My AIWB Concerns and Solution

[BCGlocker]

I have been thinking about changing my IWB with Glock 23 at 4-5 o’clock position to AIWB. The motivation of this change is faster access to the firearm and less opportunity for fumbling with various over garments (T-shirt, button shirts, zippered and button shirts...etc.). However, my AIWB concern is always that I am breaking one of the four safety rules by constantly muzzling myself. It is similar to cross draw and shoulder holster carry. Of course, the logic is as long as the trigger guard is fully covered, and finer off the trigger, the gun will not go off. However, many ND happens when holstering and unholstering the gun. Thus for longest time, I have not change my carry method despite the availability of many fine micro single-stack 9mm guns (Kahr CM9, Ruger LC9, Sig P290, SW M&P Shield, Springfield XDS9 and Glock 43 just to name a few).

Few weeks ago, I discovered that Springfield XDS (9mm and 45acp) is one of these micro gun has a grip safety. All the sudden, I found the solution to my AIWB dilemma. Although it still break one of the safety rule, when trained with using thumb to push on the back of the slide (below the rear sights), one can safely holstering the firearm without engage the grip safety. Thus, another layer of precaution added. Same is true when I muzzle myself while seated.

For me, this added safety feature, gave me a piece of mind and pushed me over to the AIWB method. I want to share my discovery and hopefully a few people will find this to be useful. As for the Springfield XDS9, it is very accurate, slim and compact. I have had some initial FEF and light strike problems (it is not a Glock), but from what I read on XDS Forum, it is a new gun and needs some break in period (again, it is not a Glock). I am in the process changing out the factory sights to Trijicon HD night sights and adding a Talon Grips. Once these improvements are done, I will put at least 500 rounds through it without any problems before I begin to carry. In the meanwhile, I will still use IWB carry with my trusted G23.

[TVegas]

The idea of constantly having a firearm pointing at your body is definitely the biggest mental hurdle with appendix carry. It's a serious safety concern, but with proper equipment and mindset, I really don't find it any more dangerous than any other carry position. Congrats on finding a setup that works for you!

[spolct]

My solution is simple - I don't reholster. If for some reason I have to disarm and/or remove it from my belt, it stays in the holster. The whole thing is one unit and it won't be going off when re-arming.

That being said, there may come a time when I have to re-holster a hot gun immediately after having to use it. I practice my draw with a safety-cleared gun and at the same time practice a safe re-holster process of clearing all clothing items from the path of the gun into the holster.

I use an Appalachian Concealment rig for my M&P 9c and I have been very, very happy with it. The soft loop wouldn't have been my first choice, but it makes the whole thing very secure while allowing for some natural movement while sitting/squatting/standing/etc. Very comfortable and well-made rig.

[surferdaddy]

Glad you've found a method your comfy with. I have the xds 45 and like it a lot. I do find it a wee bit heavy for its size but it is not prohibitive. The reliability issues you've had would bother me a bit. I've had no bobbles with my xds and am under the impression that most issues with these guns are failure to feeds, some say due to technique. I've never kept a gun which has ever had a failure, I just can't get past it.

Good luck,
Surfer

[rentz]

My solution is simple - I don't reholster. If for some reason I have to disarm and/or remove it from my belt, it stays in the holster. The whole thing is one unit and it won't be going off when re-arming.

That being said, there may come a time when I have to re-holster a hot gun immediately after having to use it. I practice my draw with a safety-cleared gun and at the same time practice a safe re-holster process of clearing all clothing items from the path of the gun into the holster.

I use an Appalachian Concealment rig for my M&P 9c and I have been very, very happy with it. The soft loop wouldn't have been my first choice, but it makes the whole thing very secure while allowing for some natural movement while sitting/squatting/standing/etc. Very comfortable and well-made rig.

yup, dont holster when it isnt necessary. I pull off the holster and firearm together and re-attach to the belt in the same manner.