An appendix is a hidden carry method. This tool becomes popular due to its convenience and tactical advantages.
However, some people find it annoying to wear. This problem results from the wrong position and customization according to the body type of the user.
This article will discuss the appendix its uses, how to adjust it, and how to choose the most suitable model for one's use. Let's read on to discover!
Table Of Contents
What Is Appendix Carry?
The phrase "appendix carry" implies the way a holster sits against your waist near your appendix.
The regular position of this manner of carrying is around halfway between the waistband zipper and the trouser pocket. This placement is usually used with an IWB carry (In the Waistband) holster for better concealment.
That's the reason why we also call an appendix carry AIWB.
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Appendix carry is now a little more complex than it used to be in the nineteenth century. The modern method provides specific belts, holsters, and tactics that make it considerably comfortable and safe wearing.
Is Appendix Carry Safe?
Pros And Cons Of The Appendix Carry
For contemporary armed citizens, appendix carry may be a feasible concealed-carry solution.
This approach, however, has both benefits and drawbacks. Most of them depend on what you're handling and how well-trained you could be. Before putting your weapon into a holster, address the following issues.
Advantages
These reasons may urge you to get an appendix:
Simplicity
You may find it simple to grab something from an appendix carry position. When it comes to drafting and having a shot on an aim, you could save a lot of time. It's quicker since your hands usually are nearer to the weapon, requiring less total effort to withdraw the gun.
If you notice where your hands usually sit while walking and standing, you'll see that grabbing a belt buckle is much faster than going for the 4 or 5 o'clock position.
Convenience
It's much simpler to slide the appendix carry holster and perhaps a handgun into your waistband. The method of putting an AIWB is as easy as sliding it in, placing the clip, and tightening the belt.
Better retention
Even when a holster sticks to your body, the pistol may still hang out when positioned on the strong side. There's only a chance for someone to take it from you.
You can gain better weapon retention with the support of an appendix carry. If someone wants to steal your handgun, you can keep it much more easily from the front than the back or the side.
No printing
When you stoop, bend, or walk around, a pistol placed on your body is much less likely to leave any printing on your covering clothing. If you're wearing a T-shirt with the shirttail exposed, it performs even better.
With enough training, one may rapidly learn tips for clearing the cover clothing with a supporting hand within a draw stroke.
Tactical advantages
A tactical benefit might also be achievable by drawing from an appendix concealed carry position.
When sketching from your hip or behind your hip, the elbow swings backward just to get your hand into the right position, resulting in a telltale backward movement of the elbow. With the assistance of an IWB carry, you don't need to do such things.
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The appendix carry offers tons of benefits
Disadvantages
When reholstering or drawing, the major downside of appendix carry is the negligent discharge (ND).
ND generally results in a wound to the back of your thigh buttocks or your buttock because you carry the holster around your hip. These wounds are minor.
On the other hand, if the ND happens to the front side, the consequences are life-threatening.
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Be extra careful to the negligent discharge
Another disadvantage when you carry appendix is discomfort.
Basic tasks such as driving, sitting, and lacing the shoes may cause discomfort to certain people. It's important to mention that you can reduce or even eliminate the pains with the right belt and holster.
How To Appendix Carry Comfortably?
The advantages of the appendix carry still outweigh the disadvantages. However, those drawbacks are still so annoying. To bring out the best of the tool, try these appendix carry tips.
Adjust your pants' height
Your gun can poke into your body as you bend or sit. It may make you feel uncomfortable while doing your duties. With an appendix concealed carry, you must hope to keep comfortable, comprehensive mobility.
You should wear jeans higher up on the waist to minimize this pain. While sitting, keep the pants higher, and thus your pistol will stay at a more elevated position too.
This posture enables the holster to stretch with you. That approach also aids in avoiding injury from your weapon.
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You should wear the pants higher up on the waist
Leave enough space for a firm grip
Regarding the appendix carry, you can always obtain a good grip on your weapon.
It's crucial to allow enough space between the sides of the pistol and your pants to achieve a better grip. When you're about to draw the weapon fast, this guideline is exceptionally crucial.
Let's begin by altering or selecting a holster that suits you perfectly. Think about things like your hand size and your bike height too.
Follow your body type for appendix carry position
Your body has a significant impact on the appendix concealed carry. Skinny men should limit holster friction with bony parts, especially when wearing stiff holsters. If the wearer is fatter, he needs to reduce the ride height of the holster.
Appendix carry for skinny users
Skinny men have a disadvantage in terms of carrying in an appendix position. Bony protrusions (such as the hip bone) are frequently a source of irritation. Minimize pistol cant if you want to ensure AIWB carry comfort.
When you cant the weapon, the butt cover can grind into your hip bone. For slender individuals with appendix carry, a vertical position will be more pleasant.
