Appendix Gun holster question

[Blues]

I've been appendix carrying since the 80's, on and off the job. But my carry pistols do not have lights, nor dots, so YMMV. (I do have holsters equipped for both, I just don't carry that way.)

Can't tell you whether you will print or not as it is entirely a matter of physique, placement, and the clothing chosen. It is an important detail which too many folks who carry do not put enough thought and effort into, in my opinion. Sometimes being thin helps, other times not so much. You can check yourself in front of a mirror, or have a friend or family member take pix to demonstrate where you may be printing in some positions.

As for holsters, I can recommend those from JM Custom Kydex, Dark Star Gear and Tenicor, with the first two being my primary choices.

Pros and Cons:

Appendix allows for a quick draw...and also aids retention in that you can both better protect the gun in a tussle, should one occur, and also prevent someone from grabbing your gun from behind if you have a lapse of "situational awareness" while out and about.

The cons would be primarily resulting from a holster that does not fit or is not positioned properly in the inguinal crease / groove.
And of course, you must be able to safely re-holster without blowing your junk off...but that is easily mastered.

Also, be prepared to alter how you hug folks to avoid pressing the firearm against them. May or may not matter in various circumstances.

 

[Crag the Brewer]

I've been appendix carrying since the 80's, on and off the job. But my carry pistols do not have lights, nor dots, so YMMV. (I do have holsters equipped for both, I just don't carry that way.)

Can't tell you whether you will print or not as it is entirely a matter of physique, placement, and the clothing chosen. It is an important detail which too many folks who carry do not put enough thought and effort into, in my opinion. Sometimes being thin helps, other times not so much. You can check yourself in front of a mirror, or have a friend or family member take pix to demonstrate where you may be printing in some positions.

As for holsters, I can recommend those from JM Custom Kydex, Dark Star Gear and Tenicor, with the first two being my primary choices.

Pros and Cons:

Appendix allows for a quick draw...and also aids retention in that you can both better protect the gun in a tussle, should one occur, and also prevent someone from grabbing your gun from behind if you have a lapse of "situational awareness" while out and about.

The cons would be primarily resulting from a holster that does not fit or is not positioned properly in the inguinal crease / groove.
And of course, you must be able to safely re-holster without blowing your junk off...but that is easily mastered.

Also, be prepared to alter how you hug folks to avoid pressing the firearm against them. May or may not matter in various circumstances.

I forgot saying about the hugging part.....haha. True.
I just figured people think I'm creepy

 

[Terry M.]

When I was *ahem* heavier I carried appendix and had issues with my belly punching the gun butt away from me and digging the barrel into my abdomen. I’ve since lost about 45lbs and it works much better carrying that way. You being skinny, this could easily work to your advantage

 

[Blues]

When I was *ahem* heavier I carried appendix and had issues with my belly punching the gun butt away from me and digging the barrel into my abdomen. I’ve since lost about 45lbs and it works much better carrying that way. You being skinny, this could easily work to your advantage

Mounting a wedge / pillow at the south end of the holster helps immensely with both comfort and roll-out from the appendix position.

 

[carnifex knifeworks]

Carnifax (and anyone with thoughts), Do you think printing will be an issue with me being real skinny? (I’ve got wasting disease from the cancer )
For all I know appendix might be easier for skinny people than people that are…not skinny.
Thoughts?

Thank you guys. Gonna change carry rigs after 25 years with S&W 3913 and Mitch Rosen leather.

Scott

You shouldn't have an issue you can't solve. You'll need to play around with it though.

There are foam wedges and "pillows" that you can attach to the holster in various places with velcro to influence how and where the firearm tilts.

One thing to keep in mind is you'll want to have the firearm ride higher than you would when carrying in other positions. The lower the firearm rides the further down the barrel will be in your crotch and the more it will dig in when you sit down or bend at the waist.

 

[Blues]

One thing to keep in mind is you'll want to have the firearm ride higher than you would when carrying in other positions. The lower the firearm rides the further down the barrel will be in your crotch and the more it will dig in when you sit down or bend at the waist.

Longer holsters prevent roll-out better than shorter holsters, and counterintuitively can also be more comfortable with the extra length by not poking in the soft spots.

For example, I often wear my G26 in a 17 length holster instead of a 19 because the 19 can dig in, whereas the 17 ends past that spot and prevents discomfort.

Having multiple holsters allows one to experiment with what works not only with a particular gun, but with one's anatomy and positioning.

I tend to wear the gun as close to the belt line as possible, while affording a good grip during the draw.

Obviously, mileage will vary from person to person.

 

[Terry M.]

Mounting a wedge / pillow at the south end of the holster helps immensely with both comfort and roll-out from the appendix position.

View attachment 2740944

I ended up using one of the wedges. It’s actually a great idea I had forgotten about.

