Safely Re-Holstering for AIWB

I have carried in the appendix position almost exclusively for quite some time now.  My primary reason for switching to AIWB was concealment, but upon making the switch I realized many other significant advantages, including the speed of the draw.  Before making this switch to exclusive appendix carry I often used the mode for many years prior when deeply concealing small revolvers for less permissive environments or circumstances, so it was hardly new to me.  However, I always carried a full-size autoloader strong-side-hip up until moving to exclusively AIWB.  My primary carry guns are a Glock 26 and Glock 19, and I can conceal either in almost anything I wear.  The holster is the key element in getting good concealment for AIWB.

I am a devout proponent of AIWB and I consider it greatly superior to any other carry mode.  Better concealment, better speed, better access, better control of the gun.  That hardly means that strong-side-hip is obsolete, as it is not, and I used strong side for many years.  Each carry mode offers distinct advantages and disadvantages.

The greatest barrier standing in front of many who consider switching to AIWB, but never do, is the safety concern.  A lot of people can’t get past the fact that the gun points at rather important body parts like your genitals and your femoral arteries.  The truth is, however, that wearing a gun anywhere on the waistline means a gun will be pointing at some part of your body, at some time or another.  When a properly-functioning handgun is in a good, secure, holster, then the gun is inert, unable to fire.  Therefore, when holstered, the danger of the appendix position is a moot point.

It is the act of re-holstering, however, that proves the most dangerous task a gun carrier will perform with a handgun, and this is why many refuse to try AIWB.  The reality is that re-holstering in any position can be hazardous if done incorrectly.  But, if done correctly, re-holstering into an appendix holster is just as safe as anywhere else.  In fact, if done correctly, I argue that it is safer than re-holstering elsewhere because you can visually inspect the holster opening before inserting the gun and you can control the process better in front of your body than when the gun is strong side or, worse yet, behind the hip.

I was first introduced to AIWB carry by the late Todd Green, and I have also trained with Spencer Keepers. Both have been influential in synthesizing the safest possible manner in which to re-holster the gun and it is the method that I use and promote.

See the video for a demonstration on safely re-holstering your gun in the appendix position: