Appendix Carry - what's all the hype about?

AShooting Journal ^ | 8/8/2016 | J Hines

[w1n1]

There are many ways to carry your concealed handguns, which brings up the argument of appendix carry vs the four o’clock, small of back or under the armpit position, etc. Appendix carry has grown in popularity, whether that’s by watching too many Hollywood movies or experimenting with the different position. Another thing that’s talked about is the carrier body composition as a factor. Seems like the thinner folks have an easier time concealing the handguns versus another who’s a little on the heavier side.

Appendix carry’s concept is straight forward: The handgun is holstered at the front of the body where the hands are at most of the time. The advantages are many: a fast, intuitive, and easy to draw from nearly any body position; provides excellent retention and some comfort. So how effective is the carry? One way is to implement it through a course of fire, but is that adequate for a gun fight? Maybe, run the test while going through a force on force test with air guns. The results may vary based on your training and experience level.

Shooters from across the web have different things to say and factors are many when compared to male vs female to the type of clothing you're wearing, here's some of the conversation on USACarry, GlockTalk and Reddit concealed carry:

Nodpete: I prefer the appendix carry. It just feels better with my body shape and I think that you get less printing at this position. It’s also comfortable when your sitting/driving and doesn’t show when you bend forward. I use an Aliengear Tuck 2.0 and love it. It comes stock with a 15 degree FBI carry but I modified it to the straight up position.

bofh: I carry a Glock 26 (and sometimes a Glock 19 or Glock 20) at 4 o’clock, but that shouldn’t influence your decision at all. There are pros and cons for both. You need to try it out. In any case, a good belt and holster make the difference.

Damn_Yankee: Very comfortable even while seated and driving. I am 5′ 7″ and 160 lbs and I can conceal my G19 in just about anything I want to wear.

MichaelsPerHour: My issue with SOB (Small of Back) is that you’re placing a hard metal object in a place where your body has basically no padding of your spine, which means if you slip and fall on your back, bad things can happen. There are other advantages to AIWB like draw speed, retention, easier to see if your shirt is riding up, etc. But the fear of slipping on ice and making myself a paraplegic is number one.

Lumber********: I never thought of that, I don’t like SOB because you don’t have eyes on the back of your head and it seems like it would be easier for someone to sneak up behind you and snag your firearm. Read the rest of the sentiments and see the video on proper way of drawing from the appendix position here. What are your experience with conceal carry the ups and down?

[Tijeras_Slim]

It’s a lot more comfortable than rectum carry.

[reaganaut]

I carry small of back, I have a sway lower back so there is extra room and you cannot tell even with just a tshirt on (no jacket needed). Where you carry is a personal preference, just make sure to practice drawing and use snap caps if you dry fire. You want your draw to be automatic as possible in case you never do need to clear leather.

[riverrunner]

Having carried a hand gun for over 40yars concealed and openly almost everyday of those 40 years I never found appendix carry that useful.

But than that is just me I am also rather on the slim size.

[ChildOfThe60s]

Or vagina carry.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/tn-woman-loaded-gun-hidden-vagina-pleads-guilty-article-1.2440808

[Bringbackthedraft]

Damn, I’ve got a problem, my 995 doesn’t fit under my shirt. Maybe I can find something like a sword sheath I can sling over my back?

[moonhawk]

Many years ago, I was with a friend who had a .45 1911 tucked in his belt in front. When we sat down in his Austin Healy Mini, the gun went off. OOPS! Blew himself a new @$$hole.

We got him to the hospital in time.

Lesson learned: Learn how to operate your firearms.

[ctdonath2]

Never point a gun at anything you’re not willing to destroy... like your own femoral artery.

[T-Bone Texan]

“LumberCockSucker”?

For once I am at a loss for words.

No haiku will be forthcoming on this thread.

[William Tell]

ctdonath2 said: "Never point a gun at anything you’re not willing to destroy... like your own femoral artery."

That's my take on it. Such an accident would be barely survivable.

[Boogieman]

Drawing from the back is a Hollywood myth (at least for swords):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoMLrKInT8g

[Boogieman]

Hey, I’ve got a spare!

[DesertRhino]

Idiotic. Aim a striker fired no safety pistol at your nuts, your pelvis and femoral artery, instead of a chunk of leg or butt cheek. But it’s very trendy.

[smokingfrog]

Not my thing ...

[FateAmenableToChange]

Someone had to say it. Glad it was you.

[T-Bone Texan]

It lept out at me, kinda like how the pervs lept out at me when I used to ride my mountain bike in the woods at night.

[ImJustAnotherOkie]

Rectal carry has an anal retention problem.

[ctdonath2]

Yup, most any other holstering accident should be survivable (surface or extremity), even likely a narrow miss. Appendix carry had an excellent chance of killing or, er, sterilizing you.

[Celerity]

Carry should always be up to the individual. Unfortunately, and we’ve all been there, you’ll go through about $1000 in holsters before finding the right one.

I love appendix carry but it needs to be a short barrel, and extra thin. And sitting is done differently. No slouching forward.

In the back though the actual presentation of the firearm becomes clunky and sticky. I have a shoulder rig for the Beretta 84 (Currently my smallest) and I can’t put my arms down at their sides. I’ve gone through 6 shoulder rigs costing about $700 in experimentation.

But as for a striker fired pistol, as long as the holster is designed specifically for that gun, I don’t see the issue. Beginners are buying striker fired pistols for their cost, and then continuing their frugality by buying universal, nylon or really poor leather holsters.

Kydex is the recommendation for most fit, but since moving to Milt Sparks leather IWB solutions that are specifically designed for that gun I’ll never go back. I open carry most of the time though.

Oh, and a M-S holster will set you back $120-$160 and about 6 months of delivery time.

[Celerity]

I, unlike Mr Cocksucker, don’t have apprehensions about this style of carry. If you arch your back, no one will get your pistol. It’s a simple maneuver and it comes naturally.

I know you don’t like me, but I still had to reply to your post.