Why You Should Try Out the Appendix Carry Method

The appendix carry method has been around for a long time, almost as long as guns have. If you look at many historical drawings, photographs, and paintings, simple flintlock pistols, matchlock pistols, and even some revolvers were often carried in the front of the waistband without a holster.

In modern times we use proper kydex, leather, or hybrid appendix AIWB holsters, but the concept is relatively the same - it’s a board area for not only carrying items at your waist but also a great area for concealment. Today we’ll go over a couple of reasons why you should at least try out the appendix carry method before you dismiss it entirely.

Increased All-Day Comfort

The appendix carry method is often adopted for its increased comfort over other types of carry methods. While guns aren’t super heavy - only about 1 - 2 pounds in weight in most cases - they do add weight to your belt which does put a load on the rest of your body - most importantly your hips and back. While carrying strong-side puts the gun closer to where your dominant hand would naturally sit if you were to draw the gun it also generates an uneven load on your hips and back which can lead to discomfort.

Drawing from the appendix position can often feel much more natural and intuitive, as it involves lifting the shirt with one hand and drawing the firearm with the other in a straight motion, without having to reach around the body. This position also allows you to maintain better physical and situational awareness of your surroundings including your firearm when and if you go to reholster the handgun as you can both feel and see the appendix holster while maintaining a forward view.

Lastly, the AIWB carry method also lends itself best to people who find themselves sitting or driving a lot of the time. The extra width of a holster is eliminated and the gun just sits on your lap instead of being pressed up against your hip during your entire sit or drive. This keeps things much more comfortable throughout the day, no matter what you’re doing.

Increased Retention/Security

Part of maintaining a safe carry situation is keeping your firearm retained on your person. This means two things.

1. Firstly, it means keeping the gun from coming out of the Appendix holster unintentionally. AIWB carry allows for the same level of firearm retention as strong-side carry does.
2. But there is an added layer of safety for external threats. By external threats, we mean people trying to steal your firearm off of your person. With the gun positioned in the appendix carry position, centrally in the body, this provides the user with interested control of the weapon both during the draw and in case anyone else tries to access the firearm.

Concealment

Finally and most importantly, concealed carry. Firearm concealment is at its highest in the AIWB position with a slim, and small handgun - this is simply because the body is so much more broad and thus can conceal a larger flat object. In general, larger firearms can more easily be concealed in the AIWB position in contrast to strong side carry.

In addition to being an arguably better spot for concealment, the appendix carry position is also a lot more versatile when it comes to clothing. With heavy clothing, the AIWB position is capable of concealing almost any handgun regardless of size due to the extra bulk of heavy winter clothing. In the summer, shorts and t-shirts aren’t the best at concealing firearms in the typical strong side positions, but the AIWB position allows for the best concealment with clothing that is light on the concealment side of things.

As a final added bonus of the AIWB holsters. This concealment position is also great for reducing the amount of interference coming from your clothing. Whether you’re wearing a button-up shirt, or you’re trying to clear your gun and your holster from a thick hoodie - the AIWB carry position is one of the easiest places to draw your gun from, because of how few obstructions are in your way during the draw stroke.

Practice Around the House - Try It Out!

The safest place to practice carrying in the appendix carry position is at your own home. Wearing your holster and your firearm throughout the day as you go about your chores, make dinner, and sit around in the evening will give you a solid grasp of not only the benefits of the appendix carry position but also the drawbacks it might have with your particular setup which should include your clothing. I would highly recommend you try this carry position out, especially if you’ve stopped carrying due to discomfort, or not being able to conceal your firearm with your current clothing options.

There are a ton of holster options that specifically cater to this carry position including Kydex, Hybrid, Leather, and Belly Band holsters. So if you are looking for an AIWB holster, definitely take a look at what Falco Holsters has to offer.

Author: Luke Cuenco