Best Guns for AIWB Appendix Carry

Though appendix carry can be a hot topic within the gun community, it’s the preferred method of carry for a lot of gun folks.

Pair the right gun with the right holster and add in some quality training, and it’s a great method of concealed carry.

But with a myriad of guns to choose from…how do you know which one to pick? No worries, we here at Pew Pew Tactical are here to help!

We have narrowed down our favorite guns specifically for AIWB concealed carry in the hopes that it makes your selection process a little easier.

So, keep reading as we dive into the specs and features of our recommendations!

AIWB Guns Comparison

How We Chose the Best AIWB Guns for Concealed Carry

For this article, we gathered a bunch of pistols we've personally shot, reviewed, and owned here at Pew Pew Tactical. All guns that made this list had to have a few things in common to earn a spot on our best AIWB handgun recommendations:

• Must reliably fire
• Easy to conceal in an appendix holster
• Ergonomics must work for most shooters
• Have a price tag that the average consumer can stomach

The entire Pew Pew Tactical team, as well as freelance writers, contributed to this review to offer different opinions based on hand size and body type. Everyone on our team has tested and carried every gun on this list in the appendix (AIWB) position.

For guns we have reviews on, we've linked those so you can read more. Every review gun undergoes a strict testing protocol that requires a minimum of 500 rounds of both FMJ and JHP ammo through it at 5 and 7 yards. Most of the guns listed have seen 1,000+ rounds through them at longer distances and have been used for everyday concealed carry with a member of our staff.

Best AIWB Guns for Concealed Carry

1. Sig Sauer P365 X-Macro Comp - Editor's Pick

Editor's Pick

Sig Sauer P365 X-Macro Comp

$829

at Midway USA

Prices accurate at time of writing

$829 at Midway USA

GrabAGun (see price)

Kygunco (see price)

Palmetto State Armory (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Action: Semi-Auto
• Magazine Capacity: 17+1
• Barrel Length: 3.1"
• Overall Length: 6.6"
• Width: 1.1"
• Height: 5.2"
• Weight: 21.5 oz
• Optic Mounting Footprint: Shield RMSc

Sig completely changed the trajectory of modern concealed carry pistols back in 2018 with the release of their high-capacity micro-compact P365.

Since then, the modular P365 platform has grown to include a wide variety of models, including our favorite --- the P365 X-Macro Comp.

The X-Macro Comp retains the thin 1" profile of the standard P365, but adds a bit of slide length to accommodate an integrated compensator and adds some grip length to up the capacity to a whopping 17 rounds.

This results in a gun that boasts an outstanding capacity-to-size ratio and shoots incredibly flat for its size, thanks to the compensator (especially with defensive ammo). An optics-ready slide, some excellent night sights, and an accessory rail round out the main features.

On top of those excellent qualities, the P365 X-Macro Comp is a modular gun that is built around the most popular carry platform today. This means a robust aftermarket and a wide variety of holster choices.

You can check out our full review of the P365 X-Macro Comp, or find a smaller version that works for you in our round-up of pretty much all of the P365 lineup.

2. Glock 43X MOS - Most Reliable

Most Reliable

Glock 43X MOS

$499

at Palmetto State Armory

Prices accurate at time of writing

$499 at Palmetto State Armory

Guns.com (see price)

Classic Firearms (see price)

GrabAGun (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Action: Semi-Auto
• Capacity: 10 rounds
• Barrel Length: 3.41"
• Overall Length: 6.5"
• Width: 1.1"
• Height: 5.04"
• Weight: 18.7 oz
• Optic Mounting Footprint: Shield RMSc

We couldn’t make a list of the best carry guns and not mention Glock.

The G43X MOS is a single-stack crossover pistol based on the proven Glock 43 design. Glock added an extra inch to the grip to give the user more to hold on to while also increasing the capacity to 10 rounds.

A low bore axis and sizable grip length make these guns relatively easy to shoot despite being much slimmer than something like a Glock 19.

