Carry Position?

[ATex7239]

Talking with a friend about carry position nuances yesterday.

I like appendix at about the 1 o’clock position for day-to-day concealed carry. And right side 3 o’clock for open carry while hunting or hiking. For pocket carry it is my right side front pants pocket - nothing fancy there.

Appendix is more comfortable for me while going about daily life and I like that draw. Right side open carry doesn’t interfere as much with other equipment (belt knife, backpack, rifle, etc) and it makes general movement more comfortable. Pocket carry is all about discreet and easy. Heck you can have a grip on the gun and no one will even notice.

I hate having to change my draw stoke but is what it is. Sometimes I have to adapt my carry around the situation or just my life in general. I know some say, “carrying a gun is supposed to be comforting, and not comfortable.” But I do like being comfortable too. That’s just me.

What’s your preferred?

 

[BobsArmory]

My carry position varies greatly depending on weapon and clothing worn and if I will be in a car a long time. So many variables.

 

[Pew]

I carry appendix. I rarely wear loose clothing so if I print I can't guarantee somebody may come up behind me and grab my pistol before I can react, I've seen a few CCTV videos where some thugs grab a guy's pistol out of his 4. I also draw faster from appendix vs my 4 o'clock. I also wear a backpack to carry my stuff for work whenever I'm downtown in the city so that interferes with each other.

If there was no issue with open carry, I'd wear a leg holster like I did when I was "in" but that comes with so many negative connotations that it's not worth it imo.

I'd like to pocket carry but because I wear fitted clothes my p365xl only fits in my winter jacket pocket.

My coworker carries at his 4 because it's more comfortable for him and he can draw faster that way. He's a bigger guy too so he can't carry appendix without printing like crazy. Same as my second job's boss.

 

[ripcord]

Appendix. I transitioned from strong side when I switched from 1911's to compact Glocks.

 

[ATex7239]

I carry appendix. I rarely wear loose clothing so if I print I can't guarantee somebody may come up behind me and grab my pistol before I can react, I've seen a few CCTV videos where some thugs grab a guy's pistol out of his 4. I also draw faster from appendix vs my 4 o'clock. I also wear a backpack to carry my stuff for work whenever I'm downtown in the city so that interferes with each other.

If there was no issue with open carry, I'd wear a leg holster like I did when I was "in" but that comes with so many negative connotations that it's not worth it imo.

I'd like to pocket carry but because I wear fitted clothes my p365xl only fits in my winter jacket pocket.

My coworker carries at his 4 because it's more comfortable for him and he can draw faster that way. He's a bigger guy too so he can't carry appendix without printing like crazy. Same as my second job's boss.

I carried 4 o’clock at first. But it had some draw backs that I found once I started taking more extensive training class. One is what you’re describing. You cannot fight backwards. Anything behind you is pretty much out of your control until it’s already happening. It also makes drawing from flat on your back more difficult. Which could happen if you get sucker punched or pushed to the ground. And it requires one hand to be behind you while drawing which isn’t a huge problem. I just like having both hands in front of me if possible.

I carried a tool bag. Only had to shoot in basic or to keep up weapons quals. All my real gun experiences/training comes from prior or post enlistment. Which I actually think is better in a lot of ways for me. Since most of my life has been spent as a civilian, so that’s really how I needed to be training.

 

[ATex7239]

My carry position varies greatly depending on weapon and clothing worn and if I will be in a car a long time. So many variables.

I know a person who drives trucks for a living and he says he does ankle carry. I honestly can’t think of a better or more comfortable place to carry if you’re sitting all day long.

 

[Pew]

I carried 4 o’clock at first. But it had some draw backs that I found once I started taking more extensive training class. One is what you’re describing. You cannot fight backwards. Anything behind you is pretty much out of your control until it’s already happening. It also makes drawing from flat on your back more difficult. Which could happen if you get sucker punched or pushed to the ground. And it requires one hand to be behind you while drawing which isn’t a huge problem. I just like having both hands in front of me if possible.

That's my absolute biggest thing to me for carrying appendix too; I got four eyes but they're all in the front of my head lol. Anything behind me I can't act, only react.

