Probably the most agreed upon method of carry is the strong side hip. Taking in consideration it is the "safest" method in regards to flagging your own body during holster and drawing. But be mindful the chance of flagging yourself is just as great as any other method.
We progress to pretty much anything forward on the body of 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock. basically from the strong side forward to centerline. I personally carry appendix daily (actually for a lefty like myself it is known as LDC, Lower Descending Colon). I prefer to have my firearm within fast reach at all times. Not that draw time is much of an issue but it is faster than most other methods of carry. Cross draw in the same area is not as quick and the angle of the firearm could pose a risk for printing more so than appendix. I for one do not like the cross draw.
Now we come to another area of waistline carry, small of back or 5 and 8 o'clock carry. I do not prefer these locations due to the fact of my current state of employment. I spend a good portion of my day bending over and twisting. This has the potential to print regularly or in some cases all out brandishing ( accidental of course.) A high risk probability I am not willing to take. Another detractor for me is the fact that my draw stroke is much slower from these positions. Not being able to glance at my firearm either during draw or re-holster has me a bit nervous. Plus, the fact that if you happen to end up on the ground in a fight it is unlikely you will be able to get to your firearm should you need it.
Moving on we travel to under arm, or shoulder carry. I have carried this way during winter months over shirt and under jacket. I have a few issues with this depending on a few factors. 1. the direction the muzzle faces while carrying. Does the muzzle point straight back or down? Pretty self explanatory, especially if we follow the Golden rules of firearm safety. 2. type of retention the holster provides. and 3. cross draw, just not a big fan of flagging folks as I pull my firearm from this type of concealment unless the muzzle is pointed down from inside the holster. Also if you decide this method is for you invest in a quality holster, one highly recommended by professionals and not Joe Bob from down the way.
Moving south we reach the ankle. My least favorite position on body. I drive for a living and those that say it is a good place to carry if you drive, they are full of it. I know that sounds harsh but give it a go sometime. I tried this method at work, and as I did a few dry run draws found that it was difficult to keep your eyes on your target all the time. Reaching down drops your head sometimes below the steering wheel. Having also dry run strong side hip and appendix draw drills from seated position is faster and allows for you to track your target during your draw step. Avoid this position if possible.
Lastly we come to off body carry. This can include a purse or backpack, your vehicle, fanny pack, etc. I truly feel this is the last resort carry method for any human being on the planet. The opportunity for losing control of your firearm is immense and I am not just talking your bag getting stolen. As I mentioned at the beginning about the woman who was shot with her own firearm, she was not shot by a "bad guy" who tried to steal her purse. She was shot by her own child who happened to be digging around in her purse. There are so many things that can go wrong with off body carry it scares me to think this is even an option. If you must off body carry PLEASE take every precaution necessary and ALWAYS be mindful of where that firearm is in relation to yourself and others not authorized to handle said firearm.
Just because you see your favorite actor or Instagram bunny running a firearm in a way that "looks" cool, please do yourself and the rest of the firearms community a favor and gain the pertinent knowledge and training for carrying in a safe and effective manner. Enjoy!
We progress to pretty much anything forward on the body of 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock. basically from the strong side forward to centerline. I personally carry appendix daily (actually for a lefty like myself it is known as LDC, Lower Descending Colon). I prefer to have my firearm within fast reach at all times. Not that draw time is much of an issue but it is faster than most other methods of carry. Cross draw in the same area is not as quick and the angle of the firearm could pose a risk for printing more so than appendix. I for one do not like the cross draw.
Now we come to another area of waistline carry, small of back or 5 and 8 o'clock carry. I do not prefer these locations due to the fact of my current state of employment. I spend a good portion of my day bending over and twisting. This has the potential to print regularly or in some cases all out brandishing ( accidental of course.) A high risk probability I am not willing to take. Another detractor for me is the fact that my draw stroke is much slower from these positions. Not being able to glance at my firearm either during draw or re-holster has me a bit nervous. Plus, the fact that if you happen to end up on the ground in a fight it is unlikely you will be able to get to your firearm should you need it.
Moving on we travel to under arm, or shoulder carry. I have carried this way during winter months over shirt and under jacket. I have a few issues with this depending on a few factors. 1. the direction the muzzle faces while carrying. Does the muzzle point straight back or down? Pretty self explanatory, especially if we follow the Golden rules of firearm safety. 2. type of retention the holster provides. and 3. cross draw, just not a big fan of flagging folks as I pull my firearm from this type of concealment unless the muzzle is pointed down from inside the holster. Also if you decide this method is for you invest in a quality holster, one highly recommended by professionals and not Joe Bob from down the way.
Moving south we reach the ankle. My least favorite position on body. I drive for a living and those that say it is a good place to carry if you drive, they are full of it. I know that sounds harsh but give it a go sometime. I tried this method at work, and as I did a few dry run draws found that it was difficult to keep your eyes on your target all the time. Reaching down drops your head sometimes below the steering wheel. Having also dry run strong side hip and appendix draw drills from seated position is faster and allows for you to track your target during your draw step. Avoid this position if possible.
Lastly we come to off body carry. This can include a purse or backpack, your vehicle, fanny pack, etc. I truly feel this is the last resort carry method for any human being on the planet. The opportunity for losing control of your firearm is immense and I am not just talking your bag getting stolen. As I mentioned at the beginning about the woman who was shot with her own firearm, she was not shot by a "bad guy" who tried to steal her purse. She was shot by her own child who happened to be digging around in her purse. There are so many things that can go wrong with off body carry it scares me to think this is even an option. If you must off body carry PLEASE take every precaution necessary and ALWAYS be mindful of where that firearm is in relation to yourself and others not authorized to handle said firearm.
Just because you see your favorite actor or Instagram bunny running a firearm in a way that "looks" cool, please do yourself and the rest of the firearms community a favor and gain the pertinent knowledge and training for carrying in a safe and effective manner. Enjoy!
