Originally Posted by
Malchira
I'll get my biases out of the way first: AIWB skeeves me out, I can't help but see it as a massive violation of "rule #2" and an excellent way to increase one's likelihood of a tragic accident, which is arguably the exact opposite reason most of us carry guns.
That said (;)), I had the following thoughts on the subject recently and figured I'd share.
- If one had to draw from AIWB in close proximity to a threat, it seems like the position would make it easier for the "opponent" to smother/stall the draw, because it's happening right in front of them. With a more traditional belt carry, your body is between the draw and the threat. Distance is obviously critical; if you're far enough away, it's irrelevant.
- If a close threat has already presented itself, an AIWB draw has effectively zero chance of being performed surreptitiously. There have been cases (one reported within the last few weeks on another forum) of successful use of the "reaching for one's wallet" ruse and coming up with a gun instead. While I personally probably wouldn't want to do that in the face of a drawn gun, I might against a knife. Attempting a straight draw from AIWB in the same situation would seem statistically more likely to result in getting cut, because it would be more obvious more quickly, with the draw effectively taking longer to accomplish.
- In a ground-fighting situation, the argument has been made that AIWB prevents the gun from being trapped between your body and the ground. While true, it creates the new problem of trapping it between your body and your opponent's. I haven't tested it, but it seems it would be easier to raise/rock yourself far enough to clear a belt holster than to get your hand between two bodies. Once you had a grip, I think it would be easier to draw from a non-AIWB, and the resulting "start position" of the gun would be more advantageous.
Just my thoughts. Happy to hear opinions on where I'm off-base.