There has been a growing trend in the popularity of use of appendix carry for those who carry their firearms concealed on a daily basis. I have been using the method for well over 20 years. It is by far my favorite means of carrying a pistol. Appendix carry is loosely defined as placing the pistol in the area between the primary side hip and the belt buckle. There are several positives and negatives. Users should be aware of both before they make a decision to carry in this fashion. Once the decision is made to use EDC appendix carry, there are some very important decisions that need to be made for gear selection as well.
EDC Appendix Carry Can Be Fast – But Know the Finer Points to Get the Most Out of It
The first of the positives for me is that by placing the pistol ahead of the hip line with a muzzle straight, or muzzle forward cant, the shooter’s primary wrist is locked when the pistol is grasped. This allows for a very fast presentation. It allows the shooter to fire the pistol the second the muzzle is oriented towards the target for close-quarters retention shooting.
One only needs to look at the fastest shooters in the world. From such diverse disciplines as IPSC and USPSA to World Fast Draw Association, shooters orient their pistols and revolvers to their body to see the benefits of this type of placement. I have also found that this type of carry is the most concealable for me in my normal daily dress of an oversized untucked shirt and shorts. The issue of constant concealment and lack of “printing” is of huge importance. This applies to legally armed CCW holders and armed professionals alike.
The Downside
The primary downside for some people is comfort. Carrying appendix while seated for long periods can be uncomfortable. The answer to this is choosing the right gun and rig to fit your needs. Many modern rigs have “out car” style mag pouches and are very adjustable. The second downside is a little more dramatic. If you have a negligent discharge coming in or out of the holster, you will have a serious problem. While shooting yourself in the leg in a standard carry is bad, taking a round into the abdomen is worse. The key is training and the correct gear.
The Draw
The draw from this type of carry also more closely mimics the hand position used for uniformed police officers with more modern holsters. I was quite cutting-edge when I began my police career in the 80’s by always using a holster that allowed for a locked wrist grip. Many duty holsters of the time were of the traditional muzzle-rear orientation. Today’s modern duty rigs tend to be straight up and down in orientation. It makes sense for off-duty and undercover police officers to utilize a carry system that is similar in the type of draw to their duty rig. Equally, for the armed citizen who also shoots competitively, a similar draw-stroke and pistol placement is an important consideration.
Correct Gear
For civilian EDC, it is important to choose a good rig. With the popularity of appendix carry today, there are countless options. Holsters like those from Safariland and Bravo Concealment are just two that come to mind. A point that is discussed in depth is reholstering in appendix. While it is true that going back to the holster should be a controlled event, it is especially true with appendix carry. No gunfight was ever won by a speed reholster.
EDC Appendix Carry
Appendix carry is a solid option for EDC. Like any carry method it is not for everyone. However, done correctly if allows you speed out of the holster unmatched by other positions. If you want to carry this way, get the right gun, the right gear and practice.
