Is Appendix Carry Right For You?

The number of Americans that choose to carry concealed is rising every single day.  Far and wide the most asked question I hear is what is the best way to conceal carry?  This is a very tricky question and has multiple answers on different levels.

There are basically 3 types of concealed carry.  Appendix Carry, Strong Side or Weak Side (cross draw).

Here are some of the biggest pro arguments for Appendix Carry.

• It’s Faster. If I am standing I can acquire my weapon faster in this position than any of the other concealed methods.
• It’s in a more natural position to be able to move. A gun that is on your hip that is inside the waistband can be very cumbersome.
• It’s very hard for someone to take my weapon. A weapon located on my right side, left side or back will be far easier to steal than one tucked into my appendix.
• You stay centered. When I grip my weapon from Appendix carry, I am not having to cock my arm or elbow outside of my body like you will on other carry locations.
• It’s easier to conceal. This carry position will print far less and you can naturally cover with your arms if need be.  You will worry far less about printing from the Appendix Carry.
• I can draw the weapon while on my back. If I am knocked down or have to fight from the ground, Appendix Carry makes it easier to acquire my weapon than the other methods IMO.

Now, here are some of the biggest CONS to Appendix Carry that you need to think about as well.

• Body Type. If you have a bit of a belly, muffin top, gut or whatever you want to call it, Appendix carry can be very uncomfortable and very difficult to draw your weapon.  If this is you, Appendix Carry is most likely not for you.
• When engaged in a fight, it is human nature to bend or duck to protect your head and neck. This will also make it much more difficult to grip your weapon from the Appendix carry position.
• It can be very difficult to re-holster. I have heard of more people shooting themselves trying to re-holster in Appendix Carry than any other method.

If you are still unsure as to which method suits you, try and borrow a friends, go to a gun show or local gun store and give each a solid try.  Move around naturally and go through a logical grip and draw sequence.  I personally appendix carry anytime I am concealing my weapon.  But, I have weighed the options, performed the tests and found that for ME it simply works best and is the most tactical of the conceal carry positions.  However, that may not be case for you.  Keep an open mind and find what best fits you and your lifestyle.

Remember carrying concealed will never be comfortable, but rather be comforting.

Shane Smith