Hopefully this does not turn into a “war of words” regarding the use of cross draw holsters with “lectures” about its shortcomings. The desire is just to relay what works for me and why.

Concealed carry methods, like what one chooses to carry concealed, is a personal decision based on what works for the individual. Like many things, there is no one size fits all solution to concealed carry.

In my little simple mind there are three elements to concealed carry. Concealability (if that is a word), comfort, and accessibility. Concealed carry is just that, carrying so that it is not obvious that a firearm is on your body. Thus concealability is a must in a holster. Since we are all built differently as well as have different physical conditions that impact how we carry, we will not all used the same methods to meet the goal of hiding a firearm.

Comfort, yes, I know what Clint Smith says, can be important. Most people spend the vast majority of their time carrying, not using for defensive purported, their firearm, being comfortable is a plus. What is comfortable for one may be excruciating for another.

Accessibility is important. Even though we spend the most time just toting a piece, if heaven forbid we need it, it must be readily available for use, which again may be different for others than it is for yourself.

I’m an a well seasoned mature individual…nah, I’m just an old guy who has found what works to meet the three conditions above. For a point of reference, I’ve been carrying since the late 60’s when I was a young rookie cop. Experience is hopefully a good teacher and long experience an even better one. Over time my carry methods have changed primarily because I’ve changed. As seasoned senior citizen I can’t do some of the things I could in my younger years, at least not the same way I did them them. That includes how I carry concealed.

Back issues, weight of carry pieces, body shape among other things have made it necessary to adjust how I can best conceal and satisfy all the conditions above.

With that in mind I’ve come to the conclusion that, for me, not necessarily for anyone else, cross draw works best. This method takes a load off my back. It moves the weight forward which, again for me, makes things much more comfortable and concealable in my typical attire, an untucked shirt with jeans or casual pants. It is also accessible. Using my left hand to lift my shirttail exposes the butt allowing me to easily obtain a grip and draw. The weight forward actually seems to make my pants fit better. My anatomy is such that I don’t have much of a rear end, in fact some pants are so baggy it appears a large family and all their pets may have moved out. The weigh forward seems to pull the back of my pants a little tighter thus keeping them from slipping south.

Finding a suitable cross draw holster proved to be a bit of a chore. The fine folks at Lobo Leather have solved that issue. They crafted one of their Enhance Belt Slide holsters with a minimal rearward (muzzle forward) cant. The cant is 3-5 degrees. Worn just in front of my left hip bone it is very concealable, very comfortable and for me accessible. My simple conditions have been meet making me a happy carrier. As stated above, might not work for all and you may disagree with my conclusions, both of which are OK. I can’t fault what works for you and hopefully you will be understanding of what allows me to keep on carrying. Blessings to all.

Normally i carry a bottom feeder, either HP or 1911. but do carry a wheel gun generally on trips. I carry a 686+ 3 inch in a MTR cross draw holster. Conceals nicely under a untucked shirt, easily accessible and comfortable.

I usually pocket carry, but like crossdraw for hiking and long driving trips. Moves the gun farther from my sweat!

OK, I won't complain about your cross-draw holster until you show up at the range and complain I won't let you draw and fire from it at a firing line.
Same problem with my shoulder holster unless I am outdoors with a whole bay to myself.

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Science plus Art

I don’t currently carry, but I own a Galco Pheonix holster that allows for both cross draw and strong side carry. My model 19 classic looks great in it.

I still have a Sgt. Joe Friday holster for my J Frame that works for both cross draw as well as strong side carry. It keeps the frame of the gun close to my body in either case.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

I find that cross draw works much better than strong side when using a tractor.

OKFCO5, would you rule out appendix carry and behind the back carry for draw and fire at the range for the same reasons? I was at the indoor range a couple of weeks ago with someone practicing an appendix carry of to my left. I wold not have wanted to be off to his left.
I like a cross draw when walking the dog. I would not use it at the range

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Kind regards, Heinz

I used to carry cross-draw, and technically it did work for me, but I didn't like the fact that it practically forced me to sweep past things other than my intended target on the draw, and simply wasn't conducive towards preparation for a close-encounter with an enemy, which is in my area the most likely scenario in which I may need to defend myself.

