Cross-body carrying:Pro's & Con's

[Protected One]

Cross Draw:
1. when seated
2. accessable to either hand
3. In "The Day" a right hand person was taught to draw and fire with the left hand also--place left hand over the revolver grip, draw with the grip pointing forward, using the #2 or #3 finger pull the trigger, thus firing the revolver with it upside down. This is an emergency method if your right hand is holding off a suspect or if the right hand if disabled.
4. Cross Draw is a good method for "Plain Clothes/Street Clothes.
5. Seated the Cross Draw does not "Telegraph' the draw by raising the shoulder as in "Strong Side Carry.

P.S. I CCW X2= one strong side - one cross draw

What gun do you cc strong side?
What is your cross draw?
I agree with you on the cross draw for plain cloths/street cloths. I can access my gun without any knowing my hand is on it, by keeping a button or two unbuttoned near the bottom of my shirt.

 

[jimmyj]

What gun do you cc strong side?
What is your cross draw?
I agree with you on the cross draw for plain cloths/street cloths. I can access my gun without any knowing my hand is on it, by keeping a button or two unbuttoned near the bottom of my shirt.

Hi:
My 24X7 CCW at present is a S&W Model 642-3 carried in a Lewis Police Special Holster.
The standard magna grips even with a "BK" grip adapter I found to be too small for a rapid draw.
I added a Pachmayr small presentation grip which is much better for a quick grip hold and an improved shooting score.

 

[The Highlander]

I appendix carry an XDs .45 in a kydex paddle holster, actually the one that came with the gun. Slide it to whatever position I need it in for sitting or standing. Going to order one of those Andrews holsters for it too.

Appendix is very fast and allows better retention in my opinion. Haven't tried cross draw.

My arms are very short and I often carry a full size gun. Lots of contortions to draw from a traditional holster at 3:00.

 

[Protected One]

The only time cross draw is an advantage is when driving a car, but your main goal should be to drive the car out of the danger zone if possible.

It's an advantage when seated in other places too; a restaraunt, movie theatre, etc. The motion to retrieve can go totally undetected. My gun can be out and ready for action without a bad guy even knowing he's in danger, whereas the strong side draw is a "most conspicuous motion" which normaly means only one thing - he's going for a gun!

Your point is well taken though, as I can think of MANY situations in which cross-body carrying could be a problem.
I guess just as my carry system must be determined by my attire, it must also be determined by what type of situation I will be encountering while out.

 

[OLDSTER]

I always carry one of my "snubbies" in an old DeSantis cross-draw when I'm traveling. IMHO it's the only way to carry in a vehicle.

 

[66snub]

For me, crossdraw isn't the best option, even when seated in a car. I can simply bend at the waist and still draw my M19 from a pancake holster while still in my seatbelt. The only prepping for my draw that I do while getting into the car is bringing my grip outside the bottom of my coat and tuck it behind my grip so that I can get a quick hold on it.

Every now and then, when its still dark in the morning (I don't want to freak anyone out), I like to practice the draw after getting into my car. I imagine that an attacker is standing in front of my car and I draw as quickly as I can. I use the woods across the street as my backstop and then practice the reholster. I've gotten pretty smooth but I slip in a practice session here and there.

 

[Protected One]

For me, crossdraw isn't the best option, even when seated in a car. I can simply bend at the waist and still draw my M19 from a pancake holster while still in my seatbelt. The only prepping for my draw that I do while getting into the car is bringing my grip outside the bottom of my coat and tuck it behind my grip so that I can get a quick hold on it.

Every now and then, when its still dark in the morning (I don't want to freak anyone out), I like to practice the draw after getting into my car. I imagine that an attacker is standing in front of my car and I draw as quickly as I can. I use the woods across the street as my backstop and then practice the reholster. I've gotten pretty smooth but I slip in a practice session here and there.

I'm gonna post a picture of my car rig when I can. Takes ALL the concern out of inside car carry/draw for me!

 

[Protected One]

I prefer cross draw. I can have my hand on the butt of my S&W revolver, under my cover shirt, before anyone knows. when the time comes, its out with one continuous motion and ready.

See, that's what I'm saying too. I've have been carrying "cross-body" in different situations to see if there were advantages, comparred to strong side carry.
Seated, or even out in a crowd walking, I can slip my hand through the two unbuttoned buttons of my cover garment and have my hand on the grip without anyone knowing.
On the other hand, in a parking garage etc...being approached by a thug, I prefer strong side because rounds can more quickly be put on target, and there is no "element of surprise" advantage for me.

 

[tlay]

If you are worried about your right arm being hurt or not able to draw you can do what I do and use another small gun in a left side pocket carry. This is called a New York Reload. Or in you can do a Georgia Reload and have another one on your ankle!

 

[OLDSTER]

I always wear cross draw in an old DeSantis rig when traveling. It's the most comfortable and accessible for me.

 

[Triggernosis]

I carry cross draw when I'm in the woods toting a rifle or shotgun so that the handgun doesn't knock against the stock of the long gun.