Which holster configuration is faster - cross draw vs double strong side

[TheOtherLeft]

Hi pards,

I'm new to SASS and have participated in a few club shoots. I have all of my guns and leathers. When I ordered my leathers I bought 3 holsters. Until now I have been using my cross draw and single strong side (right handed) for my holster accreditation.

Which has faster transitions - double strong side or cross draw? I'm yet to try it at home but will do tonight. I know I will have to transition from my left (weak) hand to my right as opposed to drawing from the cross draw.

From reading the SASS manual I can't have two loaded revolvers in hand at the same time, however if using double strong side can I reholster my fired revolver at the same time as unholstering my loaded revolver? Does this work for the Duelist category?

Cheers.

[Cliff Fendley]

I prefer two strong side holsters one worn in crossdraw position rather than double strong side holsters.

I shoot NCOWS and holster my first revolver back in my crossdraw as I draw my second revolver. One goes in and the other comes out with the other hand. After I fire my first revolver I grab it over the top with my weak hand and drop it back in the crossdraw holster as my strong hand goes for the second revolver.

When handling the gun this way I dont waste any time getting it back in the holster after five rounds of black powder just went through it.

I'm so slow at shooting this method doesn't have any effect on my scoring outcome but it does seem to make things go smoother if I do it right.

[TheOtherLeft]

Thanks for that.

I actually found a good explanation from "August" http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,45552.0.html

[August]

Good.  I was gonna post, but you've seen my thoughts.

I will add, however, that working with shooters who use cross-draw holsters shows that, several times during a match, time is given back when the cross-draw encumbers one to two seconds of hard earned time.  It is very frustrating to watch a shooter work hard to win only to give time back because of a poor rig choice they made many years ago. 

But, as I said, they sure look cool.

[Pettifogger]

Holster configuration is not the determining factor.  The determining factor is PRACTICE.  World Champion shooters have used both and won.  One of my best buds won the World Championship for duelist a couple of years ago using a cross draw. 

[TheOtherLeft]

Thanks for your tips Pettifogger, you've provided lots of great responses to my many posts.

Since I'm new to the game i figure I may as well get used and practice with a rig setup that will last over the years as opposed to getting proficient in one setup, i.e. crossdraw, and then find out I need to change to double strong side later on.

I purposely bought 3 holsters when I bought my leathers so I can try both combinations.

[Red Cent]

Cross draw has the "Idaho John" holster method. Double strong side has its "transfer". But you need an accommodating holster.

You simply practice enough to keep both hands moving and efficient. The "trick" to transferring the weak hand gun (double strong side)is to present it "clean". Going for the left gun, the thumb is on the hammer, my forefinger is in front of the trigger guard, my middle finger is on the bottom back part of the trigger guard, and my little finger backed by my ring finger, is lifting the gun. As soon as it clears leather, my thumb is on the hammer (the area that traps the hammer to the receiver), my forefinger and my middle finger (only) presents the grip(clean) strong hand and the weak hand cocks the gun as it is presented to the target.
Now having said all of that, most holsters will not work very well. This one will.