We have discussed in previous articles here that – if your body’s shape/physique/aesthetic can conceivably allow for it – that concealed carry as opposed to open carry is your best option for carrying a firearm for protection. It affords you the element of surprise, the discretion to deploy your firearm or not, and it gives you an advantage in your self-defense when you are already at a disadvantage of never knowing when a self-defense conflict may come. So, if we are in agreement that concealed carry is the way to go, what type of holster should we then be using?... Do we want to use an inside-the-waistband (IWB) small-of-the-back (SOB) holster? Appendix inside-the-waistband (AIWB)? Ankle carry? There are more options than just those 3 when it comes to concealed carry, but the best option is AIWB and we will explain why.
Whether you are overweight with a gut or skinny like a telephone pole, appendix inside-the-waistband (AIWB) is the ideal location for your concealed carry a firearm for multiple reasons. For one, by placing your firearm there you always can “keep an eye on it” and know where it is at all times. What is meant by that? If you have a pistol inside-the-waistband (IWB) small-of-the-back (SOB), it is slower and more difficult to draw from there. Moreover, if your shirt or clothing gets lifted (from bending over or other normal movements), the firearm could become exposed; not concealed anymore. This opens the door for people to freak out and call the cops on you for brandishing a firearm, or for a more nefarious person, trying to take it from you. With your gun behind you, you don’t always have literal eyes on it. With your firearm in the AIWB position, your weapon is always between you and a threat – whether you have drawn your firearm, or it is still sitting in the holster. Also, if you are in a heavily crowded area feeling people bump into you, you will never have someone steal a firearm from your appendix/groin region. You’d see them try it (and they won’t try it). If you have a firearm on your hip or small of the back, you could have someone attempt to take your firearm and you are in a contorted, disadvantageous position to stop them.
A second and extremely important reason why AIWB is superior to all other positions when concealed is drawing speed. This is an irrefutable fact. Put all people on a shot timer to see how quickly they can draw a concealed firearm and make accurate hits on target and AIWB wins every time. Again, your firearm is already in between you and the threat/target before you start. No extra flexibility or acrobatics is required. Simply, lift your shirt, present your weapon on target, and give it the ballistic attention it requires.
In the end, make sure to get out there training, honing your craft, and getting reps with your holster/pistol combination, and likely Tyrant can help you along the way with some rad accessories. Until next time, continually check out our blog, join our newsletter, and watch the website for new and exciting updates! As always, let us know all your thoughts in the comments below. We love it when you participate in our articles and keep the conversation going!
