appendix carry is painful

[zpelletier]

I want to like appendix carry, I think it keeps my pistol in a location that is harder for my kids, or anyone, to get to and it conceals easier. However, I get a painful “hot spot” where the holster presses against me below my belt. I’m fine for like an hour or two and then I’m constantly shifting the holster to try and find a comfortable spot without pain. What am I doing wrong? I’m carrying a CZ P10C in a Phlster Classic with a Volund Gearworks Atlas belt. I tried making an additional wedge with a Dr Scholls gel heel insert (not the best I know) but that didn’t help. Should I just stick to 3:00/4:00?

[masternave]

Not an expert. Whatever works for you and your body type.

Some holsters and some pants I move the gun between full 12 o clock and 2 o clock, experiment with the range available.

Usually the best thing for me is a long barrel or holster, the resides just inside the crease where abdomen meets leg.

If it doesn’t work for you, it doesn’t work… but experiment a little. Maybe one of those flat pads from vdevgru?

[Duke]

Add a wedge.

Raise or lower the whole rig.

Try higher or lower waisted pants.

Try tighter or looser belt.

[JM Campbell]

I want to like appendix carry, I think it keeps my pistol in a location that is harder for my kids, or anyone, to get to and it conceals easier. However, I get a painful “hot spot” where the holster presses against me below my belt. I’m fine for like an hour or two and then I’m constantly shifting the holster to try and find a comfortable spot without pain. What am I doing wrong? I’m carrying a CZ P10C in a Phlster Classic with a Volund Gearworks Atlas belt. I tried making an additional wedge with a Dr Scholls gel heel insert (not the best I know) but that didn’t help. Should I just stick to 3:00/4:00?

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200907/0fb538c6301b98de8eb743feb7c5b775.jpg


This is the way...


https://darkstargear.com/product/muzzle-pad/


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Duke]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200907/0fb538c6301b98de8eb743feb7c5b775.jpg


This is the way...


https://darkstargear.com/product/muzzle-pad/


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Or get pair of huge ass yoga blocks off Amazon for $14 and have enough to make 200 wedges of any shape.

[Cory]

Been there dude. I bought a pretty expensive holster (Keeper's Concealment) that I knew was really adjustable and worked for people with a similar build. So I absolutely knew my gear wasn't the issue. It still took my a while to find out what worked for me. I had to try alot of different combinations to find one that I thought worked for me. A few things you might want to look at in no particular order:

Pad or wedge - changes the pitch of the pistol grip to barrel.
No pad or wedge - see above.
Pant's tightness to pelvic area - If your pants are tight against the holster it can cause rub.
Pant's waist height - can change where the end of the holster is and thus comfort.
Where on the belt - closer to navel/midline can mean less interference with legs. For me, being closer to the crease of my leg aids concealment AND comfort.
Holster cant, or reverse cant - This can make a position you've found comfortable easier to hide.
Belt tightness - This can impact how much the holster can articulate at the waist as you bend over.
Holster - Different holsters work better for different people.
Gun - Not every gun is going to work for everyone.
Belt - Some belts don't have enough flex, or enough support, to work with you.

The only thing I can say is GUARANTEED to help you carry AIWB easier is making sure you're in shape. Those who are out of shape can absolutely still carry AIWB. But, I've found that building a larger stronger chest and trimming up my waist a little has drastically impacted my carry for the better. It means that shirts can drape better to hide my gun. Thus, I'm able to be even more comfortable and still conceal. Then again, please recognize I'm talking about a Beretta 92 in a Keeper on a Graith belt. My situation will be different than yours.

[RJ]

Another pad option; Dr. Scholl's Women's Massaging Heel Cups (https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Scholls-Massaging-Cushions-Womens/dp/B00099E8W8/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=Dr.+Scholl%27s+Women%27s+Massaging+Heel+C ups&qid=1599502944&sr=8-6), size 6-10 and a bit of Industrial Strength Velcro: (credit: Melody Lauer / "Holster Hack").

59996

[Shoresy]

Add a wedge.

Raise or lower the whole rig.

