One question to consider when conceal carrying your weapon is how you plan to carry it.
Will you carry inside your waistband, behind the hip?
Or in a shoulder holster?
As you think through your options, you might also want to consider an appendix carry with Clipdraw.
What’s Appendix Carry?
Thinks of every cowboy and action movie you’ve ever seen. Sure, the cowboys carry a weapon in a thigh holster, the action heroes behind their hip in their waistband.
But when they are in a pinch? They tuck that handgun into their waistband in front. That’s appendix carry.
With your gun tucked in the front, it’s easily accessible and quick to draw. It’s also fairly well concealed under an untucked t-shirt, polo, or button down.
However, this has been a polarizing topic. Proponents strenuously defend the method, while others claim it isn’t safe or comfortable. We’re here to look at the truth.
Clipdraw Pistol Draw Demonstration
Is it Safe?
Critics of appendix carry often talk about how it’s not a safe location. And it’s true that, should your weapon accidentally discharge, the damage done could be significant.
This position points your holstered weapon at your thigh, and as any student of human anatomy will tell you, the thigh is where you keep one of the biggest blood vessels in your body – the femoral artery. This large artery supplies blood to your legs, and damage to it can be fatal.
We have to remember, however, that anywhere you carry your firearm, if not handled with care and safety, can be dangerous to you or someone in your immediate area.
The measure of safety of a carry position is in how you handle the weapon.
For instance, an accidental discharge of the weapon can be prevented in any carry position by following the rule to keep your finger away from the trigger until your gun is pointed down range.
This falls under proper handling and eliminates one of the factors that could cause your weapon to go off unintentionally while carried in the inside front of your waistband.
Concerns around the trigger being pulled while holstered is also a matter of common sense gun safety. Using a trigger guard or lock will prevent the trigger from accidentally being pulled.
Can it be Used Comfortably?
The answer to this question is different for everyone and has largely to do with body type and how much you plan on sitting or bending over while your gun is holstered.
Most people who find appendix AIWB to be comfortable are those that don’t have a lot else taking up space in their waistband. Or, to be blunt, the more slender you are, the more comfortable this carry position is for you.
But waist size isn’t the only component to consider for comfort.
Given where the weapon sits in a front carry position, many find sitting uncomfortable and bending over – say, to tie your shoes – downright painful.
The only way to know if this position is comfortable for you is to try it.
1911 Draw Demonstration
Benefits of Appendix Carry
The biggest question, of course, is why would you consider holstering your weapon this way at all. Carrying your weapon in the front of your waistband has several advantages.
The jury is divided when it comes to draw speed. Detractors of the carry style say that moving your clothing to pull from the waist slows you down.
Supporters claim that the gun is easier and quicker to grab, especially in tight quarters.
There is also a protection factor. It’s easier to protect your firearm from someone trying to grab it when it’s in front of you than when it is situated behind your hip.
The usefulness and comfort of AIWB carry is largely a personal choice. If you’ve tried it before and found it to be uncomfortable or inconvenient, you may want to give it another try with a holster specifically designed for front of the waistband concealment.
You might find that with the right equipment, appendix carry lets you enjoy the multiple benefits it offers.
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