Can you safely draw from a reverse holster?

[Montana Slim]

Military flap holster?...I say MAYBE...only due the possible orientation of muzzle as you draw it. Is this a rearward-canted (angled)holster? and if so, can it be adjusted to hang muzzle vertical?  Whatever your plans are, I suggest demonstratign for your posse/Ros/Match director PRIOR to shooting.

With MY holsters(homemade slim jims), definitely a YES ....Been demonstrating my flavor of the reverse or "twist" draw for a number of years in both NCOWS and SASS matches. Early in the game, I was asked how I was going to draw my pistols (considering both are swung the "wrong" way)....so I demonstrated to match directors, posse members and ROs how I was planning to draw before my first stage. First in "really" slow speed, then at my normal (slow) speed.

Note that all twist or reverse draw techniques are equal. Mine preferences follow. First, the holster must be oriented straight down. The pistol must be drawn close to straight as possible, clearing the holster, then swung downrange (straight away from me) while oriented ups-down....once it is clearly downrange I complete the twist. Properly executed, this is as safe as any other draw method (properly executed). Some twist the pistol while in the holster, but I do not do this because I find it easier to clear leather with the long-barrels, riding at waist height, while fully reversed. If twisting in the holster, I notice more tendency to dip the muzzle rearward during the draw.

My preference is to use this style with my 1860 percussion Colts, as I believe it is a historically correct mode of carry (easy to sit stand or move) while packing a long barreled pistol at my waist. I draw my right pistol with right hand (twist draw), but I'll often draw my left holstered pistol with my right hand, using the crossdraw movement to avoid transferring to my strong-side.....unless I'm going double-duelest or gunfighter (there is - or used to be a SASS rule against this)...What do I like least about firing gunfighter C&B (?) - BAD caps.

If I move up & out of the percussion era, I prefer traditional barrel-forward (rather than butt-forward) carry....just seems "right" to me

Slim

[Abilene]

Butt-forward twist draw is SASS legal in all categories except gunfighter.  It is okay for double duelist.  I do it a lot like Montana Slim, straight drop holsters, drawing my offside gun as a crossdraw and twist draw for strong side, but I reholster differently using two hands as it is just easier for me that way.  Photos here: http://www.davidscottharper.com/shoot/CavTwist.htm  Have never had any issues with the RO.

[Oregon Bill]

Abilene, that is darned slick, Thanks for posting that link to your photos.

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[cal44walker]

After looking at the youtube video, can someone explain to me how he is NOT breaking the 170 degree rule by about 20 degrees? As the gun comes out of the holster it is pointing about 190 degrees to the rear of the firing line. Is that not a safety violation? His finger may be off the trigger but the muzzle is still pointing in the direction of the firing line.

cal44walker

[Mean Bob Mean]

Thanks Abilene, I have always worn my pistols butt forward and prefer that draw--if I can get it allowed.

[PJ Hardtack]

In Schiffers's book on ACW revolvers, there are pics of soldiers and Officers wearing their flap holsters butt to the rear, despite regs to the opposite.

Seems a little combat experience was enough to convince them which way was best.

[St. George]

Sounds more like the negatives were reversed.

They weren't like the 'Mexican Loop' holster that could be worn on either side - they featured a 'dedicated' right-hand-only flap and loop.

Look more carefully at the photos.

Then, as now - the primary weapon of Cavalry (the guys that actually carried revolvers) was the carbine.

They weren't walking down the battlefield towards one another a'la 'Gunsmoke', or some other fantasy scenario seen in C&WAS.

Scouts Out!

[PJ Hardtack]

No, the negative is not reversed. Schiffers is too good of a researcher to fall for that and you aren't giving me any credit either.

The photo show a group of Infantry Officers, three seated, one standing. Also standing is an Infantry Sergeant with his rifle at the order on his right side. So is his cap box.
Of the three holsters visible, two are being worn on the right side, angled to the front, butt to the rear. One of the seated Officers appears to be wearing the issue holster on the right, butt facing forward.

Two of the holsters, while both flap type, do not appear to be large enough for the 1860 Army, so I suspect that they were smaller, privately purchased arms.

Sounds more like the negatives were reversed.
They weren't like the 'Mexican Loop' holster that could be worn on either side - they featured a 'dedicated' right-hand-only flap and loop.
Look more carefully at the photos.Scouts Out!

[Cliff Fendley]

Even if you reverse negatives it wont make a butt forward appear to be butt toward the rear.

[OklaTom]

Even if you reverse negatives it wont make a butt forward appear to be butt toward the rear.

I had to laugh at this, Cliff.  The "negative reversed" claim was so obviously wrong regarding the butt forward/butt rearward issue that I ignored it as a ridiculous hip shot made without any real thought behind it.  Glad it was not just me...

[Mean Bob Mean]

Even if you reverse negatives it wont make a butt forward appear to be butt toward the rear.

What if they are from an alternate universe?

[OklaTom]

What if they are from an alternate universe?

Ah, that would explain it...   

[Cole Bluesteele]

Cowboys & Aliens!!!!!!

[Cliff Fendley]

What if they are from an alternate universe?

In that case they've got their butts where they don't belong.