Small of Back Carry: Why You Should Avoid It (2026)

Quick answer: Small of back carry places the gun at 6 o’clock, centered over the spine. Most instructors advise against it: a fall onto your back can drive the gun into your spine, the draw is slow and awkward, it is uncomfortable when sitting or driving, and the muzzle can sweep you or others during the draw. Behind-the-hip (4–5 o’clock), appendix or concealed OWB carry give similar concealment with fewer risks.

Reviewed and updated October 31, 2026 by Daniel Guerra. General guidance; no new hands-on testing was done for this update.

Position	Compared with small of back
Small of back (6:00)	Deep concealment; injury risk in falls, slow draw, poor seated access
Behind the hip (4:00–5:00)	Similar concealment under an untucked shirt; faster and safer draw
Appendix (1:00–2:00)	Fast access and good control; needs an appendix-specific holster
Concealed OWB (3:00–4:00)	Comfortable; needs a longer cover garment

See every option in our concealed carry positions guide and best AIWB holsters.

What Is Small of Back Carry?

Small of back (SOB) carry puts the holster at 6 o’clock, centered over the spine, usually with the gun lying nearly horizontal and the grip toward your strong side. It is most often IWB, though some OWB holsters are made for it. People are drawn to it because the gun disappears under a jacket or untucked shirt when you are standing and facing someone, and it leaves the front and sides of the waistband clear.

Why Most Instructors Advise Against It

Injury risk in a fall

If you slip on ice, trip down stairs or get pushed onto your back, the gun and holster are trapped between your spine and the ground. A hard metal object at that spot can bruise or injure the lower spine and kidneys. This is the most common reason trainers and holster makers discourage SOB carry.

An awkward, slow draw

Reaching behind your back is a long, unnatural motion, and it is very hard while sitting in a car or chair, lying on your back, or with your back against a wall. Because the gun lies horizontally, the draw often sweeps the muzzle across your own body and anyone beside or behind you.

Unsafe re-holstering

You cannot see the holster, so re-holstering is done by feel, with the muzzle pointed across your back. That raises the risk of clothing getting into the trigger guard or the muzzle covering your body.

Hard to protect, uncomfortable seated

A gun behind your back is out of your view and difficult to protect from a grab in a crowd. It also digs into the seat back when driving or sitting, and the grip can print or show when you bend forward.

Better Alternatives

• Behind the hip (4 to 5 o’clock IWB): conceals almost as well as SOB under an untucked shirt, with a much more natural draw and no gun over the spine. A forward cant keeps the grip tucked.
• Appendix (1 to 2 o’clock IWB): fast, easy to protect and usable seated, with an appendix-specific holster and careful re-holstering. See our best AIWB holsters and appendix carry guide.
• Concealed OWB (3 to 4 o’clock): the most comfortable option, with a high-riding holster and a cover garment long enough to hide it. See best OWB holsters and how to conceal carry OWB.

An OWB design built to ride close to the body:

Choosing a Position

1. Start with behind-the-hip or appendix in a rigid IWB holster on a stiff gun belt.
2. Wear it for a week at home and at work, sitting, driving and bending.
3. Practice drawing and re-holstering with an unloaded gun in your normal clothes.
4. Adjust cant and ride height before switching positions.

Our concealed carry positions guide compares every option, and best holsters covers holster choices.

Small of Back Carry FAQ

Conclusion

Small of back carry hides a gun well when you are standing still, but it trades that for a real injury risk in a fall, a slow draw that sweeps the muzzle, blind re-holstering and poor access when seated. Behind-the-hip, appendix and concealed OWB give comparable concealment with fewer risks.