Anyone carry cross draw style?

[Trey Veston]

In another thread, a gentleman was asking for idea on how to carry a sidearm that was less intrusive and someone recommended cross draw.

I started thinking about some of the issues I've encountered using the normal OWB and IWB strong side carry and realized that cross draw might be a better way to go.

For instance, I carry a G29 in a Bianchi military-issue flap holster when in the woods. Occasionally, if I am slinging a rifle, the butt of the rifle will contact the butt of the pistol.

When getting in and out of my UTV, the butt of the pistol will sometimes hit the roll bar, and the seatbelt latch will rub on it. Once, the seatbelt hit the mag release somehow and I found the mag had fallen behind the seat.

A cross draw would eliminate all those issues.

When regular CCWing around town, I have either an XDS in a Remora holster or an M&P40c in a Don Hume IWB. Both are comfortable, but the M&P does get in the way of my wallet occasionally.

I don't see how cross draw would be really better or worse for CCW, but definitely better for woods carry.

Anyone do cross draw for carry? Any issues you've encountered?

 

[Richard Jay King]

All of my belt holsters for woods walking and hunting are cross draw...Have been for many years..

 

[FL-NC]

Cross draw may have good applications for sporting use as you described, but is not advisable for any defensive use. Placing the sidearm on the weak side makes it more accessible to be grabbed, and more likely for your strong hand to be blocked from accessing the sidearm in a scuffle.

 

[AK103K]

I carry a handgun every day, and for the past couple of years now, AIWB, but mostly IWB in the past. That gun is always one me and always in the same place, so its just a part of daily attire. I dont take it off or switch it up, if Im planning on using something else for another purpose. Carried in either of those methods, the handgun isnt normally in the way of a long gun, as the gun is normally held close to the body and somewhat out of the way.

If I feel the need for a specialty type handgun, for hunting, or whatever, it gets carried separately, in a "Tanker" type, across the chest holster, where its usually out of the way, and easily accessed if needed.

Ive never been a fan of "on the belt" cross draw holsters for most things, and for a daily use CCW type holster, I think they are lacking, and for a number of reasons, some of which were noted above. When I first started carrying, it seemed like a good idea, but trying it out, it quickly became obvious, it wasnt going to work for me.

Best way to figure it out, is to actually give it a try, and see what works and what doesnt. Just because something does or doesnt work for one, doesnt mean it wont for someone else. Wearing and living with something, day in and day out, tends to show weak points very quickly, and you learn from experience, and hopefully without any pain in doing so.

I normally wear and practice with a new type of holster around the house for a couple of weeks (usually with a second, empty gun in it too) before I decide to actually use it. It usually doesn't take too long to figure out if its going to work or not.

 

[CoalTrain49]

I don't have any cross draw holsters only because they're extremely hard to find. The internet/defensive training mantra has just about killed the market for defensive carry x draw holsters. There are plenty of them out there for CASS and revolvers but it's slim pickens for Sigs and Glocks, which is unfortunate. The same thing happened to shoulder holsters which I also happen to like.

 

[Random 8]

I tend to carry woods and hunting revolvers crossdraw, concealed automatic high hip slightly forward. This is based on different needs/uses. Not a lot of threatening critters in my woods, if there is one (black bear), they usually give ample warning. Basically I don't need to quick draw on anything. Cross draw is more out of the way when doing woods work with a chainsaw in particular, which when properly used would be downright dangerous with a full-sized pistol on my strong side hip. X draw also seems easier to me when wearing a heavy coat during hunting season here in the North. In winter I generally switch to the .357 wheelgun, same one I carry in the woods, with "deer loads" for carry, as any threat I may encounter would likely be as heavily clothed as I am and may be at distance. I also carry this crossdraw in a modified cheap Uncle Mikes Nylon holster. My modification is simply a piece of heavy monofiliament across one of the slots to change the angle it sits on my belt to a more proper crossdraw from under heavy coat position.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I open cross draw carry a 1911 from time to time in the woods. It has a thumb strap of course and is made by El Passo Sadlery. Very comfy and pretty quick to draw if you use two hands.

 

[JTQ]

I don't have any cross draw holsters only because they're extremely hard to find. The internet/defensive training mantra has just about killed the market for defensive carry x draw holsters. There are plenty of them out there for CASS and revolvers but it's slim pickens for Sigs and Glocks, which is unfortunate. The same thing happened to shoulder holsters which I also happen to like.

If you're looking for a cross draw holster for semi-autos, I can come up with some options.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

In the woods, yes.
Concealed carry, no.

