
Appendix carry, where the firearm is positioned at the front of your body (typically between the 12 o’clock and 2 o’clock position), has sparked debates among concealed carriers.
While some swear by its speed and efficiency, others are concerned about comfort and safety.
To help clarify whether appendix carry is right for you, I spoke with Scott Jedlinski of the Modern Samurai Project, a firearms instructor renowned for his teachings on the subject.
The Advantages of Appendix Carry
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According to Jedlinski, one of the key advantages of appendix carry is the efficiency of the draw. “It all comes down to efficiency,” Jedlinski notes. “It’s easier to grab things on the front of your body than on the side or behind you.”
The straight-line path of the draw from appendix carry makes it quicker and more efficient, especially since you always know the gun’s location relative to your body. This is especially true when using your belly button as a point of reference.

Another advantage lies in retention. When carrying in front, you can use both hands to protect the firearm. “If you have to retain something at the front of you, you can use both hands.
If you do it to the side, you’re opening up your muscular or skeletal structure, which makes you weaker,” Scott explains. In situations where retention is critical, having the firearm in front allows for more strength and control.
Appendix Carry in Vehicles
Drawing a firearm while seated, especially in a vehicle, is a common challenge for those carrying at the 3 or 4 o’clock position.
Jedlinski points out that appendix carry is ideal for those who need to access their weapon while seated. “If you’re right-handed and you’re concealing at three o’clock, and you have your seatbelt on, how do you get your gun out? You don’t,” he states.
However, with appendix carry, “as long as your seatbelt runs along t holster clips and your shirt is pulled from under the belt, you just clear the cover garment like normal and draw, the same as if you were standing.”

Addressing Comfort and Safety Concerns
One of the most common concerns about appendix carry is the discomfort some people feel, particularly with the idea of the firearm pointing toward sensitive areas.
Jedlinski acknowledges this concern: “Nobody wants to point a gun at their junk, right?” The solution, however, lies in proper holstering technique. Jedlinski advises that you should tilt your hips forward while holstering and use a holster with a wedge that cants the gun outward, ensuring you’re not “muzzling your junk.”
Despite concerns about accidents, Scott emphasizes that “accidents can happen at any carry position.” He points out that those carrying at the 3 o’clock position often muzzle themselves when holstering.
If you’re following proper safety protocols, appendix carry can be just as safe as any other method.
Concealment and Printing Issues
Concealment can be another sticking point for appendix carry, particularly when using a larger optic or firearm.
For example, I just got a new closed emitter optic on my Glock 17, and I started printing when I carried between the one and two o’clock positions. Scott Jedlinski’s solution was simple: move the firearm to the centerline. Once I moved it more to the centerline, I was able to conceal both the optics and the grip without printing.

The key takeaway here is the balance between concealment and performance. “If your gun is too low for good concealment but you can’t draw it quickly, it doesn’t matter. And if it’s too high and you’re printing, that doesn’t make sense either,” Scott points out.
Finding the right holster and positioning it correctly is critical to balance concealment and accessibility.
Is Appendix Carry Right for You?
So, is appendix carry the right choice? It ultimately depends on your personal preferences, your body type, and your lifestyle. Scott provides a scenario to think about: “If you’re carrying at 4 o’clock and I tackle you to the ground, can you get your gun out?” The answer is likely no.
Similarly, if you’re seated or someone approaches you from behind, appendix carry provides quicker access and better retention.
If you’re concerned about comfort, Scott suggests giving it time. “Some people are just unfamiliar with the position,” he says. With the right holster and some adjustment, many of those initial discomforts can be minimized.
Additionally, using an appendix-specific holster designed with a wedge and proper cant can drastically improve both comfort and safety.

Final Thoughts
Appendix carry offers significant advantages in terms of speed, retention, and accessibility, particularly in seated or confined positions.
While it does come with some initial discomfort and a learning curve, proper holstering techniques and positioning can mitigate many of these concerns.
Whether it’s right for you depends on your unique needs and circumstances, but as Scott Jedlinski suggests, it’s worth considering for its numerous benefits.
If you’re on the fence about switching to appendix carry, try it out with a quality holster and spend time getting familiar with the position. Training and practice are essential to mastering appendix carry safely and effectively as with any concealed carry method.
About Scott Witner
Scott Witner is a former Marine Corps Infantryman with 2ndBn/8th Marines. He completed training in desert warfare at the Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Mountain Warfare and survival at the Mountain Warfare Training Center, the South Korean Mountain Warfare School in Pohang, and the Jungle Warfare school in the jungles of Okinawa, Japan. He now enjoys recreational shooting, trail running, hiking, functional fitness, and working on his truck. Scott resides in Northeastern Ohio.
Been carrying concealed since 1971 when I first hired on as a young police officer in Southern California. I’ve carried back-up and off duty in many conditions; ankle, cross-draw, shoulder holster, mostly settling on strong side 3 o’clock, and for a real short time, fanny packs. I resisted carrying plastic guns, so-called Mattel or “combat Tupperware,” until I actually bought one and carried it. I wasn’t interested in kydex holsters because they were not traditional leather. Then some guy says I should carry with the muzzle of my Springfield XDs 9mm pointed at a vital area of anatomy. Yeah, right!… Read more »
Key phrase – “your body type” – some of us are simply not built for appendix carry. My mom was a seamstress so I learned early on what being ‘short waisted’ meant. I tried appendix with several guns and holsters and it just doesn’t work for me, good for those who can make it work but not all of us can.
I carry a Hellcat and a Ruger Match Champion OWB on my belt in an appendix carry. By doing so I am able to slide it from front to the side when I need to. But it is never in a position to make me a soprano. All of my shirts have holes in the back from carrying IWB in the small of my back. I like the appendix carry.
Fast draw systems like Appendix are a serious threat to the carjacker “community”.
Appendix carry is the way to go for a big round guy like me. I am a size 4 and wear size 6 shirts. There is no way that you can see my gun. As for in the car, I have the same IWB and a hose clamp around the column where it sits underneath the steering wheel. I can reach it faster than anyone trying to get it on their body. In my motorhome it sits in front of me on the dash. My friend took my idea in the Jeep and Pickup and used Velcro. He put it… Read more »
There is no way to not muzzle your balls at some point. And this only works well for skinny guys with Low T