I have 2 DeSantis Duel Angle hunters 1 for my Python and the other for one of my Smith 29 44s. Its the best of both worlds from being on the move to sitting 20 feet up in one of my tree stands!
Cross Draw Carry?
- Thread starter JayFramer
- Start date
Ranger514
Member
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as the saying goes. The DAO Centennials (like the Humpbacks that allow SA hammer cocking) were designed to be versatile. During cooler weather, I often carry my 642 in a coat pocket, but it's kinda hard to pocket carry in warm weather, when I'm not weaing a jacket. If I carry in the cargo pockets of shorts or pants, I'm sure not going to try to fire my snubby from that location, and reaching for the gun to draw from a pants pocket telegraphs my intention just as much as reaching for my waistband..
Cross Draw
I found this thread of great interest prior to contacting Ken Null for a crossdraw IWB rig for a S&W 3913. I carry a 1911 in a Sparks Summer Special IWB strong-side at 2-3 o'clock during long-pants weather, but the 1911 gets tough when I wear shorts, and is too tough to get into use when belted into the vehicles. Ken made up a neat little rig and mag carrier in about 1 week. I use a timer to practice live draws at my local range (lucky to be able to do so, but this range is one person per backstop). What slows my strong-side IWB draw is having to reach across my body with my left hand to raise my shirt up enough that the 1911 can be grasped and will clear the holster. Otherwise, I can raise the shirt with my right hand, and then draw the pistol, hoping it doesn't snag on my shirt (slow, too). Belted inside a vehicle, forget it. The Null rig positions the 3913 just to the left of my belt buckle. Depending upon the belt loops, I can rotate it to 9 o'clock for vehicle use, or near to the buckle for better concealment. I will beat my strong-side carry draw time, using my left hand to raise my shirt, while drawing the 3913. Comfort is much enhanced in a vehicle using crossdraw. If only walking around outside, I prefer strong-side carry due to much better concealment. The Null rig seems to position the butt of the 3913 much higher above my belt line than the Summer Special, and I notice it printing. Nobody ever notices the 1911. The longer holster for the 1911 sits lower on my belt. If I want access, I'll use crossdraw. If I want concealment, I'll stick with strong-side carry. Life is full of compromises. Holsters snap on and off, so no problem changing one to the other
arman
I found this thread of great interest prior to contacting Ken Null for a crossdraw IWB rig for a S&W 3913. I carry a 1911 in a Sparks Summer Special IWB strong-side at 2-3 o'clock during long-pants weather, but the 1911 gets tough when I wear shorts, and is too tough to get into use when belted into the vehicles. Ken made up a neat little rig and mag carrier in about 1 week. I use a timer to practice live draws at my local range (lucky to be able to do so, but this range is one person per backstop). What slows my strong-side IWB draw is having to reach across my body with my left hand to raise my shirt up enough that the 1911 can be grasped and will clear the holster. Otherwise, I can raise the shirt with my right hand, and then draw the pistol, hoping it doesn't snag on my shirt (slow, too). Belted inside a vehicle, forget it. The Null rig positions the 3913 just to the left of my belt buckle. Depending upon the belt loops, I can rotate it to 9 o'clock for vehicle use, or near to the buckle for better concealment. I will beat my strong-side carry draw time, using my left hand to raise my shirt, while drawing the 3913. Comfort is much enhanced in a vehicle using crossdraw. If only walking around outside, I prefer strong-side carry due to much better concealment. The Null rig seems to position the butt of the 3913 much higher above my belt line than the Summer Special, and I notice it printing. Nobody ever notices the 1911. The longer holster for the 1911 sits lower on my belt. If I want access, I'll use crossdraw. If I want concealment, I'll stick with strong-side carry. Life is full of compromises. Holsters snap on and off, so no problem changing one to the other
arman
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max503
Member
Recently I was fishing on the end of one of those long, long piers out on the gulf. No one else around, quiet morning.
Around 9 a.m. a couple shady looking individuals came out, drinking malt liquor, mumbling between themselves.
They stood together for quite some time at the other side of the platform, mumbling back and forth like maybe they were planning something. I'm no spring chicken. They could have attacked me and took my wallet and phone and been out of there.
I backed into my corner of the platform and rested my hand on the grip of my 638. If they had come over I would have told them I wanted to be left alone. If they further advanced I may have found that a good time to bring out and admire my gun.
Let 'em tell the law I pulled out and admired my gun. I would have told the cop to smell their breath.
I like being able to ready myself without anyone knowing.
Edit: Why not shoot through your pants pocket? I'd like to see someone attack me with half their foot or leg blown away. Someone once told me you don't fight fair - you fight to win.
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Ranger514
Member
Please be my guest. Shoot through your pants pocket any time you like.
max503
Member
I wonder if George Zimmerman practiced shooting upwards while lying on his back with someone sitting on his chest pummeling him? I've heard somewhere that most shootings don't happen like the opening scene of Gunsmoke.
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Old TexMex
Member
I don’t worry at all about “telegraphing” my drawing a weapon. If the situation arise, the offending party is already amped up, and they’re either looking at me, or looking at somebody else.
