As a result of several back surgeries, and now a worsening right shoulder, I’m having difficulty carrying and drawing from any position passed the 3 O’clock. The 3 O/C is still doable but uncomfortable. I’m thinking that a cross draw from the 10 or 11 O/C position might be a better option. Not sure I care for it, as it seems “unnatural” after years of strong side carry, but if it works……… however, concealibility is my first priority. Living in FL, I'm wearing shorts and light shirts 8 months of the year. I normally carry a 1911 Commander or SA EMP4. Any thoughts, recommendations or even sea stories on the pros/cons of cross draw? Thanks.

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"Your other right........."

I have a nice Desantis for my Officers Model which I would consider concealable under a loose shirt. Comfortable. I have a Haugen Leather “Huntington Wedge” for my Govt Model. Very comfortable but I wouldn’t consider concealable except in winter under coat or heavy shirt. It’s a unique design you should check it out. I’ll see if I have pics.

Wright Leather, Regulator Cross Draw. Larry

I had a “Master’s crossdraw” (ebay) for Commander and found the gun rode so high it was always twisting my belt, plus the butt was poking my shirt out in a very visible manner no matter what I did.

Appendix works ok, YMMV depending on your profile.

I have a couple of Kirkpatrick Leather "Texas Cross Draw" /TCD holsters for Beretta Centurion/Compact ( 4.25" slide) and a S&W 6906 (3.5")......

Comfortable for driving, rides hide so good for CC..... I tend to wear it at 9-10 O'clock for CC; but depending on belt loops can push it forward to 10-11 if needed.

Would recommend .

I like cross draw or horizontal shoulder holsters for winter carry under a coat or jacket.

I began shooting bowling pin matches in 1978 using a Colt Gold Cup with a cross draw holster made by Galco or Bianchi.

I switched to a Milt Sparks AT1 in 1980 and have stuck with the 4:00 position, incorporating DelFatti IWB as needed.

The cross draw was adequate for bowling pin shoots, but wasn’t secure enough for IPSC and presented safely concerns covering the person on my left when on the firing line in routine shooting.

If I was in your circumstances I believe I would look seriously at the
DeSantis Criss-Cross.

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In Omnia Paratus

Here's a lesser-known method for those of us who are larger or have limited mobility.

The one thing I have had luck with as far as belt-carry goes is to wear my pistol inverted (butt facing up with the barrel parallel to my belt) on my strong-arm side. I can reach down, get a good grip and pull the pistol forward rotating it into firing position while it is still next to my body. I can even do this when sitting even though I am challenged with surplus girth. This eliminates the need to draw "upward" by drawing "forward" instead, which is easier on the shoulder.

This is similar to wearing a pistol canted forward - but ALL THE WAY forward until the pistol is inverted when holstered. I even had a holster custom-made to attach to my belt this way. It works for me.

Since the barrel when holstered sits parallel to my belt and the butt faces up instead of down, it is also easier to conceal under warm-weather clothing that we commonly wear here in sunny FL (nothing hangs down to show below the bottom of your untucked shirt).

Just my two cents...

Most of the folks that I know here on the middle east coast of Florida carry in their pants pockets (or shorts pockets). A light gun is necessary for that type of carry. Most of us only wear shorts and t-shirts, so no real concealable places to carry. Ankle and shoulder holsters are out.

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

Lately I have had good luck moving my strong side IWB holster around to above my right front pocket. I carry a Ruger Commander. Even with the forward cant it seems as fast or faster than at 3 or 4 o'clock. try moving your current holster farther forward, if OWB you will lose the use of your front pocker on that side.

Well, thanks all. Lots of good thoughts and ideas. It’s always good to get some other prospective on issues.

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"Your other right........."

Bianchi Cyclone...........Leather no plastic.

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S&W Accumulator

I have carried for 50years now and after my initial foray into concealed carry trying shoulder holsters and whatnot I settled on strong side carry at 4 O'clock IWB or OWB. I learned to by the best holsters and belts I could and that has worked these many years. The last few I have had some medical issues making it kind of difficult to carry at 4. As already stated I moved forward past 3 and that made the draw easier but concealment became more difficult. I was always taught that cross draw was for the movies but I figured what the heck at this point.
I ordered a couple of XDR's from K.L. Null to try based on his reputation as making a lot of holsters for plain closed law enforcement from various city, state and federal agencies. It was an instant success is all I can say...I have only used them for K & L frame Smith's under 4" but they work and conceal surprisingly well.
He also makes a straight pull across for those that spend a lot of time behind the wheel and that might be something that would work for you also. Get on his web site WWW.klnullholsters.com and take a look.
I have spoken with him several times and he is a very nice gentleman to deal with. Besides that if I understand correctly he took over the Seven Trees holsters designs and I think that is kind of cool.
Anyway, best of luck to you and I hope you can resolve the issue.

Here is a picture of one that jem203 mentioned. It is called a VAM, which
is short for Vampire. It was a Seventrees patttern, and Ken Null acquired
the patterns.

You might notice that it has the pull thru snap. Very secure,
but you can pull the gun right thru the snap.

Attached Images

SAM_1928.jpg (107.4 KB, 34 views)

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In Omnia Paratus

Have been carrying a 1911 "crossdraw" since the 1970s...a little different however... It isn't "fast" but very comfortable and concealable...

Simply slide the gun in butt forward behind the left hip...didn't even use a holster for many years. Now I use a REMORA (without the belt clip) with a Commander.

To draw, grab the bottom 1/3 of the grip with reversed left hand grip and then hand to the right hand...

I also now have a bad shoulder due to an injury and can only say this method isn't fast but works... It is also great seated and seatbelted into a car.... One can also learn to shoot left handed from this position...

Bob