Crossdraw carry

[Marko Kloos]

I'm usually a 4 o'clock strongside IWB kind of guy, but since I spend my "outside the house" time carrying an infant around, there's lots of bending at the hip involved. I am looking to come up with alternatives for strongside carry that don't involve the fanny pack, and crossdraw looked like an option.

Since I now have a holster that can be worn in that fashion, I carried my Glock 19 crossdraw today while out and about with the munchkin. The holster is an Uncle Mike's kydex paddle rig, and I positioned it a little forward of the 9 o'clock position.

It doesn't conceal quite as well as an IWB strongside, but an untucked, unbuttoned shirt did the job just fine. The weapon was a lot more accessible in the seated position, and printing to the rear was totally eliminated. The gun didn't feel as much "in the way". As an added bonus, the weapon was quickly accessible with the weak hand.

I know the perceived drawbacks of crossdraw carry, but it does have its strong points. I also disagree with the increased danger of weapon snatchings. First of all, it's not an issue if the gun is concealed. Second, you'd have to snatch it from the front, where I can see the attempt, and lock down on the weapon with my weak hand while having the strong hand free for countermeasures. I think you'd actually be more vulnerable with regular strong-side carry, since your assailant will be coming up from behind where you can't see him, and you have to employ your stronger hand to lock the weapon down.

I'll be trying crossdraw carry for a little while, since it seems to work out pretty well for my current circumstances.

 

[thatguy]

I'm sitting here imagining getting into a gunfight with an infant in my arms.

Shudder.

You must be pretty slender. A cross-draw is useless for me with my manly gut.

Despite what you think it does present a slight increase in danger of snatching if someone so inclined spots the piece. You feel confident you can prevent this. From what I read on these forums, apparently everyone except me has 100% confidence that they cannot be disarmed. I always assume the worst will happen and try to prepare.

It is fastest from a seated position if this is important.

If you're comfortable with it, that's what matters.

 

[mpthole]

Marko - intersting observations - looking forward to hearing more. I've (very briefly) tried cross-draw for a gov't model 1911 and found that it didn't conceal very well for me. Maybe my H&K compacts would be better in a cross-draw mode...? I've always wanted to find a gun/holster combinatin in the cross-draw mode that worked for me just because it seems like a pretty comfortable way to carry - especially when seated/driving.

 

[Old Fuff]

I often carry a hangun cross-draw when I'm out and about with a rifle or shotgun carried or slung on my right side. Under these circumstances concealment and snatching aren't an issue - or at least usually so. This way the respective guns don't bump each other.

If one is trying to conceal a gun carried cross-draw the trick is to keep it close to the body. A small gun can be carried in a IWB holster, while larger ones work better in a very high-ride belt holster or shoulder holster.

This method isn't for everyone, but it has its place. If you are likely to have to draw from a sitting position give it some consideration.

 

[R.H. Lee]

How about a belly band, with the piece at 9 o'clock, butt forward?

 

[Bulldozer]

FIST and Del Fatti both have good IWB/X-Draw convertible models available. They position the gun with a +15 degree for strong-side IWB and a -5 degree cant for x-draw IWB carry.

I often have to sit/drive for long periods of time either at a desk in various stores/outlets or behind a vehicle steering wheel. The x-draw really shines when used in this scenario. It also is great for winter in snowy upstate NY because you can just grab the front of your sweater/garment and lift easier than sweeping aside layers for an IWB at 4 o'clock.

Matt used a modified ISP-4 for my model that houses a 3" K-frame.

 

[heysox]

I think cross draw is a poor chocie for police, who often are 'blading' their bodies towards someone they are interviewing. This presents the pistol closer to an adversary and makes for a potentially easier grab. For non police, I agree that there are some advantages, especially while driving or sitting. If it works well for you, keep at it.

 

[Chupacabra]

I have a Comp-Tac cross-draw paddle holster I use while driving. It is really comfortable but conceals horribly. The grip of my USPc sticks out way too much for my cover garment to conceal properly. Plus, I carry my spare magazine on my weak side so that side of my body is weighed down quite a bit with everything strapped on. That's not an issue while seated and driving though.

Presentation from a seated position is incredibly fast.

 

[Super Trucker]

I really like the DeSantis Sky Cop I have 2, one for a 3913 S&W and the other for a SA XD-40 service. no complaints with either.

 

[benEzra]

I find that for me, when carrying a S&W 3913LS IWB, it conceals much better at an approximately 1:30 position (i.e., on my right side, with the butt pointed to right) rather than the "typical" crossdraw position of 10:00 to 10:30. There is a hollow there to the right of the rectus abdominus muscles that a small handgun fits well in. If I carry IWB in a typical crossdraw position, the butt of the gun pokes out too much and prints too easily (I am a fairly small guy, 5'6" 155lb, with a 32" waist; maybe if I had more circumference it wouldn't be a problem).

