spirit4earth
Member
Have any of you had much experience with a cross draw holster? Any thoughts on pros/cons/brands?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Cross draw holsters?
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everReady Rob
Member
I really like the cross-draw. Had one made by Forum vendor, Night Guard and it is great.
Some do not like cross-draw because you fan the area to your left (for RH) as you remove gun from holster.
I like it concealed and hiking.
Some do not like cross-draw because you fan the area to your left (for RH) as you remove gun from holster.
I like it concealed and hiking.
Crossdraw is wonderful when in the seated position, either in a office chair or auto.
If I am travelling or driving long distance, the crossdraw is my choice. Easy access while seated and belted in the car.
I will say that, if you do carry xdraw, you need to perfect your technique.
You can avoid muzzle sweep by simply turning your body to your stong side. You don't need to extreme the move. Usually about 30 degrees is enough. Your weak side is still able to hold off someone at close range and at longer range you present a side profile or smaller target.
This also allows you to virtually have your weapon close to target alignment as it leaves the holster. And not come across your assailant, but directly at him.
Work on your technique. Speed comes with practice. Every time I go to the range (2 to 3 times a month) I devote 30 minutes to draw and fire drills with my carry setups.
It's a good routine to get into and become proficient with.
Of course the fastest draw is too have your weapon in hand. Not practical under most circumstances. But your situational awarness plays a large part.
For example, when using a drive up atm, my weapon is removed from the holster in advance, and tucked under my thigh. I get as close to the machine as possible, make sure the doors are locked and never place the shift in park.
If you think about it, it makes a lot of sense.
If I am travelling or driving long distance, the crossdraw is my choice. Easy access while seated and belted in the car.
I will say that, if you do carry xdraw, you need to perfect your technique.
You can avoid muzzle sweep by simply turning your body to your stong side. You don't need to extreme the move. Usually about 30 degrees is enough. Your weak side is still able to hold off someone at close range and at longer range you present a side profile or smaller target.
This also allows you to virtually have your weapon close to target alignment as it leaves the holster. And not come across your assailant, but directly at him.
Work on your technique. Speed comes with practice. Every time I go to the range (2 to 3 times a month) I devote 30 minutes to draw and fire drills with my carry setups.
It's a good routine to get into and become proficient with.
Of course the fastest draw is too have your weapon in hand. Not practical under most circumstances. But your situational awarness plays a large part.
For example, when using a drive up atm, my weapon is removed from the holster in advance, and tucked under my thigh. I get as close to the machine as possible, make sure the doors are locked and never place the shift in park.
If you think about it, it makes a lot of sense.
I've preferred a crossdraw for a number of years....for me it just seems more natural.
As far a brands, I'm partial to the Bianchi Cyclone 111.....it can be worn crossdraw or strongside. Gives you options as to how you want to carry. I have several of them for my different handguns (I said I was partial to them
).
Here's a link if you want to give'em a look-see: Model 111 Cyclone™ Hip Holster Bianchi Leather Holsters
Don
As far a brands, I'm partial to the Bianchi Cyclone 111.....it can be worn crossdraw or strongside. Gives you options as to how you want to carry. I have several of them for my different handguns (I said I was partial to them
). Here's a link if you want to give'em a look-see: Model 111 Cyclone™ Hip Holster Bianchi Leather Holsters
Don
OP
spirit4earth
Member
Great info! I need something for an M&P 9c. I really do like the idea of cross draw. I think it would work well for me.
labworm
US Veteran
Here is what I purchased 4 years ago, holding my Model 60 .38 SPL
Made by Black Hills Leather
Made by Black Hills Leather
Last edited:
Packard
Member
My Simply Rugged holster will carry cross draw.
If you shoot a Glock, their plastic holster has the option of clipping the opening for a vertical, or cross draw. I have one, but I've never carried it cross draw.
If you shoot a Glock, their plastic holster has the option of clipping the opening for a vertical, or cross draw. I have one, but I've never carried it cross draw.
ogilvyspecial
Member
Here's a previous thread dealing with cross draw carry and even though it
deals specifically with J Frames, the principles are still the same for semi-auto's.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/lounge/209920-j-frame-crossdraw-options.html
deals specifically with J Frames, the principles are still the same for semi-auto's.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/lounge/209920-j-frame-crossdraw-options.html
Retired LTC USAR
US Veteran
Forgive my ignorance, but do they make a special holster for "cross draw", or do you just take a strong side holster and wear it on the weak side?
ogilvyspecial
Member
They make dedicated cross draw holsters and if are going to carry that way all of the time, which I do, getting one is your best bet.
