Appendix carry (AIWB) has become one of the most popular methods for concealing your gun in a holster.
But, many people are nervous about appendix carry simply because they feel unsafe with the muzzle of the gun pointing into their crotch area when you have, well, your crotch and more importantly the femoral artery.
So, is Appendix Carry really that bad? We will give you few tips on how you can Appendix Carry safely and with confidence.
Why So Nervous? Most Common Appendix Carry (AIWB) Concerns
Main concern with appendix carry is the muzzle direction. Technically appendix carry violates one of the main safety rules of firearms, never pointing you muzzle at something you're not willing to shoot.
However, this is going to be true with most inside of the waistband carry positions.
Keeping your gun's muzzle pointed away from you body while you gun is tucked away inside of the waistband will be impossible.
This is why it's important to reduce any chances of an accidental discharge.
Also, appendix carry it not the most comfortable carry position, but you can Learn How to Appendix Carry Comfortably by clicking on the link.
When it comes to safety, appendix AIWB, like any other carry position is no more or less safer if you do your best to follow the basic safety rules of firearms and reduce chances of an accidental discharge.
But, will give other tips to make appendix carry even safer for you and everyone else, so that you can carry with confidence.
Lets look a few ways to make appendix carry safer for you and everyone else.
Appendix Carry Safety Tips
First and foremost, always follow the basic safety rules of firearms!
1. Choose The Right Holster
Before you even decide to appendix carry, you need to find the right holster.
Most accidents happen when we draw and re-holster our weapons.
So you need to have a holster that will allow you to easily and safely draw and re-holster you weapon without causing an accidental discharge.
Holster needs to also adequately protect your trigger with a secure trigger cover.
This will reduce chances of the trigger being pulled accidentally, when your weapon is tucked IWB and when you draw or re-holster your weapon.
Full Sweat Shield or Guard can assist in re-holstering by helping safely guide the weapon in and out of holster.
You should also be able fully grab the grip end of your gun.
This will allow you to firmly and securely grab your weapon when you draw and re-holster so that your hand is not fiddling around the trigger at the most crucial point.
Your Appendix Carry holster should also have secure retention system that will keep you gun secure in your holster and give you positive feedback when you correctly draw and re-holster your weapon.
Read more about the (Preferably Posi-Click Retention System).
A secure retention system will also keep your gun in your holster and from falling out while your doing daily activities such as seating, bending, squatting, and stretching.
It will also let you that your weapon is drawn and re-holstered by giving you positive feedback, such as a click.
Having the ability to adjust your holster to keep us comfortable.
Adjusting cant and ride height will help you find your sweet spot and carry comfortably.
This will stop you from constantly touching your gun and reduce chances of an accidental discharge.
Lastly, your holster needs to have a strong belt clip when you appendix carry. It needs to securely holster you holster on your gun belt to prevent the holster from moving or falling out.
2. Buy a Strong EDC Gun Belt
A strong EDC Belt will work directly with a strong belt clip to carry your holster securely inside of your waistband and keep it from falling out or moving around on your waistline.
A strong EDC belt will give your stability and allow you to safely and securely draw and re-holster your weapon.
Your EDC belt should also be easily adjustable so that you can quickly and easily loosen or tighten your belt while your doing your daily activities such as seating or bending.
Check out the Most Important Qualities of an EDC Belt Most People Ignore When Buying.
3. Practice, Practice, Practice!!! Muzzle Directions!
If this is your first time appendix carrying you gun, you need to practice!
Drawing and re-holstering your gun when it's tucked away in the inside of the waistband is challenging, especially if you are a beginner, that's why you need to practice.
Biggest concerns with drawing and re-holster you gun is keeping your finger of the trigger and pointing the gun in the safest direction away from you body.
When we draw and re-holster our hand is in constant movement so we need to be aware about the position of our index fingers.
Find that sweet spot for your index finger so that you will keep it away from the trigger when you draw and re-holster your weapon.
This is why you need to practice so that you can learn good and safe habits.
4. Stop Touching Your Gun
As we've mention, appendix carry is not the most comfortably carry position, so people have the tendency to keep adjusting their holster while it's tucked away AIWB.
This is especially true when we're doing daily activities such as seating, squatting and bending.
5. Not Right For Everyone
Although, AIWB has many great advantages, always consider comfort and safety.
If this position is too difficult for you, stop using it. There is a lot of factor's that can effect your safety and comfort when you appendix carry.
Bodyside, gun size, and holster size will have an effect on your appendix carry experience. Conceal carrying is a game of balance and you won't always get what you want.
Don't force AIWB, especially if you don't feel safe or comfortable.
There is lot of other great conceal carry positions available to use that could be right for you.
Final Thoughts
Appendix AIWB is great option for a conceal carry position. It has many advantages, such as great for concealment, but it also has it's downsides.
Most obvious concern with AIWB is the unsafe muzzle directions, but this will be true with any inside waistband position.
If you do decide to carry AIWB make sure to find the right holster, edc belt, and practice.