Can I Put a Claw on my AIWB Holster to Help With Concealment?
Sep 9th 2021
A high-quality holster is essential if you intend to carry a firearm for self-defense, whether compact or full size. You’ll also need to decide on the most comfortable, concealable, and accessible position for your weapon. While there are various options available, one of the best is appendix carry with an inside the waistband (AIWB).
Waistband Carry
Whether you carry a handgun inside or outside the waistband, there are four primary positions: strong side, appendix, cross draw, and small of the back. Using a 12-hour clock face as a reference in the appendix position, you place the handgun between the navel or belt buckle and the dominant-side hip. For a right-handed shooter, this is typically between 12 and 2 o’clock.
Appendix carry is highly popular because it provides a balance between concealability, accessibility, and convenience. However, it’s also controversial because, when holstered, the muzzle of your gun is pointed toward your groin and femoral artery.
If you experience an unintentional discharge in this position, your risk of death is increased. You can reduce this risk by practicing firearms safety rules consistently and purchasing a high-quality holster.
Holster Essentials
For a holster to be suitable for AIWB, it must be durable and rigid. A pliable holster mouth that requires you to use two hands for re-holstering is a liability. If the holster mouth is flexible, such as one cut from leather, parts of the holster could enter the trigger guard and snag on the trigger during re-holstering.
A rigid holster mouth that retains its shape is necessary to keep this from happening.
The holster should fully cover the handgun’s trigger guard to prevent your index finger from contacting the trigger until completely drawn. This is even more important when carrying AIWB.
Don’t neglect your comfort either. If your holster fits you properly and is comfortable to wear, using it will become like putting on a belt: Wearing it will become a habit.
A holster that is uncomfortable or painful to wear is more likely to be left at home.
Body Type
IWB is a highly concealable carry option; however, whether an IWB holster is a viable option for you depends on your body type. For example, if you have a pronounced beltline, you may find it difficult to carry a handgun IWB comfortably.
AIWB Claw Attachment
AIWB, or appendix inside the waistband, is one of the most concealable and accessible ways of carrying a firearm. However, there are accessories you can buy to increase the concealability of your AIWB holster further. One of these is a claw attachment.
In a Kydex holster, a claw, also known as a wing or modwing, is an injection-molded attachment that projects outward from the holster to drive the pistol grip into your body and away from the inside of the waistband.
Printing is when a concealed holster or firearm creates an identifiable silhouette through clothing. The purpose of the claw is to reduce printing by forcing the weapon closer to your body.
Printing will typically take the form of a vague, gun-shaped outline, alerting more watchful onlookers to the fact that you’re armed. While the average person may not notice this, experienced criminals will. As concealed carry allows you to preserve the element of surprise, it’s necessary to avoid prematurely disclosing your weapon to bystanders.
The claw attaches to the exterior surface of the holster using the same screw holds as your belt clip. You’ll need a high ride height and neutral cant for optimum performance, as it’s important that the claw lines up with the belt. As a result, it’s not compatible with non-appendix carry positions.
Can I Put a Claw on My AIWB Holster?
It depends on the holster. At Incognito Concealment, our IWB holsters are compatible with claw or modwing attachments, ensuring you’re able to carry your weapon as comfortably and discreetly as possible. However, not every holster on the market is compatible with, or suitable for, claw attachments.
Holsters and Accessories
At Incognito Concealment, we manufacture high-quality Kydex holsters suitable for strong side and appendix carry, including AIWB. If you’d like to discuss carry positions, give us a call at (586) 333-4240.
We’ll help you find the perfect appendix holster and the accessories you need to increase your effectiveness when carrying your holster. From belt clips and holster attachments to gun belts, we have a varied inventory.
