ShootistPRS said:
...Wearing a holstered gun on the upper part of the thigh is quite comfortable and accessible while standing and walking. My 9mm is easily drawn from a drop holster that puts the grip at mid-pocket level. ...
The closer your gun is to your hand when your hand is hanging down the further the gun will need to be moved to see your sights and confirm you're on target. You should be able to move your empty hand faster than you can move your hand with a gun in it, and there is no law of nature that says that when you need your gun your shooting hand will be hanging straight down.
So are you suggesting that if you're scratching your chin with your shooting hand when your immediate need for your gun becomes apparent you won't be able to instantly find your gun if it's in a holster at your waist? Well maybe you can't, but I know that I can. I also know a bunch of people who can as well. It doesn't appear to be that difficult with a modicum of training and practice.
In all the training I've done the preferred, general purpose method of carrying a gun has been in a holster at one's waist on one's shooting side. That is the position from which a carried gun can most effectively and efficiently be brought to bear on target under the widest range of conditions.
Other methods of carry (shoulder holster, belly band, crossdraw, thigh holster, etc.) are primarily for special purposes under special conditions such as deep concealment, extended periods seated in a vehicle, wearing certain gear, etc.
There are a lot of ways to carry a gun. But it looks like most instructors, absent a special need, will carry their guns in a shooting side holster at the waist.