Appendix Holster Questions

[Packman]

Hi, folks.

So, I'm thinking I want to carry appendix once I get my CCW. I'm a really thin guy (6'0, 140 lbs) and I'm thinking it'll be tricky for me to hide the butt at the traditional strongside hip. Appendix carry seems much easier to conceal.

The gun will be a S&W 3913. I'm right handed. What do you guys recommend? Straight draw holster? Some cant? Is this a viable idea for me? Should I have it on the strongside of my belt buckle, like at 1 or 2, or should I try for more of a crossdraw, at 10-11?

Any holster recommendations? I've already been pointed in the direction of the High Noon "Mr. Softy." Looks like it might be a good option.

Or, should I discount this idea altogether and just deal with the strongside hip carry?

 

[JTQ]

Since you are already looking at High Noon, take a look at their FAQ section, it is one of the best places I've found for holster information. They should have some recommendations for you.

They typically recommend straight drop for appendix carry, though everybody is different and you may find something else that works better for you.

I'm a short guy, with relatively large pistols in my collection, so the concept of sitting down with an appendix carry is sort of hard for me to comprehend.

Good luck in your search.

 

[JN01]

Straight drop is the way to go. You might consider the Don Hume H715, available with either a clip (quicker on and off) or two straps with snaps (more stable). Very good quality and reasonably priced.

Appendix carry requires a little bit of experimenting to find that "sweet spot" that is comfortable for you. For me it's the 1:30 position.

 

[Armored farmer]

I have appendix carried a few times in my don hume 715.
Useless when sitting for obvious reasons.

 

[JN01]

Works for me. I've carried a Glock 19, 26, and a S&W 3913 in Don Hume 715s, appendix position, with no problem at all- standing, sitting, running, whatever. It all depends on your particular body shape and positioning it in the right place.

Some folks can't appendix carry comfortably regardless of what kind of holster they use.

 

[hopper]

I was thinking about this myself recently, I am 6'0" and 165 lbs but I'm still pretty thin, waist size 31-32.

I got the High Noon bare asset holster and I plan on carrying at the 4 or 5 o'clock position because that is where my arms will naturally be able to reach to pick up the gun when I reach back. I had been using just a regular waistband tuck to experiment with position and angle; my arms are slightly long for my frame (makes buying shirts a pain) so it may be slightly different in your case.

One thing I had been looking into was getting a left hand holster and carrying it cross draw just to the left of my spine but I can't find a legitimate reason to do that other than the fact it is more comfortable to carry. I lose a tiny fraction of a second in draw time turning the gun after I bring it around my waist so it's not tactically prudent vs. the straight strong side carry, but you might see if you like that too. Just some food for thought.

 

[walksbyhimself]

I carry my CZ-82 in the appendix position. My holster is a FIST # 17A. http://www.fist-inc.com/holsters/holster/17A.htm
It is adjustable, but I have it set to straight drop, with a med-high ride.That works best for me.

 

[rcmodel]

A thin 6-footer should have no problems whatsoever with a high-ride, slightly behind the hip carry.

It will CCW easily under an untucked shirt or a jacket.

Unlike appendix carry, it is non-obtrusive when setting down, and won't show your gun to the world every time your jacket swings open when you walk.

rc