Thoughts/opinions on cross-draw holster

[OK Hog Shooter]

I have a lot of "country to cover", like senecaap, to use a cross draw. I typically use one of those rectangle zippered flat padded gun cases, stuck between the driver's seat and the console during travel. Being left handed, that type carry really doesn't provide me with a particularly quick response but it does provide legal concealed carry. A cross draw or canted holster might provide an acceptable solution. I've thought about it and like the idea. The responses here, especially the photo, are good food for thought. Speaking of food... I think it's time to go eat!

 

[Big Foot]

I hate the cross draw....I have a lot to cross before I get to it.

That reminded me of a funny story that Duke Venterino (mag writer in hefty proportions) said: Can't cross-draw-can't reach it. Can't ankle carry: same thing Can't B.O.B: same thing Can't shoulder holster: same thing. He is content with SS carry....
To the OP, I find it comforting, easy reach, no coat sweep to worry about, etc. All these stories of "what if the BG does this & that is all based on the BG knowing everything about you, your strengths, and concealment." All over-blown IMHO....

 

[one eye joe]

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

DITTO......

 

[Snapping Twig]

Big fan of the Bianchi Cyclone 111, I have several for different revolvers.

Very convenient when hunting and packing a rifle.

Not so good for weapon retention for LE or concealment although one time I got the Fish & Game shakedown in the backwoods. I had thrown on my coat since it was freezing and thereby "concealed" my revolver. The DFG guy sprung on us and had us stand by and do a weapons check - no cartridges in the chamber for rifles while in a vehicle. We were good to go, but I'm pretty certain he'd have disapproved if he had noticed my loaded revolver, concealed and all.

So, in some cases crossdraw is possible to conceal.

The Constitution and the 2A is my carry permit.

 

[CrossRifles2008]

With a crossdraw the guy your wrestling might take your gun? Well when you are that close you better know how to fight. If the guy is already on you, and is a better fighter, it doesn't matter how well you shoot. At that if he is a better fighter, he will probably take your weapon if its strong side too!

 

[ISOM]

Cross Draw holsters

The need for a crossdraw holster:
If you sit a lot or drive a lot
A SHOULDER HOLSTER or PALET would be what you want.

 

[67 GTO]

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

I often carry a J-frame in a Lobo 1-SL. I'm probably average height and weight (5'10" and 170 lbs.) and I find it to be excellent for travel when driving. Easy to reach and no trouble to conceal under a loose shirt or jacket, even with a LG-305 laser grip.
For around town and quick trips, it goes into a Mika pocket holster.

 

[corgiS&W]

Thanks for the positive reply. Probably my next purchase.

 

[Zebulon]

Cocked and Locked....I'm sorry I missed the pictures you posted....I'm leaning toward Cross Draw myself and have both a 2.5" 66 and a 2" 64 to carry......If possible, repost those K Framed choices for us....I'll be PMing you anyway....Thanks....Zebulon

 

[M3Stuart]

In the field, I carry a 4" something or other strong side and almost always have a 2.5" 66 or my model 60 in a crossdraw on the left side with the speedloader-holder. The angled crossdraw ones work best, but I have a box full of nylon KNJ holsters (que laughter...but I like 'em and they're cheap.)

 

[ogilvyspecial]

As a dedicated cross draw carrier my, usual,
go to rig for the K Frame's are Mernickle's.

I went with the camo on the one holster just as a
color code sort of thing since I have so many PS10DA's.

One thing I noticed on the camo holster was that the leather is smoother (slippery) so
the retention isn't as good as the regular, dyed, leather version. That issue resolved
itself as the inside of the holster got "scuffed in" with use, which didn't take all that long.

Another cross draw holster that I'm pretty fond of is more "old school."
I scored it, and a similar paddle (leather) type, from a forum member
who answered a wtb ad that I had placed in the classified's.

 

[Stirling]

In the field, I carry a 4" something or other strong side and almost always have a 2.5" 66 or my model 60 in a crossdraw on the left side with the speedloader-holder. The angled crossdraw ones work best, but I have a box full of nylon KNJ holsters (que laughter...but I like 'em and they're cheap.)

I had a nylon holster that doubled as a cross draw holster for my 4" M28. I carried it like that often and it concealed well and was quick to access.

 

[labworm]

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

Same here, and I can present it faster than on my strong side.
Of course if someone sneaks up behind me with a bat I don't stand a chance.

 

[nossew]

Cross Draw worked for "Angel Eyes".

 

[hotrod150]

I had a Bucheimer holster kinda like the one pictured above. I bought it out of the used holster bin at a LGS because it had that old school look. I've seen pics of a similar holster Tom Selleck packs his Fitz revolver in on Blue Bloods, I guess he carries it strong side but if it's like the one I had it's not especially well suited for that. Mine had a neutral cant which didn't make it especially great for crossdraw and the spring-retention design made it too hard to holster the gun if it was worn on the strong side. Kind of a "neither fish nor fowl" deal.

 

[jaymoore]

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 like the #111 as a strong side "conventional" holster when carrying shorter barreled revolvers. The muzzle forward rake is actually faster and less awkward for me. The covered trigger guard also allows use in IDPA and Steel Challenge without drama. But it's pretty slow as a strong side holster when in the confines of a vehicle. Mostly because I'm left handed and the vehicle seat is close to the door. A rightie should have less drama unless the vehicle has a bench seat.

 

[hotrod150]

Close to 30 years ago, I competed in the South-West Pistol League in southern California. for a couple years. I had a Bianchi Askins Avenger holster which I originally wore in the standard 10-11 o'clock crossdraw postion, but later switched it to the 1-2 o'clock position when I noticed that the SWPL top guns all seemed to wear their guns there. Much faster to get out & on target. Not so great for concealment IMHO, but then again I don't feel that any OWB carry conceals real well (at least for me).
I used to think a high-riding strong-side 3-4 oclock carry was the way to go. Now that I'm older, I find that it's not so easy to reach the gun butt there. I started EDC'ing a 2" j-frame a couple months ago, and have found that IWB carry at 1-2 o'clock (aka appendix position) works best for me for both concealment & accessing the gun. Crossdraw at 10 o'clock or so works pretty good for open carry (woods, BBQ's, etc).

 

[VaRecon]

Personally I am not very quick with them, I carry a 640 Pro in my pocket which is easiest in my case.
If you are proficient with your holster and your draw it doesn't matter where it is.