Best Appendix Carry Holsters: MOD1 vs MOD1-LIMA and How to Choose

By Christopher Burns, Owner, C&G Holsters. We design and build Kydex holsters and carry gear in the USA, at our shop outside Pittsburgh, with a team of veterans and law enforcement. Last updated: October 25, 2026.

Short answer: For appendix carry (AIWB), our top pick is the MOD1 if your gun has no light, and the MOD1-LIMA if it carries a weapon light. Both put the gun and a spare magazine in one hinged Kydex system. Named 'Best for Appendix Carry' (Mod1 Lima) and 'Best Premium' (Covert) by Outdoor Life. Featured in Guns & Ammo's 10 Best IWB Holsters. If you want the slimmest possible setup without a spare magazine, our IWB COVERT/ALPHA is the pick.

We get asked "what is the best appendix holster?" more than almost anything else. The honest answer depends on your gun, whether you run a light, and whether you want a reload on your body. This page is our roundup of the C&G appendix holsters we build, how they compare, and which one fits your gun. Shop them all in our MOD1 and MOD1-LIMA collection, or go straight to MOD1 or MOD1-LIMA.

Key Takeaways

• MOD1: appendix sidecar system for a gun without a light, with a spare magazine carrier.
• MOD1-LIMA: the same idea, built for the gun and weapon light together. It needs the light mounted.
• IWB COVERT/ALPHA: a single-gun holster for AIWB or strong-side carry, without a magazine carrier.
• Named 'Best for Appendix Carry' (Mod1 Lima) and 'Best Premium' (Covert) by Outdoor Life. Featured in Guns & Ammo's 10 Best IWB Holsters.
• Quickship ships within 5 business days. Custom ships within 15.

What Did Outdoor Life Say About the MOD1-LIMA?

In "The Best Kydex Holsters of 2026", Steve Anderson of Outdoor Life named the C&G Holsters Mod1 Lima "Best for Appendix Carry." In his words: "The C&G Mod 1 has an amazing level of detail, engineering, and more adjustability than most Kydex holsters, and it provides an easy way to carry extra ammo." The same roundup named our C&G Covert "Best Premium." You can see this and other recognition on our reviews and awards page.

MOD1 vs MOD1-LIMA vs IWB COVERT/ALPHA: How Do They Compare?

For the full side-by-side, read our MOD1 vs MOD1-LIMA comparison.

What Makes the MOD1 Different?

The MOD1 is built around a hinge we co-developed with Jamey Caldwell of 1 Minute Out, and it debuted at SHOT Show 2020. The hinge lets the holster and magazine carrier move with your body, so the rig carries comfortably whether you are sitting, driving or moving. It is molded from .093" Kydex, the same material we use across our holsters. The MOD1 uses our Dark Wing for concealment. The MOD1-LIMA uses the Light Wing and is molded for a specific gun and light, so the light has to be mounted to holster the gun.

Want the backstory and setup tips? Read why we think the MOD1 is the best sidecar holster.

Which Appendix Holster Fits Your Gun? Fit Table

These are our model-specific MOD1 and MOD1-LIMA listings. The last row is our main MOD1-LIMA product page, where you choose your model and light at order.

If your gun or light is not listed, we do not offer it as a listed product right now. Please ask us before you order.

Should You Choose MOD1 or MOD1-LIMA?

It comes down to one question: do you carry with a weapon light? If yes, you need the MOD1-LIMA, molded for your gun and light. If no, the MOD1 is the one. Do not try to carry a gun with a light in a MOD1, or a gun without its light in a MOD1-LIMA. Neither will fit or retain correctly.

Is a Sidecar Holster Better Than a Single AIWB Holster?

A sidecar like the MOD1 puts your reload exactly where you need it, and it spreads the rig across your front so it rides steady. The tradeoff is width. If you want the smallest possible footprint, or you already carry a spare magazine elsewhere, our IWB COVERT/ALPHA is the simpler choice, and IWB ALPHA adds concealment features to tuck the grip. Plenty of our customers own both.

How Do You Set Up an Appendix Holster for Comfort?

• Start with a stiff gun belt. It does more for comfort and concealment than any other change.
• Position the holster just off center, where it does not dig in when you sit.
• Adjust ride height and cant a little at a time, then wear it for a full day before changing it again.
• Always holster carefully, and keep the trigger guard fully covered.

QUICKSHIP vs CUSTOM: Which Appendix Holster Should You Order?

• Quickship ships within 5 business days. It is the fastest way to get a proven holster on your belt.
• Custom ships within 15 business days. You choose colors and options.

If you need to start carrying now, go Quickship. If you want it set up your way, go Custom.

Related Reading

• MOD1 vs MOD1-LIMA
• The MOD1: our take on the best sidecar holster
• AIWB holster guide
• Carrying a full-size pistol with a weapon light

FAQ

What is the best appendix carry holster?

For appendix carry with a spare magazine, we recommend the C&G MOD1, or the MOD1-LIMA if your gun has a weapon light. Named 'Best for Appendix Carry' (Mod1 Lima) and 'Best Premium' (Covert) by Outdoor Life. Featured in Guns & Ammo's 10 Best IWB Holsters. For a slim single-gun setup, choose the IWB COVERT/ALPHA.

What is the difference between the MOD1 and MOD1-LIMA?

The MOD1 is for a gun without a light and uses the Dark Wing. The MOD1-LIMA is molded for a specific gun and weapon light together and uses the Light Wing. Both carry a spare magazine.

Who designed the MOD1 hinge?

We co-developed the MOD1 hinge with Jamey Caldwell of 1 Minute Out. The MOD1 debuted at SHOT Show 2020.

Can I use a MOD1-LIMA without my light?

No. The MOD1-LIMA is molded for the gun and light together, so the light must be mounted.

Which guns have a MOD1 or MOD1-LIMA?

We list model-specific MOD1 holsters for Glock, Springfield Hellcat and H&K VP9 models, and MOD1-LIMA holsters for Glock 17/19, Glock 43X/48, H&K VP9/SK, SIG P320 Compact and Walther PDP 4.5/4 with select lights. Our main MOD1-LIMA page lets you choose your model and light at order.

How fast does a MOD1 ship?

Quickship ships within 5 business days. Custom ships within 15 business days.