Try higher or lower waisted pants.

Try tighter or looser belt.

These plus raise/lower the wedge on the holster. Makes a huge difference, even with minor adjustments.

[Duke]

These plus raise/lower the wedge on the holster. Makes a huge difference, even with minor adjustments.

Concur.

And to the basics of the issue - carrying your life saving gear should *not* cause distracting level discomfort.

However - I’m not sure who ever said wearing a 2-3lb, 7-9” long Metal boomerang in your pants would ever be something to label “comfortable”

Totally agree with the issue of fitness. I take a lot of shit for replying “get healthy/in shape” to most life’s Issues.


That’s not to say I assume anyone who abhors aiwb is out of shape...but more than any other type of carry aiwb is body shape dependent imo

[Oldherkpilot]

Add a wedge.

Raise or lower the whole rig.

Try higher or lower waisted pants.

Try tighter or looser belt.

All of these things, plus consider a different belt. I don't own an Atlas, but it looks pretty stiff. Stiff is great for strong side carry but maybe not for appendix carry. After trying all the suggestions Duke offered, I found my belts to be the problem. I tried a Mastermind belt and found a winner. I'm neither thin nor in shape but appendix carry is perfect for an untucked Polo shirt. Don't give up.

[Clusterfrack]

I want to like appendix carry, I think it keeps my pistol in a location that is harder for my kids, or anyone, to get to and it conceals easier. However, I get a painful “hot spot” where the holster presses against me below my belt. I’m fine for like an hour or two and then I’m constantly shifting the holster to try and find a comfortable spot without pain. What am I doing wrong? I’m carrying a CZ P10C in a Phlster Classic with a Volund Gearworks Atlas belt. I tried making an additional wedge with a Dr Scholls gel heel insert (not the best I know) but that didn’t help. Should I just stick to 3:00/4:00?

In my experience, your issues are common in new AIWB carriers. As Cory and Duke have said, it takes a lot of experimentation. It also requires some mental re-training to carry this way comfortably. Keep at it, and you'll get there*.

Now, I vastly prefer it to any other position, and have hiked 100's of miles over rough terrain (https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?120-AIWB-(Appendix-Carry)&p=905950&viewfull=1#post905950) carrying AIWB.

Here are some things to try:
JM Custom holster. I've tried a lot of other options, and these are by far my favorite.
https://www.jmcustomkydex.com/p/AIWB-WC2-5.html

More flexible belt. I have an Atlas belt and it's way too stiff for AIWB. Try this:
https://www.mastermindtactics.com/shop

The right wedge or cushion. I invented my own "junk carry pillow", and it makes a huge difference.
https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?15425-Junk-Carry-Pillow-(AIWB-cushion)
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180923/79618a8ef517ce41f6904881ac90ef29.jpg

*I have one friend who didn't "get there" with AIWB, even after a lot of trying, and it's because he is a "big boy" around the middle. He now carries OWB at 3:30 and is a happy camper.

[blues]

The right wedge or cushion. I invented my own "junk carry pillow", and it makes a huge difference.


As long as he doesn't end up with My Pillow from Mike Lindell...that I will not forgive.

[Larry T]

The PHLster Classic already has the hard "teardrop" wedge so all those recommendations to add the Dark Star pad and others won't work. I don't even think a flat muzzle pad placed over the Teardrop will help. I won't knock PHLster products, but I tried a Classic a few years ago with a Glock 17 and 19 and after about one day it was a NO GO because of the single attachment.

The Tenicor Velo also has the hard built-in wedge so it may not work any better. I have one I've re-purposed with Ulti-clips for non-belt carry.

I carry a Glock 17, 19, or 26 in a couple of JM Custom Kydex Wing Claw 2.0s - one is a 17-length and the other is a 34-length (it's LONG). The angled muzzle pad that comes with it is as durable and comfortable to me as the Dark Star pad (also very good) mentioned in a previous post.

