Any modern gun owner should have a nice appendix carry holster. You might want one for protection, or you might just want to operate your pistol without a strap on your hand. In any scenario, the best appendix carry holster will be comfortable in your pocket and available to quickly draw a gun and start shooting.
The phrase “appendix carry” may bring to mind images of old-fashioned guns with large grips that protrude from their sides, but the reality is that there are many different types of appendix carry holsters available today that look quite different from each other. There are also plenty of options for people who don’t have a lot of experience with guns. These holsters are made from durable materials like nylon and polyester and come in a variety of sizes to fit different types of guns. Some have additional features like provisions for a flashlight, a knife, and even a taser. Others come with a belt clip so you can attach it to your pants.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Appendix Carry Holster
Due to the abundance of subpar appendix holsters available, appendix carry has developed a poor image over time. The reality is that carrying your firearm on your appendix isn’t a bad idea, as long as you have a quality holster and practice with it.
Compared to the traditional holsters like, outside waistband, inner waistband, or drop leg carry, it does have certain benefits and drawbacks.
Appendix IWB or AIWB has been gaining popularity as a carry style with concealed carry advocates for some time now. The appendix style involves the positioning of the gun at the front of your belly in roughly the 1 o’clock position.
When shopping for a new appendix carry holster, there are several factors worth considering. The following section looks at these in detail.
Intended Use
The use of an appendix carry holster is usually associated with a specific type of firearm or tool. For instance, if you work in law enforcement and have access to a department-issued handgun, then an appendix carry holster may be your best bet. However, even if you don’t need a gun, an appendix carry holster can help keep one close by in case it’s needed.
- Some people prefer having a backup weapon available, but others feel that carrying a gun about your person is enough protection. If you fall into the latter category, then an item such as a pepper sprayer might be a better option.
- If you like to go camping, then an outdoor knife sharpener might be the ticket. These tools allow you to sharpen pencils, knives, and other blades without the need for batteries or an electrical source.
- Finally, if you’re looking for a tool for self-defense purposes, then an impact wrench or hammer could be your best bet. They’re lightweight, easy to carry, and they’ll help you defend yourself if ever threatened.
Material
Appendix holsters come in various materials, including leather, Kydex (a plastic material used to make holsters), and nylon mesh.
- Although leather is a strong material with a lovely appearance and excellent durability, leather holsters are typically heavier and more expensive than their synthetic counterparts.
- Kydex holsters are flexible, lighter, and less expensive than leather, though not quite as durable. These holsters won’t rustle like leather does and are resistant to moisture damage.
- Nylon mesh is another popular material used to make holsters because it’s soft yet strong. This material is commonly used on bags, backpacks, and luggage because it won’t tear easily and holds its shape.
Size and Fit
A good fit ensures that the holster doesn’t hang off of you or bunch up when moving. It also reduces friction between the holster and your skin, which helps prevent extra wear and tear.
Most manufacturers will describe their holsters as being designed specifically for women or men. While both genders typically benefit from a proper fit, women generally require smaller sizes in order to ensure that the holster fits properly around the waist. Also, taller individuals would do well to size down in height while wearing an appendix carry holster since the belt loops on this style of holster sit right above the hip bone.
Quality Construction
As mentioned earlier, many of today’s handguns don’t have traditional shoulder stocks so instead ride in an attached frame that wraps around the torso. Because of this design, finding a quality holster that’s comfortable is often related to how well it fits. However, no matter what style of holster you purchase, if it isn’t made well, it won’t last long and must be replaced sooner rather than later. Fortunately, most manufacturers now focus on making high-quality products instead of just churning out quantity.
Style
There are three main styles of appendix carry holsters: classic, half, and full.
- Classic appendix carry holsters feature a straight leg from the knee down to the foot. This style was very common in the 1990s and early 2000s before modern day trends changed and brought us something different.
- Half appendix carry has a curved leg from the knee down to the foot. This change makes the movement much easier and more natural. It’s similar to how a baseball player throws a ball, only in this case, the curve makes the throw more accurate.
- Full appendix carry has a modified thigh bone structure that creates a bit of a bootie effect. This trend started with MMA fighting and is now becoming mainstream.
Price
You should always try to get the lowest price possible when buying anything, especially if you’ve already got a large investment in hand. But when it comes to holsters, there’s nothing wrong with paying a little extra for comfort and support. After all, who doesn’t enjoy kicking back after a hard day’s work with a cold beer?
