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Carrying striker fired pistols in appendix carry

10K views 55 replies 29 participants last post by  tac45  
#1 ·
Hi all!
Wanted to get input on anyone carrying Glock type pistols via appendix carry.
Folks I know are split in a few camps…
Some say only in kydex holsters, others say never.
A few even thought carrying appendix without round in chamber was a good idea. 😳
What say you interesting bunch of gun nuts?
If you do carry this style, what works for you?
Thanks as always.
 
#3 · (Edited)
Yes, AIWB daily since 2020.

I installed a Striker Control Device on my Glock 19 MOS since I was used to thumbing the hammer on my HKs, holstering. In 2021 I switched to a P365X and sold the G19, as the small Sig just plain worked better for me all around. I use made-for-AIWB kydex holsters by either JM Custom Kydex or Dark Star Gear. Always condition 1.

Current EDC is my Sig Sauer P365X, 12+1 with Speer GD 124+p, Wilson Combat grip module+weights, and a HS 407k. I use a JM Custom Kydex AIWB 2.5 Wing Claw and a single DCC clip (I asked Tony to put in both upper and lower holes so I could try either DCC clips or PTD. I ended up leaving just one DCC.) Belt is a Mastermind Tactics Specialist Pro.

I attached a Mastermind Tactics Appendix Carry Pillow on the reverse. The ACP helps cushion the holster against my, ah, gentleman area. I find the ACPs are a better fit and more comfortable than harder foam wedge type pads I've tried.

I don't wear an undershirt (Florida, too hot) so I velcro'd another ACP, this one without any stuffing, to act as a cloth spacer against my skin, on the upper part of the holster sweat guard.

Image

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I have another AIWB holster by DSG, I use for my Ruger LCR .38. This is for when I go to the gym. It has a single steel wide clip I attach to my gym shorts. T-shirt over. I wear it in the same AIWB position as the Sig. I don't go nuts a the gym, just elliptical or walk, and lift free weights. Otherwise I pocket carry the LCR in a Desantis Nemesis as a BUG.

I gravitated towards Appendix carry after I went on a low-carb diet and went from 215 lbs to 180, and 38" pants to 34". Having lost the weight made this a much more attractive option for me. I find it very comfortable walking, driving the truck, camping, eating dinner out, etc. etc.


I think Appendix isn't for everybody; whether its from perceived risk management (and I get that), or your body being a shape, not um, conducive to Appendix, or being already used to another carry type (behind the hip, say) that works for them. In that case, great. So it kinda depends on your personal circumstances.
 
#4 ·
Yes, AIWB daily since 2020.

I installed a Striker Control Device on my Glock 19 MOS since I was used to thumbing the hammer on my HKs, holstering. In 2021 I switched to a P365X and sold the G19, as the small Sig just plain worked better for me all around. I use made-for-AIWB kydex holsters by either JM Custom Kydex or Dark Star Gear. Always condition 1.

Current EDC is my Sig Sauer P365X, 12+1 with Speer GD 124+p, Wilson Combat grip module+weights, and a HS 407k. I use a JM Custom Kydex AIWB 2.5 Wing Claw and a single DCC clip (I asked Tony to put in both upper and lower holes so I could try either DCC clips or PTD.) Belt is a Mastermind Tactics Specialist Pro.

I attached a Mastermind Tactics Appendix Carry Pillow on the reverse. The ACP helps cushion the holster against my, ah, gentleman area. I find the ACPs are a better fit and more comfortable than harder foam wedge type pads I've tried.

I don't wear an undershirt (Florida, too hot) so I velcro'd another ACP, this one without any stuffing, to act as a cloth spacer against my skin, on the upper part of the holster sweat guard.

View attachment 1086518
View attachment 1086521

I have another AIWB holster by DSG, I use for my Ruger LCR .38. This is for when I go to the gym. It has a single steel wide clip I attach to my gym shorts. T-shirt over. I wear it in the same AIWB position as the Sig. I don't go nuts a the gym, just elliptical or walk, and lift free weights. Otherwise I pocket carry the LCR in a Desantis Nemesis as a BUG.

