Does anybody cross draw?

[Moderator]

I have been doing some reading on cross drawing, and I was wondering if this is practiced by anybody. It seems that it was once thought to be very tactical then phased out, but now possibly coming back. I like the benefits of it and I am considering trying it out at the range.

If my strong hand were to get hurt with my current carry position (holster on same side as my stron hand) It would be very dificult to grab my gun with my weak hand (I often carry my 1911 with the thumb brake).

In theory by cross drawing if my strong and get hurt I am still able to draw my firearms with my weak hand, simply by reaching down with my palm facing to the out side.

Any opinions?

And for those who want to read about it.
http://www.gunweek.com/2005/feature0101.html


B.J.

 

[Len-2A Training]

Cross-draw works well while seated in a car.

Downside is that you are sweeping yourself big time when you draw. So, it fell out of favor some years ago.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

I have been doing some reading on cross drawing, and I was wondering if this is practiced by anybody. It seems that it was once thought to be very tactical then phased out, but now possibly coming back. I like the benefits of it and I am considering trying it out at the range.

If my strong hand were to get hurt with my current carry position (holster on same side as my stron hand) It would be very dificult to grab my gun with my weak hand (I often carry my 1911 with the thumb brake).

In theory by cross drawing if my strong and get hurt I am still able to draw my firearms with my weak hand, simply by reaching down with my palm facing to the out side.

Any opinions?

And for those who want to read about it.
http://www.gunweek.com/2005/feature0101.html


B.J.

The article seemed to cover the most common disadvantages pretty well.

A couple that it missed:

I think a crossdraw is harder to keep concealed, it is easily exposed if the wind blows the front of your coat out a bit.

This may not be an issue for plainclothes cops, but is certainly more so for someone who may be deemed an "unsuitable person" and lose his LTC if his gun is exposed in public and frightens the sheeple.

Many schools and instructors will not allow you to use a crossdraw or shoulder holster in their courses because of the dangers your muzzle can present to people next to you on the line.

(Some may, if yours is the only one, and they can put you on the end of the line.)

I see it as a specialist design, maybe for a bodyguard-driver who has to spend long hours behind the wheel and possibly draw and shoot while seated in a car.

Regards
John

 

[TonyD]

I've posted about this topic in other threads. Yes, it has its place and usefulness.

 

[M1911]

IMHO, cross-draw has several other disadvatnages, stemming from the fact that when you are drawing from cross-draw, with your strong arm across your body, your strong arm is in a very weak position.

Consequently, it is harder you to defend against a front grab to your gun in a cross-draw holster than it is for a gun in a strong-side hip holster. In a cross-draw holster, your gun is in a weak position for you and a strong position for your attacker (assuming both you and your attacker are right-handed, which is most likely).

In addition, it is easier for an attacker to prevent you from drawing from a cross-draw holster than it is from a strong-side hip holster.

Be very, very careful when using from a cross-draw holster. It is very easy to cover your support arm when drawing and reholstering.

 

[Moderator]

IMHO, cross-draw has several other disadvatnages, stemming from the fact that when you are drawing from cross-draw, with your strong arm across your body, your strong arm is in a very weak position.

Consequently, it is harder you to defend against a front grab to your gun in a cross-draw holster than it is for a gun in a strong-side hip holster. In a cross-draw holster, your gun is in a weak position for you and a strong position for your attacker (assuming both you and your attacker are right-handed, which is most likely).

In addition, it is easier for an attacker to prevent you from drawing from a cross-draw holster than it is from a strong-side hip holster.

Be very, very careful when using from a cross-draw holster. It is very easy to cover your support arm when drawing and reholstering.

That is a very intreasting point.

 

[Lynne]

One of the reasons that I carry cross draw on most occaisions is I've been grabbed from behind. It would be much easier for me to draw cross draw than try to get my strong hand arm back to reach for my gun. Had I been carrying back when I was grabbed from behind - I never would have reached the gun as the SOB's body was bacially pinning my right arm.

Course...I'm much more aware of who's around me and how close now than I was back then, so....

And BJ - yes, I've practiced drawing left (weak) hand. My palm is facing away from my body. It's not the most comfie thing to do, but it can be done. Just make sure to keep your finger off the trigger until you get it pointed out in front of you.

 

[Moderator]

Just make sure to keep your finger off the trigger until you get it pointed out in front of you.

thats some good advise [lol]

 

[C-pher]

If you're cross draw and someone grabs you from behind it would be easier for you to just shoot behind you without having to pull your gun.

Me, it doesn't work. I'm to fat to cross draw.

 

[Weerd Beard]

If you're cross draw and someone grabs you from behind it would be easier for you to just shoot behind you without having to pull your gun.

Me, it doesn't work. I'm to fat to cross draw.

nah yer just big boned! [lol]

I dunno if I'd ever want to shoot behind me....but I guess there would be cicumstances.

When you start seein thems black spots in yer eyes, I'd say the need to "Do somthing" would be pretty damn high.

-Weer'd Beard

 

[Lynne]

If you're cross draw and someone grabs you from behind it would be easier for you to just shoot behind you without having to pull your gun.

Me, it doesn't work. I'm to fat to cross draw.

Nah....you're just horizontally challenged. [lol]

That's another reason why I cross draw. Worst case scenario, I could shoot under my left arm if needed. I'd probably put a hole in my jacket, but considering what the alternative could be, I'd rather have to buy a new jacket.

 

[C-pher]

If you're cross draw and someone grabs you from behind it would be easier for you to just shoot behind you without having to pull your gun.

Me, it doesn't work. I'm to fat to cross draw.

Nah....you're just horizontally challenged. [lol]

Hey, I'm in Shape. Round is a good shape!!