I've been down this road myself, and I arrived at the conclusion you mentioned at the end...pocket carry of a smaller gun. In my case, I carry two - one in each pocket, mostly for easy ambidextrous access. I'd rather that than digging out a larger gun from under a jacket, tucked shirt, etc. Plus, I can draw easily one-handed, which is important to me. Needing two hands to access the gun quickly is a no-go.
It seems that cross draw would allow drawing without touching the jacket. Just reach in and pull it out. If you pull the appendix back to just in front of the hip you might not need to put the gun under the shirt. Just a thought.
I don't like to rely on just the jacket as a cover garment since there are plenty of scenarios where it might have to come off. I do prefer deep carry with the holster entirely below the beltline, worn over top of the shirt. That configuration does make things more accessible.
Reaching behind, to clear the cover garment, reminds me of something shown in Chic Gaylord’s book. IIRC, it was at least partially intended as a somewwhat sleight-of-hand move, to distract an opponent’s attention from the weapon side. (It has been a LONG time since I saw my copy of his book. Many of my books aqre in rented storage.)
I've done a couple videos on them myself. In short: - you have to keep the jacket on - the jacket had to be cut specifically for the holster - horizontal holsters only really work with Shield sized guns or smaller Plus several other issues. It's an option, but I don't find any major differentiating benefits unless you're spending large parts of your day seated.
Yea, I think I've heard that too. But given that I've also heard/read the horizontal elbow shield called "The Count" (in one of Rory Miller's books, I think) I wanted to avoid any confusion.