Due to their reputation for reliability, the 43X is one of the most popular concealed carry pistols on the market. As such, it enjoys both a massive aftermarket and almost every company that makes holsters makes one for the 43X.

Although Glock includes adapter plates for optics on the MOS models, they are not the greatest. We recommend snagging an aftermarket aluminum or steel adapter plate if you want to mount a red dot.

The 10-round capacity is also a bit lacking for its size compared to other micro-compact guns like the P365, Shield Plus, and Hellcat. However, you can get higher-capacity aftermarket mags that don't increase the footprint of the gun.

Despite the drawbacks, these are accurate, easy to shoot, and infinitely accessorisable guns. We’ve got more details on the Glock 43X MOS in our full review.

What do you think of the Glock 43X MOS? Rate it below!

3. Smith & Wesson Shield Plus - Best Micro Compact

Best Micro Compact

Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield Plus

$369

at Palmetto State Armory

Prices accurate at time of writing

$369 at Palmetto State Armory

GrabAGun (see price)

Kygunco (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Action: Semi-Auto
• Capacity: 10+1 (flush), 13+1 (extended)
• Barrel Length: 3.1"
• Overall Length: 6.1"
• Width: 1.1"
• Height: 4.6"
• Weight: 17.9 oz
• Optic Mounting Footprint: Shield RMSc

The Smith & Wesson Shield Plus unseated our original pick from S&W, the Shield EZ.

Why?

The Shield Plus has a higher capacity while also being smaller than the EZ, making it a more appealing option for everyday carry for most people.

It operates in a nice mid-range where it's not too big and not too small. In a sea of micro compacts that leave your pinky hanging, the Shield Plus is a welcome addition.

Various members of the Pew Pew Tactical team have tested and carried different models of the Shield Plus. Reliability and accuracy have been great across the board.

Smith & Wesson has managed to keep the frame shape the same since the original Shield, meaning there are a metric ton of holster options out there. The downside here is the lack of an accessory rail.

The newer blade-style trigger of the Shield Plus is arguably the best trigger out of any of the mainstream micro-compact guns.

One potential hangup is the oval grip shape. Some people love the way it feels in the hand, while others find it slightly unnatural. The grip texture is great, but you may want to handle one at a store to see if it agrees with your hand before taking the plunge.

But the biggest upside here? The price. You can find Shield Plus base models that are frequently $100-200 cheaper than guns like the regular P365 or Hellcat. Reliability, concealability, and value? What's not to like?

Make sure to read our full review of the Smith & Wesson Shield Plus.

4. Springfield Armory Hellcat - Runner Up Micro Compact

Runner Up Micro Compact

Springfield Armory Hellcat

$554

at Midway USA

Prices accurate at time of writing

$554 at Midway USA

GrabAGun (see price)

Palmetto State Armory (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Action: Semi-Auto
• Capacity: 11+1 (flush), 13+1 (extended)
• Barrel Length: 3"
• Overall Length: 6"
• Width: 1"
• Height: 4"
• Weight: 18.3 oz
• Optic Mounting Footprint: Shield RMSc

The Springfield Hellcat is another micro-compact firearm that does well for AIWB carry.

Offering an 11+1 capacity – with 13 and 15-round extended mags for those that want it -- the Hellcat has a slight edge in capacity over the standard P365 and Shield Plus.

The Hellcat features a unique "adaptive grip texture," which becomes grippier the harder you hold it.

Springfield opted for an iron sight setup that includes a rear sight with a high-visibility U and a yellow high-viz front sight. This is one of the fastest and most intuitive sight setups, in our opinion. While the majority of Hellcats are optics-ready, not all are, so always double-check before you buy!

A flat-faced trigger is present, which breaks a bit on the heavier side, right around 5-5.5 lbs. However, the trigger is relatively crisp, and the reset is audible and tactile.

The controls are user-friendly, though users with bigger hands might experience issues with the slide not locking back due to thumb placement and might need to adjust their grip when reloading.

