5 Tips for a Better Appendix Carry
Carry Like a Pro with This Nexbelt Guide
What is Appendix Carry?
In the 19th century, small revolvers called “belly guns” were often worn tucked into the front of the waistband, rather than at the side or back. The term “appendix carry” is a newer term for this same carrying style, referring to the way your holster rests against your abdomen, around the general location of your appendix.
Typical placement of the firearm in this style of carry is often about halfway between the pants pocket and the waistband button. Generally, this position is used with an “In the Waistband” (IWB) holster to aid in concealment. Today, appendix carrying is a little more sophisticated than that of the 19th century, with specialized holsters, belts, and techniques making it a much safer, comfortable method of carrying.
Benefits of the Appendix Carry
While the best carry position for you will depend on your style of shooting, preferences, goals, and other factors, appendix carrying offers some serious advantages that are worth considering.
Perhaps the most common advantage is how easy appendix carrying makes drawing your weapon. Many gun owners cite the natural feeling and quickness of unholstering their firearm from an appendix carry position.
Other benefits include the ease of concealment for just about any size handgun, better protection for gun retention, and increased comfort. For example, if you happen to fall backwards during the day, you won’t fall painfully onto your weapon if you’re using an appendix carrying technique.
Tips for Your Best Appendix Carry
Adjust the Height of Your Pants
One frequently cited drawback of the appendix carry is the way it allows your weapon to jab into you when you sit or bend. We understand this concern; you want to retain a comfortable, free range of motion with your concealed carry.
To prevent that discomfort, we recommend wearing your pants higher up on your waist. Keeping your pants, and therefore your firearm, higher when sitting while driving for example, allows the holster to bend with you and helps to prevent injury caused by your own weapon. While you won’t want to go overboard on this tip, try to find pants that fit well and can be worn around your hip bone, or slightly above.
Leave Enough Room For a Strong, Easy Grip
When it comes to a concealed carry of any kind, you should always be able to easily get a proper grip on your firearm. Giving yourself enough space between the edges of your gun and pants to get a solid grip is critically important, especially when you need to draw your weapon quickly. Start by adjusting the holster or finding a holster that sits perfectly. Take factors such as the size of your hands and ride height into consideration.
Follow the Natural Contours of Your Body
As with most styles of carrying, exact specifications will depend on your body type. While skinnier individuals will want to avoid holster contact on bony areas, bigger guys are going to want to avoid pinching skin. Both goals can be accomplished with the correct set up and equipment.
Appendix Carry for Thinner Guys
Unfortunately, skinny guys may have a disadvantage when it comes to the appendix carry. We recommend carrying with a vertical orientation for increased comfort or moving your IWB holster closer to the center line of your body. Additionally, those who are skinnier often report increased comfort when the ride height is elevated. This prevents the muzzle from pressing into your lower abdomen or hip flexors when sitting.
Appendix Carry for Larger Guys
When it comes to appendix carrying with extra weight, the opposite rules tend to apply. Lowering the ride height of your holster will prevent pinching and a canted holster may help keep the gun away from your stomach. Larger men usually don’t need to worry about their firearm or holster digging into their hip bone, as they have more cushion.
Appendix Carry Belts from Nexbelt
Nexbelt understands the needs of firearm owners, especially when it comes to their EDC belts. Accordingly, all our belts are rigid enough to hold up to repeated use, while remaining comfortable so you can wear them all day, every day if desired.
Nexbelt Supreme: The Top Choice for Appendix Carry Belts
Because it’s such a popular carrying position, Nexbelt designed the Supreme Appendix belt specifically for those who prefer to appendix carry their firearm for personal protection. Combining comfort and functionality, we’ve also included a few special features, including:
The smallest available buckle, freeing up more space in front for you to carry both your firearms and extra magazines. Because no waist is the same, that buckle can be worn front and center, on your left hip, or even near the curve of your back to ensure a completely custom, comfortable fit.
And with our ratchet system, the wearer is able to adjust in ¼ inch increments to find the perfect fit. Traditional belts often force the wearer to be in between holes. This buckle is the first of the Nexbelt to have a push-button trigger that allows for quick adjustments to get the comfort desired. For example, when you sit down in your car, you can push on the trigger and slide the strap back a little to release pressure so the holster and gun don’t dig into your gut. Prior to getting out, just cinch the strap tighter and you’re prepared.
Additionally, the advanced composite of ultra-fine polyester fibers gives this belt all the lasting stiffness required for holstering your sidearm safely and securely, day in and day out. You can check out the Nexbelt Supreme Appendix belt, or any of our other quality options by visiting our online store today.