Safety
You are well aware that there are a few potential risks associated with using an appendix carry holster, so you should make it a top priority to make it as secure as you can.
A trigger guard that is completely covered is the first thing to check for. Having a holster that entirely protects the trigger will go a long way in helping to prevent an accident because the majority of careless discharges occur when your shirt or finger inadvertently makes contact with the trigger. Additionally, this is where adjustable retention is used. With retention, you can control how securely and easily your gun is drawn from the holster. It’s important that you set your retention such that it’s both tight enough to keep your gun from slipping and flexible enough for you to draw swiftly from.
Types Of Appendix Carry Holsters
Appendix carry means carrying a handgun in the front right side of your belt buckle. It’s intended to be carried on or near your hip, but it can also be worn at other locations.
Belly Band Holster
The belly band holster is worn by inserting a magazine pouch into the waistband of pants or shorts, then threading a loose end through two loops on the opposite ends of the pouch. The pouch itself has slots on either side which line up with the openings of your choice for your particular firearm. A belly band holster tends to have fewer issues with concealing compared to other types of carry options. However, it doesn’t offer much flexibility when it comes to choosing a location for carrying.
Sidecar
Sidecar refers to a second firearm that rides along with your primary firearm. For example, if you want to take advantage of both your body armor and your primary weapon, you could put a small pistol on your hip and keep your larger weapon in the ankle rig pocket.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
When choosing our recommendations for this guide, we relied on personal experience with concealed and open-carry holsters from a range of manufacturers. We also reviewed other sources to identify the best holsters in general.
We looked at a variety of factors when making our selections, including price, comfort, durability, and more. In the end, we came up with some great options that we think are the best overall value for money.
Frequently Asked Questions About Appendix Carrying Holsters
What is the most comfortable appendix carry holster?
This depends entirely on your physique and lifestyle. People who sit most of the time might prefer a thigh-mounted holster, while those who stand or walk around all day might prefer an IWB option.
How do you wear an appendix carrier?
An appendix carrier sits directly on top of your belt buckle, with two straps that extend over your shoulder blades to keep it in place. The front strap goes across your chest, while the back one hooks behind your lower back. This allows you to maintain excellent control of your weapon while seated, but may be impractical if you have to move quickly.
Can you open-carry with an appendix carrier?
Yes, provided you are legally allowed to open-carry, and provided you can get past any legal hurdles (such as waiting periods), there shouldn’t be much difference between carrying concealed with an appendix carrier vs. not using one at all. Just make sure you’re clear on local regulations before doing so.
Is AIWB risky?
Before appendix carry enjoyed a resurgence, it had been deemed to be unsafe by many in the gun world. The style of carry is as old as guns themselves but a psychological fear has impacted the way people think about it. The kneejerk objection is that you could accidentally shoot your Johnson. Worse still, if your gun is angled slightly, you could shoot your femoral artery. A counterargument is that shooters who are unsafe and do not practice sensible training methods are at risk of accidental discharges no matter how they carry their guns. With the correct holster, specifically one that completely covers the trigger guard, this risk should be eliminated. Others might say that the only potential danger is when you are re-holstering, but this affects any carry style and can be avoided by using a DA/SA pistol that has a manual safety.
What are the appendix holster drawbacks?
The main drawback is determined by the size of your gun and your body shape. When you have a gun position at the front of your pants, it can be uncomfortable when sitting down for long periods or bending down. Naturally, driving could also be uncomfortable. These potential problems can be addressed by simply using the right holster for you. This would mean trying out a few different AIWB holsters until you find the one that sits right. Worst case scenario, you may also need to reconsider the type of gun that you carry when using the appendix style.
How does an appendix holster work?
Appendix holsters attach to your belt via a loop at the back of your pants. They’re designed so that they don’t interfere with your movement when you walk around.
Is an appendix holster comfortable?
Yes! Appendices are great because they keep your gun in place without getting in the way. Plus, they make it easy to reach your weapon quickly if needed.
Can I use my appendix holster with other types of belts?
Sure! You can use your appendix holster with almost all styles of belts. Just be sure to get a model that fits well over your waistband.
Do appendix holsters have a retention strap?
Some models come with a retention strap. This helps ensure that your appendix holster stays put even during rough movements like running.
Does an appendix holster look good under clothing?
Yes! Most appendix holsters will blend right into most outfits. If you want something more noticeable, consider adding a piece of jewelry.