Cross Draw Holster OWB
Cross draw belt holster
When you say cross draw first thing that comes to your mind is old West. And you are not far from the truth. However, cross-draw is here with us for a lot longer than that. After all, swords were drawn from the weak side during medieval times.
Were sheriffs, bandits, cowboys, gunfighters, and soldiers just inspired by the past or was there something more into it? It is believed that cross draw holsters for revolvers were popular mainly because they were comfortable during night-long poker games, horse riding and it kept revolver and lasso out of the way. Is this true? Most probably yes.
The first official mention of any sort of crossdraw holster combined with firearms comes from cavalries during a Civil War in 1862. During that time it was actually called Cavalry draw. It was developed for the possibility of drawing a revolver with both the left and right hand because the right hand was usually occupied by a saber. We can call it an OG cross draw driving holster.
Cross Draw
So why was cross draw used by law enforcement to the late 19th century? Why is it still a relevant method for handgun carry?
It is obvious. Maybe we do not spend time at the poker tables like in the past, the truth is we sit even more than before. We drive seated, do our 9 to 5 jobs seated, and eat chips in front of the TV seated and this all is also when cross draw pistol holsters shine.
Best Cross Draw Holster
Enough of the past. Now let's check what carrying in the cross holster represents, what are the pros & cons, and what you should know about them before you buy one.
What Is a Cross Draw Holster?
Cross-draw carry is the best solution for drivers and people spending a long period of time in a seated position. Belt loops of the crossdraw holster and cant are oriented so that they allow outside the waistband carry on the weak side. This might be a perfect holster for female shooters, especially while carrying a gun in high-rise jeans.
Some instructors do not recommend this carry position, simply because of the long reaction time. This may be dangerous if the shooter has not undergone proper training. Always be sure to master the safe & efficient gun draw techniques before deciding to use a cross draw holster for everyday carry.
How To Wear a Cross Draw Holster?
Your firearm should be in a cross draw gun holster on a gun belt and finally on the weak side of your body. If you carry in a right hand cross draw holster your holster will sit on your left hip and vice versa. To draw a handgun, the carrier has to reach across his body with his dominant hand which might not be as time-efficient as drawing from your regular belt holster. The biggest benefit of these comfortable cross draw gun holsters is the accessibility of the firearm and ergonomic gun draw while seated, for example in the car. This makes crossdraw an ideal driving holster.
Pros & Cons Of a Leather Cross Draw Holster
We got through the most important questions regarding cross draw gun holsters and it is time to sum it up.
Benefits Of Cross-Draw
- Comfortable concealed carry at all times
- Not an ordinary position for a firearm nowadays so it enhances concealability
- Handgun easily drawn in a seated position - for example, driving
Flaws Of The Cross-Draw
- Longer draw or reaction time
- With improper draw technique, you might flag bystanders
- In the case of open carry, attacker might attempt to grab your gun
Cross Draw Holsters Concealed Carry
The most important question nowadays is whether you can effectively conceal in a cross-draw revolver holster. Unfortunately, the answer isn't that simple. Once you carry a big iron such as a 1911 cross-draw holster outside the waistband you would definitely need an additional layer of clothing to cover it. This makes cross draw leather holster effective mainly during colder months or for open carry.
But, isn't there something like an IWB cross draw holster? Well of course there is! But you should pair it with a smaller handgun to make sure it won't print. A great alternative to traditional leather cross draw holsters is cross draw belly band that provides perfect concealment without the need for a belt.
Left Hand Cross Draw Holster
It doesn't matter if you are looking for a cross draw holster revolver or cross draw pistol holsters, we offer all our cross draw holsters also in a left-hand configuration, which you can easily choose in the product configuration. This means, that the holster will be mounted on your right hip with a grip of your pistol or revolver facing your left side. You will reach for the handgun with your left hand and proceed with the gun draw across your body.
Conclusion
We have gone all the way from the past of cross draw leather revolver holsters to the modern Kydex cross draw holsters and answered a load of questions along the way. So, now what do you think? Is it a carry option you would like to try? Or would you rather pass?
Well, whatever your opinion is in case you have additional questions do not hesitate to contact our customer support. They will be more than happy to help you out, so you make an informed decision and pick the right cross draw holster.
Cross-draw carry is the best solution for drivers and people spending a long period of time in a seated position. Also, this might be a perfect holster for women shooters, especially while carrying a gun in high-rise jeans. Some instructors do not recommend this , simply because of the long trajectory of the handgun during the gun draw. This may be dangerous if the shooter has not undergone proper training. Always be sure to master the safe & efficient gun draw techniques before deciding to use a cross draw holster for everyday carry.
As with all of FALCO Holsters, we offer all of these designs in a left-hand carry option, which you can easily choose from the product options. This means, that the holster wiill be mounted on your right hip with a grip of your pistol or revolver facing your left side. You will reach for the handgun with your left hand and proceed with the gun draw across your body.
Author: Martin Lukacko
Date: July 7th, 2024