Front Sight, Press

Someone visited the blog using the search term, “What is strong side carry?” Wow, that takes me back. But yes, when I think about it, there was a time when I didn’t know this term. Everyone has to start somewhere, so here’s what the term means.

“Strong side” refers to the hand, arm and side of your body which is dominant, usually the right hand, but not always. This is also sometimes referred to as “strong hand.” Conversely, “weak side” or “weak hand” refers to the non-dominant side. If you are right-handed, the “weak side” is the left.

In practical application, “strong side carry” usually means a belt holster, either “pancake” (outside the waistband, OWB) or “inside-the-waistband” (IWB) which is worn on the “strong side.” i.e., the dominant side of the body so that it is readily available to the dominant or “strong” hand.

Strong side carry is among the fastest and most reliable modes of carrying a self defense pistol. While I am aware that there are technical arguments that “cross-draw” (on the weak hand side of the belt with the grip facing toward the strong side) and “appendix carry” (strong side in the front of the body on the belt, approximately where the appendix is located) may be actually faster, strong side carry provides superior conceal-ability in normal modes of dress without sacrificing draw speed.