Cross-Draw CCW Carry ???

[David]

I currently carry my CCW, a S&W J-frame, in my front procket in a DeSantis holster.

However, I would like to carry a 9mm compact to mid-size auto (in a OWB holster) as my new CCW.

I was thinking about this type of CCW carry:

A tucked-in t-shirt with an oversized untucked shirt with, perhaps, the bottom couple of buttons secured (to prevent a breeze from showing my CCW).

I think a cross-draw CCW position might be better than a strong-side location for this type of concealed carry for ease of draw and comfort.

Anyone use this type of CCW set-up?

Any comments and feedback about this kind of cross-draw CCW carry are welcomed.

 

[johnny blaze]

I like the cross draw position. I find it is much easier than the side. I use a in the waistband holster, and it works really good.
I do not think it would work very well with a in the pocket holster, however.

 

[Bama61]

I used to carry my .38 Taurus this way. It really is easier to get to because you lift your cover garment with the weak hand as you reach and draw with your gun hand.

Bama61

 

[Mad Magyar]

It works for me...Strong-side for some reason gives my body "off-balance" vibes...Also, while driving, it's the best for comfort and retrieval...

 

[treebeard]

I was thinking of getting a crossdraw holster as well. However, some people I have talked to think that a crossdraw holster makes it easier for the BG to get at it? If it is concealed I don't even know how the BG would see it. Anyone use a crossdraw holster for a revolver? I was thinking of getting one for my GP100.

 

[Old Fuff]

Cross draw is easier to get to if you're sitting, as in a car. You can also usually reach it with either hand. It can be very quick if you swivel your hip to help the gun clear leather.

On the negative side, most people have to carry the holster well to the front unless they have unsusally long arms, and this "to the front" position makes it harder to conceal.

 

[treebeard]

Excellent point. I will have to consider that when purchasing my next holster.

 

[Soap]

It is tough to draw when someone is tackling you, wrestling you, on top of you, etc.

It is nice for driving IMHO, but not good for anything else.

 

[orangeninja]

"I was thinking of getting a crossdraw holster as well. However, some people I have talked to think that a crossdraw holster makes it easier for the BG to get at it?"

This is true, a lot of people do say that. I disagree with them completely. If you are wearing the holster in front, where you are looking most of the time, rather than the back where you are not usually looking. Secondly, if someone tries to take your holster from the front, you can use 2 hands to hang on vs. just your strong hand. You can kick, head but and twist. Doing so to the back righthand side is difficult. If anything, I would think stealing a weapon from a crossdraw rig would be harder than from a strong side....... besides, if the weapon is concealed, it's concealed, which is the first level of retention.

 

[pax]

I've taken firearms retention classes several times over. Every time, it was very obvious that those who wore their firearms toward the front of the body had a distinct advantage in weapons-retention situations.

The advantage is solid enough that police officers are often encouraged to tug their bat-belts around so the firearm is closer to their centerline, when they think there might be trouble.

pax

 

[treebeard]

Hmm....those are some good points. I am right handed, but I have tried several OWB holsters that just don't feel right. You know what I mean? It just seems more natural FOR ME to draw while my weapon is on my left side.

 

[CZF]

Crossdraw is a good way to carry a second gun. My CZ83 and Now RAMI
work well in this location. Full sized CZ75 or 10MM on the strongside.

Two of the nicest holsters for crossdraw are the HBE Switch and the
K&D Defender.

Oddly, I really don't like an open top holster for strongside carry, as I've
had guns fall out when sitting. With Crossdraw I have more control with such holsters.

 

[Marshall]

On the negative side, most people have to carry the holster well to the front unless they have unsusally long arms, and this "to the front" position makes it harder to conceal.

Exactly. I like the idea of cross draw better than I like actually carrying that way.

 

[Guns_and_Labs]

I like cross draw enough such that I've now moved to anoraks instead of coats or jackets in all but office wear. It's quicker for me, especially since I spend a fair amount of time seated at work or in the car. On the retention side, I simply trained to clamp down with my left, and attack with my right. Seems to work in practice, though I've never had to use it "for real".

For office wear, I'm still trying to figure out how to keep it concealed in a cross draw.

 

[kennyboy]

Cross draws are comfortable. This is especially true when trying to draw in a car. I just watched an episode of Sighting in w/Shooting USA tonight where they demostrated the CCW techniques. A transcript of the show is probably available at www.shootingusa.com.

 

[Old Fuff]

Aside from concealed carry, cross-draw is a handy way to go if one is carrying a rifle or shotgun - either in the strong hand, or slung. It puts the handgun out of the way on the other side of the body.

 

[David]

Thanks for the info.

Do they make specific holsters with the correct CANT (angle) for a cross-draw?

If so, who makes a quality cross-draw holster for a HK P2000sk (this HK is currently on the top of my list for my next purchase)?

 

[Mad Magyar]

David, unless you want a box of useless holsters, like many of us, I'd take my pistol at the gun shops, gun shows, etc. and get a true fit. Then you can decide where & how much you want to spend. It would be probably cheaper to buy off eBay or elsewhere on the web, but make sure of the fit. I've been burnt too many times buying "sight unseen"..Yes, there are 2-slot holsters for Cross Draw with the right cant, but like mine, I have the 3-slot pancake that can be used straight up or with the backward cant for the CD position...Good luck...

 

[orangeninja]

Don Hume...I believe it's called the "partner"

Kirkpatrick leather

Galco SkyOps

all crossdraw and good holsters.