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Shooting Comfort is bilateral.

I’ve found that the only way to comfortably carry a 6” N frame is in a cross draw.

I used crossdraw when a horseback....
Can draw with either hand when needed.

Thinking about going to CD for edc as well.

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"IN GOD WE TRUST"

I prefer a shoulder holster to a cross draw. With a heavy pistol on my belt I need suspenders to keep pants my up. With a shoulder holster and a tie down on the off side I have a cross draw holster and suspenders in one package. Larry

When I carry its a 640 in a cross draw. As far as crossing in front non targets-- Practice in front of a mirror and you will minimize any or all problems.

I often read about the danger of sweeping your pistol across unintended places. If you remember that you are "NOT" a 17th century cavalier and don't draw your firearm with as much flourish as possible, you won't do that. I've been carrying crossdraw for years and feel like I almost have to intentionally sweep the room when I draw, or it just doesn't happen. Seems like drawing from a 4 o'clock position would be much more dangerous to those around you.

Cross Draw holster

It is always a shame when someone has to feel as though they need to justify things like their choice of carry mode. Now, if someone is asking for advise on a particular mode of carry and they have no experience, that is different. But when someone has already done the experimentation, found holsters, practiced and carried, well, then it is kind of a matter of it you can't say anything nice, then don't say anything at all. If cross draw, shoulder rigs, ankle rigs, appendix carry, strong side behind the hip, or small of the back carry works for you, then enjoy your choice and ignore the "experts".

Every option has it's strengths AND weaknesses.

When driving on trips of a few or more hours, I carry a S&W 36 or CA Undercover in this little old Hunter. A neutral cant, it works great in cross draw. Very comfortable, and easy to access.

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John

Old Cop - Here is a picture of my Joe Friday holster with my Model 10
with 2" barrel. It's a Lewis crossdraw.

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In Omnia Paratus

Old cop, since you mentioned Joe Friday: Noticed cross draw being used by detectives on Dragnet and detectives when depicted on Adam-12 as well, even the Lieutenant in station without a duty belt carried cross draw. Any idea why it was used then and not so much now?

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Life Member SAF, CCRKBA, FOAC

Whit- absolutely agree with using what works for you, emphasis on for you since we are all different. Thread actually inspired me to pick up a DeSantis cross draw for my J-Frame for certain circumstances like driving it should work well.

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Life Member SAF, CCRKBA, FOAC

I like cross-draw for field carry or riding an ATV or SxS.

Got severa Bianchi 111 Cyclone holsters.

and two Kirkpatrick "Texas Cross Draw" TCDs for long road trips.... 6906 and Beretta 92 Compact.

Here is what I use when driving. It is a VAM by Ken Null. I like it a lot.

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In Omnia Paratus

I pocket carry most of the time but will wear a vest when traveling with my edc in a inside left side pocket. Also carry in the front leg pocket of my velcro pants. Never thought much of appendix carry, having a loaded gun pointing near my femoral artery or my junk. I have always carried a crossdraw as a cas shooter. I need to find a cross for my j frame it would appear.

My club has a "Combat Range" where different variations are permitted. But, only one on the range at a time.

If you have a holstered gun on the indoor or outdoor pistol ranges, it doesn't matter if you cross draw, side draw, front draw or ankle draw, you better not draw it at all!

This works for me and it hides very well.

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I have a quick clip on my 38 Airweight, and like it in cross draw, but it doesn't stay in place well. Mostly for the trip to the corner gas and snacks, or a fast rip to the grocery. For my 365's, I do have a Cytac paddle OWB, with a rotating position lock, that sets it for any angle on any position. Even upside-down on the back for either hand. It's good for cross draw on my left, seated, driving. The inside belt/waistband paddle is big, and I didn't expect it to be comfortable that way.

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Heavily armed old man.