On the range, the Hellcat has performed well for us. Its sights are easy to use and allow for rapid target acquisition. We would say it is probably the snappiest of the main three micro-compacts (P365, Shield Plus, Hellcat), but only marginally so.

Overall, it’s a robust concealed carry pistol that brings enough features to make it a worthwhile consideration for potential buyers.

Check out the full review on the Hellcat for more of our range experience.

5. CZ P-10 C - Best for Bigger Hands

Best for Bigger Hands

CZ P-10 C

$393

at BattleHawk Armory

Prices accurate at time of writing

$393 at BattleHawk Armory

Classic Firearms (see price)

GrabAGun (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Action: Semi-Auto
• Capacity: 15+1
• Barrel Length: 4.02"
• Overall Length: 7.3"
• Width: 1.26"
• Height: 5.2"
• Weight: 26 oz

Could we create a gun list without a CZ? We don't think so. That's why we chose the CZ P-10 C. This compact version of the P-10 offers the same shooting experience as its bigger brother but in a slightly smaller package.

While testing this one out, we immediately noticed that the CZ P-10 C shoots extremely well! Our test gun had no issues in the 500 rounds of practice and defensive ammo we used. A few members of the Pew Pew Tactical team also have P-10 Cs for personal use, and they run like tops.

Not to mention, the CZ is also quite accurate...I dare say it's more accurate than the shooter.

While it lacks in the aftermarket, it makes up for it in ergonomics. This gun really feels like it locks completely into your hand and barely moves under recoil.

It feels great in the hand, which, combined with a really nice trigger, makes it very easy to shoot.

These guns are on the larger side for this list, so concealment will take a bit more effort, but the payoff is worth it. Overall, this is a great gun at a good price that you shouldn't pass up.

Want more? We have a full review of the CZ P-10 C.

6. Taurus GX4 - Most Affordable

Most Affordable

Taurus GX4

$240

at BattleHawk Armory

Prices accurate at time of writing

$240 at BattleHawk Armory

Classic Firearms (see price)

GrabAGun (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Action: Semi-Auto
• Capacity: 11+1
• Barrel Length: 3.06"
• Overall Length: 6.05"
• Width: 1.08"
• Height: 4.4"
• Weight: 18.7 oz

Micro-compacts are all the rage for concealed carry right now, especially for those who want a small gun for AIWB carry.

But many of the major offerings hover anywhere from $400 to $700. But for those who don't want to or can't spend that much scratch on a carry pistol, Taurus has you covered.

The Taurus GX4 closely mimics the size, performance, and functionality of guns like the P365, Hellcat, and Shield Plus, but at nearly half the price.

With a width of just over 1", a height of 4.4", and a capacity of 11+1, the GX4 sits right in between something like the Hellcat and Shield Plus in size.

Despite its lower price tag, the ergonomics are surprisingly sound. I actually find this gun more comfortable in the hand than the Hellcat and Shield Plus.

You also get a pretty decent trigger with the GX4. The shape of the trigger is great, and offers a relatively crisp, albeit slightly heavier, break. It is very reminiscent of the Hellcat in this regard.

Taurus offers an optics-ready T.O.R.O version, but for those looking to save money, the cheaper irons-only version is the likely choice.

Although holster options are somewhat limited, the GX4's overall cost savings make it an extremely appealing budget option.

You can check out our complete thoughts on the Taurus GX4 in our full review!

7. Ruger LCR - Best Revolver for AIWB Carry

Best AIWB Revolver

Ruger LCR

$415

at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$415 at GrabAGun

Palmetto State Armory (see price)

Kygunco (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: .38 Spl +P, .357 Mag, .327 Fed Mag, .22LR, 9mm,
• Action: Double Action Only Revolver
• Capacity: 5, 6 (.327 Fed), 8 (.22LR)
• Barrel Length: 1.87"
• Overall Length: 6.5"
• Width: 1.28"
• Height: 4.5"
• Weight: 13.5 oz - 17.2 oz

Designed for concealed carry, the Ruger LCR is a small, compact, hybrid polymer and aluminum lightweight revolver that easily nestles into a holster.

