Having a holster that works for you is important. After ankle-carrying for years, I took the plunge and tried out appendix carry; I did so with a KSG Armory holster.
I got my gat
Before I became a gun guy, I knew I wanted to carry a five shot J-frame revolver. I didn’t know it was a five shot J-frame I wanted to carry; I knew I wanted a snubnose.
Decisions
When I moved to a town in Massachusetts that would grant me a license to carry with “no restrictions,” I obtained a Smith & Wesson model 637. I bought a Galco pocket holster. It wasn’t a good choice because I didn’t really know much about carrying. Or holsters. That is not on Galco in any way or means.
After moving to an Uncle Mike’s pocket holster, I bought a Fobus paddle holster just so I had a holster I could wear. I only carried on weekends due to my job restraints. I would also always wear a jacket or fleece that covered the outside-the-waistband holster.
After a few years, I decided that I would get a Crossbreed inside the waistband holster. That gave in a little bit once the leather conformed to my “extra retention“ or as we usually call it “dunlap.” I eventually started using a Galco ankle holster. Again, my job does not allow me to carry at work, but I carry to work. I lock up and secure my carry gun in my car while I’m working. The ankle holster is one that I can easily take on and off.
On the road again
In the summer of 2023, I was going to Denver for some personal reasons, but I wanted to film some shows for my Riding Shotgun With Charlie YouTube channel. I was able to connect with Riley Bowman from ConcealedCarry.com. Concealed Carry is really an umbrella that owns several different companies. One of the companies is KSG Armory Holsters.
Going appendix
When I was with Bowman, he asked me what my carry gun of choice was and he made me a Kydex appendix inside-the-waistband holster while I waited. It was pretty cool to see the whole process happen from beginning to end. I did have the holster custom made in purple because I am not tactically savvy as other folks.
Watch the junk
Like some other traditionalists, I was never fond of appendix inside-the-waistband carry because it does keep the muzzle of the gun pointed towards “my boys.“ But I committed to wearing it for the remainder of the summer.
I do have some friends that carry AIWB and they said it is not as uncomfortable as you think it might be. After wearing it around my house to get used to the placement of it I did venture out into the public.
How’d AIWB go for me?
I do spend a lot of time driving and I figured AIWB is better than ankle carry. Practicing my draw from the holster and from concealment with an unloaded gun is something I spent a good amount of time on. I wanted to become familiar with that draw stroke and the action of pulling up my shirt with my non-dominant hand.
With the foam wedge and the wing, I really think it was tucked up against my body nice and snug. I am very conscious about printing. I would usually wear a T-shirt with an oversized button-up shirt on top of it. However, there were several times when I went out with an oversized T-shirt and a “wife beater” tank top underneath. The tank top would work as a nice buffer so that the holster did not rub up against my stomach.
The wing does keep the holster tucked in close to the hips under the belt. The wedge helps push the bottom part of the holster away from my body. Bowman did tell me that it is very important that the holster is longer than the barrel of the gun so that the gun does not pop out due to my extra “retention device”/dunlap. I have noticed with other guns and other holsters — for me — the frame of the gun will pop out without the extra length past the barrel.
I do like the metal clips of the holster. They are much sturdier than the plastic J hooks that I purchased for the Crossbreed. But I was very conscious to make sure the metal did not tear up my Nexbelt. The clips are adjustable with the extra holes in the holster. This enables you to raise or lower the holster as you see fit to your body shape. The clamshell also has an adjustable retention screw so you can make adjustments to the retention level.
Overall experience
The KSG Armory Holster was in the waistband often that summer. Never had issues with printing. Comfort was good. There were long days where it did get a little cumbersome squishing into my guts. But that has more to do with my body type than the holster. Since that summer, I’ve worn it many times and it’s gone well.
To be truthful, I’ve wanted to switch to a “bottom feeder” for a carry gun. I’ve gotten two or three holsters and I compare them all to the KSG. None have quite done it as well as the KSG.
Making a selection
When you visit their website, they will lead you through several questions about the gun (make and model). As well as questions about flashlights, clips, wedges, and wings. They have many colors and styles to choose from.
The website is an amazing resource for what you’ll be looking for and plenty of options for clips, wedges, wings, etc. There’s videos to assist users do their research. The lead time to make a holster is just over a month currently. Most of their holsters are PHLster compatible, if you’ve got one of those rigs.
The quick and dirty
Pluses: Deep concealment. Priced comparable to other makes and models.
Minuses: Takes some time getting used to.
There are many types and styles of holsters to choose from. There’s also almost as many brands to pick from, too. We’ve all got a drawer of holsters that were “it,” until they weren’t. I’ve gotten some of the less expensive holsters just to have some junk holsters for courses to show to clients. The price is very comparable to several of the mass produced holsters but you can customize your holster to your gun for what you want.