If you look at the link I provided in my previous post you will see photo's of what you are likely to be dealing with if using a "3 slot holster" in a cross draw role. They work, but not as good as an actual cross draw holster.
Well heck, that shows how much I know. Or don't know...
I've just been rotating a strong side right-handed IWB holster around to the cross draw position on my left side and calling it done forever.
I don't mean to be a smart aleck here but but in the world is the difference? I like a straight drop non-canted holster, so it just never occurred to me I needed anything special.
Please enlighten me!
labworm
US Veteran
In Post #6 you are looking at one "Made by Black Hills Leather"
This one is made by El Paso Saddlery
"Double Agent" Dual Position Holster
Click "View Larger image" It will show the holster as worn.
So basically you have a holster which can be worn either cross draw or strong side.
This one is made by El Paso Saddlery
"Double Agent" Dual Position Holster
Click "View Larger image" It will show the holster as worn.
So basically you have a holster which can be worn either cross draw or strong side.
george minze
Member
In the 60's Cinci. PD issued Buckheimer Clark cross draws..Worked because at that time we wore our uniform jackets over the weapon as seen on old NYPD movies, St.L used a flaped holster cross draw or strong side for years...What a pain in the winter especially...Compitition PPC basically ended both as we were not allowed to use cross draw on the fireing line for safety purposes...Good Idea finnally..Thank the good Lord for PPC.. Thanks for bomber style jackets instead of those darn tunic style....Well your weapon didn't get wet....
As most have stated, crossdraw is the most comfortable and accessible position when seated. When deer hunting I open carry my 6.5" 29-2 crossdraw which makes access easier when seated and allows me to cover the gun with my coat tail if it starts to rain.
For defensive carry consider that in close quarters with an adversary should they somehow disarm you your gun is already pointed in your direction - that is why crossdraw is not popular in law enforcement. While we try to prevent gun take-aways, crossdraw is a harder position to defend the weapon. And, while we try to maintain a tactical distance, if someone was close enough they may be able to pin your arm as you reach across your body to draw. I have found some horizontal shoulder holsters to be comfortable, think about the position of the gun. If someone else takes it out of your holster it will be pointed right at you. We don't want that to happen, but @#$% happens.
I have and use shoulder and crossdraw holsters. You just have to be aware of the tactical considerations when using them. They have their place, especially car defense from the driver's seat for a right-handed shooter.
For defensive carry consider that in close quarters with an adversary should they somehow disarm you your gun is already pointed in your direction - that is why crossdraw is not popular in law enforcement. While we try to prevent gun take-aways, crossdraw is a harder position to defend the weapon. And, while we try to maintain a tactical distance, if someone was close enough they may be able to pin your arm as you reach across your body to draw. I have found some horizontal shoulder holsters to be comfortable, think about the position of the gun. If someone else takes it out of your holster it will be pointed right at you. We don't want that to happen, but @#$% happens.
I have and use shoulder and crossdraw holsters. You just have to be aware of the tactical considerations when using them. They have their place, especially car defense from the driver's seat for a right-handed shooter.
labworm
US Veteran
And if you are attacked from the rear? The old cross draw vs strong side conversation can go on forever, many threads have covered the conversation.
Retired LTC USAR
US Veteran
Cocked & Locked
Member
Cross Draw fan here. More comfortable and easy to draw with either hand. Can't do that with strong side carry.
I hear folks talk about how their gun is not as secure from a "snatch" when carried cross draw. I don't buy that thought. No bad guy can snatch your gun when you're carrying cross draw and standing at an ATM machine or standing at the urinal in a rest area or your local Wal-Mart.
Also if carrying strong side and have a shirt tail out or jacket covering your gun it takes two separate moves to draw your weapon with one hand. One to flip the clothing and one to draw.
For me, cross draw is quicker and more secure for civilian concealed carry.
I hear folks talk about how their gun is not as secure from a "snatch" when carried cross draw. I don't buy that thought. No bad guy can snatch your gun when you're carrying cross draw and standing at an ATM machine or standing at the urinal in a rest area or your local Wal-Mart.
Also if carrying strong side and have a shirt tail out or jacket covering your gun it takes two separate moves to draw your weapon with one hand. One to flip the clothing and one to draw.
For me, cross draw is quicker and more secure for civilian concealed carry.
like others have said, an adjustable cant or straight IWB holster serves perfectly well as a crossdraw holster too. It works IWB at 4 oclock, it works as appendix carry at 1-2 oclock, and it works as crossdraw at 10-11 oclock. one holster, 3 carry options....love it.
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