak are the only guns I have that have worked in that location. I'm going to get a suitable holster and try my Sig 239 in that spot, but that might be pushing it.

 

[03Shadowbob]

I carry this way sometimes especially with my PT140 MilPro in a Don Hume IWB holster. It's plenty comfortable whether sitting, standing or bending over.

 

[hnk45acp]

I carry this way w/ my HK usp compact 9mm in a bianchi black widow holster. It tells me when I need to lose a few pounds. I stand most of the time and don't drive and find that it's the best way to conceal

 

[V-fib]

Love the appendix carry. S&W 642 in a Fist Kydex k-8 holster.

 

[crebralfix]

I find appendix carry results in a faster draw due to economy of motion.

 

[coelacanth]

count me in . . . . .

S&W Model 13 - DAO - bobbed hammer spur in an old Rogers IWB with adjustable cant. That's my only IWB rig and what I always carry if IWB is called for. Yes, it's a royal pain when you are driving so I remove it and put it back before I exit the vehicle but it appeals to me for the same reasons it appeals to you. Fast, secure, doesn't print and old habits are hard to break

 

[obxned]

Might work for me - even if naked in a rain storm, the gun would stay dry!