Appendix carry and red dots are two hot topics in the world of concealed carry. They are both on the cutting edge of concealed carry efficiency and are commonly paired. If you’re new to either, you might wonder how well they work as a combination. Can you enjoy the benefits of a red dot while taking advantage of appendix carry?
Appendix carry enhances concealment by positioning the holster in front of your body. It also allows for a faster, more accessible draw from concealment. Red dots allow for faster target acquisition, longer-range accuracy, and more precise shot placement. It’s easy to see why many concealed carriers want to combine appendix carry and red dots.
Let’s break down the realities of carrying in the appendix position with a red dot.
Red Dots Add Bulk
Anytime you add a red dot to a handgun, you add bulk. The larger or bulkier the gun, the harder it is to conceal — that’s a fact we have to deal with, no matter how we carry. With appendix carry, this effect is a bit more pronounced.
When carrying strong side, the red dot tends to blend in decently well and adds minimal bulk. But in the appendix position, the gun’s side profile is more visible, making the added bulk of the optic stand out. Don’t get me wrong, with the right holster and shirt, it’s not a big deal, but it’s still worth noting — especially for smaller shooters or those using larger gun-and-optic combinations.
Another consideration is belt placement. As a right-handed shooter, my red dot faces left when I carry appendix. Since appendix carry positions the gun close to the center of the body, I found that my red dot often sat behind or nearly behind my belt buckle. This interfered with my draw, so I simply shifted my belt buckle off-center. (Which likely makes me a disappointment to my Drill Instructors.)
Red Dots and Body Contact
A red dot on an appendix-carried gun sits closer to the body than in other carry positions—often right against your stomach. Most of the gun is already in contact with your body, so why is that a downside?
Well, as humans we are naturally pretty gross. We sweat, and the area where you carry a gun tends to sweat more. This means your red dot will be exposed to moisture. With a high-quality red dot, this isn’t a major issue since they’re moisture-resistant. The biggest concern is sweat getting into the emitter of an open-emitter optic.
The risk is fairly low—you’d have to be drenched in sweat for it to be a real problem. However, if you’re working out in the middle of a Florida summer while carrying appendix, then it might be a concern. Luckily, enclosed-emitter optics, like the Holosun EPS Carry, exist and can rectify this problem.
Other concerns are the same as you’d face regardless of carry position. A concealed carry red dot is exposed to hair, lint, and debris. Keeping it clean, and occasionally using a can of compressed air to clear away loose dirt and debris goes a long way.
Holster Considerations
Whenever we add accessories to our firearms, we need to ensure our holsters can accommodate them. You’d think red dots would be an easy fit—unlike weapon lights—but that’s not always the case. Some holsters simply aren’t cut low enough to clear a red dot.
Another potential issue arises when a holster has a high sight channel to accommodate suppressor-height sights, which you might use for co-witnessing with your red dot. Both factors should be considered when choosing a holster. If you want a reliable option for appendix carry with a red dot, I recommend the Incog X or the Schema — my go-to choices when rocking the red dot.
Speed and Concealment
Appendix carry and red dots mix like peanut butter and chocolate. They both encourage speed and excel in defensive use. While they remain controversial in some circles, their performance can’t be denied. If you want the cutting edge of concealed carry, the combination of red dots and appendix carry is the way to go.
