The Appendix IWB holster from 5.11 Tactical was designed in partnership with Viking Tactics (VTAC) and offers high-speed access and a secure fit. The holster is made of high-impact polymer, so it’s tough yet lightweight. It can be worn front or back and also features an integrated light clip for secure storage of your tactical light.
The ARC (Appendix Reversible Carry) holster is designed for comfortable appendix carry. It’s made of a soft, durable injection-molded polymer that flexes slightly, making it comfortable for all-day wear. It uses a passive-retention detent with an adjustment screw. This holster is completely ambidextrous, so it will accommodate left- and right-handed users, and it comes with two cant- and ride-height-adjustable belt clips that work with 1.5- and 1.75-inch belts.
The Klipt appendix IWB holster from Blade-Tech was developed in conjunction with covert special operators, and it’s designed to be carried as a front strong-side holster, even when you’re wearing minimal attire. Its ultra-thin signature makes it very comfortable and extremely low profile, and your firearm locks securely into the holster with the signature Blade-Tech “click.” The Klipt holster is designed to fit all belts measuring up to 1.75 inches wide.
The Two O’Clock IWB holster is constructed of Kydex and, as the name implies, is designed for concealed carry in the 2 o’clock position for a right-handed shooter. The Two O’Clock allows quick, easy access to your weapon and lets you tuck your shirt into your pants. The Kydex body offers a smooth, low-friction draw and easy one-handed reholstering. A C-shaped clip grips the belt at the top and bottom edges with little signature. The clip has five holes for adjustments and is made for use with 1.5-inch-wide belts.
The compact Atom rig from Clinger Holsters is made of Kydex with a smooth or carbon-fiber finish, and users can adjust the ride height to four different positions, so you can let your pistol ride low or high for more grip. The clip is close to the pistol’s grip so it pushes the grip closer to your body for minimal printing. It’s also ambidextrous and lets you tuck in your shirt for deep concealment. The retention is adjustable via a screw.
The new Slim-Tuk IWB holster from DeSantis is a minimalist, ambidextrous design made of Kydex. This holster uses DeSantis’ tuckable 360 C-clip. which lets you tuck in your shirt for maximum concealment. The clip is made of nylon, so it’s lightweight and flexible, and it securely fastens the Slim-Tuk holter your belt.
The Compact Discreet Carry (CDC) holster from DSG Arms is constructed of smooth Kydex for more comfortable all-day carry and a fast, smooth draw. It has an adjustable retention device and is designed with a sight channel that is compatible with night sights. The CDC is easy to put on or take off with a rubber-mounted belt clip for belts 1.5 inches wide, and it’s adjustable for a vertical or forward cant.
The clip-on Scout IWB holster features a rough-out leather exterior for better friction and stability without any cant. The interior of the holster is smooth leather for a quick draw. It features a stitched-leather sight rail and an injection-molded nylon J-hook that secures the holster in conjunction with a 1.5-inch-wide belt. The Scout is ideal for appendix, cross-draw and behind-the-hip carry.
With four carry options—belt, cross-draw, small-of-the-back and IWB—the new 4-In-1 holster from Tagua Gunleather can transition to whatever carry location you prefer. The 4-In-1 has a small footprint, so it’s comfortable for all-day wear with appendix carry. It’s constructed of ultra-premium leather with a soft layer inside, and comes with belt loops and belt clips.
The inside-the-waistband IF2 holsters from Vega are made from Cordura nylon that has been thermal-molded to the shape of the pistol, with a sight channel for secure carry, a smooth draw and easier reholstering. The holster features a flexible yet sturdy polymer clip to attach over a belt.
The Versacarry is a unique minimalist approach to IWB concealed carry. The holster retains the pistol via a polymer rod in the barrel. A metal core in the barrel is angled, securing the pistol. It’s ambidextrous and super lightweight because it’s made of a flexible polymer. With minimal bulk, the Versacarry is comfortable for all-day carry.
Appendix carry means carrying your weapon up front. It’s controversial and, to some men, a bit scary because the pistol muzzle scans a specific part of the male anatomy. But we tend to forget that with 4 o’clock inside-the-waistband (IWB) carry, the muzzle scans our femoral artery. Carrying concealed is dangerous no matter where the weapon is on your waist. But if you have the right body type, appendix carry offers easier concealment and a faster draw than side or behind-the-hip carry. It’s also easier to protect your weapon from a gun grab.
Appendix IWB carry means your holster is just left or right of your belt buckle, depending on your shooting hand. A hoodie, pull-over sweatshirt, loose-fitting T-shirt and other outer garments can conceal your weapon in appendix carry. If you bend over while wearing a holster behind your hip, it’s easy for people to see your weapon. But larger full-sized pistols are less comfortable in an appendix carry position, especially if you must sit for long periods or bend over a lot. If you’re on your feet all day, however, it’s not much of an issue.
Compact and subcompact pistols are by far the most comfortable to carry appendix style, even when sitting. Try drawing a pistol from a behind-the-hip holster while seated in a vehicle. Then try it with appendix carry. This latter method offers better access to your weapon, and throughout our lives, we’re constantly getting into and out of our vehicles. Having a plan when you’re in your vehicle is smart.
I transitioned from behind-the-hip to appendix carry with compact pistols because I could more easily conceal my weapon, and because my pistol is close to where my hands naturally fall toward the front of my hips. My hands are almost always closer to my weapon when I use appendix carry.
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The draw is critical, however, and with appendix carry, I can grab the front of my shirt or hoodie with my support hand, yank it up to my chin and draw my pistol with my shooting hand. The pistol is then in front of me and I can quickly gain a two-handed hold—or not, depending on the distance to the target. Because we’re on the receiving end of most lethal confrontations and never know when one will happen, or perhaps we might only have a moment to react, the ability to draw a weapon quickly is important. Appendix carry is fast.
Having the right holster makes all the difference when carrying any pistol concealed. Holsters designed for appendix carry are made to be comfortable, provide support and keep the pistol in a position for a fast draw. Thankfully, there are a several holster-makers churning out some truly cutting-edge rigs designed specifically for appendix carry. Here are some of the best available.
For more information about the appendix carry holsters featured in the gallery above, please visit the following sites.
