Appendix Carry: When Style Over Substance Puts Safety on the Line

The world of concealed carry is no stranger to trends, and one of the more recent ones is appendix carry. It’s that “hip,” “tactical” way of carrying your gun right in front, close to your vital organs. With social media influencers, ex-special forces veterans, and sleek new holsters on the market, appendix carry has developed a serious following. But is it as practical or safe as it’s made out to be? Or is this another case of marketing winning over common sense? Let’s take a closer look at why appendix carry might be a fad best left in your feed.

Basic Safety: Compromising the Golden Rule

One of the core tenets of responsible firearm handling is simple and absolute: don’t point a gun at anything you aren’t willing to destroy. This rule should be ingrained in every gun owner’s mind as the first line of defense against injury or death. With appendix carry, though, we’re bending (or perhaps completely disregarding) this rule by positioning a firearm pointed right at our body’s most vulnerable areas. Unlike side carry or behind-the-hip options, where an accidental discharge might scrape the side of your leg, appendix carry places the muzzle in a position where a mistake could mean a serious wound—or worse.

Proponents argue that “you just need to be careful” or “trust your training.” But let’s be realistic: even well-trained individuals make mistakes, and mechanical failures do happen. One small error, and you’re not just talking about a nasty scratch—you’re looking at potentially fatal injuries involving the femoral artery or a bullet to your reproductive organs. Not exactly a risk that “being careful” should reasonably address.

The ‘Quick Draw’ Myth: Are Those Milliseconds Worth It?

Another commonly touted advantage of appendix carry is the supposed speed advantage in drawing from this position. The argument is that you’ll be able to clear your clothing and present the firearm faster than with a traditional hip or side carry. But here’s the kicker: the difference is usually measured in milliseconds. For most people, that split-second difference won’t have a meaningful impact in a real-world defensive scenario, especially if you’re well-trained with a more traditional carry method.

Consider this: if you’re in a high-stakes situation, muscle memory and training are far more crucial than where the gun sits on your waistband. The time it takes to draw from appendix carry might be marginally faster, but if you’ve drilled consistently with a safe carry position like 3 o’clock or behind the hip, you’re going to be just as effective. Why risk a compromised position for a negligible gain in speed?

Convenience: Is Appendix Carry Really Practical?

Let’s talk about comfort—an aspect often brushed aside in the excitement over new tactical techniques. Appendix carry puts a firearm right in front, tucked into one of the most sensitive regions of the body. For anyone planning to carry all day, this position can turn out to be a pain—literally. Sitting, bending, and even walking can become a whole new challenge. Does it make sense to compromise comfort to that extent, especially when there are safer, more comfortable alternatives?

On a practical level, you’re constantly forced to be mindful of the firearm pressing against your body. And frankly, don’t most of us already “appendix-carry” enough stuff we were born with? Maybe not everybody, but for those who do, carrying even more in that space just sounds… excessive.

It might not seem like a big deal at first, but over hours or days, it’s going to take a toll. Compare this to side carry or even small-of-the-back carry, which keeps the gun in a more natural position without constantly reminding you it’s there. Carrying should feel natural, not like a painful reminder of a trendy choice.

Myth of Professionalism: Why Appendix Carry Isn’t Just for “The Pros”

Perhaps one of the biggest selling points of appendix carry is the illusion of professionalism. The “if it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for me” argument is plastered all over social media: “My buddy’s an ex-Navy SEAL, and he carries appendix.” The implication here is that if a special forces veteran or police officer carries in this position, then it must be the smartest, most professional option. Right? Not so fast.

Not every Navy SEAL, doctor, or engineer is a genius; the title alone doesn’t guarantee exclusively sound decisions. People of all backgrounds can sometimes make unwise choices. Yet, marketing often paints these choices as 'elite,' creating an illusion of superiority that distracts from practical safety and effectiveness. An impressive title doesn’t automatically make a choice safe, practical, and overall smart. Don’t get swept away by labels, because at the end of the day, a smart gun owner chooses based on their individual needs and sensible practices—not on marketing and titles.

The Role of Marketing: How Holster Companies Fuel the Hype

Let’s not ignore how holster companies have jumped on the appendix carry bandwagon. There’s a clear financial incentive to create products that look and feel “tactical,” feeding into the narrative that appendix carry is somehow for the pros. New, sleek, compact holsters are marketed as ideal for appendix carry, complete with claims about accessibility, safety, and comfort. But this marketing glosses over the increased risk factors and impracticality of the position for most users. The reality is that holster companies have a vested interest in promoting appendix carry—they’re not there to weigh the risks and benefits for you.

For Those Who Have Little to Lose? A Final Word on Risk

One last thing to consider is who might genuinely benefit from appendix carry, if anyone. If you’re completely unconcerned about what you’re risking, perhaps appendix carry makes sense. But for those of us with a healthy respect for our safety, health, and even, yes, our future progeny, the risks far outweigh the benefits. If you’re fine with a setup that effectively keeps critical areas “at gunpoint,” then appendix might be your style. But for the rest of us? No thanks.

The Takeaway: Choose Safe, Smart, and Proven Carry Methods

In an era where every new trend claims to be the best tactical advantage, it’s easy to get swept up by flashy marketing and influencer endorsements. But appendix carry’s risks outweigh its benefits. Traditional side-carry and hip-carry methods are backed by years of reliable use, offering safe, comfortable, and fast access without compromising basic gun safety principles. Don’t let labels, fancy titles, or flashy ads dictate how you carry—stick to what works, what’s safe, and what’s sensible. When it comes to firearms, practical beats trendy every time.