I gravitated towards Appendix carry after I went on a low-carb diet and went from 215 lbs to 180, and 38" pants to 34". Having lost the weight made this a much more attractive option for me. I find it very comfortable walking, driving the truck, camping, eating dinner out, etc. etc.


I think Appendix isn't for everybody; whether its from perceived risk management (and I get that), or your body being a shape, not um, conducive to Appendix, or being already used to another carry type (behind the hip, say) that works for them. In that case, great. So it kinda depends on your personal circumstances.
Feel the same way. This type of carry is not for everyone, but if you find the right set up, which you seemed to have nailed…nothing else beats it!
 
#12 ·
I wear my M&P AIWB when I wear work shorts in an ANR holster. I really despise kydex but being how the M&P is my only carry gun not a 1911/2011 with a thumb safety, I prefer to have a stiff holster that won't possibly catch the trigger while holstering straight at my groin. Actually it is pretty comfortable once you get use to added bulk up front.

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#14 ·
No striker for me unless it has a thumb safety or striker control device. Co-worker got a jacket toggle pushed into the holster with a Glock when reholstering. Went through a gut roll, through his left testicle, into left leg, and out his knee cap.

I prefer the little extra bit of insurance provided by being able to control the hammer with my thumb when reholstering. It’s not always your finger, and although it doesn’t happen often statistically, if it happens to you stats don’t mean jack.

FWIW, it happens with strong side carry too. According to a Blauer rep back in the day, it’s one of the reasons they created the slit on patrol jackets.
 
#16 ·
This is why you have to know how to safely draw and reholster. This can happen all too easily.

When reholstering, you need to visually clear the path to the holster so that you know you can safely put the gun away. You also need to tilt your pelvis so that your organs are not in line with the muzzle until the gun is firmly seated in the holster. These two steps will prevent this kind of occurrance.
 
#15 ·
G43 in a Vedder Light Tuck with claw and a pillow … Or a Phlster Enigma rig if wearing shorts or sweats. Completely safe as long as you don’t let anything near the trigger during draw and reholster. Always reholster slowly and deliberately. You’ll pay extra for being stupid with this method.
 
#18 ·
I think you have to carry what you feel safe with. For me, my little Bul Armory SAS II FS (essentially an compact 2011) is perfectly safe in condition one (with thumb safety and grip safeties engaged) in a kydex holster of my own making.

As far as striker-fired pistols and AIWB, I'd just say "be careful!" on reholstering. I'm an safety officer at our monthly pistol matches and I've seen some mighty lackadaisical holstering of striker fired pistols. All it takes is something to catch on the trigger while holstering and "Kaboom!".
 
#25 ·
The only safe way is to remove the holster from your waist band, holster the weapon, then insert the holstered weapon back into your waistband.

Anything else is a short cut.
I'm going to have to respectfully disagree. If you look your gun into the holster, it's no less safe than taking the holster off. When my gun is unholstered, I can see straight down to the bottom of my holster. If any debris were to get caught in it, I would see it.
 
#33 ·
I only carry aiwb and have carried glocks, sigs, HK, S&W, and now Atlas and Triarc commanders. Carrying this way for 20 years with no issues and have taken courses aiwb as well. My body prints 3-4 o’clock no matter what and I like that no one will accidentally touch my pistol when aiwb.

I understand the reservation if you do not carry this way and it’s not for everyone depending on your body type.
 
#36 ·
Thanks to everyone who have responded so far. Looks like the consensus is feeling comfortable with the carry method as a whole.
Of those of you who do and have several types of AIWB holsters, do you have a favorite over the others? Just trying to make the best choice before buying a dozen holsters!
Thanks for being my beta testers. You folks rock!
 
#37 ·
Thanks to everyone who have responded so far. Looks like the consensus is feeling comfortable with the carry method as a whole.
Of those of you who do and have several types of AIWB holsters, do you have a favorite over the others? Just trying to make the best choice before buying a dozen holsters!
Thanks for being my beta testers. You folks rock!
My favorite concealment holster is the Keeper's Concealment "The Keeper." I've never tried anything nearly as comfortable. Also very secure, made from thick kydex.