Thoughts/opinions on cross-draw holster

[Florida Guy]

Looking for a suitable holster for a 36 and wonder if a c-d is a good option.
They seem like they would be easy to get to, especially when seated.

 

[ConquestN98858]

Don Hume and Fobus have a couple of Paddle Holsters that work well!
I have a Don Hume Paddle for my Chiefs Special that I purchased in 1978 and it still serves me well and looks "like new"
I'm kind of anal about my stuff so that explains the primo condition for so long!

 

[Dennis The B]

CD holsters are...

...the proverbial two-edged sword; but then again, all holsters are a compromise. None work in every condition.

I own a couple of crossdraws. Except for seated in the car, they're a bit too awkward. In some self-defense classes, we were always advised that in close quarters, your arm could be pinned against your body while trying to draw. The BG could then grab your gun with his right hand. The same holds true with shoulder rigs. With a strong-side carry, your drawing hand was always away from the threat, and less likely to be grabbed.

That stated, to each his/her own. Just my $.02 worth.

 

[Sevenshooter]

I like the 3-slot holsters. Allows strongside and crossdraw in the same holster.

I have Galcos and Simply Ruggeds for a lot of my stuff. For seated, driving and riding, the cross draw option is great. Strongside and seated, the draw is going to be tricky.

Ss

 

[buckeyeshooter1]

i like the bianchi 111 crossdraw.

 

[corgiS&W]

Take a look at Lobo Leather. I have been considering either the Model 1 or the 1-SL.
Lobo Gun Leather - Home

 

[Cocked & Locked]

cross-draw

I prefer cross-draw and am wearing an old dedicated cross-draw one now now...a Bianchi #111 Cyclone with a 2.5" 19-2 stuffed in it. The newer ones will work strong side or CD. I once owned the same holster for a 1911 but did not like it. The thumb break strap would constantly disengage the safety.

I also found a Galco open top cross-draw for a J-frame that I've never seen another like. It works great with my J-frame S&W's, Charter Arms Undercover, and Ruger SP101.

I've also have a couple other Galco cross-draw holsters. Galco makes the Phoenix model and the (DAO) Dual Action Outdoorsman. Both of those are great. I have the Phoenix for N-frames and the DAO for Python's and L-frames.

Another cross-draw advantage is that the gun can be drawn/re-holstered with either hand.

 

[H Richard]

They have their place, (use when seated) but be aware that you have to be careful as when you draw the gun you will often sweep yourself. For that reason, they are not allowed in competitions.

 

[feralmerril]

In his book "No secound place winner" Bill jordan defended the cross draw with the same logic I always had wondered about: He said people claim a cross draw lets someone faceing you can draw it as easily as you can. He answers that with this: I would rather be faceing someone reaching for my gun than haveing someone from behind me trying for it! Sounds reasonable to me!

 

[vytoland]

i prefer cross draw with any of my revolvers. for me its easier to grab and present the firearm.

 

[.357magger]

I think they are VERY viable tools, but as previously noted, ANY system has advantages and disadvantages. Seated a lot is a big plus for this method, same as shoulder holsters (which I also like/use).

As long as you are aware of the potential downsides, like learning retention skills with your off hand, I think they work as well as any other. The key is practicing with them, as it is with any system.

Just my .02.

 

[Retired LTC USAR]

If you are say, right handed, can't you use a right hand holster as both a strong side and a cross draw, just by moving it from the right side to the left side? I have never seen a holster designed just for "cross draw".

 

[Wheelgunner840]

Retired LTC, USAR;If you are say, right handed, can't you use a right hand holster as both a strong side and a cross draw, just by moving it from the right side to the left side? I have never seen a holster designed just for "cross draw".

A vast majority of right side holsters are canted slightly forward, or are at most straight up. This does not work well when put in the crossdraw position. It can be done though. A holster like the Texas Cross Draw angles (cants) the holster in the opposite direction, so you are basically drawing across your abdomen and upward as opposed to straight up or in the other direction.


WG840

 

[feralmerril]

For many years I wore a don hume holster where the butt was kicked back a few degrees and the barrel kicked forward. The front was cut down a little deeper to faciliate a smooth unimpeeded draw. That type also made a good crossdraw. It got stolen. I never did like those extream butt forward types. Why should you un naturaly twist your wrist backward? Of course physical build dictates what works best. I have always been a blimp. When I first started out I did wear a crossdraw but that was with a six inch, when I went to a 4" I went conventional.

 

[senecaap]

I hate the cross draw....I have a lot to cross before I get to it.
I also never had much luck with concealing it, I always seemed to be in the open. I have to stick with a 4-5 o'clock.
When driving, I know it's not the best, but I use the "wedge it between the seat" mode to have it ready.

 

[Florida Guy]

I like the 3-slot holsters. Allows strongside and crossdraw in the same holster.
Ss

I like the Galco cop 3 slot and will probably get one as I can use it in the two ways you mention.

 

[smith revolver cop]

Although it is possible for your (strong) arm to get pinned against your body by the BG, the appropriate response is to then draw the gun with your offside hand. With a cross-draw, this is fairly easily down with the old "cavalry draw." It's actually probably easier to draw from a cross draw holster with either hand than it is with a traditional strong-side holster.

 

[.357magger]

I like the Galco cop 3 slot and will probably get one as I can use it in the two ways you mention.

3 slot hoster variants, particularly pancakes, are among the most versatile types to own imo. 2 in 1 so to speak.

Several posters mentioned "girth" as an issue and while I am not so built, I'd never thought of it that way before. I find when concealing with CD, if you move the gun to the side, and NOT angling forward, it will be much easier to conceal. But if you're having to cover "a lot of ground" so to speak, that might make it harder to manipulate.

God bless that He made us all different, and that we live in a country with so many options...for carry.

 

[feralmerril]

I had a friend that flew choppers for los angles co. sheriffs dept. Cross draw and shouder holsters are good for that. You just got to try different ways and see what you like best. But then again you may have no choice if you work on various departments.
When I was doing gate guard duty or desk work where you are up and down every couple secounds it didnt take long before you scooted a comfortable desk chair with arms out of the way for just a armless stool. Your gun would hang up on the chair. The last number of years I worked I wore suspenders to help. Captains probley wasnt thrilled, but I had them color coded with the uniform shirts, plus I always had more whiskers than my superiors and they left me alone.

 

[gkitch]

Since no one has emphasized it, let me be clear: the crossdraw is a poor concealment holster.
Like it's relative, the shoulder holster, it is almost impossible to use without flashing the gun in public. If you carry a badge and drive a Ford Crown Vic around then concealment is not much of a priority. Likewise if you are driving your tractor or riding your mule on your own property or hunting with a backup gun along, then, sure, use a crossdraw.
If concealment is a priority then highly recommend you go strong-side close carry.