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Appendix Carry Update

Several months back, I decided to give appendix carry a try. Many of you have asked how this is going, so I decided to post an update. Since trying and liking appendix carry, it’s been my primary carry position and I honestly don’t see that changing anytime soon. For me, carrying AIWB took some getting used to for sure, but in the end it was worth it.

Here’s a look at the guns and gear that are working for me.

Walther PPQ

I have two appendix carry holsters for my Walther PPQ – a Bradley Custom Concealment Shield-A, and a previously reviewed PHLster Skeleton. Both are excellent holsters and are designed specifically for appendix carry. Using these holsters, I don’t have any trouble concealing the PPQ with just a t-shirt, but this isn’t ideal for summer carry for a couple reasons.

First is comfort. The PPQ, being a larger gun, has quite a bit of grip that rides above the belt line and up against the skin. For this to be comfortable for me, I have to wear an undershirt, and since it’s been over 100 degrees everyday this week, that’s a tough sell.

The second reason is printing. I can conceal the PPQ with just a t-shirt, and it doesn’t print hardly at all if I’m just standing. But as soon as I bend down, reach up, twist, etc, that t-shirt starts to move and the gun prints. This problem, like the comfort issue, is greatly reduced by wearing an undershirt, but then we’re back to the same heat problem. Why, might you ask, is printing such an issue? Why indeed.

So most summer days I carry the Smith & Wesson Shield.

Smith & Wesson Shield

The Shield, up until it’s recent failure (update coming soon), has been my primary carry gun. I carry it almost exclusively in a PHLster Skeleton holster, and I love it. The Shield gives me a small, thin gun that still holds a decent amount of ammo, and it’s a real shooter. Printing is pretty much nonexistent, which unfortunately is a must here in Texas. I also don’t have any comfort issues, as much less gun rides above the belt line compared to the larger PPQ.

Wrapping Up

So there you go, that’s what’s working for me. One note on carry position, I actually carry more in the 12:00 position than a true appendix position. Hope that helps.

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11 Responses to Appendix Carry Update

  1. Bob June 30, 2012 at 4:30 pm #

    I think you mean the 3:00 position. Or maybe 6:00. I’m pretty sure you didn’t mean 12:00.

    The 12:00 position would be completely in front (under your belly button). Now while looking down, go around your waist in a clockwise direction. Directly on your right hip is 3:00. The normal appendix carry position is around 4:00 or maybe 3:30. In the middle of your back (MOB) is 6:00.

    • Brandon June 30, 2012 at 8:20 pm #

      No, I meant 12:00. 🙂

      Appendix carry for a right handed person is about 2:00ish. I prefer to move it more towards my front center though, at around 12:00. Here’s a couple resources for you to take a look at so you don’t think I’m nuts.

      Gabe Suarez on AIWB
      ToddG on AIWB
      Getting Started With Appendix Carry

    • W4DM July 1, 2012 at 9:45 pm #

      Bob, Im pretty sure you’re confusing this with kidney carry which is behind the hips. Appendix is definitely in front of the hips, though I consider 12 o’clock belly carrying 😉

      • Brandon July 1, 2012 at 9:48 pm #

        Belly carrying…yes, I’m going to start calling it that. 🙂

      • Bob July 1, 2012 at 11:51 pm #

        You’re right. Confusing kidney with appendix. Sorry.

        Senior moment, I guess. They’re starting to last longer than just a moment…

  2. Jake June 30, 2012 at 5:19 pm #

    I’m close to trying AIWB. Close. hahaha

  3. Dr. L. June 30, 2012 at 11:03 pm #

    Thank you, Brandon, for that link to Gabe’s website.

    • Brandon July 1, 2012 at 7:47 am #

      You’re welcome!

  4. browcs July 2, 2012 at 8:33 am #

    I trained with a number of Federal Air Marshals at FLETC; AIWB was the preferred method of carry for most of them. They hid their P229’s with no problems and were extremely fast.

  5. Michael July 2, 2012 at 6:51 pm #

    hello,In your June 29th appendix carry update you show your Shield in a holster. Is that a PHLster Skeleton Holster. Looks real thin and should conceal great.
    thanks
    Michael….

    • Brandon July 2, 2012 at 6:58 pm #

      The June 29th post is this post, showing a Walther PPQ in a PHLster Skeleton holster. You’re right, it’s very thin (.06″) and it does conceal very nicely, especially in the 12:00-2:00 range.

      If you’re referring to my June 26th post, that’s also a Skeleton. Hope this helps!