My hands are usually at my belt buckle, with a cross draw (as per my *GDB training), and that allows the quickest and least movement, and allows me access to the weapon with either hand while driving, even with seatbelt.
*Gavin de Becker Assoc. Home - Gavin de Becker and Associates
My hands are usually at my belt buckle, with a cross draw (as per my *GDB training), and that allows the quickest and least movement, and allows me access to the weapon with either hand while driving, even with seatbelt.
*Gavin de Becker Assoc. Home - Gavin de Becker and Associates
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carried a leather slide cross draw while recovering from surgery to repair a bad shoulder injury. Was half a year post-op before I could easily lift my shoulder and rotate my arm back and high enough to comfortably pull from my usual strong side FBI cant. Wore it with an untucked shirt, bottom button undone. Provided cover from both observation and a sudden grab, while making it easy to quickly lift the shirt with the offhand and grab the weapon. Still use that method on road trips (retired), prefer it to a weapon in the console or seat holster.
flagman1776
Member
A horseman / dragoon / cavalryman traditionally mounts from the left side of a horse. I think it carries over to modern machines. The sword was carried on the left so it didn't have to be dragged over the horse when mounting. A high riding compact pistol (mine a 3" M66) on the right isn't too inconvenient, in my experience... but a long barrel pistol strikes me as easier to carry on the left.
Dvan34
Member
I carry this way, as retired. When in uniform working at the Port of Entry it made it less likely that someone could come up behind me and disarm me. Sure, someone can disarm you with a cross draw, but your left arm can block them and defend yourself with your strong arm. They can certainly disarm you from behind with a regular carry. While in the Border Patrol, 1955- we were mandated to carry a 4inch Colt. revolver, standard carry. I carry concealed, crossdraw and I often block concealment with my left arm covering when needed. Make your own decision as to how you are comfortable to carry. Practice, stay alert.
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78bagger
US Veteran
Back in the olden days, when I lived on a motorcycle, I always used an old Hunter holster for my 4" mod 57. I carried open because the citizens would mostly give you extra room when they saw that I was crazy looking AND armed. The Hunter had a neutral cant so it could be worn either side. On a bike, underway, you don't want to let go of the throttle when things get busy, so a cross draw let me pull lefty. Drawing and firing left handed were skills I developed on the road and at work.
Cross draw! Been using it since I got my first S&W model 19-2! Personally very much like the Bianchi 111 Cyclone. It can be used cross draw which I consider ideal. It can also be worn strong side. Just a great design. Works extremely well for both revolvers and semi-autos. I've got them for my 4" N and K frames. Will say that for the longer barrels, I use Tom Threepersons holster or a Lawrence. Just happen to have them on hand. The guns fit so I can't see buying more holsters. Will say, all my holster purchases in the last several years have been cross draw. HTH. Sincerely. bruce.
keith44spl
Member
Wore This'n Yesterday.......
Sawfish
Member
smokey04
Member
Old time demo shooter, Ad Topperwein professed the "belly roll" draw to be the fastest method to engage a miscreant.
If you're right handed wear your weapon cross draw between your left hip and your belly button.[it helps if the piece is more horizontal than vertical] Turn your left side toward the bad guy,grip your weapon, and roll your left hip back toward the normal position [pretty much quarter facing the bad guy] partly pulling the weapon with your hand and mostly pulling the holster off of the piece with your belly roll. If you are positioned correctly, side on to your target, the pistol is very nearly pointed at the bad guy before your presentation.
It is ,with a little practice, very fast and you don't sweep the countryside with the muzzle as it is already pointed toward your adversary. It is not an ideal carry for concealment obviously, and is better for "trick" shooting than patrol duty.
Since I retired and started travelling more I'm using a shoulder rig so I don't have to "juggle" my CCO model .45 in the restrooms! The older I get the more I need to visit the "facilities" and, usually quickly! Nick
If you're right handed wear your weapon cross draw between your left hip and your belly button.[it helps if the piece is more horizontal than vertical] Turn your left side toward the bad guy,grip your weapon, and roll your left hip back toward the normal position [pretty much quarter facing the bad guy] partly pulling the weapon with your hand and mostly pulling the holster off of the piece with your belly roll. If you are positioned correctly, side on to your target, the pistol is very nearly pointed at the bad guy before your presentation.
It is ,with a little practice, very fast and you don't sweep the countryside with the muzzle as it is already pointed toward your adversary. It is not an ideal carry for concealment obviously, and is better for "trick" shooting than patrol duty.
Since I retired and started travelling more I'm using a shoulder rig so I don't have to "juggle" my CCO model .45 in the restrooms! The older I get the more I need to visit the "facilities" and, usually quickly! Nick
Dvan34
Member
Evolution? Maybe. After electing to carry crossdraw for many years I have recently decided to change my carry. Have a .40 SW MP Shield in a Kusiak, IWB, tuckable holster that is light, small and does not track. Not too excited about 'tuckable' though. When temperature here permits, a light jacket, sweater, or vest. Now I just need to get used to it, practicing draw and using laser ammo. Currently wearing a light blue T-shirt, at home. Too hot for even a light vest. Which would be a giveaway as CC.
