AIWB: Day 1
So, I snagged a JM Custom Kydex holster for the Sig P229, which was my very first carry gun. And today I carried it for the first time. The old Sig doesn’t have any gizmos or doodads on it. As Tam (I think) would say, there are no lights, lasers, tasers, phasers or wind speed indicators on it. Kind of nice having a minimalist sort of carry gun. It’s less obtrusive than the M&P with a Trijicon and a TLR-1 on it.
But a question for AIWB guys and gals: What do you do when driving? If I had to draw while in a vehicle, I’d have to go through the extra movement of unbuckling a seat belt, as opposed to just leaning forward as I could do with my 3:00 carry rig. And, it seems to me, that were I to get in a collision, I’m looking at a broken hip from the force of the GripZonetm being thrust at me thanks to the seat belt. Anyone know of anytime someone AIWB carrying had such a car accident? I’d be curious to know if that is a real thing or if I’m overthinking the whole thing.
I’m happy to report I was not killed in the streets.
March 27th, 2017 at 9:15 pm
FWIW, I’ve worked in a Level I trauma center continuously for the last 18 years and never seen a fracture of the type you’re concerned about. Not saying it hasn’t happened somewhere though. A trauma surgeon who swaps stories with buddies at national conferences would be able to weigh in with a larger (via hearsay/war stories) sample size on this one. AIWB didn’t become popular though until sometime in the last decade?
March 27th, 2017 at 9:21 pm
Carrying cross draw helps while driving or sitting in a car. Car-jacking happens and it’s definitely easier to draw your gun from the opposite side hip.
March 27th, 2017 at 9:38 pm
Seat belt injuries in collisions occur without a pistol under the seat belt. Adding a hard metal object can’t be better.
Try the Bruce Nelson version of appendix, at about 2 – 2:30 w/ muzzle vertical or to the rear. Better for seated draw and AD & seat belt safety, although less good for a locked wrist draw.
March 27th, 2017 at 10:35 pm
When I drive I buckle up as normal, then un-tuck my shirt so it hangs over the lap belt and gun. Then I position the shoulder belt so it is tight behind the grip of the pistol. If I experience a sudden deceleration, the shoulder belt will tighten as per usual, while the lap belt will tighten across the pistol and my hips. If I have to draw, I just have to lift my shirt and grip the gun.
If you’re driving around a non-gun-friendly person, the above approach may not work, as it would probably result in very noticeable printing.
March 27th, 2017 at 10:53 pm
As above, once you’re buckelee in blouse your shirt over the lower strap and you can get the AIWB gun easily without unbuckling. I’m not that concerned about the positioning on AIWB in a car wreck. The first few weeks will be difficult as you may have to adjust how you wear your pants, and adjust your seats and how to bend over without impailing yourself. I had to start wearing my pants higher, by larger than I would for 3-5 o’clock carry.
Also read this, lots of pearls of wisdom here
https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?120-AIWB-(Appendix-Carry)
March 28th, 2017 at 7:54 am
You probably need to skip the seat belt. Drag is too high. 🙂
March 28th, 2017 at 12:20 pm
I also do what zuplex describes for city driving. On the freeway (controlled access roads) I don’t worry about it since carjacking or other unwanted approach/contact isn’t possible.
March 28th, 2017 at 1:49 pm
Personally, after my accident I didn’t fracture my hip. Had a very large, very deep, very long-lasting bruise, but that was it. I wasn’t doing long runs, sprints, or sit-ups for awhile, but that was by choice.
March 28th, 2017 at 4:47 pm
M Gallo:
Not necessarily. I’ve read about that happening when traffic is stopped, especially when they are lined with sound walls, like they do in CA. Those sound walls tend to keep you from maneuvering, and hide the BG’s from your view until they pop through the access doors in the walls.
I think it was Cooper that had an interesting AAR from a student that had this happen. The armed BG pulled his door open, the student pointed a .45 in his face and asked him what he wanted, and the BG responded: “I want to be somewhere else”…
March 29th, 2017 at 7:19 am
Many AIWB carriers believe that firearm access is actually marginally better from the AIWB position, particularly in an entangled (see Craig Douglas) fight. Lean back, thrust you hips forward and it’s right there. You may have to play with this a bit
WRT car accident. The lap belt should ride below the grip, over the trigger guard and muzzle. Depending on your build, it may go below the gun altogether. Low and tight.
YMMV, and all that.