Appendix carry....

[O.S.O.K.]

Well, I've always favored "strong side" carry for my concealed carry method.

But yesterday, I tried the appendix carry (which might be called the shoot your stuff off carry) method with my Glock 20.

I made sure the chamber was empty - I would never try this with a loaded chamber.... just can't do it. However, what I found was that my dunlap disease was actually helpful in concealing the big block. It was not visible in any way.

Hmmm, so now I'm thinking that this might be worth considering - again, carrying chamber-empty only...

I did notice that it made it difficult to bend over, but if you're in a situation where you're going to be standing/walking around all day, this would be something to consider.

Strong side carry always prints at least a little for me. Not enough to keep me from carrying, but I'd much rather be completely concealed...

[Grizz]

I use a highnoon softy LOW RIDE holster. it has a single steel belt clip that is very secure. I slide the gun from 3 to abt 1:30 to get the grip under the, uh, hide.. ( ) with the grip right on the belt. I've never imagined that I have to out-draw earp. But getting the gun around that way allows me to conceal a 4" XD45 under a loose tee shirt. It's the mall protocol.

[O.S.O.K.]

Yeah, kinda like parking the tractor under the shed roof

[ving-thorr]

My best bud from work carries his service pistol, hk p2000, that way off duty. With a round in the chamber. He swears by it! I just can't do it though, it gives me the heebie-jeebies. I prefer the strongside, 4 o'clock position. better to accidentally blow off my buttcheek than my manhood! did you carry the glock with an empty chamber when you wore it strongside?

[williamranks]

I have to carry strong side at or slightly behind the hip since I can't see my belt anymore.

[L_Kilkenny]

While not CC related I do prefer to have a hunting/field gun more in the 1:00 position than at 3 or 4:00. Just seems more natural and easier to get at. Especially if it's riding on it's own belt.

LK

[alnitak]

I've tried appendix carry a few times, especially with my PM9. However, I sit at the desk a lot (or in a car) and AC doesn't really work for me. I actually find S.O.B. or 4:30-5:00 carry works better sitting down (except for the car).

People, however, swear by the Smart Carry system, and it seems to provide conceal-ability benefits.

[olyinaz]

Can't bring myself to do the "shoot your junk" carry. No way, no how.

Oly

[kimwcook]

I carry either strong side, outside belt, at the 3-4:00 position or in a Miami Classic shoulder holster. I find if I move it I can't find it. I've worn strong side for so long. The only other time I'll carry differently is possibly riding my horses and then I may carry crossdraw. AC I just wouldn't feel comfortable with and possibly may get myself or someone else hurt because I'd be so inclined to draw from my strong side I'd probably fumble around a minute before I realized where I actually had it. So many repetitions and muscle memory.

[Blaine]

Carrying an AirLite, AirWeight, or bitty .380 gives me piece of mind without threatening The Boys....I'll open carry the 1911, or whatever, when in a rural situation that calls for a bigger stick.

[Mac in Mo]

I used to carry my Model 60 there when on duty. It was back up to my Model 64. No gut then. It was right behind my double speed loader pouch.

When our department went to the Beretta 92D, they gave us four choices for off-duty pistols. I bought the Sig 225. I would carry it in the appendix carry position when I had on shorts and a t-shirt. It did not print at all there.

I never even gave it a thought (the boys) for some reason.

Kevin

[O.S.O.K.]

My best bud from work carries his service pistol, hk p2000, that way off duty. With a round in the chamber. He swears by it! I just can't do it though, it gives me the heebie-jeebies. I prefer the strongside, 4 o'clock position. better to accidentally blow off my buttcheek than my manhood! did you carry the glock with an empty chamber when you wore it strongside?

When I carry strong side it's in a holster and yeah, with one up the pipe. That's how I really want to carry regardless but I am like you - can't do the appendix with one up the pipe. That's the main reason that I've avoided it.

But seeing how well even a big fat G20 is concealed that way.... made me think maybe it'd be OK for situations like the mall as Grizz says...

[rjohns94]

u guys have me laughing. parking the tractor under the shed ......

