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

[Protected One]

I was experimenting with different carry methods and want to get some comments on Cross-Body carry. I know there are drawbacks, but here is one benefit; what if I were carrying at 3 or 4:00(right hand being my strong side), and for some reason my right hand can't be used to draw? My left hand would catch hell trying to retrieve my gun. Not so, in a cross body carry.
I'd like to hear other thoughts on it.

 

[Arik]

Cross body leaves the gun grip pointed at the potential perp. He can grab it and start shooting. You are already lined up with your own barrel. OR .....when you reach across your hand can be pinned to your body (this also a problem for shoulder holster). When the gun is on your strong side you generally move that hip back as you go for your gun. This makes it harder yo pin your arm and at the same time your weak arm is out front to punch, grab or do any other prevention to stop your gun from being grabbed. Cross draw you reach across yourself and are not taking that step back. I can stand on your strong side and pin your arm and with that in the way your weak arm is going to have a problem reaching me. Say none of that happens, it will still take you longer to reach across, pull your gun then swing it back. ...in the mean time i can also block your arm and now your gun is pointed somewhere else.....and when you clear the holster your gun is still not pointing where you need it to. On the strong side once you clear the holster the gun is pointing at your target

Another problem is when you unholster you sweep everyone on your weak side with the barrel.


The scenario youre talking about (broken arm/some sort of surgery) is less likely then what i mentioned. If it happens you can carry the way its easiest to get draw your gun. But, till than its not the greatest idea.

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[Old cop]

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.

 

[vytoland]

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.

 

[GLV]

I was experimenting with different carry methods and want to get some comments on Cross-Body carry. I know there are drawbacks, but here is one benefit; what if I were carrying at 3 or 4:00(right hand being my strong side), and for some reason my right hand can't be used to draw? My left hand would catch hell trying to retrieve my gun. Not so, in a cross body carry.
I'd like to hear other thoughts on it.

Not necessarily so, if you have been taught the procedure and have practiced it. Cross draw is fine if gun is well concealed or when driving.

 

[Ironbark]

I feel cross draw is the way to go. If you carrying at the 9 o'clock position for a right hand draw your doing it wrong. the holster should be at close to the 11 o'clock so that the weapon's grip is pointing across your body and in a completely natural position for grabbing with your strong hand.
With a gun in this position your not really in danger from someone grabbing the gun and if they make an attempt you can easily secure the gun with either or both hands. You CAN NOT do that with a strong side carry. You CAN NOT have the weapon taken from you from behind also. Can't say that for strong side carry either.
One of the main benefits of cross draw ... and its a huge one if you ask me, is your not reaching across your body in order to lift up a garment so you can draw your weapon. With cross draw your off hand can much more easily lift a shirt and your main hand can grab your weapon from a very easy position at the front of your body.
In every photo I have seen (and from personal experience as well) when you look at someone drawing a weapon from a strong side position it looks and feels awkward to say the least ... almost like trying to scratch your right hand armpit with your right hand ( bad analogy guys sorry, but its the best thing I could think of haha).

This what I use for both my carry guns, pro series 1911 sub compact and a Kahr pm9 with a crimson trace laserguard.


Andrews Custom Leather - Carjacker Crossdraw

Its a fantastic set up and I swear by it.

IB

 

[federali]

The problem with a cross draw is that you may over-swing the target. Shooting a tad too soon or too late often results in a miss. With a strong side draw, early or late shooting still results in a hit, be it low or high. In other words, you're on the center line of the target more quickly and you tend to stay there. A cross-draw has you approaching that center line from the side rather than the bottom.

A cross draw may also swing the muzzle past non-compatants as well as your weak arm.

Have you ever been to the range with the guy on your right using a shoulder holster? He points his gun at you each time he draws and re-holsters.

 

[DR505]

The problem with a cross draw is that you may over-swing the target. Shooting a tad too soon or too late often results in a miss. With a strong side draw, early or late shooting still results in a hit, be it low or high. In other words, you're on the center line of the target more quickly and you tend to stay there. A cross-draw has you approaching that center line from the side rather than the bottom.

A cross draw may also swing the muzzle past non-compatants as well as your weak arm.

Have you ever been to the range with the guy on your right using a shoulder holster? He points his gun at you each time he draws and re-holsters.

^^^^THIS^^^^

The only time I ever used a cross-draw is when I was the driver on a protection detail. If the principal is in the car, you drive him/her away from danger. If stopped/parked and danger approaches your side of the car and driving away is not possible at that moment, you have the option of a draw and presentation while seated. But drivers have one job...drive.

Other than the above, I don't care for cross-draw.

