Question about holster/draw style

[Nivek]

I was at Sportsman's WH today looking for an IWB holster for my carry gun, and employee that came to help tried to sell me (i think) the wrong hand holster.
To elaborate: I am right-handed, and carry between just behind the right hip, and just to the right of my spine (SOB) depending on my attire. In all of these positions, the handgrip of the gun is towards my back, so that when I draw the weapon, i do not have to reach between my body and the gun to get a good grip.
The salesman tried to sell me a left-handed holster, believing that the "proper" way to carry behind the hips was with the grip facing outward, so that the hand must slide under between the body and gun to draw.

So is there a "correct" method to carry/draw, or is it completely a personal preference? How do you carry your gun, and why??

 

[Treo]

I carry IWB right behind my right illiac crest ( If my belly button is 12 O'Clock & my spine is 6 O'Clock my illiac crest is about 3:30) My grip is pointed at my spine. The way you were told seems awkward.

 

[Thernlund]

I carry IWB at about 4 o'clock. You might even say 3:45 if we're splitting hairs.


-T.

 

[Nivek]

Yes, I thought the same. I simulated it a few times with my trusty imaginary gun , and it just felt wrong. I guess maybe it works for him, though.

 

[vanilla_gorilla]

Sounds like the clerk was trying to sell you what he had on hand instead of what you needed.

 

[Treo]

Naah, Sportsman's warehouse would NEVER do thaaaaat.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

The salesman tried to sell me a left-handed holster, believing that the "proper" way to carry behind the hips was with the grip facing outward, so that the hand must slide under between the body and gun to draw.

This is not unheard of - in fact, there is a name for it: cavalry draw or twist draw. However, like you I am not comfortable with this kind of carry or draw. I dislike having to push my finger between the gun grip and my shirt, especially if the shirt has become untucked a little bit.

 

[71Commander]

With SOB carry, the grip goes up.

http://www.copsplus.com/products/large/gal-sob.jpg

 

[icecorps]

Drawing the way he suggested would result in sweeping your own spine.

 

[71Commander]

Drawing the way he suggested would result in sweeping your own spine.

Great point.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

The salesman tried to sell me a left-handed holster, believing that the "proper" way to carry behind the hips was with the grip facing outward, so that the hand must slide under between the body and gun to draw.

That's called "Cavalry draw" because the old cavalry holsters were for the right side, butt forward. The idea was that way they could draw with either hand.

The disadvantage is that it requires you to point the gun at your body as you draw (try it and see.)

And, it isn't all that fast.

 

[BlindJustice]

Strong side, 3:30 FBI i.e. muzzle rearward in a
Milt Sparks #Axiom holster.

To use a LH holster I guess it would have to be built with the
muzzle forward for a cross draw then worn in the unlikely place you
describe, you would have to clear leather, and handle the pistol
so as to point it down as you bring it around to the front of the body
that's the only way the arm/wrist/hand bends without pointing it
at yourself - Many ranges don't allow practice draw with a cross draw
or a shoulder holster, and probably any nutters who would try to wear
a holster as the Sales person was trying to get you to buy into.
since it breaks basic safety rules.

Randall

 

[Clipper]

My wife carries her P3AT in just that way and position, and finds it quite comfortable. I also plan to set myself up with a similar rig for my PF-9 in case there might be occasions when I can't pocket carry.

 

[cvb]

Lefty holster

Got one and I do it all the time, left holster
IWB right side trunk. Jframe bodyguard.

 

[Monolith]

If I remember correctly, Bill in Kill Bill 2 wears his revolver that way.

 

[lions]

I simulated it a few times with my trusty imaginary gun , and it just felt wrong.

There is your answer. There isn't really a right and wrong way, just whatever works best for you. I think the "cavalry draw" is a lot less common though. You should carry your trusty imaginary gun and your trusty real gun just the way you want to, not how some store clerk wants you to.

 

[Eljay]

As icecorps said the biggest issue is sweeping yourself on the draw, and I thought "Cavalry Draw" is with the gun in the standard hip position but butt foward, not this far back.

 

[presspuller]

It would be awkward to me to carry that way but if it works for you then go for it.

 

[Packman]

Trying it out with my own imaginary trusty gun, I don't like how it pushes the elbow out away from the body instead of straight back behind you. That could become a problem in tight spaces or if you get stuck grappling with someone.

Personally, I've never figured out why someone would want to use a Calvary draw. I'd much rather crossdraw than that.

 

[HammerBite]

The salesman tried to sell me a left-handed holster, believing that the "proper" way to carry behind the hips was with the grip facing outward, so that the hand must slide under between the body and gun to draw.

After experimenting for a few minutes I have determined that if I carried that way I would have a strong probability of sweeping my thigh and/or butt when drawing.