 

[GB940Rookie]

Well gentleman, do as you will, but I can’t get myself to regularly carry appendix.
Can’t get over pointing a firearm at my junk, and it’s uncomfortable when sitting or bending.
If I’m in a questionable situation, I might switch to appendix, but most likely I will use 4 o’clock. Been doing it this way for a long time. It’s so instinctive now.
I use an IWB Tulster holster and I can easily switch positions if necessary.
In the colder months, it’s easier. OWB pancake style for the G17 or 1911(rarely), covered with a denim long sleeve shirt or some type of jacket.
No lights or red dots.

The main thing here is that we are carrying something, somewhere.

 

[Blues]

Well gentleman, do as you will, but I can’t get myself to regularly carry appendix.
Can’t get over pointing a firearm at my junk, and it’s uncomfortable when sitting or bending.

Well, the OP is specifically asking about appendix carry, so that is what we are addressing with our comments. I can certainly understand why you might opt otherwise, as most of us have, or may still do under various circumstances. Though I haven't personally in years.

Hopefully, we will have addressed his concerns or questions...both pro and con.

 

[bikerector]

I tried it but the biggest con for me was bending over a lot, which I do a lot picking up kids or helping them with thongs low.

I haven't tried it since moving to a smaller firearm, a hellcat, but it was a lot to try and get my fnx-9 comfortable. I probably didn't spend enough time with it.

I also elected strongside hip because I carry my hunting handgun in the same spot but OWB, so there is familiarity to jist have it in the same spot when I'm carrying.

There was a video on youtube that compares the differences with some objectiveness. One thing that surprised me was that the hip was only slightly slower from a trained shooter than appendix from a trained shooter. Something like 0.2-0.5 seconds in the average from the test group. So measurable, but not a massive difference. And then the difference from an untrained to a trained guy was seconds difference vs tenths of a second.

Massad Ayoob has a small video about it as well.

IMO, holstering seems to be the biggest risk for accidental discharge so just be careful their when starting out. I think Massad mentioned extra attention one of the competition circuits give to appendix carry in regards to reholstering.

 

[carnifex knifeworks]

Longer holsters prevent roll-out better than shorter holsters, and counterintuitively can also be more comfortable with the extra length by not poking in the soft spots.

For example, I often wear my G26 in a 17 length holster instead of a 19 because the 19 can dig in, whereas the 17 ends past that spot and prevents discomfort.

Having multiple holsters allows one to experiment with what works not only with a particular gun, but with one's anatomy and positioning.

I tend to wear the gun as close to the belt line as possible, while affording a good grip during the draw.

Obviously, mileage will vary from person to person.

That's a good point.

Stixmagill I would pay close attention to what Blues says; he has more experience than me and most others. I highly doubt he'll steer you wrong.

 

[Blues]

Thank you, carnifex knifeworks . Just trying to pay back some of the good advice I've received along the way.

 

[DocJD]

Hate having a loaded gun pointed at "My Precious " !

Plus , I'm just not built for it . Short waisted or ? .

Standing , walking around works OK ; but to sit , bend , squat , kick ...painfully restrictive .

I concede the advantages, if you can make it work for you .

Main thing is to find a way that does work for you , and does encourage a regular , routine carry habit .

 

[Crag the Brewer]

I tried it but the biggest con for me was bending over a lot, which I do a lot picking up kids or helping them with thongs low.

I haven't tried it since moving to a smaller firearm, a hellcat, but it was a lot to try and get my fnx-9 comfortable. I probably didn't spend enough time with it.

I also elected strongside hip because I carry my hunting handgun in the same spot but OWB, so there is familiarity to jist have it in the same spot when I'm carrying.

There was a video on youtube that compares the differences with some objectiveness. One thing that surprised me was that the hip was only slightly slower from a trained shooter than appendix from a trained shooter. Something like 0.2-0.5 seconds in the average from the test group. So measurable, but not a massive difference. And then the difference from an untrained to a trained guy was seconds difference vs tenths of a second.

Massad Ayoob has a small video about it as well.

IMO, holstering seems to be the biggest risk for accidental discharge so just be careful their when starting out. I think Massad mentioned extra attention one of the competition circuits give to appendix carry in regards to reholstering.

Drawing, in my opinion has Huge advantages with appendix carry.

Something I read/heard of when I first started was something called "The Walmart Walk".
I recommend everyone to do it when they first start out .... whatever You think you are going to get/carry, whatever You believe is best for you ...

Load up, and carry it walking around in Walmart.

I started out with a nice IWB carry at around 5 o clock ... Standing in the checkout, standing at the urinal, pretty much anywhere. The "bad guys" had better access to my piece than I did.

Still bending over didn't work well without printing, needing to swing a leg down and out, keeping my back straight.... In the car?

Forget about drawing inside with a seatbelt on.
Lots to work through with just starting out.

