Opinions on tactical advantages for cross draw

mballai

For those who have had training/experience, what's the advantages/disadvantages of using a cross draw holster?

Three Precious Metals: Gold, silver and lead

leeblackman

While driving a car, its clear of the seatbelt and easy to draw.

If I'm wrong please correct me, I won't be offended.

The sound of a 12 gauge pump clears a house fatser than Rosie O eats a Big Mac !

rsnyder55

This probably doesn't make any difference, however:

IDPA does not allow crossdraws due to the barrel getting pointed behind you.

pickenup

As previously stated, the barrel is behind you to start, from that point (behind you) to the point where firearm is on target, EVERYTHING across the "sweep" of the barrel is in danger. Our range rules, for competition shoots, do not allow cross draw holsters.

If I knew then, what I know now.

leeblackman

I don't know of any police depts. in this area that allows officers to carry cross draw.

It does have the disadvantage that you have to reach across your body to start the draw, which is slower than from the hip.

If I'm wrong please correct me, I won't be offended.

The sound of a 12 gauge pump clears a house fatser than Rosie O eats a Big Mac !

seamus

All Federal agencies with which I am familiar allow Special Agents to use cross draw and shoulder holsters. The reason relates to the special characteristics of concealed carry that are unique to each individual. Aware of the special danger at the range posed by both of the above types of holsters, those agents with these rigs are placed at one end of the shooting line (right handers to the left, left handers to the right), thereby avoiding the rest of the line from standing within the 'sweep zone.' Moreover, agencies that conduct undercover operations also permit agents to carry non-traditional holsters in appropriate circumstances, such as ankle holsters. However, I have never seen someone with an ankle or fanny pack holster allowed to participate on a line with other shooters. But I have seen them go through the courses individually, if time permits. To my knoweldge, all Federal uniformed officers (as well as many state and municipal uniformed police officers) can use only the traditional hip holster, worn on the strong side. Off duty and undercover, it is generally up to the individual to determine what works best with regard to holsters.

seamus

I should have mentioned that the strong-side hip holster is (at least for me and many others) faster and easier to draw, since the holster is nearer to the strong-side hand. I think it is also more concealable, if worn toward the rear on your hip. The exceptions may be when seated, such as in a vehicle, or when bending forward while wearing a suit. If worn too far to the rear, a bulge can appear. That said, however, I have found that when carrying a rifle slung on my shoulder, the rifle stock slams against my sidearm if worn on the strong side. Very annoying! Because of that, if I carry a sidearm and a rifle (hunting, for example) I wear a cross draw holster.

Jody Commander

Little expieriment: Put on a cross-draw holster, place an EMPTY gun in it, have someone playing the role of assailant stand opposite You at normal conversational distance,(3 feet or so) and on signal, see who draws it first,assuming you are both right handed,He uses his left hand to block your draw and pulls your gun from the holster already pointed in your direction, Bye-Bye!

Nighthawk

Number one advantage that was brought to my attention a few years back was drawing your weapon quickly while seated in a car or the element of surprise when you draw your weapon,the crook may expect it from the right side,And finaly if your dealing with a felon etc. If he goes for your gun hes going to be surprised when its not on your right hip. Im speeking about wearing with a suit or plain closed where the gun is concealed from view. Hope this helps.



Best!!

Rugster

Edited by - rugster on 07/10/2002 09:05:54

sealyon

Jody Commander has a valid point. Saw problem displayed years ago when this question came up. Two guys standing about 4' apart. When first man went to draw from a shoulder holster second man stepped up and seized him by the elbow. At that point he couldn't bring the firearm into play. A real eye-opener..........

gruntled

I would have to expect that it would be easier for someone to take your gun from you in a scuffle, not only is it facing them but it would be on their strong side (assuming both are right handed).