No matter the pursuit, we often base our actions on what we have seen others do—even when the only justification is, “That’s the way we’ve always done it.” This mindset can be problematic, especially when lives are at stake. Nowhere is this more evident than in the way people carry a handgun for self-defense.
Miyamoto Musashi, the legendary Japanese swordsman, wrote, “The approach to combat and everyday life should be the same.” After over two decades of studying interpersonal conflict—from body mechanics to the physiological response to perceived danger—I’ve found that we tend to choose what is easiest or most comfortable rather than what provides the best advantage in a crisis.
A Historical Perspective on Carrying Weapons
Before firearms, people carried swords. Due to their length, swords were worn in a cross-draw fashion, allowing for ease of movement while sitting, crouching, or riding a horse. The technique for drawing a sword not only facilitated a swift response but also allowed for an initial “clearing cut,” which simultaneously injured the attacker and created space for follow-up actions.
On horseback, warriors managed the reins with their non-dominant hand while keeping their weapon hand resting near their lap. This wasn’t just for comfort—it was for stability. Balance is critical in the saddle, and keeping the strong hand near the body maintained control.
The human body is structured around triangles: the upper triangle, formed by the head and elbows, and the lower triangle, formed by the groin and feet. Maximum strength and control are found when the hands remain close to the centerline, whereas extending the arms outward weakens stability. This principle influenced the way weapons were carried and drawn throughout history.
The Evolution from Swords to Firearms
Early American law enforcement saw more officers on motorcycles than in patrol cars. As the sword gave way to the firearm, the cross-draw carry position remained common. On horseback, more rounds were likely fired than on motorcycles, but the logic remained the same—drawing cross-draw kept the firearm within the body’s strong upper triangle rather than extending it outward where control could be compromised.
During my career as a police officer, duty holsters were worn on the hip at the pocket seam, secured by belt keepers. This setup worked well with modern duty holsters, which stand off from the belt for added comfort. However, off-duty, holsters conform to the body, creating pressure points that often lead people to shift them behind the hip—typically to the 4 o’clock position.
The Drawback of Strong-Side Carry
When drawing from behind the hip, the shooter’s head naturally moves forward while the elbow swings backward. This motion has two major drawbacks:
- It disrupts balance, compromising the lower triangle’s stability.
- As the hand rotates with the thumb pointing downward, the arm loses its natural anatomical strength for pushing forward, making the draw less efficient.
Training often emphasizes drawing quickly from a standing position and firing at a stationary target. However, little time is spent practicing how to draw effectively from various positions—such as inside a vehicle or up against a wall—where traditional strong-side carry puts the shooter at a disadvantage.
The Advantage of Cross-Draw Carry
Consider a common real-world scenario: you’re seated in your car when a threat emerges. Most people (93% being right-handed) carry behind the hip, making their firearm nearly inaccessible when seated with a seatbelt fastened. The same issue arises when pinned against a wall or lying on one’s back—positions where the elbow cannot move rearward to facilitate a strong-side draw.
Cross-draw carry solves these issues by keeping the firearm in front of the body, allowing for a faster and more natural draw. Additionally:
- When drawing from cross-draw, the firearm is already between the shooter and the attacker.
- Retaining the weapon is easier; with strong-side carry, retention tactics often involve using the dominant hand to secure the holster, leaving the weaker hand to fight. With cross-draw, the weak hand can control the firearm while the strong hand remains free to engage.
- Cross-draw placement makes it less detectable to casual contact. As a bouncer, I often used the “gun bump” technique—brushing against people to detect a firearm on their hip. A gun carried cross-draw is more discreet, as objects near the centerline are often mistaken for a phone or other common item.
Finding the Right Cross-Draw Holster
Before modern appendix carry rigs, I attempted to modify standard IWB holsters to function similarly, with limited success. I approached cross-draw carry the same way—initially trying to adapt conventional OWB holsters. However, dedicated cross-draw holsters proved to be the best solution.
Desantis offers excellent options, including:
- The Roscoe Cross Draw – Designed for small-frame revolvers, this premium leather holster features adjustable tension and reinforced molding for secure retention and easy reholstering.
- The Sky Cop – Originally designed for Air Marshals, this holster provides a comfortable solution for seated carry. It includes adjustable tension and an open-top design for a secure yet accessible fit.
Regardless of the holster, a proper belt is essential. A quality belt that matches the holster’s slot width prevents shifting and enhances comfort.
Conclusion
Carrying a firearm in a way that balances security, comfort, and accessibility from disadvantaged positions is critical. Cross-draw carry offers a practical solution, especially for those who spend significant time seated or anticipate the need for rapid access under stress.
It’s not always easy to find the perfect carry position, but when an option provides both comfort and an advantage in a life-or-death situation, it’s worth serious consideration.
About the Author
George Matheis began his law enforcement career at 18 as an Army MP before attending the Baltimore City Police Academy. He later served with the Aberdeen Police Department in Maryland, specializing in edged weapon survival, SWAT operations, and field training. In 2007, he developed the edged weapon program for the Air Force’s DAGRE (Deployed Aircraft Ground Response Element) at Hurlburt Field, FL. After retiring, he became a Combat Skills Instructor for the U.S. Air Force’s Expeditionary Command teaching high threat driving, advanced weapons & handling and combatives.
George is the creator of the Modern Combative System, integrating empty-hand combat, impact weapons, edged weapons, and firearms (especially the J-Frame revolver) for engagements within seven yards. He is a Master Instructor in Center Axis Relock and has extensive martial arts experience, particularly in Japanese systems.