Then there's the belt. Over the years I've become sick and tired of Velcro. I went out on a limb and bought a leather KORE gun belt with the ratcheting system. I LOVE the quick adjustability of the ratchet. I mainly use this belt for dressier situations. I also got the "tactical" KORE nylon gun belt which I use almost every day. This belt is no joke - actually much stiffer than necessary for appendix carry. But compared to Graith or Wilderness belts, the KORE requires less tightness to keep the gun close and tucked. Ideally I'd like a KORE nylon gun belt with the rigidity of the leather version.

I wonder if you're wearing your belt too tight? Things need to be loose enough to allow for some up and down movement when you sit or stand. What "may" be just right standing could be a little tight when sitting, making adjustment necessary.

[blues]

Then there's the belt. Over the years I've become sick and tired of Velcro. I went out on a limb and bought a leather KORE gun belt with the ratcheting system. I LOVE the quick adjustability of the ratchet. I mainly use this belt for dressier situations. I also got the "tactical" KORE nylon gun belt which I use almost every day. This belt is no joke - actually much stiffer than necessary for appendix carry. But compared to Graith or Wilderness belts, the KORE requires less tightness to keep the gun close and tucked. Ideally I'd like a KORE nylon gun belt with the rigidity of the leather version.

I wonder if you're wearing your belt too tight? Things need to be loose enough to allow for some up and down movement when you sit or stand. What "may" be just right standing could be a little tight when sitting, making adjustment necessary.

I rarely wear my reinforced leather, (one with steel insert, one with polymer), Aker belts these days, but I wore one the other day to my LEOSA qualification because it's quicker for me to get out of my AIWB rig and into the OWB at the range.

I forgot how comfortable it was, and it works great for AIWB because of the steel (in this case) reinforcement strip in between the two layers of cowhide. And it didn't have to be overly tight.

I've had these belts forever and they just keep going.

I think all the adjustment variables have been well pointed out thus far, and if it still doesn't work, AIWB might just not be for the OP.

[tlong17]

What is your body type? Is your holster sized exactly for the P10C or does it have extra length?

Generally, I find that having extra added length to the holster will dramatically reduce “hot spots” and the pain you’ve described. As always, this is dependent on body shape and the “AIWB equation” as it were.

[Larry T]

I think all the adjustment variables have been well pointed out thus far, and if it still doesn't work, AIWB might just not be for the OP.

Could be, and I forgot to mention the whole "unrealistic expectation" thing. Comfort is relative. AIWB shouldn't hurt, but anyone who says that "it'll be so comfortable you'll forget you have 3 lbs of gun and gear inside your pants - as long as you use this holster or that belt" will exaggerate about other things too.

[Clusterfrack]

Could be, and I forgot to mention the whole "unrealistic expectation" thing. Comfort is relative. AIWB shouldn't hurt, but anyone who says that "it'll be so comfortable you'll forget you have 3 lbs of gun and gear inside your pants - as long as you use this holster or that belt" will exaggerate about other things too.

My P-07 doesn't weigh 3lbs, but it's not a subcompact either. I truly don't feel it's there most of the time.

[blues]

Could be, and I forgot to mention the whole "unrealistic expectation" thing. Comfort is relative. AIWB shouldn't hurt, but anyone who says that "it'll be so comfortable you'll forget you have 3 lbs of gun and gear inside your pants - as long as you use this holster or that belt" will exaggerate about other things too.

Agreed. AIWB is my preferred carry...but it's not like I'm going to go all Mike Lindell over it. :p

[Norville]

As mentioned above, small adjustments make a big difference.

Adjust one thing at a time, try it for a couple of hours, then tweak as needed. Try a new belt, experiment with wedges of various sizes. Make your own, way cheaper and easier to experiment. If all adjustments fail, try another brand of holster and adjust as needed.

[Hambo]

I use a JMCK 2.0 because it has a lot of adjustment. That and playing around with the wedge allowed me to find a comfortable spot. For a long time I used a 1 3/4" rigger belt, but currently I use a 5.11 1 3/4". They're not cool or recommended, but the flex of the belt works for me.

It's as comfortable as a two and half pounds of metal carried near my junk can be, but it's nothing like a Sparks IWB.