 

[sipowicz]

Crossdraw only works for certain people. If you do it correctly, you don't even have to have the gun already out when facing 4 armed felons.

Dirty Harry IV - Too much sugar is bad for you - YouTube

 

[KKECK5]

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.

I agree with 'old cop' Being left-handed i had the pleasure (if driving) of 8 hours with my gun sitting low next to the seat...When my partner drove, my left kidney got a workout. In my early years, i worked with 'seasoned guys' who had been around since right after WWII. they mostly carried cross draw in plain clothes...The younger guys, not so much. Maybe it's was those old movies.

 

[Protected One]

When driving, a custom rig for my seat positions my gun between my knees for easy access. Granted, I have to remove and holster it when leaving the car, but thats become a habit and thus - no big deal. So cross body isn't needed when I'm driving.

As I said, I've been experimenting with cross body and strong side IWB/OWB carry, and while I understand all the arguments for and against that have been presented here I think I'm going to have to give this more consideration before deciding. I don't want to wind up with a dozen different holsters because of carrying so many different ways. Even now, I find myself defaulting to pocket carry (it's just so convenient) most of the time.

 

[Ironbark]

The problem with a cross draw is that you may over-swing the target. Shooting a tad too soon or too late often results in a miss. With a strong side draw, early or late shooting still results in a hit, be it low or high. In other words, you're on the center line of the target more quickly and you tend to stay there. A cross-draw has you approaching that center line from the side rather than the bottom.

A cross draw may also swing the muzzle past non-compatants as well as your weak arm.

Have you ever been to the range with the guy on your right using a shoulder holster? He points his gun at you each time he draws and re-holsters.

I don't intend pulling the trigger until the gun is pointed at the bad guy.

IB

 

[Protected One]

I agree with 'old cop' Being left-handed i had the pleasure (if driving) of 8 hours with my gun sitting low next to the seat...When my partner drove, my left kidney got a workout. In my early years, i worked with 'seasoned guys' who had been around since right after WWII. they mostly carried cross draw in plain clothes...The younger guys, not so much. Maybe it's was those old movies.

I know a certain "Tier 1" Special Forces Operator who carries cross body.

 

[Poodle Soup]

Is appendix carry considered crossdraw? Your not really sweeping anything if you pull up rotate forward and to me its always looked the fastest. When Im driving to/from work my 442 rides tucked in my waistband right in front.

 

[tac803]

Is appendix carry considered crossdraw? Your not really sweeping anything if you pull up rotate forward and to me its always looked the fastest. When Im driving to/from work my 442 rides tucked in my waistband right in front.

No, appendix carry is on the the strong side if you are right handed.

If there were one perfect way to carry a gun, somebody would be rich holding the patent on the perfect holster. Every individual, every gun, and every situation is different. What works for me may not work for someone else. I try to evaluate the situation, such as spending 8 hrs in a vehicle, -vs- standing around for 8 hrs, -vs- whatever I anticipate doing that particular day. I have holsters that I can carry IWB, strong side, on the ankle (which is great in the winter in a vehicle...every try drawing from the strong side wearing a parka with the seat belt on??? Not a great plan!), and other places.

I know there are arguments for always carrying the gun in the same place so you develop muscle memory, but there are exceptions. My Idea of the basic principles of lawful concealed carry involve carrying the gun so it is safe, accessible, and concealed from those who could use the knowlege that you are armed to your disadvantage. Comfort is an issue, but not in the top three for me. I'd rather be uncomfortable carrying a larger gun than totally comfortable carrying a .22 in my pocket.

Evaluate your circumstances, think things through, and figure out what works for you. You are responsible for the choices you make, so make sure that they are the right ones for you.

 

[vytoland]

Crossdraw only works for certain people. If you do it correctly, you don't even have to have the gun already out when facing 4 armed felons.

Dirty Harry IV - Too much sugar is bad for you - YouTube

apparently, crossdraw works quite well!!

 

[GLV]

Look folks,

Over swing your target, muzzle crossing an innocent, flashing the gun so someone can grab it, all show one thing: LACK OF TRAINING.
Lack of training is responsible for many of the so called problems that are brought up on this forum.

To be honest, if you are going to carry a gun, you owe it to yourself, your family, and to all of us citizens whom you may encounter, to be WELL trained. If you are not well trained, I would rather you left your gun at home.

Just the opinion of one very old fart.

 

[Arik]

apparently, crossdraw works quite well!!

Yea, in a scripted movie! And Christopher Reeve really flew!

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[sq hunter]

fast & fancy revolver shooting by Ed McGivern. shows how to use crossdraw firing. Good book.

 

[jimmyj]

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

 

[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.