The firearms community has its fair share of debate between calibers, firearms, and tactics. Appendix vs strong side carry is one of those debates that has garnered some attention during my time in the gun community. Some advocate for appendix while others advocate in favor of strong side carry. A few are in both camps. At the end of the day, is one really better than the other?
Factors Affecting Appendix vs Strong Side Carry
There are a multitude of factors to consider when carrying concealed. These factors vary depending on who and how you ask the question. Ultimately, if we’re to arrive at a reasonable and informed decision as to which is better, there needs to be some universal elements for choosing a carry position. I identified four factors that I see as universal to concealed carry: comfort, speed of access and draw, concealment, and firearm retention.
A lot of considerations and factors go into determining the best concealed carry position. The firearm and holster play a huge role in successfully and comfortably carrying a firearm. For purposes of this review, I compared these positions on a relatively level playing field by accounting for similar holster attributes and firearms types and sizes. Let’s see how appendix and strong side fair against each other when put head to head.
Comfort
In my customer service experience in the firearms industry, the most common question about holsters was, “Is it comfortable?” Unfortunately, the answer is largely in the eye of the beholder. For appendix vs strong side carry, there are some factors that affect comfort.
Appendix carry isn’t for everyone. If you have some extra fluff, appendix may be unrealistic. Even with my “dad bod”, I prefer appendix carry for its comfort and convenience. When I was heavier set, it wasn’t ideal since the gun and holster dug into my stomach. When bending over, appendix carry can be uncomfortable. Appendix may not be the best option if your daily activities require extended periods of bending over or squatting.
Strong side carry is more comfortable if standing for extended periods of time or bending over regularly. From experience, sitting in a vehicle or office chair for extended periods isn’t the most ideal position of comfort for strong side carry. This is especially true if the gun is positioned slightly behind the hip. Long car rides irritate my back (I have significant back problems). For those drives, I either remove my firearm from the holster or carry appendix. If you have a pre-existing shoulder injury, strong side carry may not be suitable due to your arm’s orientation during the draw. Ultimately, the carry position that wins in comfort depends on your body type, condition, and lifestyle.
Winner for Comfort: It Depends
Speed
If your draw time is measured by a sun dial, there is no carry position that will fix that. You must be proficient in your draw and efficient in time on the target. Nevertheless, some carry positions are naturally faster than others.
Strong side carry was a favorite of mine for years. I shuddered at the prospect of carrying a firearm over my groin. I’ve since ventured away from this unfounded fear as proper firearms safety and reputable holster and firearm design eliminate these concerns. Strong side carry is a relatively fast position with practice, but requires dedicated effort to be proficient. Simply, accessing the firearm requires more movement by the shooter.
For appendix carry, the movement to draw the firearm is faster. The gun is in front of your body and requires less movement to obtain a grip on the firearm, remove it from the holster, and put sights on target.
If you’ve read my previous articles, you know I like to provide some kind of data to support my claims. I’m a capable shooter from either position with hours upon hours of practice in both appendix and strong side carry. I obtained timed averages while shooting at a 66% reduced sized IPSC target from 10 yards in both appendix and strong side concealed draw positions. Appendix was an average draw time of 1.34 seconds while strong side carry was an average draw time of 1.54 seconds from concealment. This 0.2 second difference in draw times plainly illustrates the difference in speed between the two carry positions.
Winner for Speed: Appendix
Concealment
Concealment is important when deciding which position to carry. Your attire is an important part of that since garments determine how well your firearm is concealed. Plain pattern shirts show the print of a firearm more than plaid or other disruptive shirt patterns. Without altering your entire wardrobe to accommodate your concealed carry firearm or position, appendix and strong side carry have pros and cons to each position for concealment.
Strong side carry is relatively concealable but has some drawbacks. For instance, leaning forward or bending at the waist causes the firearm to print at the back and side of your shirt. For those new to concealed carry and carrying strong side, this is a common point of concern. It’s a valid worry and you may have to modify your wardrobe to accommodate this position. Wearing a longer concealment garment helps the firearm remain concealed and not print as much.
Appendix carry is undeniably the most concealable and accessibly carry position I’ve used at this time. The firearm is placed in the area of your waistline that is widest and relatively flat. As a result, the firearm has minimal printing, regardless of the concealment garment used. Appendix has allowed me to carry full size handguns, like the Glock 17, whereas strong side requires I alter my wardrobe to ensure the same gun is adequately concealed.
Winner for Concealment: Appendix
Retention
In this sense, retention doesn’t involve built-in devices on the holster. Rather, this is about how well you can prevent your firearm from being taken from you.
Strong side carry places the firearm on your hip or slightly behind your hip. This position isn’t ideal as the gun, while concealed, is accessible to a person behind you in either of those positions. Strong side carry requires conscious awareness of your surroundings and who may be behind or beside you.
Some years ago, I was in a local gun store when a trustee of modern chemistry came into the store and attempted to assault a random customer. As the confrontation escalated, I intervened to prevent the potential victim, an elderly gentleman, from being assaulted. The crazed criminal attacked me and a nearly 10-minute fight ensued. During the altercation, I took the suspect to the ground and we were in a face-to-face position while I straddled him in a mount position. I carried my off-duty firearm in appendix at the time and was forced to protect it on several occasions as he grabbed at anything — and everything — on my body.
Appendix carry seems straightforward for retention. The firearm is at your front and, upon first glance, appears easily controlled. Appendix carry is great for retention until the circumstances, as I described above, demonstrate your carry position put the firearm within immediate reach of your assailant.
Winner for Retention: It Depends
Appendix vs Strong Side Carry: Who Wins?
At the end of the day, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to which is the winner in the comparison of appendix vs strong side carry. However, when choosing which position may work best for you, I hope the considerations listed above help you make an informed decision on what will work best for your lifestyle and body.
So, which carry position is better? That is ultimately up to you when you make that educated decision.
