Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Gun enthusiasts often debate the merits and demerits of various firearm carry styles. One that often sparks controversy is the Appendix Inside the Waistband (AIWB), also known as “appendix carry.”
While it has its advocates (including some of our most experienced and talented writers on GunsAmerica) I’ve got some amusing, albeit compelling, reasons why this might not be the most judicious choice for your day-to-day carry method.
1. Anatomy 101: The Unfortunate Proximity Factor
Let’s cut straight to the chase— or rather, straight to the most sensitive region of your body. Appendix carry positions your firearm near some of your most vital and valued anatomical real estate, sometimes humorously referred to as the “family jewels.”
It’s all fun and games until a negligent discharge happens, and suddenly you’re in an opera hitting notes only dogs can hear. Even the most fervent gun aficionados can’t deny that this is a risk they’d rather not take.
2. The Gut Check
We’re all friends here, so let’s be honest. Most of us don’t possess the chiseled six-pack of a Hollywood action star. For those of us with a bit of extra padding, appendix carry can be uncomfortable, particularly when seated.
Sure, you might argue that it’s a great incentive to hit the gym, but until then, it’s just you, your gun, and your regret every time you tuck into a burger.
3. The Bathroom Olympics
If navigating the restroom is already a delicate dance, appendix carry introduces a whole new level of complexity. It’s not just about taking care of business anymore; it’s a juggling act between hygiene, modesty, and ensuring your firearm doesn’t clatter to the floor or—worse—end up in the toilet.
Trust me, there’s no dignity in fishing your Glock out of a public loo.
4. Walking the Plank – The Draw
When it comes to the quick draw, appendix carry is a bit of a paradox. While it offers the potential for a speedy draw, it also requires a certain finesse and dexterity to avoid pointing the muzzle at yourself in the process.
Unless you’ve perfected the art of the limbo or have aspirations of performing a solo pirate reenactment, you might want to reconsider the draw risk.
5. Sweat: The Natural Enemy
Whether it’s a blazing summer day or you’re just naturally prone to perspiration, appendix carry can turn your firearm into a mini sauna. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it can also lead to rusting or degradation of your firearm over time.
Now, that’s hardly the kind of hot situation you want to find yourself in.
Conclusion
In the end, the way you choose to carry your firearm is a personal decision, based on comfort, lifestyle, and training.
However, the next time you think about going the appendix route, remember this tongue-in-cheek list. After all, the goal is to protect yourself and your loved ones – and that includes your ‘crown jewels.’
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Every time this subject comes up, I tend to think of the number one rule of gun safety: “Never point the muzzle at anything you do not wish to destroy”.
You have to train to carry aiwb .yes there are some physical restraints.its not for the casual ccw person
I don’t claim the knowledge or experience to offer advice on this matter, but I will point this out. If you have a negligent discharge there is a definite possibility you could shoot yourself in the femoral artery. That would give you an extremely short time to miss your family jewels before you die.
XDE double action, hammer down makes it hard to ND, and its small enough to conceal easily.
Well I can certainly agree with all the points, especially considering I’m carrying an M45A1 down there. This is, in a big way, why I’ve got a thumb break holster.
I carry a S&W 637 Airweight in the appendix carry position. I fail to see how it’s dangerous. It has a long trigger pull. Maybe a semi auot with a light trigger and no safety but a revolver I think is fine!
IDK. I can’t figure how anyone that does any type of physical work can carry appendix style. Doesn’t work for me, maybe because I don’t have any “padding” in that area. If it works for you its none of my business how you carry.
Yeah but good luck pulling out your gun from a side holster if you need it in your vehicle….
What if you have had your appendix removed? Would this turn into liver carry?
I have an IWB holster for my P365, but I prefer to carry it outside the waistband, but inside my belt. It’s very comfortable for me and easy to draw.
Very well presented Larry, thank’s. My position after all this ? Of course your points are valid ones … but sometimes … you may need that way to carry for God knows reasons. Like you, I think one should think twice and probably three times before adopting appendix as a principal way to carry but if occasional need be … with appropriate care, it could be used reasonably safely.
I’ve considered those drawbacks, too. But the solutions are: safe holster technique (watching the gun during the entire revoletee, ensuring no clothes are in the trigger guard or holster), belly band holster (just pull it up a little when dropping trow), and wear a T-shirt, or even a piece of cloth, under the holster). Your drawbacks have solutions.
Let’s all chip in and get bluedouche it/clown one of these, he uses pronouns so he is most likely has nothing to worry about.
Mostly, I pocket carry (Ruger LCR, Sig 365, Ruger LCP) but that’s mostly cause I am lazy. Gearing up and then down since there are many no carrying zones in my state. Somebody could always be watching when I park across the street, dump the pistol and head into the Post Office.
I did notice that the other day that “Fish” on Barney Miller had a cool shoulder rig but that ain’t for me.
What is the best summer carry if not the apx?
I changed to a pistol with a manual safety, after not being able to get past a loaded chamber pointed at my Femoral artery, I now find myself occasionally checking the safety. I’m told a person could bleed out in under 6 minutes. EH, what could go wrong.
Reason No.2 was all that I needed to dissuade me of any thoughts of appendix carry. A gun barrel to the groin is not something to want to do more than once.