How big is to big

Cluck Norris

Cluck Norris

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For appendix carry? Thinking about picking up one for a g19, but was wondering if any of y’all have carried anything bigger in an appendix holster.
 
I can pull off a G19, it's the upper limit to size/weight for me and since we're about the same size it's possible it's the limit for you as well. I mean, I can stuff a G34 in the holster but it's not really viable.

You'll probably find that it's the length of barrel that limits you out. The G19 pokes right into my leg when I'm sitting in the car and after a while that gets annoying after a while, but isn't the end of the world. The G26 or G43/43x length slide doesn't. Raising the gun higher above the waistband is an option but then it starts to print pretty obviously for people like us.
 
When using appendix carry, which do not anymore due to putting on some weight. I could comfortably carry a Glock 17. Ironically, the reason I went to a Glock 19 for appendix carry wasn’t the barrel length. It was the grip length which caused it to print.
 
I think a lot depends on your size. I carried a J-frame appendix IWB with no problem back 40 years ago. It was actually 40 years and about 70 pounds ago. I have had a hard time appendix carrying since I got Dunlop's disease and have shifted to either pocket carry or IWB at 4:00 o'clock.
 
I appendix carry a g45. Handle prints but barrel length is not an issue.
 
I like carrying a VP9 better than my P365 appendix. I’m betting you won’t see it unless I want you to…VP9 is closer to G17 than G19

I think good holsters make all the difference (along with a flatter belly for me)

I think the sidecar style holsters conceal the best for me (maybe because there is a “broader area” of pressure?). It’s a toss up between T-rex arms and Tier-1 for me. Both cost $$$
 
I love the thought of appendix carrying but haven't been able to comfortably do so. I think a 25 pound loss would be perfect. I've seen bigger guys than me carry appendix but I dont see how they do it. Someone put up a vp9c like picture that's about 25 pounds heavier lol
 
I can appendix a G19 in winter. I carry a 43x in summer. I can do a G26 in summer if needed.

I really like multiple options with the dbl stack 9mm's.
 
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Fun topic. I used to appendix carry a G33. Honestly, it was never comfortable. I stopped carrying, on my body, for several years. Technology got better, and I found the hellcat. *SINGS "A Whole New World" from Disney* I usually appendix carry with it, but also have a backside, and two different pocket holsters for it. I have a pretty flat abdomen, and can't imagine how you guys with larger bellies handle appendix carry. The hellcat was a game changer for me. I can't imagine appendix carrying something larger than my G33. Thing is, with the hellcat, I don't have to remove any of it to sit in the car and put my seatbelt on. With the G33, as soon as I got in my car it all came out, along with an audible sigh (Like your wife when she gets home from work and takes off her bra).
 
Big as in firearm size, or big as in the mass of the carrier?
 
OG P365 feels like there is nothing at all, even when in Roland Special configuration.
 
Jayne said:
I can pull off a G19, it's the upper limit to size/weight for me and since we're about the same size it's possible it's the limit for you as well. I mean, I can stuff a G34 in the holster but it's not really viable.
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I’m trying to get even closer to your waist size, in another 15 lbs I will probably be in a 33 or a 32…. Also yea part of my motivation to lose weight is to be able to appendix carry

Ferrisfan said:
Big as in firearm size, or big as in the mass of the carrier?
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Firearm

Sp00ks said:
I can appendix a G19 in winter. I carry a 43x in summer. I can do a G26 in summer if needed.

I really like multiple options with the dbl stack 9mm's.
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I think I want a 43/43x I haven’t decided yet
 
Cluck Norris said:
I’m trying to get even closer to your waist size, in another 15 lbs I will probably be in a 33 or a 32…. Also yea part of my motivation to lose weight is to be able to appendix carry
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I was trying to convince my dad that AIWB is the way to go and after some trial runs where he was 30%+ faster on the draw to 1st hit coming out of AIWB vs. his current method after about 2 minutes of practice, he was suddenly seeing the light. Also once he figured out he could draw while seated... he's decided to make it a point to lose some weight to make it easier and switch. He's using an XD-e for good reasons that no one cares about, but it's G19 sized but skinny and he's only 2" taller than me so still supports the G19 as the upper bound.
 
Jeppo said:
I can appendix carry an AR pistol because there’s not much obstruction. 😢
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mae-west-13-2.jpg
 
All this talk about Grocks sends out waves into the community, and usually with the result that someone mentions a 1911. That hasn't happened yet, so...

