The Pros and Cons of Appendix Carry & Hip Carry

How people conceal carry pistols is very much a personal choice. There is no one size fits all scenario – it depends on a conceal carrier’s gun choice, wardrobe choice, skill with firearms, and build.

Mat Best provides an excellent overview about the pros and cons of two popular forms of conceal carry, appendix carry and hip carry, to help you choose which form of conceal carry is ideal for you.

Pros and cons of hip carry

Cons of hip carry

1. Potential printing or even accidental reveals
2. A little off to the side, resulting slightly less control over the firearm.
3. Slightly slower draw.

Pros of hip carry

1. Considered more comfortable by many
2. Allows for a variety wardrobe and build types to carry

Pros and cons of appendix carry

Cons of appendix carry

1. Some consider not as comfortable as hip carry
2. Requires more specific holster and wardrobe setups

Pros of appendix carry

1. Some consider more comfortable than the hip carry
2. Keeps the gun in front of you, easy to keep in your control and away from people
3. Very small print if you have a good holster, belt, and proper sized pistol
4. Can be easier to get to in some situations
5. Faster draw

Which is better? Appendix carry or hip carry?

Neither appendix carry or hip carry is better than the other. Both conceal carry options have their own pros and cons, and much of it comes down to your firearm, holster choice, and wardrobe choice.

Personally, I carry AIWB.

Whichever carry position you do end up choosing, be sure to train train train with it.

How to achieve the sub second draw