Appendix Carry

[Scalgun]

So I read a thread recently where several commentators strongly cautioned against appendix carry. I carry only DA/SA Sigs in full kudex IWB holsters and have been carrying appendix for about 2 years. Some commentors went as far as saying if appendix carrying, they did not keep a round in the chamber. I have not read or seen any reports of NDs that were caused/enhanced by appendix carry, but have not scoured the internet. Just ground-truthing my concepts and experience. Thoughts?

[BillyMays]

You'll shoot yer nuts off kid!

Seriously though, always carry a round in the chamber. I wouldn't trust anyone who advises otherwise. If you have a negligent discharge while holstering or drawing, appendix carry could be more dangerous than other positions. You run the risk of shooting directly into a major artery in your leg. Bleeding out from this could be less than a few minutes. The solution is to not shoot yourself! Appendix carry is as safe as the operator.

Plus... you know... you'll shoot your nuts off kid!

[Librarian]

BillyMays hit the usual highlights.

There is also this: do not be in a hurry to re-holster. (1) you might not be done using the gun yet! (2) if you are done, there is no rush, so take your time, look for stuff that found its way into or over the holster, get your finger off the trigger, all that good stuff.

[Dano3467]

^^^

[Scalgun]

Good feedback. I always take care when re-holstering and keep
My strong hand thumb on the back the trigger.

[SDCarpenter]

If your scared to appendix carry then you shouldn't carry a live round in your gun period.

[Gun Kraft]

I've seen one video of a guy in a gun store who had an ND in his appendix carry. His hands weren't anywhere near the holster and the ND happened when he bent over. Best theory is he had an aftermarket trigger or shoe that was wider than stock and bending over applied enough pressure to activate the trigger while the pistol was in the holster.

So that's the one outlier I can think of where an appendix carry (combined with other factors) contributed to an ND. But generally speaking appendix by itself isn't less safe than other carry locations, it's just that an ND in that carry position has the potential for more catastrophic injuries.

[five.five-six]

You'll shoot yer nuts off kid!

Seriously though, always carry a round in the chamber. I wouldn't trust anyone who advises otherwise. If you have a negligent discharge while holstering or drawing, appendix carry could be more dangerous than other positions. You run the risk of shooting directly into a major artery in your leg. Bleeding out from this could be less than a few minutes. The solution is to not shoot yourself! Appendix carry is as safe as the operator.

Plus... you know... you'll shoot your nuts off kid!

[SDCarpenter]

If your scared to appendix carry then you shouldn't carry a live round in your gun period.

[Formerlyknownas]

Get a quality holster and you wont have any issues. Carried appwndix since day one with G Codes...have had kids jump on me, eaten it on skateboards everything under the sun....no issues.

[ezaircon4jc]

...

Slow and attentive when holstering. Always watch the gun go in the holster...

My XDS has a grip safety that I'm very careful to not engage when holstering.

[tomrkba]

Hammer fired guns means you can control the hammer while holstering. If you feel it move, something is in the trigger guard pressing on the trigger.

[Scalgun]

SDCarpenter: got it the first time. I, myself, would never carry without a round in the chamber. Just seeking others experiences.

[robert101]

I appendix carry for over a decade now. No issues but I do pay very special attention when holstering. I find it conceals better and gives my more control in tight situations. You bet I carry it fully loaded.

[9Cal_OC]

I do appendix sometimes. I practice dry firing and feel comfortable but always look down and re-holster carefully.