 

[jeepnik]

I've been carrying cross for just over 40 years. It's comfortable, fast, and secure. Every complaint one might conceive of for the cross applies to the strong side. Or for that matter any other position. I'm sure some one will come up with things other than the above mentioned "easier for the bad guy to grab you gun" comment. I'm perfectly willing to counter them. By the way, since the cross is right under you off side arm it's really easy to block a gun grab attempt.

But what it comes down to is this. What is comfortable for you and what works for you.

 

[CoalTrain49]

If you're looking for a cross draw holster for semi-autos, I can come up with some options.

I have one for my revolver. Works like I need it to work. If I carry my Sig I just use a Fobus that I can rotate for x draw.

But thanks for the help.

 

[Ironhand54]

I usually carry cross draw when hunting .
Keeps the pistol grip from striking the stock of a slung long gun and keeps it out of the way when sitting

IronHand

 

[drobs]

If I know I will be driving long hours, I'll carry cross draw. More comfortable seated and easier to get to.
As a left handed shooter, it's frequently easier to put a holster on cross draw than having the take my whole belt off.

I have started wearing my belt thread in the opposite way as it's easier to put a holster on and off.

 

[jstert]

i know that the bond arms derringer is an expensive, niche piece not to everyone’s taste, but ive found that its cross draw driving holster is handy when behind the wheel.

 

[jeepnik]

If you're looking for an outfit that has a good number of cross draw holsters look to Simply Rugged. Several of their designs are slotted to be used either strong or cross. Here's a little horizontal cross draw I had made up for my NAA mini. I'm a south paw so my holster is on the right side. I had this made for right handed. Great little backup.

 

[Fiv3r]

I like cross draw. When carrying a revolver with a barrel over 4", it feels fast out of the leather. I'm ambidextrous, so the cross draw holster I made for my blackhawk is canted so that i can do the old school calvary draw (left handed, gripping with the back of your hand toward yourself, and twisting the barrel out on the draw). I drive a lot, so cross draw works best for me most of the time.

 

[Armored farmer]

In the woods, hunting, on atvs, horses, tractors, but not cc.

 

[farm23]

I use.aSimply Rugged most of the time and use the cross draw option on long drives.

 

[joebjoeb]

Cross draw works for me. While sitting, a 4 o'clock position is uncomfortable and hard to get to, especially while driving. It's under the seatbelt. Cross draw is easily accessible while sitting or standing. I have carried cross draw since the 1960's.
These work great.

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

I carry cross draw when riding these days.

Works good and can be combined easier with a coat, IMO:

 

[dagger dog]

I like to carry my Ruger 4 5/8" at 4 o'clock, but setting in a driving position or carrying a rifle slung over my right shoulder doesn't work for me, so I carry at 10-11 o'clock cross draw.

 

[someguy2800]

I do whenever I'm going to be getting in and out of a vehicle or tractor all day. If I'm carrying a rifle slung I do so also to avoid banging up my stock against the hammer or sights.

 

[rpenmanparker]

I've been carrying cross for just over 40 years. It's comfortable, fast, and secure. Every complaint one might conceive of for the cross applies to the strong side. Or for that matter any other position. I'm sure some one will come up with things other than the above mentioned "easier for the bad guy to grab you gun" comment. I'm perfectly willing to counter them. By the way, since the cross is right under you off side arm it's really easy to block a gun grab attempt.

But what it comes down to is this. What is comfortable for you and what works for you.

I am a big fan of cross draw. To me it is the most natural place to carry the gun and drawing from the cross position is the most natural draw motion. What you hear a lot, however, is the security concern about the gun sweeping a wide arc to come to the ready and finally the shooting position. I think that can be countered by practicing keeping the muzzle down and sweeping a low arc in front of your feet. Also drawing from and reholstering to the cross position under a open front concealment garment is much easier a faster than anywhere else as the garment should not have to be moved at all. The draw hand just slips inside it. But the experts are very negative about cross draw.

 

[Good Ol' Boy]

Denzel was pretty quick with Calvary draw in the recent remake of The Magnificent Seven.

I'm personally not a huge fan of cross draw for actual drawing, but to each their own.

 

[somethingbenign]

At work I carry a cordless drill on my belt often. I switched to pocket carry as a solution to keep from clipping onto my holster accidentally, brandishing as I lift my shirt to clip onto my belt, or just marring the surface of my pistol with the drill clip. Cross draw might be another option that allows a more adequate carry gun besides a micro. My CCW instructor was very much against cross draw so I never really gave it much consideration, I'll have to do some more musing thanks to you guys.