Making Appendix Carry Less Terrifying

[Durham68]

I am interested in appendix IWB holsters, but cannot bring myself to keep a firearm pointed at my junk (or femoral artery) all day no matter how well the trigger guard is protected. So, I was wondering what could be done to the muzzle end of an AIWB holster to deflect a bullet away from the more vital areas? Could a sloped/curved piece of steel stout enough to deflect or even stop a round be fabricated into the holster? If so, does anyone make something like this?

[Highspeed]

I don't think it could be done with any degree of confidence, I had an interest in safely stopping projectiles which were fired ( by myself ) at close range when I was gunsmithing - for function checks. It's difficult to package anything capable of doing that into an item you could pick up with both hands, let alone fitting it inside a holster.

I'm prepared to be proved wrong though...

[Durham68]

I'd be happy with a 30-45 degree deflection if I couldn't get a full stop. But come to think of it, would that just produce blunt trauma in the area instead of penetration?

[skb12172]

Is the juice really worth the squeeze? I know the idea holds appeal for you, but there are other, safer methods of carry.

[Highspeed]

I'd be happy with a 30-45 degree deflection if I couldn't get a full stop. But come to think of it, would that just produce blunt trauma in the area instead of penetration?

A full stop would spall the bullet material right back at your hand, I think you would drop the gun at very best.

But also consider the energy which is going to be imparted to the holster\bullet trap combination ( whether deflected or stopped ) - it'll just become another projectile. Not a penetrating one but most likely a disabling one.

I don't know anything about defensive pistol carry though, I have never done that and likely never will. I'm only thinking about the mechanics of the situation. I did experiment with carrying a revolver around in a belt holster for a day though as an experiment ( on the farm we used to rent, not on the street ) and now I can see why comfort and ergonomics are so important. I just wanted to take the damn thing off after about two hours.

[MarkD]

Seems to me if you're carrying a pistol chambered in a serious defensive cartridge, even if you manage to stop or deflect the bullet you're going to take a serious smack in the family jewels. Which, if you're drawing in a defensive scenario, would prove distracting. Imagine the thump that's applied to your hand when you fire being applied to your nuts.

You're looking for a hardware solution to a training issue (i.e. keep the bugger hook off the bang-switch until sights are on target).

I personally have too much gut to ever consider IWB appendix carry.

[Durham68]

Is the juice really worth the squeeze? I know the idea holds appeal for you, but there are other, safer methods of carry.

The more I think about it, the answer is no. I have settled on a few different carry options for different situations, but this one keeps coming back and piquing my interest, hence the BIT thread.

[Denis]

Imagine the thump that's applied to your hand when you fire being applied to your nuts.

Thanks. I'd rather not

I personally have too much gut...

Hey! I resemble that remark!!!

[PawPaw]

I've tried carrying every-which-way over the past three decades, IWB, strong side, cross-draw, SOB, shoulder rig, you name it I've tried it. I carry every day, every where, but I carry for a living.

For normal holster carry, I prefer a good, level II stongside holster in the 3:00 position. That type of carry is good for plain-clothes work with a jacket and tie. I'm a huge fan of the Safariland 6377 and have several of them for belt carry. Very secure, very durable holster, and relatively inexpensive, about $40.00 in lots of places.

For deep concealment, when I'm off, or when I absolutely don't want to call attention to myself in any manner, it's a J-frame revolver of small single-stack pistol in my pocket. (Think Ruger LCP or something that size.). Right now, as I type this posting, that J-frame is in my pocket. As I check it, it's pointing down my thigh and if something untoward happened, it would destroy a bottle of tequila in my alcohol server. That would indeed be a disaster, as it's very good tequila. And, the missus would be pissed that I shot a hole in the server. Fortunately, that's never been a problem. Guns don't go off for no particular reason.

[Durham68]

I carry a 5-shot 38 on my ankle or a P3AT in my pocket or both when I need deep concealment. A Hi-Power at 3:30 if I don't mind a print now and again.

The ankle/pocket combo covers most situations, but both guns are peanuts. Hip carry is my preference, but terrible for being belted in the car and not great for concealment. AIWB proponents claim their method allows for good concealment of larger guns while allowing access in more positions, including seated in the car. I like the sound of all that. I'd just like it more if I could widen the margin for error a smidgen.