[orionz06]

The formed in hard wedges aren't for everyone. I'd give AIWB a fair shake with a slick holster first, then add any additional comfort/rotation/tucking as needed.

[rd62]

I've also found moving the pistol more outboard to the 1:30 position in a holster with a wing to tuck it in tight to the body helps me with comfort and concealabilty. I also use a foam wedge to keep the butt tucked tight and aid in comfort.

[zpelletier]

In my experience, your issues are common in new AIWB carriers. As Cory and Duke have said, it takes a lot of experimentation. It also requires some mental re-training to carry this way comfortably. Keep at it, and you'll get there*.

Now, I vastly prefer it to any other position, and have hiked 100's of miles over rough terrain (https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?120-AIWB-(Appendix-Carry)&p=905950&viewfull=1#post905950) carrying AIWB.

Here are some things to try:
JM Custom holster. I've tried a lot of other options, and these are by far my favorite.
https://www.jmcustomkydex.com/p/AIWB-WC2-5.html

More flexible belt. I have an Atlas belt and it's way too stiff for AIWB. Try this:
https://www.mastermindtactics.com/shop

The right wedge or cushion. I invented my own "junk carry pillow", and it makes a huge difference.
https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?15425-Junk-Carry-Pillow-(AIWB-cushion)

*I have one friend who didn't "get there" with AIWB, even after a lot of trying, and it's because he is a "big boy" around the middle. He now carries OWB at 3:30 and is a happy camper.

I don’t expect it to be super comfortable, but it has been uncomfortable to the point of pain, which is too far. I used to carry a G43 appendix and it was so small I had no issues, but I’ve switched away from that gun for several reasons. Now my P10C is noticeably bigger and heavier. I can get it into a very concealable spot, that’s not an issue. I started with a basic holster, added a wing and wedge I made from a gel heel insert and had the same issues I’m having now. I thought a better holster would help, but maybe it’s just not the right holster for me. I have always heard good things about JMCK, and I like that homemade pillow. I have a more flexible belt (wilderness instructor style) that I can try too. I originally bought this belt for OWB with an HK45 in the winter.

[Rex G]

FWIW, I can carry a mid- to medium-large-frame revolver, in the AIWB position, in relative comfort, but have had a very difficult time carrying any autoloader larger than a Glock G42 AIWB. Some of us are just not shaped to match auto-loaders very well. A revolver’s cylinder nestles into my inguinal crease, and the rest of the weapon is nicely thin, with many parts nicely rounded. The Glock G42 is simply slim enough for its blockiness to not matter.

The best AIWB rig, for my individual body, to tote a blocky Glock 19 autoloader, that I have found, is the JM Custom Kydex George. Keep in mind that JM Custom Kydex makes different AIWB rigs for different body shapes, so, a George may not work for you, or any other specific person. Follow JMCK’s guidance, on this.

Notably, of course, my JMCK George, for a G19, is not going to be as comfortable, or comfortable for nearly as long, as a similar JMCK rig for a medium-frame revolver. This is OK, as in my real world, I have mostly reverted to DA revolvers, anyway. (My accuracy potential, especially under stress, or without having trained much, recently, due to factors such as the pandemic, is best with specific DA revolvers.)

To be clear, I am not trying to persuade anyone to switch to revolvers. It can be really difficult to learn long-stroke DA trigger work, without a good on-scene coach/mentor. I had to carry DA revolvers, during the early part of my LEO-ing career, so it was quite simply necessary to train seriously, I had a couple of excellent mentors, and I happened to find that, eventually, I really LIKED long-stroke double-action sixgunning. Once I found that groove, and really got into said groove, I had found my ideal system. I had started handgunning with the 1911 system, and had thought revolvers were quaint, until I learned better.

[Rex G]

I have a more flexible belt (wilderness instructor style) that I can try too. I originally bought this belt for OWB with an HK45 in the winter.

A more-flexible belt may, indeed, be the solution, but, even the stiffened part of a Wilderness Instructor Belt may be too stiff. If there is enough of the un-stiffened part to make it work, try that part, over the holster, as well as the stiffened area. See what works better.

