Cross Draw

[gsh341]

Cross draw has it's advantages and it's disadvantages, just like any other carry style. However, I feel the advantages outweigh the disadvantages in my case.

I spend a good portion of the day seated either in a car or behind a desk and cross draw is very comfortable and easy to draw from in this position. I also like the fact that when I am working on equipment on site and cannot watch behind me as much as I'd like, my weapon is in front and harder for someone else to get to.

Concealability does suffer some due to the amount of cant on my OWB holster, but I don't really care how well concealed it is as I open carry as much, if not more, than I carry concealed.

Some say cross draw lends itself to sweeping things besides the target and takes longer to draw. I suggest that practice will solve the time issue and if you're sweeping anything other than your target with your finger in the trigger, you may need to rethink how you draw from cross draw.

[thejoe]

GSH,
I'm curious what field you're in (other than military) where you can open carry as much as or more than you carry concealed. I need to get a job like that.

I will be carrying OWB to/from work, IWB any other time I carry. Do you think I'll be able to find an IWB that will work?

joe

[gsh341]

Originally Posted by thejoe

GSH,
I'm curious what field you're in (other than military) where you can open carry as much as or more than you carry concealed. I need to get a job like that.

I will be carrying OWB to/from work, IWB any other time I carry. Do you think I'll be able to find an IWB that will work?

joe

Open carry is completely legal in South Dakota and no permit is needed, unless you want to carry in your car. Concealed permits are easy to get so I have one just to save time and hassle. In my encounters with law enforcement (my car was hit twice in a month! ) none have ever given me a hard time.

I am an ATM tech so deciding on OC or CC is a daily choice and I find OC more comfortable. I get my fair share of questioning looks and odd questions and statements like "Are you a cop?", "You can't have that in public.", "Why do you have a gun?" and all the rest. I answer everyone in an informative and friendly manner and help spread the good word that guns are not evil and are, in fact, your friend.

By the way, Idaho does allow OC without a permit at 18 years old.

http://www.opencarry.org/

[exexpat93]

http://shop.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=339237

Very comfortable while walking, sitting, or driving.

[thejoe]

Oh, yes... I know Idaho has legal open carry. But, I work in Washington and can't open carry there (as far as I know, yet). Plus, my place of business has banned firearms. Anyway... I open carry whenever I can get away with it.

joe

[Slugger]

My only input would be to make sure that those of you who cross draw don't get caught by supprise. If an attacker is within closing distance . . . it's possible to get your drawing hand pinned against you. I still carry this way as well sometimes so I'm not pointing fingers, just want everyone to know this is possible. You can pull a spin type move and draw while you are turning. Sounds dumb but it may work for you. ha it may even confuse your attacker for a half second so you can get the drop on him?

Slugger

[Halfswiss]

The problem with cross draw is that your muzzle passes over a lot of territory on the way to pointing at the BG. I used to favor the cross draw and still do for hunting. But after going through a law enforcement training class, I've moved to strong side.

[AbNo]

I tend to stick with it, because

1> It's a natural reaction to cover your body with your hands/arms

2> I tend to keep my arms turned towards my center of mass, anyway...

3> See 1

[jtkratzer]

My only gripe with with cross draw is that if someone is able to get to you before you draw, one hand on your drawing elbow can get your arm pinned against your chest making it very difficult to draw your gun.

[gsh341]

Originally Posted by jtkratzer

My only gripe with with cross draw is that if someone is able to get to you before you draw, one hand on your drawing elbow can get your arm pinned against your chest making it very difficult to draw your gun.

I would think that if someone is close enough to try and pin my arm against me by force, I should be able to use force against them with my free hand. We have also seen how a person with a knife can close with you from 21' before you can draw, but in those situations your gun should be the final stage of your response, not the first.

Simply put, if someone is within physical striking distance, move away from them as rapidly as possible and seek cover before drawing. If you can't move away fast enough, you should defend yourself until you can move away.

And if they have a knife in their hand and you have nothing in yours, what are you waiting for?