Appendix IWB? Yes/No and holster recommendations?

[Nephrology]

Howdy,

So I often find myself in relatively unpermissive environments for carry (very few of the legally off limits, mostly socially) I have tried to find a decent alternative. I almost went the .38 pocket snubbie route, decided that was out, though it may happen in the future. I instead went with a Glock 26, which I am convinced is the bees knees and certainly helped me carry during the summertime when my clothing options were limited.

I have now started thinking about the utility of AIWB. It would eliminate the bending/flexing at the hip issues which is swell, and also might make carrying while in a vehicle a little more comfortable too. Specifically, I frequent a hospital as part of my academic responsibilities and while I would be totally unable to carry inside the hospital (not only would my ass get canned but I also can't think of a way to carry in scrubs...) I would still like to be able to carry it to and from the hospital while in my car, as the hospital in question is in a very unfriendly neighborhood...

Do any of you carry AIWB? Do you think it might address some of these concerns? What holster would you recommend for AIWB carry?

[Grizzly16]

I used an *cringe* uncle mikes for a few months to try aiwb carry. It worked great but always made me nervous. Having a loaded and ready weapon in a neoprene sock pointed at my man parts and major arteries was unnerving. I switched to a custom made iwb holster that is kydex on the inside and leather on the outside (facing away from me) with tuckable belt clips. It makes appendix carry much safer feeling and prints a little less. The kydex can get a little uncomfortable at the bottom after long car rides but not bad at all. Putting a little leather or fabric on the edges might help. I can carry a g27 and g23 like that all day.

As for carrying in scrubs I've never done it but a physical therapist buddy wears scrubs all day. Thankfully his work is carry friendly unlike a hospital. He either goes with a belly band + khar pm40 or a belt+ holster+ kimber 1911 under the scrubs depending on what his work for the day will be.

[Nephrology]

As for carrying in scrubs I've never done it but a physical therapist buddy wears scrubs all day. Thankfully his work is carry friendly unlike a hospital. He either goes with a belly band + khar pm40 or a belt+ holster+ kimber 1911 under the scrubs depending on what his work for the day will be.

yeah, regrettably carrying inside the hospital is simply going to be a no-go no matter what sort of belt/holster combo I have.....

[d90king]

AIWB carry is becoming much more popular as of late. There is no question that it has its benefits but also has its drawbacks if thats how you choose to label them.

I have two good buddies that run AIWB and are very good shooters and very fast with that method of carry. One of them carries that way for the deep concealment that it offers.

I'm pretty sure that the Shaggy is the best holster on the market for AIWB carry but I will confirm that. They played around with a few before settling on that holster but I think thats where they ended up. I know Raven is coming out with one and I'm sure it will be another great option just like the rest of their offerings.

So yes, AIWB is a good carry option but you will need to train extensively to do it safely especially re-holstering...

[Grizzly16]

So yes, AIWB is a good carry option but you will need to train extensively to do it safely especially re-holstering...

Ahh I remember the first few weeks of aiwb.... nothing like checking for string, sticks, random items being within 100 yards of the trigger 16 times before sliding my g27 into the holster pointed at my junk.

[markm]

yeah, regrettably carrying inside the hospital is simply going to be a no-go no matter what sort of belt/holster combo I have.....

When I was working in a nogo environment, I ran a G27 in an ankle holster. Appendix absolutely never came close working for me at all.

[d90king]

Ahh I remember the first few weeks of aiwb.... nothing like checking for string, sticks, random items being within 100 yards of the trigger 16 times before sliding my g27 into the holster pointed at my junk.

Yes, your junk is a pretty important thing to keep in one piece.

Remember, its not only a holster pointed at it, its a 124gr HP staring down the barrel of your gun at your junk.

[dougwg]

Raven Concealment Systems hands down the best!

[Horsehide]

For the past year or so, a G17 carried AIWB has been my daily carry. I really like the Archangel holster made by Dale Fricke: secure, discreet and comfortable. I tried a G19 in shorter Archangel for a while, but the platform was not as stable. If you go the AIWB route with a G26, I would still recommend a G17-sized holster.
As for the barrel of the pistol pointing at Big Jim and the Twins, just watch what you are doing when you re-holster and you will be fine.

[Littlelebowski]

Nephrology, AIWB will address your issues if you respect the form of carry. That means work on your draw and reholster, use a good belt, and don't cheap out on a holster.

I've carried this way for over two years. The concealment is unparallelled. The comfort with the CCC Shaggy is outfreakingstanding. Mechanically, this makes for a smooth, efficient (therefore fast) draw as your weak hand has a job to do; to yank that cover garment up as your strong hand grabs the weapon and draws. Since your hands or usually near your front pockets, the speed is enhanced that way as well. I'm not saying that folks should go chasing speedy draws but once you try AIWB, it's hard to go back to the less comfortable and inefficient forms of carry.

Get the Shaggy.