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A vertical position is more suitable
Nevertheless, if the canted holster is convenient for you, you can adjust the IWB holster nearer to your body's central axis. Just that slight cant makes a big difference. However, please don't overdo it to avoid a hazardous muzzle angle.
Appendix carry equipped with a holster may have a slightly greater ride height. This combination is also advisable for slim guys. You don't have to worry about being poked as often as big guys do. While sitting, however, the ride height keeps the muzzle from rubbing into your lower stomach and your hip flexors. Digging is the most significant concern for appendix carry for slim users, because the back of the weapon might often poke into your stomach when you're seated.
Your outfit choices may be able to help relieve this discomfort. The ideal clothing is silky, tight-fitting fabric.
Appendix carry for fat users
If you are fat and need to carry appendix, decreasing your holster's riding height is a must.
Reducing your holster's ride height can aid in keeping the skin and fat on your stomach from getting poked by the back of your slide.
If you're wearing your pants low on the waist, this tip may not be essential. To achieve the optimal ride height, you'll have to do some experiments.
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Reducing the ride height is advisable
If you have a big stomach, we suggest canting the holster gently. In most cases, a little cant in the appendix concealed carry posture, whether standing or sitting, is enough to ease any irritation. However, bear in mind that the higher the cant, the more probable your genitals and femoral artery may get muzzled. Fat people have extra padding.
As a result, they don't have to bother about the handgun pressing into the hip bone at the appendix carry position.
What Is The Best Appendix Concealed Carry Position?
Since appendix concealed carry is popular these days, it's easy to find the most suitable for your requirement. This article suggests the ABC easy holster option, which has received many five-star reviews from customers.
ABC Easy Holster
Materials
Users shared that they didn't feel anything while carrying the holster. This feature gets advantages of the material. ABC easy holster comes from elastic neoprene, which is breathable and provides extra padding for the users.
Design
The compact and sleek appearance can't hide your weapon equipment. Moreover, it doesn't leave any printing on your outfit.
Optimization
With the ABC holster, you can immediately draw the pistol and move your entire body quickly. This feature is handy in scenarios where you have to react quickly.
Concealment
This type has an anti-slip structure and is light. Even whether you run, crawl, or jump, the excellent neoprene adhesive material guarantees that your weapon remains 100% stuck and unidentified.
Best choice for beginners
You may learn to handle your weapons in different styles and sizes with the ABC simple holster. You can wear it in any position on the belt. The ABC easy holster also suits all sizes of pistols, including those with lights.
No unnecessary parts
Overcomplication is the most frequent issue that many holster manufacturers face nowadays. To create a more fabulous look to the appendix holster, they add unnecessary components and sell them at higher prices.
To be straight, we keep the appendix carry in a concealed position. There is no need to own a fashionable design then hide it underneath your shirt.The concern is also about the problem caused by the additions. Those large holsters may sag when you crawl or jump, slowing you down. Long-term use might harm your posture and spine as well.
With no unnecessary pieces, the ABC easy holster ensures that you can hold and use your weapon safely and conveniently.
How To Choose An Appendix Carry Holster?
The AIWB holster, like any other appendix concealed carry holster, can break or make your carry setup. The suitable one will let you carry it at ease. Meanwhile, the terrible one will end up in the cabinet.
What should you look for in an appendix carry holster? Here are some factors to consider:
Trigger guard
It is important to conceal your trigger guard correctly. This feature is especially critical if you're holding a poly-frame pistol with a striker-fired trigger. Something entering the trigger guard and catching the trigger has resulted in some accidental discharges.
Retention
The appendix holster must have excellent retention. It has to suit the pistol you carry. Customizable passive retention is another helpful tool to look for since it enables you to fine-tune the retention to your satisfaction.
Comfort
Comfort is also a crucial factor, particularly considering the discomfort that appendix carry may bring.
The comfort degree is a personal choice. Some users find plastic holsters to be very comfortable. Meanwhile, others opt for a hybrid holster. The latter, on the other hand, would be more pleasant for a broader range of people.
Backer
Check for the backer while selecting a hybrid holster. Although leather is flexible enough to be pleased with, it can cause hot zones, especially in tropical areas. If leather absorbs a lot of sweat, it might get a little aged. In this scenario, a sweat-wicking option would be ideal for the appendix carry.
Belt clip
Some holsters already have one to two belt clips or one wide clip. The figure is dependent on the producers.
It will help if you are looking for a customizable cant. Appendix carry may be viable if the AIWB holster is straight or canted in a particular position.
Experiment
You should try out the holster and see if it is good for you. A holster manufacturer that provides a free trial is a great option to hunt for. You may return if that holster is not what you're looking for.
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Consider carefully before choosing a holster
Appendix Carry Final Thoughts
We have shared with you some necessary information about the concealed appendix carry.
The appendix carry has been no more unsafe than other carry methods. The main requirement is that the user is well trained and has a suitable pistol for this technique.
Hopefully, you will find this article helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. Thank you for reading!
Related: NRA Family
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