Would You Ever Carry a J-Frame In A Cross-Draw Position?

[Phriend]

I was thinking about purchasing an S&W J-Frame for pocket carry. Since this weapon can only hold 5 rounds, I was thinking about carrying a second one in a cross-draw position.

Would you ever carry a J-Frame in a cross draw position? Would this make for an easy draw (or would it be difficult)? Do you think that I would be better off carrying a larger handgun on my hip instead?

 

[RKBABob]

Back when I was skinny I would... not anymore, though.

If you can easily reach where the gun's at, why not?

Oh, you'll get a few on here that will say that carrying cross draw is just offering up your gun in a gun grab attempt. Well... horse turds! They can grab it from a strong side holster from behind with far greater ease.

As for carrying two... well, I don't see the need. If one didn't help, its probably too late to grab the second. Besides, I carry enough stuff around all day.

You'll also get quite a few people who disagree with the previous statement.

 

[1 old 0311]

The late Jim Cirillo, the LEO Stake Out King, who has been in more gun battles than probably any other 10 people on this planet combined, carried a wheel gun backup. It was called a 'New York reload.'

Hard to argue with success.

 

[DawgFvr]

But...did Jim Cirillo carry it in a cross-draw position...since that is what Phriend is asking.

I say no. Bill Jordan will come out of his grave and hunt you down if you do...bet on it.

 

[Revolver Ocelot]

I do and I have and found it to work rathe well for me but I'm rater skinny with a 32" waist

 

[Standing Wolf]

I carry my pre-agreement Smith & Wesson model 60 on my weak side about a third of the time, especially when I'm planning to drive a lot. I've never encountered a problem. I'm sure I never will.

 

[Jim K]

The major disadvantage of the cross draw carry is that your gun is carried butt forward, perfectly positioned so a close adversary can grab, pull and shoot - you. Some folks worry about things like that, others say that they can always anticipate trouble and will have the gun in hand when it comes. A good holster with a snap can help prevent a "grab and pull" but not guaranteed.

Personal experience, when I carried as a civilian, I carried cross draw IWB holster because the gun was less likely to show; when I carried in civvies as a LEO, I carried right side rear in a Bucheimer Federal Man holster.

Jim

 

[MrTuffPaws]

Cross draw will always be slower than strong side carrying because of the distance involved.

Also, unless you practice getting your arm up and out of the way, you will always sweep it.

 

[gb6491]

..Since this weapon can only hold 5 rounds, I was thinking about carrying a second one in a cross-draw position.

IMO cross draw makes a lot of sense for second weapon; if only for the fact that the butt forward piece can usually be drawn with either hand.
Regards,
Greg

 

[The Canuck]

I am hesitant to use a cross-draw holster. I am less concerned about sweeping myself and more concerned with sweeping innocent by-standers. Also, time is a precious commodity when under the gun. I would rather use that time putting the BG down, myself. In addition, when you draw from a cross-draw in earnest, you are making a very obvious action.
With a bit of practice, you can draw strong side and not bring much attention to yourself.

 

[tipoc]

Phriend,

Cops tend not to use cross draw because of the snatch and grab question. If they are standing faceing someone, writing them a ticket, well the piece can be snatched (or someone could try). For the most part non cops don't have to worry about that type of scenario. Rather than being carried openly from a duty rig, the piece is hidden.

Cross draw need not be any slower than drawing from a shoulder rig nor involve any more risks.

It can be faster than strong side if you are seated.

Where and how you carry depends on a number of things. Body build being one. What you are wearing being another, etc. It's hard to tell a fella how he should carry any more than telling someone what kinda shoes to wear, or what kinda pants. You wear what fits.

tipoc

 

[ATW525]

When I'm not carrying a Glock, I carry a second J frame crossdraw in a Galco COP 3 slot holster. It's easy to access with either hand in that position. I don't worry about gun grabs... if anything the gun feels better protected in my front than it does behind my strongside hip. I also don't have to fiddle with cover garments to check if I'm flashing or printing... I can glance down and see instantly.

As for sweeping things you shouldn't, there's no reason this should be happening if you're drawing properly. The gun should be lifted straight out of the holster, rotated so the top of the sights are pointed towards the target, and then the muzzle should be swung upwards.