I’ve spent the last three years carrying a couple of different sized pistols in a variety of places on my body. I’ve finally settled on a full-size M&P 9 and the appendix carry position, but holster selection has been hit or miss. The fine folks at Bravo Concealment reached out and asked if I’d like to try out one of their offerings, and because – like all gun owners – I always wonder if the ballistic grass is greener over there, somewhere. I enthusiastically said yes . . .
Specifically, BC sent me their Acer DG2, an appendix inside-the-waistband holster. At the appendix position, I’ve found that stability and ride height make all the difference in the world as it relates to a fast draw and the ability to conceal the pistol of your choice. As I’m of fairly average build and carry a full-size handgun, that can be a somewhat hard blend to find.
I’m also, uhhh, “rounder” that I used to be (something I’m working on fixing). I’m not yet to the point that appendix carry is out, but my front section isn’t as flat as it was. Given that bit of info and the fact that the M&P 9 isn’t exactly a small gun, I’ve accepted printing as part of my life, and moved on.
The DG2 isn’t a magic bullet for this…it holds my pistol to my body in such a way that the butt sticks out a bit. Short of going to a smaller-handled gun (no thank you), or a gun with a curve (absolutely not), this is a problem I can deal with. The DG2 doesn’t fix it, and neither has any other holster I’ve ever tried.
While I’m on the topic of things the DG2 doesn’t fix, let’s talk about the tender spot on my thigh. As you can see in the top photo, the DG2 is adjustable for ride height. This is absolutely critical for comfortable appendix carry.
What you’ll also see is that I have the DG2 adjusted to its highest point. This, however, is still not high enough to prevent the DG2 from digging into my thigh whilst seated. The only way to prevent that is to hitch my pants way up and hope for the best.
The problem, of course, is that most modern men’s pants aren’t nearly as high waisted as they used to be. As such, high enough to prevent thigh smashing means wedgies and high-water pant legs. This problem is much worse with an athletic cut pair of pants like Fighter Design’s, which are already a bit high in the crotch. There’s no room to hoist them at all.
All that said, if I had to pick any holster from the collection knowing that I’d be in a gunfight sometime during the day, a) it would absolutely be an appendix holster, and b) it would absolutely be this appendix holster. Even though it’s wickedly uncomfortable in the wrong pair of pants, it’s built like a tank, presents the grip perfectly for quick access, and is the most stable appendix holster I’ve ever tried.
That stability is the saving grace of the DG2. Partially because of the dual clip system, and partially because of the suede covering the whole thing, there’s zero rocking laterally at all. The gun is right where you want it, all the time, every time. Yes, I wish it rode higher, and I very well may drill the holes myself to make that happen because this holster is fast on the draw, and wicked stable.
Specifications: Bravo Concealment ACER DG2 Holster
- Gun Type: Most
- Sweat Guard: Optional
- Hand: Right and Left available
- Belt Attachment: Clips or Loops in various sizes
- Suede: Optional but it shouldn’t be
- Colors: Black, FDE, Red
- Price: $69.99 as tested
Rating (out of five stars):
Overall Rating * * *
The fit, finish, and build quality of this holster are right up there with some of the best Kydex holsters I’ve tested. The application of the suede is top notch, and after nearly four months of EDC against fabric and skin, the holster still looks brand new. Due to the ride height issue, it isn’t the most comfortable appendix holster I’ve ever used, but it’s absolutely the most stable. If the ride height issue were addressed, this would be a five star holster.