Cross Draw Pros and Cons

Guns & Gear Gear
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I am starting to conceal carry. My thought is that I am in a minority that might function better with cross draw(i.e. carry on left at 3 and am right handed). Found some articles on carry where this is mentioned but no specifics. Is this possible? What are Pros and Cons? Holsters? Thanks.

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It’s definitely possible. A con would be possibly “sweeping” any unintended targets in your draw stroke. Pros include, but aren’t limited to comfort while sitting/driving. Access while seated/driving. In the unlikely event of a negligent discharge, NOT shooting your self in The gluteus Maximus. Holsters with adjustable cant, would work. There’s always the custom holster market like those from Savoy Leather.

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Thank you for taking time away on this holiday to respond. This just seems more natural to me. You do make a good point about “sweeping” unintended targets. I will give that some thought. Thanks again and have a great 4th of July holiday.

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You are most welcome. Happy Independence Day!

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I agree. It definitely can be done. Find a holster that works for you and train with it. When you train, pay attention to your muzzle to make sure you’re not flagging anyone or thing you don’t want. And then practice some more. After your draw is proficient, try to practice at a location where you can can fire from your draw.

The only real downside is in really close encounters, your movement to a close target is significantly more than from your strong side hip.

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I’m also exploring cross draw appendix… several reasons…

  1. I am very short waisted and 3 o’clock draw I have to be fully up in my armpit before I clear the holster.
  2. I find 4-6 o’clock uncomfortabe
  3. I have an abundance of bust, so I get good concealment in 10-2 o’clock
  4. I am generally happier if my firearm is not pointed at a femur or femoral artery as in 1-2 o’clock. Cross draw with a cant puts the muzzle at the very outer edge of my thigh.
  5. In regular appendix, when I sit, the muzzle contacts my thigh and drives the holster up into one of The Girls… NOT comfortable. And definitely does NOT look right or normal.
  6. When I carry in my carry tank(corset) or carry leggings, cross draw is where the firearm fits best.

On the down side…

  1. Drawing in a grapple would be difficult
  2. Draw motion is much more visible than from kidney or small of back
  3. Draw stroke is more easily interfered with
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Thank you for taking the time. Appreciate the thoughts and suggestions. The next step is a search for the holster.

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That’s an awful long reach around. I carry cross draw a lot and usually that’s between 10-11 O’clock.

CD to me is far more practical for someone that is sitting and needs quick access to their firearm than any other carry position.

Downside? You have to go to great lengths to avoid muzzling the people to your off side and it makes a quick draw to first shot inherently less accurate because instead of just coming straight up on your target you have to come up and across which will tend to cause you to throw your shots to your strong hand/drawing side.

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Can you suggest holster modifications that enable cross draw ? Just purchased my first holster. I know the modifications are mostly personal but I am wondering if anyone has experience here and some suggestions. All would be appreciated. I want to try this carry method for awhile and compare to right sided later.

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@legere are you IWB or OWB? Are you modifying an existing holster? What’s it made of? And what is it you’re wanting to change / improve?

I carry crossdraw IWB appendix and I’ve adjusted my index to change the cant so it sits with the slide at closer to the 45 degree angle than to the 90 degree upright. For me, that’s the most comfortable because the muzzle isn’t digging into my thigh when I sit, and it is easier to draw. Its probably a bit slower on target than strong side draw, but for me it’s a lot more concealed.