Cross-Draw: A carry for all Reasons....

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Mad Magyar

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Yes, I know that generally speaking a straight-draw holster might be slightly faster unconcealed. However, in other areas I find it to be more comfortable while sitting/driving & while digging in my pants pocket for keys or change w/o exposing my piece. Striving to be in decent shape, especially for my age, I have no problem going across my mid-section, where others might find it quite a “stretch”. ;)
I recall Ray Chapman mentioning in his Academy decades ago that the quickest way to get at a concealed gun is in the cross-draw, since the gun hand can easily knife between coat and shirt to get a good hold on the grip, instead of having to sweep the coat back with the strong-side gun hand.
In recent similar threads it’s been mention how weak this carry is in regard to defensive actions in case of a gun grab. But, I find that it can be defended with the weak hand & footwork/kick from such a snatch attempt. Again, this was a Chapman tactic that he believed & taught vigorously in CQC against possible assailants.
I found it interesting that a few months back when Todd Jarrett was demonstrating draw speed from each carry position while on PD TV, it was w/o a cover garment. Cross-draw was a close 2nd to OWB strong-side, IIRC….
Cross-draw advocates or otherwise, please chime in…..:)
OfficersCrossDraw001.gif
 
that's a funky looking bracelet you have there :p

I havent carried that way, but cross-draw seems more comfortable to me sometimes. and it makes sense not having to sweep away a cover garment w/ the strong hand....hmm... I'll be looking at the other responses for more info
 
That bracelet is actually a very handsome piece of Navajo silversmithing and not uncommon around here. We're not big on "funk" in these parts.

Thanks for the post...I may have to reconsider cross draw.
 
Think Suarez is a believer in cross-draw, too.
I like modes of carry that force whatever foe I encounter to be seen by me to get my gun. Gun grabs that I can see first, feel later are preferable to ones that you feel first, see later.
Then again, I'm a shoulder-holster guy, so I cross-draw (of a sort) by default. I can say that cross-draw appears to be the easiest for the 'weak' hand to access, which could be a plus.
However, cross-draw is a tad more difficult to conceal for those who have unbuttoned shirts/jackets/vests, as you've got to have your front covered always (if state law requires). Here, your 3-6 o'clock positions are easier to hide.
 
That bracelet is actually a very handsome piece of Navajo silversmithing and not uncommon around here. We're not big on "funk" in these parts.
Click to expand...

that was my original thought, but wasnt too sure. I've never actually seen any navajo jewelry, not common at all around here...i think andrew jackson ran off most of our injuns a long time ago [ :-( ]. looks pretty cool
 
I am left handed, and find that the best way to carry when on a long car trip is crossdraw. The weapon is located at the center of the car, doesn't interfere with the seat belt, doesn't get banged up against the door panel, and is easier to draw than strongside while seated.

BTW, nice Navajo silver work. While I limit my adornment to bolos (what is a neck tie?), I can still appreciate nice silver, coral, and turquoise.
 
If you continue the draw from the position you are in the photograph you are going to sweep your week hand/arm with the muzzle. I prefer not to let the muzzle pass over anything I might need!

I agree cross draw is best while seated, such as driving, but prefer strong side for anything else. If you practice from concealment regularly it really isn't that much slower. I can draw from concealment and get two good hits at 7 yards in 1.5 seconds.
 
Cross draw affords one some solutions to some situations.

- Sitting.
-Driving a vehicle.

Quite a few folks in wheelchairs, receptionist, cashiers, and the like, find it more comfortable and easier to conceal.
Less chance of a gun hitting the back of a chair or booth and hearing that "bonk" from gun stock.


LEOs on stakeout will move a gun to cross draw...
Taxi cab drivers, delivery drivers, and others that are in vehicles for extended periods, whether actually driving, or sitting in a vehicle.

Seat belts and shoulder harness, impede many IWB/OWB for drivers that are right handed.
Weak hand (left) is impeded too.


Retail settings find some that feel it it easier to conceal and less chance getting bumped into and made.
These get lessons to cant the body and shoot at "across the showcase" distance for instance.

Parents.
I remember as a kid, quite a few new parents, especially mom's were instructed by LEOs at the time (no gun schools back then) that cross draw might work for them having to carry and keep up with that baby, or toddler, then later that kid that went from learning to walk, to running all over the darn place.

The kid was less apt to expose a gun (brandish) and a mom was less apt to print, or brandish bending down and picking up and infant seat, or getting a kid in a stroller, or just picking up a toy the kid dropped.

Cross Draw is "a" way.
One just needs to investigate and verify for them.
Then...get lessons and continue quality practice.
 
During his misspent youth, cross draw was more common and the Old Fuff was led astray. Unfortunately he never broke the habit. While strong side draw may, or may not be faster, it is somewhat compromised when you need to get a covering garment out of the way. That grand old gentleman, Ed. McGivern had a technique where one could clear a snubnosed revolver out of a holster with hardly any hand motion at all. Cross draw is also handy when carrying a rifle or shotgun, as it gets a handgun out of the way. It's a case of picking whatever technique works best in a given circumstance.
 
Old Fuff,

There's a reason then when you post, I pay attention.

"Common sense" is really underrated, and you have it in spades!
 
I like crossdraw, but I primarily use a strong side FBI-angle carry for my USP Tactical, mainly because if I wear the holster crossdraw-style, I have a harder time getting to my mag pouches. Yes, I do carry spare mags when I can, not because I'm afraid I'll run out of ammo, but because I carry one mag with what I call 'outdoor' ammo, and one mag with 'indoor' ammo. It's not really accurate, but that's how I keep track of them in my head.