Everyone is different.
It with take some trial and error to find what will work for You.
Appendix solved a lot of problems for me

 

[Horsewright]

I just can't! I've tried. My wife makes really really good IWB holsters for this deal and I can't. Strongside pancake kinda guy. 46 years of that away. Probably a lot of old dog new tricks deal.

She makes em out of thin but very firm horsehide;

Sells a bunch to some really handy gun guys. Plain simple and they work very well.

 

[bikerector]

Drawing, in my opinion has Huge advantages with appendix carry.

Something I read/heard of when I first started was something called "The Walmart Walk".
I recommend everyone to do it when they first start out .... whatever You think you are going to get/carry, whatever You believe is best for you ...

Load up, and carry it walking around in Walmart.

I started out with a nice IWB carry at around 5 o clock ... Standing in the checkout, standing at the urinal, pretty much anywhere. The "bad guys" had better access to my piece than I did.

Still bending over didn't work well without printing, needing to swing a leg down and out, keeping my back straight.... In the car?

Forget about drawing inside with a seatbelt on.
Lots to work through with just starting out.

Everyone is different.
It with take some trial and error to find what will work for You.
Appendix solved a lot of problems for me

I've heard the same thing but around your house for a while. Do some work, dishes, sit down, etc.

For me, hip carry solved a lot of problems of convenience and comfort over appendix, which means I would actually be more likely to carry. As you mentioned, everyone is different. I have to think that goes with belts too as I picked up one of the very well regarded gun belts, a nex belt, and do not like it over just your standard thick leather. It just doesn't sit right on my hips and it sags/bends/something weird for me without tightening up a lot, which I don't have to do with my all leather belt.

 

[bdmicarta]

with S&W 3913 and Mitch Rosen leather.

A significant part of concealment is what clothing you wear.
The 3913 is DA/SA so would be of less concern pointed at sensitive areas due to its longer/heavier trigger pull compared to something striker fired.
The 3913 has a hammer so if reholstering it while wearing the holster you can hold your thumb on the hammer and insure that it doesn't try to move while reholstering.

 

[Stixmagill]

I’d like to thank everyone of you for your responses and the time you’ve spent helping me with this decision. I’m gonna try the appendix carry. Things have changed a lot since the 90s as far as technology and capacity. One of the things I love about my Smith & Wesson is that with the bobbed Hammer will not snag, but I can still thumb the hammer while I’m holster so the fact that there is a Glock Accessory to enable this makes holstering much less worrisome. I actually was planning on holster the gun and then inserting the holster most of the time. I don’t pull my gun out and play with that or look at it or pass it around or any of that bullshit so it literally would be Putting the holster in in the morning and taking it out at night. But the safety accessory makes me more comfortable for sure.
One more question while I’m at it if you don’t mind. Has anyone added a light and a red dot and regretted it?
I have never had either on any of my carry guns. Thanks again you guys this form is so awesome. I love you guys!
Merry Christmas to you all!
Sincerely, Scott

 

[Steven65]

One more question while I’m at it if you don’t mind. Has anyone added a light and a red dot and regretted it?
I have never had either on any of my carry guns. Thanks again you guys this form is so awesome. I love you guys!
Merry Christmas to you all!
Sincerely, Scott

Merry Xmas Scott.

I'm am in my 42nd year of concealed carry in one of the most dangerous cities/countries on the planet and I spent a big chunk of my working life in the firearms and training industry. To date I have never had a situation which immediately required a light mounted to the pistol. I think the light just makes the gun so much harder to conceal.
That said I do carry a Surefire X300 in my edc bag just incase and it also makes an excellent flashlight.

As for the red dot I have been shooting for over four decades with Irons and my vision is still good so I will stick with Irons for the time being.
However now that I am 60 there are definite advantages to the dot, and it is definitely a consideration for me for the future.

 

[Crag the Brewer]

I’d like to thank everyone of you for your responses and the time you’ve spent helping me with this decision. I’m gonna try the appendix carry. Things have changed a lot since the 90s as far as technology and capacity. One of the things I love about my Smith & Wesson is that with the bobbed Hammer will not snag, but I can still thumb the hammer while I’m holster so the fact that there is a Glock Accessory to enable this makes holstering much less worrisome. I actually was planning on holster the gun and then inserting the holster most of the time. I don’t pull my gun out and play with that or look at it or pass it around or any of that bullshit so it literally would be Putting the holster in in the morning and taking it out at night. But the safety accessory makes me more comfortable for sure.
One more question while I’m at it if you don’t mind. Has anyone added a light and a red dot and regretted it?
I have never had either on any of my carry guns. Thanks again you guys this form is so awesome. I love you guys!
Merry Christmas to you all!
Sincerely, Scott

Red dot, light question.....How far distance wise are you likely to shoot?

My opinion is, if you are more likely to be wrestling someone at a bustop...you won't need fancy lasers and lights and dots, etc....
To get snagged on stuff, and not work when you need them.

If you are shooting 20feet/yards? Then that's maybe a reason for something