Strong-side carry refers to positioning an IWB holster on the dominant-hand side of the body, typically at the 3 o’clock, 4 o’clock, or 5 o’clock position (for a right-handed shooter). While appendix carry has become the dominant recommendation from T.REX ARMS for concealed carry, strong-side positions remain a viable option, and T.REX designs several products to accommodate them.
Strong-Side Positions Defined
The clock positions referenced in IWB carry correspond to where the holster sits on the waistband as viewed from above:
- 3 o’clock — directly on the strong-side hip. Provides a natural draw stroke but can print more due to the grip sitting at the widest point of the torso.
- 4 o’clock — slightly behind the hip. Often considered a compromise between concealment and draw speed.
- 5 o’clock — approaching the small of the back. Offers better concealment under untucked garments but makes the draw slower and less ergonomic.
These positions are collectively referred to as “strong-side” carry. They differ from appendix carry primarily in draw mechanics, concealment dynamics, and how the holster interacts with the body during seated activities.
T.REX Products for Strong-Side Carry
Raptor Holster
The Raptor is T.REX’s dedicated option for shooters who primarily carry at the 3 or 4 o’clock position, though it can also be worn appendix. The current-generation Raptor incorporates several design features oriented toward strong-side use:
- Built-in cant angles: The holster mold itself includes a 1-degree tilt angling the pistol into the body and a 7.5-degree tilt pushing the grip inward to reduce printing. These angles are baked into the mold rather than achieved solely through clip adjustment.
- Angled clip slots: The Raptor has an angled slot in the center that allows additional canting of the clips, specifically useful when wearing the holster at 4 o’clock where more cant generally improves comfort and concealment.
- Dual tuckable clips (default): The Raptor ships with two tuckable clips for stability. For strong-side carry, this dual-clip arrangement prevents the holster from shifting or rocking during the draw.
- Monoblock clip option: A single metal monoblock clip can replace the two tuckable clips. This metal clip features two independent teeth for redundancy and is far more durable than the plastic clip used on the older Raptor, which was prone to breaking. The monoblock is a good option for those who want a simpler attachment method at 3 or 4 o’clock.
- Hybrid backer compatibility: The Raptor can be mounted to a soft hybrid-style backer, similar to the Ironside Hybrid, adding comfort for extended wear at strong-side positions. However, the backer can make the holster slightly harder to put on at the 3 or 4 o’clock position compared to a standard all-Kydex configuration.
The previous-generation Raptor suffered from instability when used with a single plastic clip. That design has been replaced, and the current Raptor addresses the issue through both dual clips and the improved monoblock.
Sidecar at Strong-Side Positions
While the Sidecar is optimized for appendix carry, it can be worn at the 3, 4, or 5 o’clock position. The wider spacing of its two tuckable clips can actually make the holster more stable on the waistband in some configurations. However, T.REX notes that the Sidecar’s built-in angles and design geometry are oriented toward appendix carry and are not specifically optimized for strong-side use the way the Raptor is. If a shooter’s primary intent is strong-side carry, the Raptor is the recommended product.
Choosing Between Appendix and Strong-Side
T.REX’s general recommendation is appendix carry for its speed of draw, ease of weapon retention, and concealment advantages. However, strong-side carry remains a legitimate option, and the Raptor exists specifically for shooters who find appendix carry uncomfortable or impractical for their body type, daily activities, or personal preference.
The guidance can be summarized:
- Primarily appendix carry → Sidecar, with optional attachments (magazine carrier, tourniquet carrier, etc.).
- Primarily strong-side carry → Raptor, with the flexibility to also wear it appendix if desired.
- Want maximum flexibility across positions → Raptor, as it is designed to transition between positions more easily than the Sidecar.
Clip and Ride Height Adjustment
Both the Raptor and the Sidecar allow adjustment of ride height through repositioning the clips along multiple mounting holes. Ride height affects how deep the pistol sits in the waistband, which directly impacts concealment and draw stroke. At strong-side positions, a slightly deeper ride can help tuck the grip below a cover garment, though it comes at the cost of a slightly longer draw. The tuckable clips on both holsters also allow the shirt to be tucked over the clips for a more discreet appearance when required.
Cant adjustment—tilting the muzzle forward or rearward—is similarly available through the clip mounting hardware and is particularly relevant at 3 and 4 o’clock, where a forward cant (known as an FBI cant) can significantly improve both comfort when seated and draw ergonomics.