PDN viewers often send in questions about the viability of appendix carry for larger people. Is it practical or even possible to appendix carry if you don’t have a flat stomach? PDN Contributor Deryck Poole of Echo-5 Training Group addresses these concerns.
Appendix Carry Holster
Yes, you certainly can do it. It’s just a matter of selecting an appendix carry holster that has the right features to work for you. There’s no “one size fits all” answer here, because it varies depending on your body shape and size and the type of gun you carry. Showing five holsters he has actually used, Deryck offers some guidelines on what to look for in an appendix carry holster if you are on the larger side, so you can wear it all day for handgun training or everyday concealed carry.
Dark Star Gear
This holster is designed for appendix carry and incorporates a Raven Claw on the end, which fits behind your belt and gives the holster a slight twist, pulling the grip of the gun in tighter to your body. Deryck also added some velcro and foam padding to the back of this Dark Star Gear holster to help keep the gun in tight to the stomach.
Keepers Concealment
This appendix carry holster by Spencer Keepers has a hard loop on it with a slight angle that pulls the holster back and the gun in tighter to the body. It comes with velcro so you just need to attach some foam padding to it.
Raven Concealment Systems
Their Eidolon appendix carry holster comes with the Raven Claw feature and ships with a hard rubber pad. To Deryck this is not as comfortable, but again it’s a matter of individual preference.
Castle Bravo
This appendix carry holster comes with the claw built into the Kydex and velcro added to the rear side.
Wingman Holsters
Deryck has one of their smaller holsters, made for a Glock 43. The smaller gun is easier to wear for concealed carry, but the Wingman holster still has a little extra piece to ensure the gun is pulled back tight to the body.
Throughout the video, Deryck has been carrying appendix IWB a full-size Glock 17 in a Wingman Holster — proof that it’s definitely possible!
what if you don’t wear a belt?
I’m certainly not an expert, but I think it makes sense to start wearing a good quality belt as part of your EDC gear.
Appendix carry is OK for a heavy or short waisted person until you sit down. All the videos that I have seen never show the person seated. When seated, the holster digs into sensitive areas.
Where do you get the foam padding that you used on the back of the Darkstar?
Hi John. That foam was purchased from Harry’s Holsters (https://www.harrysholsters.com/products/foam-wedge ) in a $10 kit. It is a item that will breakdown over time and need to be replaced so I have been testing making my own from a standard Swimming Pool Noodle ($2) and purchasing velcro from Walmart ($2). So far the Pool Noodle route has been working well, costs less, and one noodle will make 50 or more wedges.
Thanks
Deryck-PDN
LAG holsters work very good as well.
For that type of carry, you should try stealthgear. Amazing IWB holster. Very comfortable.