Choosing where to carry your firearm on your body is deeply personal. What works perfectly for your shooting instructor might be uncomfortable or impractical for you. Understanding the common carry positions, their advantages and limitations, helps you find what works for your body type, lifestyle, and clothing choices. In South Africa’s context – where concealed carry is the norm for licensed firearm owners – finding the right position matters even more.
The Clock Face System
Carry positions are described using a clock face, with 12 o’clock at your belt buckle. For right-handed carriers, 3 o’clock is directly on your right hip, while left-handed carriers mirror this. This article assumes right-handed carry, but principles apply equally when reversed.
Appendix Carry (12-2 o’clock)
Appendix carry positions your firearm at the front of your body, typically between 12 and 2 o’clock. This has become increasingly popular in recent years.
Advantages: Appendix offers excellent concealment under untucked shirts – the firearm sits in a natural body curve. Access is fast and intuitive; your hands naturally move toward your centreline when threatened. You can see your holster while re-holstering, improving safety. It’s nearly impossible for someone behind you to access your firearm. Sitting in vehicles is easier since nothing digs into your back or side.
Disadvantages: Appendix carry is challenging for people with larger midsections – the firearm can dig into your abdomen when sitting or bending. It requires quality holsters and careful re-holstering since the muzzle points at your femoral artery and groin. Some people never feel comfortable with a loaded firearm pointed at their body. Bending, tying shoes, or picking things up can be awkward.
Best for: Slimmer builds, people who spend significant time driving, those wearing untucked casual shirts. Works well with athletic or business casual clothing.
Strong Side Hip (3-4 o’clock)
The 3 o’clock position sits directly on your hip, while 4 o’clock angles slightly toward your back. This is traditional concealed carry territory.
Advantages: Natural draw stroke for most shooters, comfortable for various body types. The firearm sits over your hip bone, distributing weight well. Easy to conceal with untucked shirts, jackets, or vests. Less intrusive when bending or sitting compared to appendix. Many people find it psychologically more comfortable since the muzzle doesn’t point at their body.
Disadvantages: Can print (show through clothing) more easily than appendix, especially with fitted shirts. Sitting in cars can be uncomfortable – the firearm and holster dig into vehicle seats. You cannot see your holster when re-holstering. More vulnerable to someone approaching from behind. Requires longer cover garments to conceal effectively.
Best for: Most body types, especially those uncomfortable with appendix carry. Ideal if you frequently wear jackets, vests, or loose shirts. Works for people who don’t spend excessive time sitting.
Kidney/Small of Back (5-6 o’clock)
Carrying in the small of your back, between 5 and 6 o’clock, is less common but has its niche.
Advantages: Excellent concealment – firearms disappear under untucked shirts. Comfortable when standing and walking. Easy to conceal under light jackets or loose shirts. Least likely position to print from the front.
Disadvantages: Extremely uncomfortable when sitting, especially in cars. Dangerous if you fall backward – the firearm can cause serious spinal injuries. Difficult to access quickly; requires significant torso rotation. Nearly impossible to draw while seated. You cannot see what you’re doing during re-holstering. Vulnerable to someone approaching from behind.
Best for: Limited situations. Perhaps useful for standing security work or short-term concealment needs, but generally not recommended for everyday carry by most instructors.
Cross-Draw (8-10 o’clock)
Cross-draw positions the holster on your non-dominant side, allowing you to reach across your body to draw.
Advantages: Excellent for vehicle carry – easily accessible while seated and wearing a seatbelt. Comfortable when sitting for extended periods. Natural drawing motion when seated. Useful for people with shoulder or arm injuries limiting reach to their strong side.
Disadvantages: Slower draw when standing. During the draw stroke, your muzzle sweeps across a wide arc, potentially flagging people beside you. More difficult to conceal. More vulnerable to gun grabs since you’re reaching across your body. Less intuitive for most shooters.
Best for: People who spend most of their day driving, those with physical limitations affecting strong-side access, or as a backup gun position.
Matching Position to Body Type
Slimmer builds have the most flexibility. Appendix and strong-side hip both work well. Your lack of midsection bulk makes appendix particularly effective since there’s no belly for the gun to dig into when sitting.
Athletic/muscular builds often find appendix comfortable due to strong core muscles supporting the weight. However, well-developed lats and chest can make inside-the-waistband holsters at 3-4 o’clock uncomfortable. Consider hybrid holsters for better weight distribution.
Larger midsections typically struggle with appendix carry – the firearm competes for space with your stomach when sitting or bending. Strong-side hip (3-4 o’clock) usually works better, though you might need to move slightly further back (toward 4:30) to find the optimal spot where your body curves. Quality belts become even more critical for supporting weight.
Shorter torsos have less space between hips and ribs, making some positions awkward. Experiment with cant (holster angle) to find comfortable positions. Smaller firearms often work better for shorter-torso carriers.
Clothing Considerations in South Africa
Our climate significantly influences carry decisions. Summer clothing – shorts, t-shirts, light fabrics – makes concealment challenging. Appendix often conceals better under untucked short-sleeve shirts than strong-side hip. Consider breathable holster materials like Kydex over leather in our heat.
Business attire varies by formality. Tucked shirts require either specialized tuckable holsters or pocket carry for smaller firearms. Untucked button-downs or golf shirts work well with most positions. Jackets make any position easier to conceal.
Casual outdoor clothing – safari shirts, vests, light jackets – provides excellent concealment for strong-side hip carry. Our outdoor culture means these garments don’t look out of place in most settings.
Activity Level Matters
Desk jobs and driving favour appendix carry. You’ll spend hours sitting, and appendix is most comfortable in chairs and vehicles. Strong-side hip becomes uncomfortable quickly when seated.
Active work or physical jobs might work better with strong-side hip. Bending, lifting, and moving is easier without a firearm at your centreline. Ensure your holster has excellent retention for physical activity.
Mixed activity requires compromise. Many people carry appendix during commutes and office work, then switch to strong-side hip for active weekends. Having multiple holsters for different situations is common among experienced carriers.
Finding Your Position
Start with strong-side hip (3-4 o’clock) – it’s most intuitive for beginners. Once comfortable, experiment with appendix if your body type suits it. Use dummy guns or unloaded firearms at home to test positions during normal activities: sitting, bending, reaching, walking.
Pay attention to printing. Have someone observe you moving naturally in various positions. What feels concealed might be obvious to others. Adjust position, cant, and ride height (how high the holster sits on your belt) until you find your sweet spot.
The right carry position is one you’ll use consistently. Comfort matters more than tactical advantages you’ve read about online. An appendix-carried firearm you leave at home because it’s uncomfortable is less useful than a strong-side hip gun you actually wear. Experiment, be patient, and prioritize safety during your learning process.