Appendix carry vs IWB/OWB for back problems

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TomJ

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I've been pocket carrying due to a back injury. I'm pretty much recovered from it, however carrying IWB or OWB for more than a half hour or so leads to a sore back, so it's not an option. I was wondering if anyone who appendix carries finds it to be easier on the back. If yes, what holster do you use?
 
I carried IWB at around 4:30 for most of my life, and switched to AIWB 5 or 6 years ago, and wish now Id done it decades before that.

I cant say that my back feels any different with either, but AIWB is a lot more comfortable, concealable, easier to protect the gun, faster to get to the gun, and easier and safer to reholster than my holsters I wore behind my hip.

Ive been using one of Saurez's kydex "Gunfighter" holsters for a couple of years now, and it works very well. It has a double clip that locks the firmly gun in place on the belt.

Before that, I was using one of Blade Techs" Ambi Klipt" kydex holsters. They too work well. The Ambi Klipt versions are different than their cheaper "Klipt" version and position the holster better as the clip is on the side of the holster, not in the middle. The holster is also a true "ambi" holster.
 
I feel your pain. I had to rehab a back injury and it required strengthening my back and abdominal muscles along with trimming the waistline bulge to regain and keep the proper spinal curve before I could carry long periods without discomfort. I used a Remora (sticky type) holster and repositioned it until I found MY sweet carry spot. Good luck!
 
Never had major back problems either way, but I'd guess AIWB is easier on my back. That position allows more big muscles in the core to help stabilize things. Pair with a great gun belt (a must IMO regardless of position) and you'll have it made.

I carry in a Tuctite holster; they're unfortunately defunct, but Tier 1 concealment with a sidecar mag carrier is the next rig I'll look at when I need to buy one.
 
I've been pocket carrying due to a back injury. I'm pretty much recovered from it, however carrying IWB or OWB for more than a half hour or so leads to a sore back, so it's not an option. I was wondering if anyone who appendix carries finds it to be easier on the back. If yes, what holster do you use?
What gun will you be carrying?
 
I would like to jump in and ask how big a pistol can you carry AIWB
While AIWB isn't my thing, I find Spenser Keepers, the guy behind Keepers Concealment, one of the most respected AIWB holster designs in the AIWB world, a worthwhile data point.

http://keepersconcealment.com/#

He's not a skinny guy, and many folks seem to think you need to be skinny to AIWB, and his two most recent carry guns have been a Glock G34/35 and a Beretta 92, both long barreled guns which many believe you can't carry AIWB.
 
I carry either a CZ P-10c or Glock 19 appendix in a Brave Response holster (belly band type) https://www.brshooting.com/shop/ . Like one comment said, i wish I had switched sooner! Much easier access to the gun, quick draws, better protection from anyone trying to get it, and great accessibility in all positions.
 
AIWB isn't more comfortable for me, I do it if I need better concealment and it's not bad if I'm standing or walking. That said I'm more comfortable with a more traditional 4:00-4:30 IWB. My back isn't good, I go to a chiropractor once a month if everything's working well. If my back is bad, I pocket carry a g42. I guess it depends on the location and severity of your back pain. When my back is hurting (lower back) , AIWB is not an answer for comfortable carry. But in all fairness I only carry appendix about 20% of the time and don't find it especially comfortable under any condition, but everyone's different.
 
AIWB isn't more comfortable for me, I do it if I need better concealment and it's not bad if I'm standing or walking. That said I'm more comfortable with a more traditional 4:00-4:30 IWB. My back isn't good, I go to a chiropractor once a month if everything's working well. If my back is bad, I pocket carry a g42. I guess it depends on the location and severity of your back pain. When my back is hurting (lower back) , AIWB is not an answer for comfortable carry. But in all fairness I only carry appendix about 20% of the time and don't find it especially comfortable under any condition, but everyone's different.
Certainly. Things like back issues, obesity, shoulder or arm injuries, surgeries, etc all have a profound effect on which carry method works for each individual and yet those subjects are often ignored when folks are giving others advice.
 
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Hopefully most people recognize that advice really only applies to the person giving it. It’s based off their experience and their feelings, which are all subjective. For me, appendix carry has been the best method of carrying a firearm and I recommend that people consider it as an option when deciding which method of concealed carry to choose.
 
Hopefully most people recognize that advice really only applies to the person giving it. It’s based off their experience and their feelings, which are all subjective. For me, appendix carry has been the best method of carrying a firearm and I recommend that people consider it as an option when deciding which method of concealed carry to choose.
Can you share a picture of your most comfortable AIWB set up? Interested to see what works well for others. The two I use are a bladetech for my g42 and a black rhino for my g20. As I've said, either are useable and best if I'll be walking a lot, that g20 will put a hurting on me if sitting any amount.

Here are the two I'll use
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But I much prefer this, for regular use.- also a black rhino.
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I work only a few steps from black rhino and those guys are great, they can make anything , so if a better configuration is recommended I can ask them if they'd whip it up for me.
 
This is my Glock 17 in a Blade Tech "Ambi Klipt"....

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More recently, Ive been using one of Suarez's "Gunfighter" AIWB holsters, and like it a bit better, as its two clips lock things in better.

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Here's my setup. What I love about it is that it's low profile and I can wear it comfortably, even in sweat pants! I have never had an issue with retention and security, as the band that Velcro's across the front pulls the grip in to my body and adds pressure, keeping it firmly pressed against me. The original holster also has a removable retention strap. I have a closet full of kydex and leather holsters, both appendix and IWB on the hip. I don't use any of them anymore.
 

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I specifically tried AIWB because my back hurts after carrying IWB at 4:00 after a couple hours. And this was with a single stack P938. I find appendix carry all-day comfortable, even with heavier and larger firearms like an SP101.
 
SP101 in a soft suede Bianchi and Shield 9 in a Vedder AIWB works well for me.
 

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Thanks for the input. I own a small business and while we're doing ok with the shut downs, there's a lot of uncertainty. Buying a new holster for AIWB is a want, not a need so I'm holding off on spending any unnecessary money until things stabilize.
 
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