Are you familiar with appendix carry? This is the type of concealed carry where you holster your handgun in front of your waistband, right by where your appendix is located in your body. If you are wearing jeans, picture the space between your front pocket and the belt buckle.
There are some major pros and cons to carrying your firearm this way. Let’s go over some of the details regarding appendix carry so you can be better prepared to know if carrying your weapon this way is right for you.
The “Belly Gun” in the Old Days
Sometimes appendix carry was referred to as a “belly gun” in the past. This was before concealed carry was legalized in many places, so people had to go to greater lengths to hide their weapons when out in the public.
Most of the time, people would just tuck their gun behind their waistband and go about their day. Now, it’s obviously recommended that you holster your weapon for best safety practices when carrying. It’s really dangerous to carry your gun without a holster.
The Benefits of Appendix Carry
The main benefit of appendix carry is the ability to grab your gun at a moment’s notice. It’s very close to your hands, and you don’t have to bend down or reach far to get it. When a gun is at your hip, it’s naturally a little harder to grab. In an emergency situation, keep in mind that every second counts.
Plus, an appendix carry gun is easily concealed. This is a part of the body that your shirt will naturally hide the weapon the best without seeing its outline through your clothing. You don’t have to worry about bending over and exposing your weapon to those around you. In this position on your body it’s definitely concealed.
If you like a smaller gun, this type of carry is also comfortable for the wearer. It’s harder in general to conceal a large gun anywhere on your body, but it can be done with the right holster and clothing.
The Cons of Appendix Carry
There are some drawbacks to this kind of carry. When you are sitting down, the holster and gun can dig into your thigh, which is uncomfortable. It can also get pushed into your stomach depending on how you are seated. Good posture helps.
If you practice good gun safety, you probably don’t have to worry about the gun accidentally going off, but it’s always a concern. The position of the gun in appendix carry is in the direct line of fire with your femoral artery in your thigh. You don’t want to get shot there because you’ll bleed out rather quickly. There is also the chance that you’ll shoot yourself in the groin, which is every man’s biggest nightmare. As long as you are trained and practiced in all manners of safety with your gun you should be fine with the appendix carry.
Find the Right Holster
Having the right holster for comfortable and safe appendix carry is key. Look for ones that completely cover the trigger guard. Crossbreed makes a great one that Cabela’s carries which would be the right choice for an excellent fit. It can hold a small to medium handgun, and the ride height can be adjusted for the perfect fit. That’s one of the most important parts of concealed carry. Everyone’s body and height is different, so making a holster that adjusts correctly is vital for appendix carry.
The only way you’ll truly know if appendix carry is right for you is by trying it out for yourself. It just might become your new favorite concealed carry method.