I have carried a full size 1911 and a BHP AIWB. As @BatteryOaksBilly says, I don't do it these days 'cause it would pull me britches down!
 
Jayne said:
I can pull off a G19, it's the upper limit to size/weight for me and since we're about the same size it's possible it's the limit for you as well. I mean, I can stuff a G34 in the holster but it's not really viable.

You'll probably find that it's the length of barrel that limits you out. The G19 pokes right into my leg when I'm sitting in the car and after a while that gets annoying after a while, but isn't the end of the world. The G26 or G43/43x length slide doesn't. Raising the gun higher above the waistband is an option but then it starts to print pretty obviously for people like us.
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This ^

I can do it with a G19, but G26/43/43x/Shield length guns are much more comfortable. Otherwise you'll likely have a muzzle poking your thigh or giblets when you're seated.
 
Jayne said:
I've never heard of that, usually the 1911 carry fans are part of the 'you'll shoot your peepee off doing that!' crowd.
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1911's come with a couple of philosophies and their associated methods of carry and use. Either old school military, which included flap holsters and other retention devices or the "Modern Technique" (Gunsite, Jeff Cooper, etc.). Which includes strong side carry, Weaver Stance, double tapping, safety manipulation, etc. You didn't just buy a gun. You bought a lifestyle.
Appendix carry came with the new philosophy of "Combatives" (close contact) and guns without manual safeties. Glocks specifically. Although, few adopt more than the holster part of Combatives.

Just sayin'
 
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georgel said:
1911's come with a couple of philosophies and their associated methods of carry and use. Either old school military, which included flap holsters and other retention devices or the "Modern Technique" (Gunsite, Jeff Cooper, etc.). Which includes strong side carry, Weaver Stance, double tapping, safety manipulation, etc. You didn't just buy a gun. You bought a lifestyle.
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That 'modern technique' makes total sense, especially in the context it was developed in.

georgel said:
Appendix carry came with the new philosophy of "Combatives" (close contact) and guns without manual safeties. Glocks specifically. Although, few adopt more than the holster part of Combatives.
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I guess I've been working on that without really having a name for it. With my MMA coach we've been modifying some of the standard tactics to take them out of the cage and into "reality" where I'm going hands on to try to get someone off me, or slowed down enough I can run or transition to knife/gun. Probably why I'm so picky about my gear and how it rides and whatnot, it's gotta stay put when I'm bouncing around yet be accessible enough in a hurry.
 
Jayne said:
That 'modern technique' makes total sense, especially in the context it was developed in.



I guess I've been working on that without really having a name for it. With my MMA coach we've been modifying some of the standard tactics to take them out of the cage and into "reality" where I'm going hands on to try to get someone off me, or slowed down enough I can run or transition to knife/gun. Probably why I'm so picky about my gear and how it rides and whatnot, it's gotta stay put when I'm bouncing around yet be accessible enough in a hurry.
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Yes, Combatives presumes physical contact, because in the real world you have to create a "window of opportunity" in which you can access a weapon. It's the response to the problem the Teuller Drill highlights. Good FoF emphasizes this as well. Appendix carry fits in that model.
 
Cluck Norris said:
For appendix carry? Thinking about picking up one for a g19, but was wondering if any of y’all have carried anything bigger in an appendix holster.
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I carry a G17 or a 92 AIWB. Both with extra magazine. Been doing this since 2017. The size of the pistol and magazine is almost meaningless. It’s all the belt, holster and hardware.
 
92G said:
I carry a G17 or a 92 AIWB. Both with extra magazine. Been doing this since 2017. The size of the pistol and magazine is almost meaningless. It’s all the belt, holster and hardware.
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What holster for the 92?
 
Cluck Norris said:
What holster for the 92?
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I use exclusively JM custom kydex. His AIWB holster w pull the dot loops. Extra concealment bump. No wing. For his mag carrier I use the DCC monoblock clip. Belt is blue alpha gear with cobra buckle.

99% of AIWB holsters are hot garbage. Only a few makers know what they’re doing:
JMCK
Tenicor
PHLster
Keepers concealment
Dark Star Gear

im sure I’m leaving out a few others

heres my G17 setup. Same thing for the 92

EEE66989-C3EA-4A76-9AA7-4EB6A4796D52.jpeg
 
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