Cross Draw

KSDrifter

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Got a little 442. I’m thinking a cross draw would be perfect! I got a little blubber roll, but it should be fine I’m thinking right? What says you? I don’t hear much about cross draws now that appendix seems to have become all the rage.

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I like the concept of the crossdraw. It works for many, but it doesn't work for me.

If I position it so I can conceal it, I can't reach it easily. If I position it so I can reach it, it doesn't conceal very well. Even if I position it so I can reach it, it's slower than when I carry strongside behind the hip.

A few other issues to be aware of:

Because you have to reach across your body, it may be easier for an attacker in front of you to foul your draw, potentially just by pinning your arm against your body. Of course, you will hopefully have your weakside arm available for defense.

It also may be easier for an attacker to take your gun since the grip is presented towards the attacker, as well as the draw stroke. Again, your weakside arm may be available for defense.

There's a higher potential to sweep the muzzle around you when drawing, unless you use the proper technique (when you draw, keep the muzzle pointed down until you clear leather and bring the gun in front of you, then extend the gun towards the target). If you plan on taking courses, or want to practice at a range that allows drawing from the holster, they may prohibit the use of crossdraw holsters for this reason.

Like any carry method, there are strengths and weaknesses. You just have to figure out what works for you. That means you won't know until you try it for yourself.
 
Crossdraw

With crossdraw I can draw from either hand.

Kramer holster with S&W 21-4, 44 Special.

I won't do appendix carry, not even with a revolver. Rule 2, something about not pointing the muzzle at your junk.
 

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Shoulder surgeries

This is one of the things I like about the crossdraw concept. Definitely an advantage if you don't have issues drawing with either hand.

I have to carry Crossdraw or at the hip or slightly forward.

Right shoulder was a salvage and the left was a major repair.

Always concealed, always were a Harley Davidson denim vest.
 
I do use cross draw when I carry concealed with a shoulder holster but I do not use cross draw on my belt. I feel that having my gun more accusable to the other guy than me is not a good thing. I feel more confident with my strong side hand next to my firearm.
 
Everything in holster design involves compromises among the 4 basic factors of comfort, accessibility, security, and concealment. Whenever on factor is emphasized there will be compromises in the other factors.

Cross-draw carry can work very well for those who are regularly seated in a chair, driving, or suffer range-of-motion issues (shoulder, elbow, wrist). However, there can be trade-offs in accessibility, in concealment, security, or all three.

Cross-draw usually requires that the grip-frame of the handgun be angled toward the front, otherwise drawing the weapon can require difficult or awkward hand and wrist positions that cause reduced grip strength due to excessive rotation of the wrist. With the handgun canted butt-forward concealment can become much more of a challenge, usually requiring cover garments that must remain closed at the front, thus further reducing accessibility. Also, canting of the handgun results in moving the grip-frame into closer proximity with the belt and waistband, which can make it more difficult to achieve a good grip on the weapon during the draw.

Finally, carrying in the cross-draw position exposes the weapon more to any potential opponent, making it much easier for the drawing motion to be blocked or for the weapon to be snatched away. Simply reaching across the front of the body to draw the weapon will clearly telegraph your intentions to a potential opponent.

There is nothing inherently wrong with cross-draw carry, but the limitations should be kept in mind while doing so.
 
Here are a few examples of cross-draw holsters, left to right:

Lewis snap-on, made for Pitt, with my Model 10-5 2" barrel.
Chisholm Trail, a gift from my friend Al, with 10-5 2" barrel.
Brauer Bros. a design made by many, with my Model 642.
Bucheimer-Clark Sheriff, with Charter Undercover.
DeSantis Dual Advantage Hunter with Ruger New Model Super Blackhawk,
very handy when carrying a rifle slung over right shoulder.
 

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I like the Bianchi 111 Cyclone cross draw for field use in Penn's Woods. I like the gun up front where I can monitor it with my left elbow.

I tend to carry rifles afield in Penns Woods muzzle down on my left shoulder. Most are carbines with 16.? to 20 inch barrels.

Got a couple of Kirkpatrick TCD (Texas cross draws) for my 6906 and Beretta 92 Compact that I use on long road trips..... 11O'clock while driving and pushed back to 9 under a light garment/vest when I get out of the car/truck.

I still have a 34" waist with IWB carry so 9 O'clock draw isn't an issue.....

As to telegraphing intent to draw..... sweeping back a cover garment to get to a gun carried at 3 -5 O'clock seems more obvious than resting a hand on your belt buckle. ???????

In the end everything in life is a compromise......................
 
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Cross-draw has its uses. It's good if you spend pretty much all of your day seated, especially if you are in a motor vehicle. It doesn't work for me when I'm standing/walking. Concealment becomes an issue when the coat is not zipped/buttoned and it does present the grip of the handgun to a frontal attacker... then again, if they are that close, the fight is already over.

Cross-draw works great in the fields and woods, where a handgun with a barrel of 5 inches or longer can more easily be carried and have a reasonably fast and easily accessible draw.
 
I frequently carry my 642 in a crossdraw, and have no problem concealing it. Raising my shirt or jacket with my non-dominant hand while I reach and draw with my dominant hand seems pretty easy. A bladed stance with my non-dominant arm resting on the butt of my concealed handgun adds security. Vigilance and situational awaremenss is important, regardless of how you choose to carry.
 
I love crossdraw, fast, conceals pretty well, and very comfortable. Pocket works for me too, high convenience but seated access is poor.
 
I really like cross-draw lately. I can easily conceal my primary EDC P320 compact in a cross-draw holster. Yeah, it might get exposed now and then so if total concealment is a requirement or preference, it might not be the best option for you. I put concealment last in the list of compromise priorities, so it works for me.

I like that i can draw with either hand, one handed, standing or seated.
 
Not sure

The ideal cross draw holster for a revolver is one that puts the cylinder below the belt line. If not the holstered weapon will lean outward.

I'm not sure what you are describing. I have two Kramer holsters and a Bianca Cyclone holster and don't have that problem. But they are for N frames.

Any photos, even if just from the internet.
 
Ever consider a Driving holster? They make one that does both (Diving to Cross Draw). It all depends on your physical size, width of body, mode of dress etc....
I carry AIWB because nothing else works for me due to always wearing an unticked shirt. JMO

Be SAFE and Shoot Often!
 

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