Ruger offers the LCR in a variety of calibers, including .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .327 Federal Magnum, 9mm, and .22LR.

The LCR opts for a hammerless DAO trigger. However, they really did their homework, and these guns have a very smooth and relatively lightweight trigger pull. It is among the best DAO revolver triggers on the market.

In our testing, the LCR proved reliable, although crimp jump can be an issue. Customization options are a bit limited, but you'll likely be fine with its stock configuration.

Ergonomically, it's tiny, and that means some large-handed folks will have a really tough time holding onto that tiny grip. For those who need a bit more real estate, Hogue makes a longer OverMolded Tamer grip.

On that note, since it's a lightweight snub-nosed revolver, the recoil can be a bit stout depending on the ammo you use. Again, this is where training comes in. Practice makes perfect, and it is essential for good accuracy with this gun.

But if you're looking for a small, concealable revolver with a nice trigger, then the LCR is a good option.

Read up on the LCR in our full review!

Advantages of Appendix Carry

Why would someone want to carry in the appendix inside the waistband (AIWB) position? Well, there are a few reasons.

Direct access to the gun: Appendix carry positions the firearm at the front of your body. This front position can lead to a quicker draw stroke if you’re training regularly and putting in those reps.

Can accommodate bigger guns: Due to the positioning at the front of the body, individuals are not limited to carrying only compact or subcompact firearms. I know that seems counterintuitive, but with the right holster (wedges and wings are helpful), you can carry just about anything…For instance, I’m 5’2”, weigh about 114 pounds, and comfortably carry a Glock 19-sized pistol in the AIWB position.

Versatility in clothing: AIWB can be more accommodating to different types of attire. Clothing patterns can help in concealing the weapon's outline. Especially for women, jewelry can also help divert attention away from an AIWB-carried firearm.

Reholstering: With AIWB, you can look your gun into the holster…meaning you can maintain a visual on the gun as it is reholstered. That’s a plus in the safety department. While we’re on that topic, let’s address the elephant in the room. While there are myths surrounding the dangers of AIWB, with proper training, practice, and firearm safety observance, the risks associated with this carry method can be mitigated.

All that said, like any carry method, there are pros and cons, risks and benefits, and body types that work better than others with this style. The biggest suggestion we have is to get a good holster and belt combo and get trained!

Meet the Experts

Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of gun reviewers. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. She uses her extensive professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards.

Additionally, Jacki has experience as an NRA and concealed carry instructor and has been carrying in the AIWB position for 5+ years. She started with a Glock 19 and now carries a Sig Sauer P365 Rose. She uses her knowledge to bring good recommendations that accommodate a variety of consumers.

Also writing this article is Pew Pew Tactical Editor, Wyatt Sloan. Wyatt is an NRA-certified instructor, former competitive shooter, and avid hunter. Wyatt personally owns over 200 firearms, many of which he carries on a regular basis, and has 10 years of home-based FFL firearm sales. He has used his extensive experience with firearms at large to test guns and gear for Pew Pew Tactical — evaluating them based on our standards and metrics.

Sean Curtis, Preston Hughes, and Travis Pike also contributed to this article.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the best gun for AIWB is the one you feel most comfortable carrying, but hopefully, we’ve given you a good starting point.

Whether you’re after a larger handgun or a tiny compact, remember that AIWB carry is most successful when backed by a good holster (we’ve got recommendations) and training!

What’s your preferred AIWB gun? Let us know below! For more concealed carry guns, check out our list of the Best Concealed Carry Guns.

Latest Updates

• October 2025: Removed the Sig Sauer P365, Mossberg MC2c, and Taurus G3C. Added the Sig Sauer P365 X-Macro and Taurus GX4.
• November 2024: Removed the Smith & Wesson Shield EZ and CZ P-01. Added the Smith & Wesson Shield Plus, CZ P-10 C, and Ruger LCR.
• October 2023: Rewritten with all new picks and recommendations.