Cross Draw Carry?

Here are a couple of extreme cross draw holsters. Almost horizontal
along belt line.

On the left is a Bianchi 111 Cyclone with my model 29. I didn't need
both of these holsters so I sold this one a while back.

On the right is a Desantis Dual Angle Hunter cross draw with my Ruger
New Model Super Blackhawk .44 Mag. The gun belt is by Haugen.
The blade is by Solingen. The grip by crazyphil.
 

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I still have a ******* made Miami Classic for my 39-2. It made a good backup rig under a short patrol jacket. (A compact 45 would have been better to match with my 645 but they weren't available yet.) I have a couple of Bianchi X15s in different sizes but I never really took a liking to them.
I hand built a few holsters, including CD for a '51 Colt, and a Ruger MK1 HB target auto for hiking. For a long barrel it makes sense, especially if speed isn't quite as critical.
Before I went to the 645 & security holster, I carried a 4" M19, 4" M66 in a Bianchi 5BHL high ride... my trail holster for my 3" M66 was another hand built high ride closest to a 5BHL with a bit of Safariland influence.
 
I carry a Glock 26 or Sig P238 CD with Crossbreed SuperTuck or MiniTuck, both IWB. No issues with concealment or retention. Very comfortable and easy to access in almost every situation. Very happy with the quality and service from Crossbreed.
 
I have been using Bianchi 111 cyclone holsters service 1980. I prefer them for just about every use. Especially getting in and out of a car or walking through brush while huntng, etc. it is just about ideal. During bad weather it can easily be covered with a coat or jacket. The same holds true during cold weather. It is out-of-the-way when caring a rifle. It does not interfere with the seatbelt. Finally, it looks cool! JMHO. Sincerely. bruce.
 
I always carry cross-draw. My favorite rig is this old Hunter with either a CA Undercover or a 642.


I know this is asking a lot - but do you think you could post a picture of the reverse side of that rig? A neighbor makes holsters. I would like for him to make me one like yours. A reverse pic would be very helpful. Thanks.
 
Hunter Western Crossdraw loop holster for Ruger Blackhawk, Vaquero, single Six, etc.

414213836.jpg
 
I know this is asking a lot - but do you think you could post a picture of the reverse side of that rig? A neighbor makes holsters. I would like for him to make me one like yours. A reverse pic would be very helpful. Thanks.
I wasn't the OP, but here are a couple pictures. A very common holster....
 

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Most of us old-timer LEOs were trained to assume a "bladed" interview stance that protected our dominant side, holstered firearm, from a subject's grab. In that bladed position, the cross-draw side is presented toward a subject, thus making it easier for an attempted firearm takeaway. For that reason, my agency prohibited cross-draw carry for uniformed officers.

As I have learned, cross-draw carry requires a different control technique to prevent firearm takeaways. First off, simply square up your stance, directly facing the subject, placing the firearm out of easy reach. In addition, there's a cross-draw advantage in the fact that when in close proximity to a subject, your non-dominant forearm, or hand, can rest on the gun butt, protecting it from a grab. This also frees up your dominant hand for striking blows to a subject's face, throat, brachial plexus origin, or radial nerve, while your non-dominant hand secures the firearm in its holster. Your dominant hand can also be used to access a knife or intermediate defensive weapon tucked in your pocket or belt.

We're all concerned about firearm retention. Situational awareness is key, but I wonder how many of us actually practice firearm retention skills for situations that quickly go south with little warning. Regardless of how you carry, you should drill to retain your firearm in close quarters situations.

Depending on where I'm going or what I'm planning to do, I carry accordingly. For versatility, it's hard to beat a paddle holster with a vertical presentation, which can be switched from dominant to non-dominant positions according to your situational needs. At the moment, I'm personally concealed carrying my 642 snubby in a Big Rob's cross-draw at the 10 o'clock, knowing I can protect it from a takeaway, and access it quickly whether standing or seated. I carry my 66 snubby in a Bianchi paddle that can quickly be changed out from dominant to cross-draw positions.

