Daily Defense Season 2 Ep 5 : Is "Appendix Carry" Right for You?

Appendix carry is similar to strong-side carry because the gun is carried on your waist but in front, a bit off to the side, about where your appendix is. The gun is accessible from your strong side OR weak side - a big advantage if your strong hand gets incapacitated. With practice, you can draw equally well with either hand. Appendix carry enables excellent weapon retention because your hands are right there to repel a "gun grab." It does require an INSIDE the waistband (IWB) holster, but the bonus is you may be able to carry a larger gun. Make sure you choose a comfortable holster that's specifically designed for appendix carry. A strong-side holster is not right for this job. Appendix carry may increase the risk of an accidental discharge, but that can be countered by choosing a pistol with a manual safety and/or one with a DA / SA trigger (double action first shot, subsequent shots single action). Jeff demonstrates the proper draw from appendix carry, as well as re-holstering. When reholstering, keep the trigger finger out of the triggerguard, thumb on the hammer (if the gun has one), and direct the muzzle away from the body. Practice drawing and reholstering A LOT. Start out slowly to build your muscle memory, then pick up the speed later. And of course, always observe the safety rules!

[@grantpexsa]

Appendix carrier here. On the holster, I would add that it should completely surround the muzzle. This prevents the gun from being pushed up out of the holster when sitting down.

[@fullfire0]

I would disagree. You should position the muzzle to go in the empty area between your thigh and your groin. It's more comfortable this way, and gives you more range of movement. If you have the muzzle positioned so it's hitting your thigh when you sit down, I'd argue you're not doing it correctly.

[@kellyshea92]

I carry appendix because I had a failed lumbar fusion so carrying on my hip is very painful after about 30mins. When I Mexican Carry I can do it all day without discomfort.

[@buzsalmon]

Hey Jeff Just wanted to let you know I find your always find your videos worthwhile and to say KEEP UP THE FIGHT FOR OUR COMMUNITY and helping others by educating them! Good man Brother!

[@JamesSmullins]

I've watched people regardless of where on the body holster their weapon without looking far too many times. They watch too many videos of people trying to look tacticool and holster as fast as they draw. Always look when holstering your firearm. If you are placing it back in the holster that means the threat is over. Trying to do it fast without looking increases risks of your shirt or coat strings ending up caught in the trigger and causing a negligent discharge. Draw fast, holster slow. Leave the tacticool stuff out of your routine.

[@boogey845]

Would love to see a future video address the issues left handed shooters face

[@popsk4145]

I second that emotion. Smokey Robinson

[@charlesbeall2589]

​@@popsk4145 Forget it, we don't matter.

[@Cautionary_Tale_Harris]

Sadly, my appendix has been removed. 😢

[@GunsmithBeard]

No worries, this is really COCK CARRY.

[@6Sally5]

Ok...every time I see appendix carry demonstrated, it’s on some really trim guy or gal. What about for us “plus” sizes?

[@jimren5638]

Search for it on you tube. There are some good videos that address this problem. I have a gut and so far do not appendix carry but am getting an appropriate holster soon to see if it works for me.

[@kylewood8327]

Great video Jeff! I find appendix carry works perfect for me, excellent conceal and perfect drawing position! I’ve found Vedder holsters make a great appendix style holster for my da/sa pistol.

[@vsevolodtokarev]

Thanks for the advise to use the holster which is designed for appendix carry. Obvious, but it did not occur to me.

[@MilitantX1]

Great video! I'm an appendix carrier and I carry my DA/SA HK's (i.e. 45c, P30, USP Compact 9mm, 40 cal, and .45acp),

[@jameswoods1804]

I would posit that holster selection and trigger-finger discipline are the most critical.

[@jrider85]

Just my two cents. In an actual encounter you are not going to care about re-holstering the firearm. If you are training take your time to re-holster safely. So, you don't accidently shoot off your junk.

[@LDZepol]

For me, appendix carry is the best way to carry.

[@jcnikoley]

Appendix is not right for me.. stabs me just above the groin. Not to mention, where the muzzle points 😳 I hip carry, conceals great, and I don’t feel it while wearing. That said, I haven’t decided where to carry my Sharpie.

[@dmill6103]

I know where you can carry it. 😏

[@raptor203333]

One thing I don't largely hear from appendix carry advice videos are trigger[only] holsters. If your body mechanics, your weapon, and your methods can allow the use of a trigger holster: you eliminate the possibility of AD's, you're less slow on drawing/holstering, and its usually a slimmer system than most holsters. A friend switched from a g19 + vedders iwb to a PF9 + beltclip + trigger guard paracorded. Granted its a downgrade in capacity, and granted its a niche solution, but they said it was mechanically safer, slimmer, and just as effective.

[@killerpeaches7]

One big thing I find with appendix carry is it really ain't great if you got some extra weight. And while the obvious answer is "get in shape", go to any shooting comp or gun show, and people in shape are the exception, not the rule, just like the rest of America, these days. Also I see way too may Glock Rangers preach appendix, with a relatively light trigger, no hammer and no external safety. I think that soured me a bit, TBH. Every time I hear "your finger is your safety" I have to wonder if the speaker can walk on water too, because anyone, no matter how trained can make a mistake, have a lapse of thought, etc, and usually the more "comfortable" one is with a process, the more likely one is to be a bit less careful. Good video, food for thought, but it definitely doubled down my belief in it's for DA/SA/Manual Safety pistols/revolvers only. The weakside access is a big consideration.