I carry with the 'indoor' ammo loaded, which is lighter bullets, and less powder. I admit, this comes mostly from an irrational paranoia about hearing loss, since these rounds are still going to send your ears for a loop, but at the average distance gunfights, or any firearm related self defense scenario occurs, they'll do the job, and it makes me feel more comfortable.

I keep the spare mag with the 'outdoor' ammo so I can change to that mag after a self defense situation out in the street, to be more prepared for threats while I wait for police to arrive.
 
SoF's Peter Kolockis, crossdraw CCed holsters...

I read an item about Soldier of Fortune's weapons editor(a retired US Army NCO in the combat arms), Peter Kolickis(check spelling, ;)) who wrote that he wore his concealed 199a1 .45acp in a cross draw. ;) Kolockis noted that it's easy to clear in a seated draw and you do not "telegraph" your movements as much.
I have large hips and a large waist. I'm also left handed. I wear my sidearms in cross draw and shoulder rigs often. It's not great for large handguns or for some open carry/duty formats but it is fast/comfortable. I think it's an issue of use and the type of firearm that you plan to carry that lends to a cross draw.

I would also note that a weapon can slide loose or fall in a cross draw rig unless you use a strap or thumb break ;). I have a few mishaps that way, :rolleyes:.

Rusty
 
I often crossdraw my Beretta 84F. I prefer crossdraw and I find it to be a much quicker and more natural draw. It feels much more natural to me than reaching behind my hip.

However, when carrying something bigger I do hip carry because a bigger heavier package rides more normally that way rather than up on my hip bone. I find that crossdraw works much better with a smaller, lighter weapon. And it's about a million times more comfortable when sitting.
 
Cross draw makes it easier to draw when seated. But that's just about the only advantage that I see for it. It is really easy to cross your support arm when drawing and holstering. It puts the gun in a position of strength for a perp trying to grab it from you. In addition, it puts the gun in a position of weakness for you. Your arm is quite weak when stretched across your abdomen, so a perp can easily jam your draw as well.

Finally, since the gun is closer to your midline, it is easy accidentally flash your gun when carrying cross-draw.

Cross-draw just doesn't work for me. YMMV.
 
I carry a 3" 629-2 in a crossdraw when I'm hunting. I can get into and out of my vehicle easier and it doesn't interfere with my slinged rifle.
 
Cross draw Sig with a CRKT Bear Claw strong side here

Always seemed the natural place to carry for me. It always seemed to be a good idea to have a very sharp knife very quick on the draw for very close work. IWB with a good belt, feels most connected to me out of all possible places. Running it feels as if it will never be lost. A gun grab would be difficult most likely, but especially when the perps tendons have been parted by a knife.

Large revolvers are excluded due to discomfort.
 
Comfortable carry especially while driving. My only beef with it is it might be hard to hold an attacker back with my weak hand while drawing with my strong hand. It might be easier for the BG to grab my gun.

I do prefer the knife if they are that close and haven't already drawn their own weapon.
 
carrying two guns looks more viable than i thought.
Click to expand...

Indeed. I knew an older gentleman who used to carry a 1911 strongside, and a smaller revolver (not sure what, exactly) in a crossdraw setup.

I think a good retention holster would eliminate some of the grabbing issues you guys mention. As for me, even though I can't carry in public yet, from looking in the mirror, I'm going to have a devil of a time concealing much of ANYTHING on my hip. I'm just too thin. Crossdraw, in front of the hip, is much easier for me, especially if I wear a vest. Quick, sneaky and it's hard to keep someone from getting their hand to that part of their body. however, It's not as hard to keep them from getting to their hips.
 
Some would pooh pooh the idea of a cross draw. Not me. I carry cross draw often. If it works for you, and it fits your circumstances, ...use it. But DO practice with it, and build your tactics, ...both defensive and your presentation around it.
 
One of the biggest mistakes someone can make it to become so centered on one particular kind or caliber of handgun, shooting technique, mode of carry or whatever, that they exclude consideration of anything else. Over many years I have found that an open mind about such things can result in positive results.

I never met a gun – any gun – that didn’t teach me something. I have had the pleasure and privilege of meeting many famous, and occasionally legendary (and some not so famous) individuals in the shooting community, and again they all taught me something of value.

One may argue the merits and demerits of strong side v. crossdraw, but the truth is that circumstances and purpose dictate what is best. When the circumstances and purpose change, so does the rational about which method is better.

In any situation an open mind combined with knowledge will serve you best. There is no such thing as a 100% perfect solution to any question.
 
I really hope nobody ever gets sick, injured, requires surgery, or ends up with some kind of permanent problem they have to live the rest of their life with.

It does happen, and it does happen to younger folks.

21 y/o male, with a busted hip, as a result of tornadoes.
He cannot wear his Glock on his hip, it flat hurts! He winces looking at steps, even just one step, on brick high.

19 y/o female, detached retina, busted shoulder, requiring surgery.
She cannot shoot period right now, NO Recoil orders.
Other injuries, make it difficult to do anything, for herself.

37 y/o male, tough as nails, big, strong, and he has had to go to cross draw, and use a .22 caliber pistol.
Back surgery, and hip surgery.
No recoil orders.

None of these folks every thought it would happen to them.
Not a one had any other type of firearm.
None had a .22 lr handgun, or rifle.

A fella sometime back, fell off his porch during ice and snow.
He broke both arms, upper and lower, and one hand, his other hand had messed up fingers and thumb.

All he owned were semi auto handguns.
Anyone can rack a slide...

He could not take a leak by himself, feed himself, do anything...much less rack a slide.
 
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