Carrying Cross Draw After Shoulder Surgery

[zogger]

I had right shoulder surgery (my dominant arm) a few months ago. While I am recovering very well, I still have issues reaching and drawing from my IWB 4 O'Clock oriented holster. I expect this will resolve itself when I recover more, but for now I need to do something different.

I tried moving the holster more in a 3 or 2 O'clock position but the need to pull the gun up is still an issue. I also have tried pocket carry but it is too bulky with my Model 60 3".

So by adjusting my Garrett Industries holster, I am using a cross draw approach. The holster comes with an adjustable cant. By moving forward as far as it can go, it seems to work fine. See attached pictures.

While there are some drawbacks (pun attempted) to carrying cross draw, for now it seems the best option for me.

 

[ContinentalOp]

As long as you can safely and consistently draw the gun, and are aware of the "drawbacks," I see no problem with it. You did what you needed to.

One thing I've been wanting to do, but just never seem to get around to it, is getting a left-hand holster to mirror my right-hand holster in the event something like that happens to me. In the meantime, I do occasionally practice drawing my 642 from my front left pocket with my left hand, as well as practicing some left-handed, one-hand manipulations. I'm not as good as a leftie, but I can manage.

 

[mckenney99]

While I also agree that crossdraw has it's downsides, sometimes you just have to do what you have to do and adapt to your situation. Better than not carrying at all, provided you are able to put in a little practice time with your new position. The chances of a front on gun grab for a civilian have got to be extremely rare compared to a uniformed officer. Be more aware of your surroundings and keep your personal space to prevent having your arm being pinned to your body and thus preventing the draw. Good luck with your healing and rehab.

 

[1sailor]

What do others consider the downside to carrying crossdraw. I've been doing it for years and have not seen any issues. If anything it is the most comfortable position I've found and the easiest to draw from. I carry OWB. I've added a pic below showing my carry method. I know it's not belted the way it was designed for but it really works well for me and can be concealed under pretty much anything I would be wearing.

 

[WR Moore]

On a windy day you can find yourself having to have your support side arm in a position to keep the jacket/shirt/whatever from flapping in the breeze and flashing the piece. It can be a problem if you have to go into the front pants pocket on that side. In your case, that doesn't seem possible.

Also, depending upon how you move, you can jam that butt into your short ribs. That does tend to get your attention and can be a major issue.

Looking at the slim space between grips and pants on pic #2, posr #1, I'd be a bit concerned about getting a firing grip with any speed. Practice can help. Much practice.

 

[ContinentalOp]

Downsides:

Most crossdraw rigs are more vulnerable to snatch attempts because it presents the grip to someone in front of you, i.e. someone in front of you may be able to draw it easier than you can.

It's easier for someone to foul your draw since you have to reach across your body.

Crossdraw rigs that are well-concealed tend to be more difficult to draw from.

Crossdraw rigs that are easy to draw from tend to be more difficult to conceal.

Slower to draw than strongside or appendix carry.

It's easier to muzzle people around you when drawing without the proper technique.

These are just general negatives. They may or may not apply to all crossdraw applications and/or users. Like all carry methods, there are strengths and weaknesses. Every person has to work out which method works best for them and their situation.

I personally like the idea of crossdraw, but it just doesn't work for me.

 

[OLDSTER]

What do others consider the downside to carrying crossdraw. I've been doing it for years and have not seen any issues. If anything it is the most comfortable position I've found and the easiest to draw from. I carry OWB. I've added a pic below showing my carry method. I know it's not belted the way it was designed for but it really works well for me and can be concealed under pretty much anything I would be wearing.

Same here; been carrying this unit cross draw for years. IMO and experience there is no downside to X-draw.

 

[1sailor]

I don't worry too much about the wind blowing my shirt back as I only buy the kind with buttons. I've found that wearing in the 4 o'clock position is far more obvious especially when bent over. I can draw quickly, re-holster effortlessly, it wears comfortably, cannot be seen or grabbed by the guy behind you in line, and can easily be drawn while seated, even when seat belted in. Depending on your normal dress it may not work for everyone but for me it works perfectly. I want to point out again that I have carried like this FOR YEARS with not one single issue. I suppose that if you wear your shirt or jacket completely buttoned or zipped to the top it could be more difficult to draw but so could most other method of carry.

 

[pasound]

Often when I travel for work, I will carry my RIA Standard in a Vega 104 holster I picked up from haris1. It works in three positions - straight or canted normal draw, cross-draw (parallel to the belt, action up at about 20 degrees), or upside-down on the small of the back. It has a snap button retention strap. I can sit in the car for hours with it on my left side, and the butt never digs in. Then upon exit, easily move it to standard right hand belt carry, or to my back. It has five different belt loop slots. Best of several worlds.