For outdoor motorized travel, hunting, or hiking, I select from a Diamond D "Guide's Choice," Bianchi "Cyclone," or Hill People Gear chest pack to suit my personal needs. Choose what's best for you when it comes to accessibility, retention, and ease of carry.
 
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As I have learned, cross-draw carry requires a different control technique to prevent firearm takeaways. First off, simply square up your stance, directly facing the subject, placing the firearm out of easy reach. In addition, there's a cross-draw advantage in the fact that when in close proximity to a subject, your non-dominant forearm, or hand, can rest on the gun butt, protecting it from a grab. This also frees up your dominant hand for striking blows to a subject's face, throat, brachial plexus origin, or radial nerve, while your non-dominant hand secures the firearm in its holster. Your dominant hand can also be used to access a knife or intermediate defensive weapon tucked in your pocket or belt.
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^^^ This.

It also doesn't make sense when people say if you're a right handed and carry at 1 o'clock appendix in a vertical holster it's tactically superior, but if you move the holster to 11 o'clock and give the holster a slight reverse cant, now it's tactically inferior.
 
Ages ago when I bought my K22, I bought a George Lawrence Model 120 set up for crossdraw, just because I liked the concept. Fast forward 40 years, I now have a carry permit, but I can see limited benefits.

Benefits:
1) much more accessible when driving or on horseback or on my ATV.
2) makes sidearm accessible to weak hand when walking with my cane.

Detriments:
1) a bit of concern about sweeping innocents during a standing draw.
2) not easy to conceal the holster, especially when placing pistol in 4 o'clock OWB/IWB holster.
3) if concealed for crossdraw, going for my gun telegraphs my intention. (Yes, I would only draw defensively, but for an aggressor in a target-rich environment, it would make me stand out like a black thumb or an open carrier.)

When I can exercise my non-resident CCW (when out of state), I try to get around without my cane.
 
Sorry...I don't buy into it. Explain to me how reaching for a crossdraw at the 9 or 10 o'clock position is any different from reaching for a dominant side firearm at the 2, 3, or 4 o'clock position. Regardless, all firearm draws require shoulder, elbow, arm, and hand direction movement that are observable, and "telegraph" intent to access a firearm.
 
Sorry...I don't buy into it. Explain to me how reaching for a crossdraw at the 9 or 10 o'clock position is any different from reaching for a dominant side firearm at the 2, 3, or 4 o'clock position. Regardless, all firearm draws require shoulder, elbow, arm, and hand direction movement that are observable, and "telegraph" intent to access a firearm.

IMHO the reason for the humpback snubbie's existence is to not telegraph the draw, and thus provide a huge tactical advantage to the user. It can be in-hand and fired through a pocket. Why else would they make a gun that looks so ugly but works so well?
 
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Kramer, Bigfoot Belts and Original Precision

New last week Kramer Cross Draw holster and new gun belt for my S&W 21-4. Lock delete from JD a member here. Bobbed hammer, my work and S&W Night Guard compact grip off eBay. Right shoulder was a salvage operation four years ago. Left shoulder was a major repair 26 months ago. Cross Draw or a Scabbard holster front of the hip are my only comfortable carrying positions. Revolvers work best instead of jacking a slide. I only carry concealed.


#1 in Horsehide Leather Gun Holsters - KRAMER(R)
Best Leather Gun Belts for Open and Concealed Carry | Bigfoot Gun Belts
S&W Lock Delete - ORIGINAL PRECISION

Can't say enough about Kramer, Bigfoot Gun Belts, JD and Original Prescision.
 

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I just recently picked up my first CD holster from D. M. Bullard for my model 19 4". They had it on sale for $25.00 lined with a body shield. Only worn it a couple of times but it is really comfortable for the car and walking around the range. Seems to conceal well with a light jacket but time will tell.
 
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