The latest video I saw looked like a pawn shop, a guy at the counter had his legs pulled out from under him from behind but managed to get his pistol out from his appendix after a short scuffle on the ground.

 

[ATex7239]

That's my absolute biggest thing to me for carrying appendix too; I got four eyes but they're all in the front of my head lol. Anything behind me I can't act, only react.

The latest video I saw looked like a pawn shop, a guy at the counter had his legs pulled out from under him from behind but managed to get his pistol out from his appendix after a short scuffle on the ground.

That’s my take on it. I want all my tools in front of me cause that is how I orient to the world.

Unfortunately appendix is very body type specific though. Big guys are going to struggle with it.

When I’m hunting or hiking I don’t care as much cause I figure a deer or hog isn’t gonna try to take my side arm.

 

[CKolo]

Great question! My carry position depends a great deal on which firearm I’m carrying ( Various Glocks, Sigs, and my Hellcat Pro); whether I’m going optic or iron (iron day, red dot usually night); the season and most importantly if I’m on the Harley.
I’m mostly appendix for all the reasons mentioned, but if I’m going optic- I like IWB 4 o’clock. On the Harley it’s always IWB 4 iron.
Pocket carry is Ruger LCP Max.
If you can carry - ALWAYS CARRY!
Practice those draws and lots of dry fire and range time.
Be safe out there…heads on swivels.

Chest rig with .357 or 10mm during deer muzzleloader season.

 

[Astro14]

3 o’clock OWB for duty or field/hunting.

4 o’clock IWB for concealed. Close enough to my regular carry position that it feels right on the draw.

Just can’t get used to appendix, and really dislike where the muzzle is pointed when carrying appendix. Makes me nervous.

 

[ATex7239]

3 o’clock OWB for duty or field/hunting.

4 o’clock IWB for concealed. Close enough to my regular carry position that it feels right on the draw.

Just can’t get used to appendix, and really dislike where the muzzle is pointed when carrying appendix. Makes me nervous.

I’d be lying if I said that is something I’ve fully gotten used to. Still makes me nervous sometimes. It made me nervous the other day in fact. I was driving while carrying my G19 appendix and the muzzle was right there. Hit an unavoidable pothole and the car banged pretty hard. I immediately thought “I’m glad these things are drop safe.”

 

[Cropduster172]

Preferably 4 o'clock but 3 o'clock is ok too. OWB paddle holster... Fobus works great. Just discovered these nylon ratchet belts. They're a vast improvement over all other belts I own.

 

[Gillsy]

Great question! My carry position depends a great deal on which firearm I’m carrying ( Various Glocks, Sigs, and my Hellcat Pro); whether I’m going optic or iron (iron day, red dot usually night); the season and most importantly if I’m on the Harley.
I’m mostly appendix for all the reasons mentioned, but if I’m going optic- I like IWB 4 o’clock. On the Harley it’s always IWB 4 iron.
Pocket carry is Ruger LCP Max.
If you can carry - ALWAYS CARRY!
Practice those draws and lots of dry fire and range time.
Be safe out there…heads on swivels.

Chest rig with .357 or 10mm during deer muzzleloader season.

Situational awareness always!

 

[maggie06]

I carry 3:30-4, since I'm super anal about safety i can't justify carrying appendix. Something about not pointing at something you don't want to destroy.

Gives me the shivers just thinking about it

 

[Pew]

I carry 3:30-4, since I'm super anal about safety i can't justify carrying appendix. Something about not pointing at something you don't want to destroy.

Gives me the shivers just thinking about it

The forbidden vasectomy.

 

[ATex7239]

The forbidden vasectomy.

Flagging yourself is unfortunate but it can happen with any carry position. The largest risk of accident is while unholstering and reholstering.

 

[Tempest1]

The largest risk of accident is while unholstering and reholstering.

I carry appendix. Easiest for getting in and out of cars as well as access while in one.
I like HAWG holsters as they use locking clips which can be undone so the entire holster can be removed or secured easily.

 

[2dogs]

Appendix for over 30 years. Just used to it I guess.

 

[spasm3]

OWB 3:00 IWB 4:30. Never liked appendix. I worry about small of back carry, if you fall you could really hurt your spine.