[@hopewilliams6705]

What holster are you using for your p320 Mr Gonzalez

[@Todd66]

I love appendix carry with the right holster. Nothing faster or safer. Train train train.

[@richardkluesek4301]

Works best with snubbie revolvers with 5 shot slim cylinders and stubby 1 7/8s " barrels of thin profile. Try sitting. Especially behind the wheel. Being skinny helps too.

[@What-is-happening]

I agree, even though I have a big belly I can comfortably carry my j frame all day in the appendix position. The only time I have an issue is in my wife’s truck because the seatbelt wants to be right on top of the cylinder. I don’t have that issue in my truck as the belt sits lower.

[@richardkluesek4301]

@@What-is-happening Exactly ! Big City cops I knew favored this mode with those guns when assigned to crowd packed venues, like inside commuter train cars, street fairs, and the new years eve ball drops where folks are packed touching each other and moving around. They would keep their hands on the butts to avoid being pickpocketed and or 'made' if someone touched the bulge.

[@JohnSmith-qy3nv]

Would, everything else being equal, pushing the thumb against the hammer when drawing the gun increase the time of accurately hitting the target? Also: Are hammerless DA J-frames good for appendix carry?

[@Badbri2A]

Great info thanks

[@Jleitte]

Maybe I missed along the way, but what does Jeff carry position he uses?

[@walterstreet1467]

What brand holster were you using and was that a Sig 229 in your demodulation

[@CalebSavant]

Black Point Tactical, it was actually a 226.

[@jameswoods1804]

@@CalebSavant both excellent kit, BTW

[@HUKIT.]

Not accidental, it’s negligent...

[@Leoleome]

For me, if I carry appendix, I never have one in the chamber. I know it won’t discharge itself but just for my own confidence. One in the chamber when I am carry 4-5 o’clock. It’s just the way I’ve been doing and it works for me.

[@chadreilly]

5:30 "Anytime you violate the safety rules as far as..." Seems he's fairly selective on which safety rules are ok to violate, or not. Apparently not a big believer in redundancy.

[@chadreilly]

Femoral artery is NOT what I'm worried about shooting, lol. Anyway, I carry at 4 o'clock

[@ScottAT]

Avenger holster at 9 O’clock for a lefty, or IWB at 8 O’clock position. I’m not worried about safety at appendix carry, as I would train and use a proper appendix holster. I just have not found it right for me, nor do I stick my nose in other people’s Buissness should they wish to do so.

[@Joemommaas]

Can we get more glock 27/26 lowers

[@robertdinicola9225]

4:00 gvt 1911 in an alien gear, conceals under a loose t shirt no problem.

[@LDZepol]

G19 Gen5 and G 23 Gen5, all day with out problems.

[@granitejeepc3651]

No. Not for me. Tried that in early 90s. My weak side draw is my kniife. Easier to pull and keep low profile with strong side carry. Full DAO guns for me.

[@opencarry3860]

I find strong side Open Carry is the best method of carry. There is no pistol size restriction or clothing issues.

[@jonathansmith7306]

I've found that appendix is harder to hide a full size. Small of back hides my glock 17 perfectly

[@O5IR15]

To each their own, but I would never carry in a position that leaves my firearm completely out of my sight. Again, not saying it's completely wrong, it's just completely wrong for me.

[@mattfleming86]

@@O5IR15 Iike you, I don't prefer it- but there is a time/place/outfit/etc. for every kind of carry. I'm 35 and have never had a random stranger come up and shove their hand down the back of my pants. So unless you are printing, you still have control. I have one OWB holster that fits perfectly small of back. If I need to go incognito unexpectedly, its still on me and not "in the truck" Be safe, be smart, but be flexible and creative.

[@O5IR15]

@@mattfleming86 That's a solid point, and I've honestly not thought of it that way before. I've not seen an OWB 6'oclock holster either, only IWB. I will agree that a firearm anywhere on the body is always better than one "in the truck". I've personally always carried appendix, and have no issues concealing full size frames like my Glock 17 MOS, or my Canik TP9SA, even though I'm 5'7" and around 150lbs.

[@jameswoods1804]

@@O5IR15 also, if you ever fall on your weapon in SOB position, almost guaranteed a debilitating spine injury. Ask me how I know

[@O5IR15]

@@jameswoods1804 yeah, that's one of the reasons I have never carried in that position. As well as not being comfortable re-holstering my firearm behind my back, not being able to see the holster.

[@citizenoftheninthdivision]

No. It's the most uncomfortable thing ever.

[@matthewtaylor3308]

No. No it is not.

[@arsinist7663]

Pointing a firearm at your crotch/femoral artery is never a good idea.

[@timrobinson6573]

This series is my least favorite from Brownell's. I never watch it. I just came here today to type this.