[03RN]

FWIW, I can carry a mid- to medium-large-frame revolver, in the AIWB position, in relative comfort, but have had a very difficult time carrying any autoloader larger than a Glock G42 AIWB. Some of us are just not shaped to match auto-loaders very well. A revolver’s cylinder nestles into my inguinal crease, and the rest of the weapon is nicely thin, with many parts nicely rounded. The Glock G42 is simply slim enough for its blockiness to not matter.

The best AIWB rig, for my individual body, to tote a blocky Glock 19 autoloader, that I have found, is the JM Custom Kydex George. Keep in mind that JM Custom Kydex makes different AIWB rigs for different body shapes, so, a George may not work for you, or any other specific person. Follow JMCK’s guidance, on this.

Notably, of course, my JMCK George, for a G19, is not going to be as comfortable, or comfortable for nearly as long, as a similar JMCK rig for a medium-frame revolver. This is OK, as in my real world, I have mostly reverted to DA revolvers, anyway. (My accuracy potential, especially under stress, or without having trained much, recently, due to factors such as the pandemic, is best with specific DA revolvers.)

To be clear, I am not trying to persuade anyone to switch to revolvers. It can be really difficult to learn long-stroke DA trigger work, without a good on-scene coach/mentor. I had to carry DA revolvers, during the early part of my LEO-ing career, so it was quite simply necessary to train seriously, I had a couple of excellent mentors, and I happened to find that, eventually, I really LIKED long-stroke double-action sixgunning. Once I found that groove, and really got into said groove, I had found my ideal system. I had started handgunning with the 1911 system, and had thought revolvers were quaint, until I learned better.

A k frame aiwb holster is a very comfortable rig. Jmcustom makes a great one.

Ive only recently switched back to autos for edc due to how effed up 2020 and I really don't know whats going to pop up next.

[Duke]

I did 7 hours total drive time, 5 hours on a tattoo table and 2 hours general walking around with this rig yesterday.

Plus a handheld in my left front pocket, micro tech Dirac, wallet etc.

The worst part for me is my Über tight belt and undershirt making it constantly known that I’m wearing it.



60308

60309

[WDR]

I have long carried at 3:30 or so IWB, but I found appendix carry a lot faster and more concealable, and also a bit easier to draw from with my bum right shoulder (~50% tears in two places). I started out AIWB with a J-frame which wasn't bad, but is also a very small, round, lightweight gun.

Lately I've been trying out a Glock 19 in a JMCK AIWB 2.0 and a matching IWB mag pouch ( the fancy adjustable one) for a few months now. The first few times I tried it, even with the pad installed, it wasn't very comfortable. I tinkered with pad placement/orientation, belt loop size adjustment, pants type, and belt tightness, and now I can carry in that position for extended times without much discomfort. The back edge of the holster hitting the junction between thigh/abdomen seems to give me those most discomfort at times, but I've mostly fixed that with ride height and placement adjustments. The "wing claw" for sure helps rotate the butt of the gun inward, but also puts some pressure on that lower edge, depending on belt tightness. After trying it with and without, I decided to keep the wing claw, as the concealment is that much better. Next up to try is making a "junk carry pillow" and maybe try a slightly more flexible belt (currently a Beltman double thickness cowhide, which is pretty stiff).

Second runner up for discomfort was the back inboard corner of the spare mag jabbing me in the belly. The small pad on the magazine pouch didn't help concealment much on the mag, and made the poke worse, so it ended up filling in a space on the back of the holster instead. I'm thin of build, but have a bit of a dad bod going on these days as I get older, less of a gut would help with comfort I am sure. I may try a Vickers base plate to see if the more rounded shape helps avoid that hot spot on the mag corner. I might also try a Glock OEM +2 as well, but I don't think I want to trust any other aftermarket extension on a carry mag.

Small adjustments to height, cant, belt tension, pants type, and gun/holster can make a big difference in comfort. Padding isn't always the answer, and pads/wedges/wings/etc can help or hinder, so its good to experiment a bit before throwing in the towel.