If you're buying a holster to carry your handgun and you've decided on a holster that you'll wear on your hip, a big consideration is whether you'll place the holster on your dominant side or on the opposite side of your body — in a position known as cross-draw. For example, if you're right-handed, it's conventional to have the holster on your right hip. In this position, you can simply lower your hand to grab the handle of your gun and pull it out.
Cross-draw, in which you'll have the holster and firearm on your left hip, might seem a little awkward at first, but it may be appealing in some scenarios. Here are some reasons in which you might favor a cross-draw position.
It Could Be More Accessible
Depending on how you often stand or sit, there's a potential that the cross-draw approach could actually make it easier for you to grab your weapon. For example, if you're a commercial truck driver who favors carrying a pistol to provide protection, having the holster on your right hip may be difficult because of the seat belt's placement. Should you need to grab your gun in a hurry, the belt may be in your way. In this scenario, opting for the cross-draw placement means that the seatbelt won't be an obstacle.
You Have Shoulder Issues
Although the motion of reaching for a pistol on your dominant side's hip is easy to lots of gun owners, this isn't the case for everyone. Grabbing a pistol in this position requires you to bend your arm and push your elbow behind you to some degree — and this could be difficult if you have shoulder issues.
For example, if you suffer from a lack of range of motion in your dominant shoulder, perhaps from an acute injury, a recent surgery, or simply wear and tear from throughout your lifetime, you may find that it's physically easier to use the cross-draw method.
As A Secondary Weapon
Perhaps you feel as though placing the holster on your dominant side is your best bet. In this case, you may still want to consider a cross-draw holster to carry a secondary weapon. In the event of a physical struggle, an assailant may quickly identify the gun on your dominant side and reach for it. If you're not able to prevent him or her from doing so, your life could be in jeopardy. However, if you have a firearm in the cross-draw position, you could quickly retrieve it.
For more information, contact a company like Freedom Holsters LLC.