[Grizz]

I'll take cover wherever I can get it



PS: How do you keep a gun that's making a big blob on your back from printing under a tee? Or is that for wear with a big jacket? When I put a pistol back there it looks like I'm advertising for Springfield!

[Irelander]

If a mode of carry causes you to carry without a loaded gun (one in the chamber), then find a different mode of carry. A gun is useless unless its loaded. Thinking that you can skin that smoke wagon, rack the slide, aim...and all that in a critical incident is a good way to get yourself killed.

You have to practice with a new mode of carry before you employ that method. I've practiced with appendix carry of my P380 in a belly band holster for jogging. I feel comfortable with that mode with one in the chamber.

[Mac in Mo]

Adam.

I am not arguing your point. I have not and would not carry a pistol with an empty chamber if it were carried for defensive purposes, when it was my choice. I do seem to recall Mossad carrying some sort of pistol with an empty chamber and having to chamber a round as part of their draw. I can't say they don't know their business. I suppose it can be done, but I don't like it for myself.

Kevin

[Catshooter]

I have carried appendix for more than 30 years.

Glock 17 is just a bit too long, a Glock 19 doesn't pinch at all when I sit. You might find that a Glock 29 would work. Besides, it's a good reason to get another gun!

I don't know what holster you're using but stuff the gun in it with it in your hand. Now look at it. With mine, not only is the holster in the way of moving the trigger, but so is the steel belt clip. No way in hell can the trigger get pulled.

Try it! Unload the weapon an see if you can get it to snap. Bet you can't. I understand your reluctance, the boys are kind of important and sensitive.

I would not carry empty chamber, ever, ever, ever. I might be able to get a round chambered, but there are so many things that can go wrong with that plan that it's not even funny. I would never kid myself that I could predict how a gun fight would go.

The Israel armed forces do indeed carry chamber empty. And no, they do not know what they are doing, at least not in this area.


Cat

[Cliff]

Nothing to fear with a Glock and appendix carry. Simply get a trigger block plug. It fits in behind the trigger and you push it out when you draw, it falls free and you are good to go. Cost about $20 buck. I use them with my "ClipDraw" devices. I believe Clip Draw sells it along with the regular clip draw metal type gun holder. They recommend this for safety. If you have to leave the gun somewhere, you can insert a small padlock into the trigger block once it is put in place and it cannot (the trigger Block) be removed, rendering the pistol safe. Great little gadget, when they first came out they made them out of orange colored material now they are black, and hard to see. One claim (I am skeptical) is if someone grabs your glock, if they don't know what the do dad is it will prevent them from removing it and firing your pistol. http://www.clipdraw.com I believe is the address. Look it over it works.

[O.S.O.K.]

I think I'll just stick with strong side - that's what all of my holsters are. The appendix "try" was "mexican carry"

That's why in particular, the empty chamber but I must admit that I'd not be comfy with a loaded chamber even with the holster... I've seen too many "AD" situatuations to tempt fate.

A shot leg or foot I could deal with... but not my boys laying on the pavement in little pieces...

[AJMD429]

I made sure the chamber was empty - I would never try this with a loaded chamber.... just can't do it.

Of course if you're pessimistic enough to think a round could just 'go off', think about what one in the magazine could do, or one in a non-lined-up chamber in a revolver cylinder. I've never heard of such an occurrence, but it still gives me the creeps.

[Griff]

When I was a tad trimmer, it was either a Milt Sparks summertime special, somewhere between 90 & 110º, or a shoulder holster under a suit or sports jacket. I quit doin' the empty pipe thing when I got out of the service.

[preventec47]

Just ask Plaxico Burris about carrying Glocks with one
in the barrel.... You know, the NY Jet that shot his leg
in a night club in NY and spent 3 years in prison.

[O.S.O.K.]

Just ask Plaxico Burris about carrying Glocks with one
in the barrel.... You know, the NY Jet that shot his leg
in a night club in NY and spent 3 years in prison.

I don't know, but I bet it was in a big baggy pocket.... and not in a holster. And he was most probably slightly numb....until the round went into his leg.

[20cows]

I've been carrying a Kimber Compact 1911 that way for 6 or 7 years, cocked and locked.