 

[P95Carry]

I liked cross draw long ago - and used it to great effect when shooting practical revo in early 80's. Rules changed however and cross draw went out. It is now IIRC not permitted for IDPA and as that is much of my draw and shoot practice - seems best to stick to my regular 3 to 3.30 OWB.

Much as I like the many advanatges of cross draw it would seem pointless - if not dangerous, to mix two carry modes now.

 

[Diamondback]

Good information and dicussion here....although I have never tried cross draw carry I can clearly see its advantages for civilian use...I can imagine it would be preferable to strongside carry while bending frequently or seated.

-Regards

 

[rockstar.esq]

IWB holsters frequently can be made to serve as both crossdraw and 4:00 strongside. Personally, I don't know how OWB holsters allow for real concealment on any but the largest among us. Further, I don't know why no one seems to know anything about Safarilands 1090 gun quick shoulder holster. From what I can tell, it would allow for a guy to conceal quite well.

 

[JB in SC]

Ken Null makes some unusual designs that may be of interest, especially his Vampire cross draw for use while in a vehicle. I've used one from time to time and your "bending over" requirement might be met by such a holster.

www.klnullholsters.com

His work is not cheap, but very well thought out.

 

[Universal]

I am not trying to take this in a negative direction but I would recommend strongly against crossdraw. There is a reason some ranges and police departments have rules against it. The main problem being that you are often pointing the gun behind you and will tend to cover yourself when you draw it. Worst of all is that it is super easy for someone to grap it from you. This is also why the shoulder holster is not favored much anymore. I was faced with a similar problem at one point and learned to shoot left handed.

 

[BusMaster007]

Crossdraw carry is a great mode to adopt if it works for you and you're not changing modes...
I prefer it over strongside and chose my guns and holsters accordingly.

There's not much more to be said, as YOU are the one to make the choice and implement its execution.
Crossdraw is effective when the 'draw-er' knows what's happening and how to deal with it. Woe unto the perpretrator!

 

[Guns_and_Labs]

The main problem being that you are often pointing the gun behind you and will tend to cover yourself when you draw it. Worst of all is that it is super easy for someone to grap it from you.

I use a crossdraw carry habitually when I'm working around the ranch, hunting, or travelling. I've heard of the above, but I'm not sure I understand them.

For use at a range or with other responders, I understand it... even with the most careful and direct draw you're going to sweep the guy next to you. I don't seem to sweep myself, but that's just my draw after a lot of (unloaded) practice.

I also understand the danger if you're a cop and in that funny "interview stance" or "bladed" -- but that seems to ruin the value of a vest, too, and just makes the mace easier to grab.

But for general purposes, I'm not seeing the obvious danger of a grab. As Marko pointed out, retention moves seem effective (clamp, strike or slamp, swivel, strike depending on the presentation). What's the risk I'm missing?

 

[Shorts]

I cross draw carry and it's much better for me than strong side. I carried this way through the ccw class, including modifying the self defense hands on drills with this carry and it worked fine. I also did the live fire timed shooting and the close contact live fire drills and I managed not to put a hole in myself and others.

You find what works for you, there are risks all around with any carry method. The key is to be comfortable and well-practiced in your technique. Know your moves, the strengths, the weaknesses and practice.

 

[Old Fuff]

Think I'll stick in my nose again ...

Not everyone carries a handgun in a CCW context. There are many instances where a pistol or revolver (not to mention some single-shots) are carried by hunters, fishermen (in some of the wilder places with bears), informal target shooters, and whatever. In these environments cross-draw may be an option and sometimes it is the best one.

While some competitions and training courses may not permit cross-draw for various reasons they're objections may not necessarily apply to situations outside of their narrow contexts.

 

[Sylvilagus Aquaticus]

I originally carried my BHP in a Roy's Original Pancake set up as a crossdraw years ago. When I'm working out at the farm it just seems to ride in a better place for me, whether I'm carrying the Hi Power or a Blackhawk in a generic cordura holster; when I'm swinging my arms running a post hole digger or toting feed sacks it doesn't get in my way. However, if I'm running around town, the IWB strong side is the way I prefer things. It's a little different with a hunting six-shooter or while slinging things around as far as I'm concerned...then crossdraw makes more sense to me.

As far as the old Roy's holster, it rides a little too high for my tastes as a strong side holster, even in FBI forward cant or upright slot use, but the opposed side feels so much better. I keep it now mostly for sentimental reasons. I have considered the Galco crossdraws...the Cover Six is a good one.


Regards,
Rabbit.