Appendix Carry vs. Off-Body Carry: What’s the Best Concealed Carry Option?

Welcome back to Good Moral Tactical! Today we’re diving into one of the most debated topics in the firearms and EDC community: concealed carry—specifically, how and where to carry your firearm for self-defense.

In this post, we’re focusing on two of the most popular concealed carry methods: appendix carry and off-body carry. Whether you're a beginner or refining your setup, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each method can help you carry smarter, safer, and more confidently.

Why Appendix Carry is My Preferred Method

At the time of filming, I was already appendix carrying my Glock 19 build, holstered in a rig by MIE Productions, one of our favorite makers here at Good Moral Tactical.

So why do I lean toward appendix carry? Speed. When every second counts in a self-defense scenario, the ability to quickly access your firearm is crucial. Appendix carry allows for a clean, fast draw—something you just can’t get from behind-the-hip or shoulder positions.

Let’s be honest: the goal is always to not need your firearm. But if that day comes, speed matters.

How to Draw Efficiently from Appendix Carry

One mistake I see often is people fumbling with their shirt during the draw. My go-to method? Flat-hand, mid-chest grab, pull straight up. This gives the cleanest path to your firearm and minimizes the chance of your shirt getting caught.

Some people prefer grabbing from the bottom hem—and if you’ve trained that way and it works, great. But from my experience, reaching for the middle of the chest speeds things up significantly.

We ran several dry-fire drills using snap caps to build muscle memory, followed by live-fire tests to put those skills into action. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, incorporating dry-fire training into your routine is key to safe and consistent draws.

When Off-Body Carry is the Better Option

Now, let’s talk about off-body concealed carry, which typically involves storing your firearm in a bag or purse rather than on your body.

For this, I used a cross-sling bag from Viktos—a concealed carry gym-style bag with a dedicated compartment and Velcro interior. Inside, I used a Vertx Tactigami insert, which works like a modular belt attachment that anchors my usual holster inside the bag.

The biggest drawback? Zipper access. Unlike appendix carry, you can’t draw with one motion—you have to find the zipper, open it, then draw. In a tense moment, that delay could be critical.

But let’s be real: sometimes off-body carry is your only option. Whether it’s gym clothes with no belt loops, women’s fashion like dresses, or other circumstances, off-body might be your best or only choice.

That’s where training comes in. We did dry-fire runs and live-fire drills from the bag to get familiar with the draw and ensure consistent performance.

Final Thoughts: Which Concealed Carry Method is Best?

The best concealed carry method is the one that works safely and consistently for your lifestyle. That said:

✅ Appendix carry is faster.✅ Off-body carry offers flexibility when you can’t carry on-body.

If speed and accessibility are your top priorities—and your clothing allows for it—appendix carry is hard to beat. But if you’re limited by wardrobe or activity, train hard with your off-body setup so you’re not caught off guard.

Tips for Effective Concealed Carry, No Matter the Method

• ✅ Dry-fire practice weekly—build those neural pathways

• ✅ Use a quality holster (MIE Productions, for example)

• ✅ Train for real-world scenarios, not just static range time

• ✅ Know your gear—bags like Viktos and inserts like Vertx Tactigami matter

• ✅ Keep your setup consistent—muscle memory is key in emergencies

What’s Your Go-To Carry Method?

I’d love to hear what works for you. Are you team appendix? Off-body? Small of back? Let me know in the comments!

Have tips, favorite bags, or holster brands you swear by? Drop your thoughts and let’s build a helpful resource for others stepping into the concealed carry world.

Until next time—carry safe, stay sharp, and train with purpose.