Appendix carry?

I’ll be releasing an AIWB holster during the first part of December. I have a ton of research into this project and feedback from several qualified instructors and real world operators. Over the last year I have transitioned to “True Believer” status on the pros of the appendix carry for CCW. The speed the weapon can be effectively deployed from concealment is unmatched. The primary reason this is possible is that the non-shooting hand clears the clothing while the shooting hand acquires the firing grip. The speed advantage is even greater from seated positions when compared to strong side carry locations.
Saying all that, however; Appendix carry is not for everyone. If you do not train forget about it. Body type is also an issue. If you are a “Dunlap” method conceal guy; that is if you use the excess portion of your belly that laps over your belt to help hide your firearm then you gain no advantage from AIWB carry. I am not being judgmental here that is just the fact of the matter. Big guys who hang over their belts are better served with a strong side carry. A proper holster is also key. It must enable you to securely carry while also allowing you to position the weapon in the proper place. For me that means that the grip of the weapon is above the belt sufficient for a full firing grip prior to the draw. If your carry is too low then you will waist time and motion as you dig the weapon out from under the belt. Printing can also be an issue. Body type, holster type, placement in conjunction with a correct carry for deployment all play roles in determining if AIWB is correct for you.
 
Clip Draw

I like to carry my S&W model 60 with a clipdraw brand clip. I carry it strong side apendix. For me, appendix works the best. I wear suspenders instead of a belt, so I can't really use a traditional holster. And I have no concerns about safety. Remember, your primary safety is between your ears.
Yeah, I can't draw while I'm sitting in my truck, but that's not an issue for me since I keep another pistol in my truck anyway. And if I'm riding in my wife's car I just slip the pistol under the seat or in the jockey box. Which works well since I use the clip draw and don't have to worry about a holster.
YMMV but it works for me.

Here's a pic

IMG205.jpg
 
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I carry AIWB almost exclusively. Subtle differences in holster design can make or break it for many folks. I prefer the JM Custom Kydex AIWB holster. The CCC Shaggy holster has also been well received. The good news is that as AIWB carrying has increased in popularity the market has responded with increasingly viable holster options.

Pros:

It conceals very well (not just standing- seated, bending at the waist,etc), is comfortable, secure (allows for a two-handed defense), affords protection from bump-frisks, allows for access from under many cold-weather clothing options without having to unzip, allows access from the ground or against a wall, and it is fast - very fast (two handed draws are faster, one handed may be slower than traditional IWB).

Cons:

It requires an un-tucked, closed-front shirt, is body type/shape dependent (it does not work well for people with guts or shorter torsos), it may not work well with ballistic vest (depending on body shape and fit of vest), one handed draws may be slower, and if you are careless with your trigger discipline, you may die.

An excellent discussion of the topic may be found here:
http://pistol-forum.com/showthread.p...ppendix-Carry)
 
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Question: it's standard practice to treat every gun as if it were loaded, to never point it at anything you aren't prepared to destroy.
Would any of you place your hand in front of the barrel? How about pointing a loaded handgun at your stomach, chest, face...?
heck no! That would be nuts and unsafe!
Yet, you carry your gun pointed directly at your d*ck, or lower abdomen when you sit down?
Click to expand...
Um, never point a gun at anything you are not willing to destroy means the gun in your hand ready to fire, since it is human mistakes that cause tragedy. Cripes, I'm not willing to destroy my expensive nightstand and headboard, yet my EDC rests there at night for HD duty. In a proper holster, a gun should be as safe as when sitting all by itself, and we all know no gun has gone off by itself while sitting peacefully, there have been videos to prove it.;) A gun pointing at something or someone while relaxing in a proper holster need not apply.

Still, I too have an aversion to having one with a barrel aligned with my private parts, and thus have never carried that way. Hey, we all have our little quirks.;)
 
One still points a gun at the leg and hip when holstering strong side. Any of the wounds from holstering in either location can be fatal. Training, an engaged brain, and solid gear are the keys to success with regard to this topic.
 
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