Everything To Know About Appendix Carry

As the name suggests, appendix carry means you carry your gun near your appendix, on the right side of your lower belly. Although nearly all people have appendixes on their right sides, the “appendix carry” name also applies to people who carry their guns on the left sides of their stomachs.

It’s just easier to use the same phrase instead of getting too technical about anatomy. You can get a lot of benefits from the appendix carry position. There are some potential downsides, though. Before you purchase an appendix concealed carry holster, read the following article to make sure it’s a good match for you.

The Benefits of Appendix Carry

Let’s start by looking at some of the most noteworthy benefits of choosing an appendix concealed carry holster. Keep in mind that factors like your body shape and the type of gun you carry may influence the specific advantages and disadvantages that you get from appendix carry. In general, though, most people find they benefit in three significant ways.

Excellent Concealment

Wearing an inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster in the appendix position conceals your gun better than any other option.

The area around your appendix probably has several curves that make it easy for you to hide your gun. Depending on your unique shape, you might even find that your appendix concealed carry holster fits along one of those curves quite easily.

Regardless of your body’s shape, people already expect to see things like belt buckles and smartphone holsters bunching up clothing around the appendix area.

A good gun holster doesn’t stand out more than those items. You can make your concealed carry holster even more difficult to spot by adding a claw kit and wearing a sturdy gun belt.

Better Security

For the most part, any IWB holster gives you strong security because it keeps your weapon inside your clothing. Still, some carry positions offer more security than others. If you wear your gun on your hip, for example, someone could potentially take it from you during a struggle. That becomes much more difficult when you have the gun attached to the front of your waistband. With an IWB holster and appendix carry, it’s nearly impossible for someone to steal your gun while you’re conscious.

Faster, Easier Access to Your Gun

Some people don’t find appendix carry very comfortable (we’ll get to that in the next section). They get used to the carry position, though, because they like how easily and quickly they can access their guns in an emergency. Think about how easy it is for you to stand with your hands crossed over your belt buckle. It’s a very comfortable position, so you probably find yourself standing that way automatically.

Now, imagine how quickly you could draw your gun with it holstered by your appendix. With such a short distance to cover, you will target danger immediately.

The Potential Disadvantages of Appendix Carry

Appendix concealed carry holsters offer a lot of benefits, but some people decide they can't tolerate its disadvantages. The experience can vary significantly from person to person.

Some People Find It Uncomfortable

Having a gun nestled right against your groin area can become uncomfortable very quickly. Why do some people find this uncomfortable while others don’t mind appendix carry? A lot of it has to do with physical differences. If you have a large belly, for instance, your gun’s handle might push into you throughout the day. The type of gun you carry also matters. A larger gun is more likely to cause discomfort than a smaller one.

“It’s Dangerous”

Appendix carry is not dangerous when used by people who know and respect firearms. This “disadvantage” gets mentioned often enough, though, that it deserves an explanation. Some people say that appendix carry is dangerous because a misfire could strike your femoral artery. A lot of blood flows through the femoral artery, so even a small nick can create significant bleeding.

The fact of the matter is that anyone carrying a concealed weapon should know how to do so safely. It’s true that a growing number of states do not require training or permits to carry concealed guns. That doesn’t excuse you from learning how to carry your gun safely.

If there is any chance that you could accidentally fire your holstered gun, you need more training before you start carrying in public. It’s that simple. No, appendix carry isn’t dangerous. Yes, people who do not take their responsibilities seriously are dangerous. There’s a big difference between those statements.

Reholstering Becomes Difficult (With Some Holsters)

If you wear a holster that loses its shape when you remove the gun, reholstering will become difficult in the appendix position. This is an easy problem to avoid. You just need to choose the right kind of holster.

Choosing an Appendix Concealed Carry Holster

Choosing the right appendix concealed carry holster helps ensure that you increase the benefits and decrease the disadvantages of the appendix carry position. For example, getting a Kydex concealed carry holster eliminates the challenges of reholstering your weapon. Unlike leather and other common materials used to make holsters, Kydex retains its shape with or without your gun.

When you draw your pistol, it stays in the same shape. Once you have secured the environment, you can slide your gun right back into the holster. With other materials, you might have to fumble with the holster. Kydex makes reholstering easy.

Get a Kydex Concealed Carry Holster That Will Last a Lifetime

At Rounded, we make Kydex appendix concealed carry holsters in the United States to make sure you get a quality product that will last a lifetime. In fact, we give you a lifetime guarantee with every purchase. You deserve an IWB holster that fits your gun’s features and dimensions. You can browse our catalog by gun maker to find an option manufactured specifically for your favorite CCW.

Regardless of the design you choose, you always get a product designed to help you stay safe for life. Purchase a concealment holster today!