I carry front crossdraw at 2:30 or maybe it's 2:15 more like 2:20. I carry this way for two main reasons. The first is I am able to bring my revolver into action very quickly. That is if my day is going down hill fast. The second is that with the revolver I carry and my body type, everything is very well concealed when I don't need it. I can draw without sweeping because I practice regularly and have developed muscle memory for crossdraw. The only down side has been finding a place for live fire practice. My advice would be to purchase an in expensive holster first, I used IWB with a clip and moved it arround on my belt. Find where your gun is best for you then you can get top of the line holster you have always wanted. Then practice till you can bring your gun into action as if it's second nature.
You hit the nail on the head.
First, equipment, be it holster, firearm or ammo needs to be first rate quality. If you cannot depend on it, you may as well not have it. Murphy's law comes into play at the worst times. Had a quite wealthy man ask me Tuesday if a new $280 gun would satisify his need for a self defense weapon. My answer was, sure if that is all his life is worth.
Next, is comfort. If it is not comfortable, you will not carry it long or often. Holsters must be comfortable to wear and in a good position for ready access. I do not feel the need for speed draw, just easy access. Strong side, cross draw or any other position is only going to be good for you if it is comfortable. The position, holster or such that works for one may not be best for another.
The gun must also be comfortable to carry. If it is not the right size for the person's build, then they will not wear it. There has to be a balance which may not be achieved by the gun most wanted but rather by the gun that works best.
Finally, it is practice. A gun carried in a holster for years will not perform well under duress. A gun not handled often will not be effective when called on for immediate use. Within the last few weeks, I have mentioned two attorneys I work closely with. One has owned and carried a 1911 for over seven years and never loaded or fired it. Another asked me to take him to the range so he can shoot the gun he carries. I learned the gun is loaded but has not been fired in fifteen years. His trigger pull is wrong, his stance is wrong and he cannot hit a B-27 target in the black at 30 feet with a model 36 S&W. He did not even know how to swing the cylinder out to see if it was loaded.
People need to practice long and often. Musicians do not get good without regular practice. Chefs learn to cook not by reading books or websites but rather by practice. The exhibition shooters shoot great because they practice. It is expensive but pays back the investment when called upon for use.
