Hello, I have received my new Sig P320 compact 45ACP. Does anyone out there use a cross-draw holster? I'm looking for one and would love feedback on what someone uses.

I've always wanted to experiment with crossdraw for driving, but chickened out after my first attempt failed using a mediocre Galco crossdraw holster. I THINK for crossdraw you need the best holster you can afford, but I could be wrong. I've never had one but I would take a look at Andrews Leather carjacker holster, or whatever he calls it. It gets good reviews and he has a very good video about it. I contacted him and asked him if his holster was stiff enough for carrying around, and he said it was, though I'm not positive if that would be for all guns or just for compacts and bugs.

IMHO cross draw is a very viable method of carry especially in the winter. I normally carry AIWB but in the winter with a Carhart Artic coat which is what I normally wear, IMO cross draw would be better. Easier to get to the gun. I stopped using cross draw because so called experts told me it was dangerous as you sweep other people when you draw. But if you keep your finger off the trigger, what difference does it make.

My guess is that would be all about training and muscle memory resulting from the training, including training under pressure. Maybe depending on the level of training, it wouldn't matter as much about gun placement as it most certainly does without much training.

I have a couple of different cross draw holsters and my experience is this:
The holsters efficiency, retention and comfort seem to depend on how the maker sets up the belt attachment to position the gun and the angle the gun sits at on the belt. I am right handed so I want the gun to ride my belt between my left pants pocket and the pants belt loop closest to the buckle. And at an angle that makes for a natural draw. Several holsters I tried would only fit on the belt too far back (nearly over my left front pants pocket) and with almost no cant that would make for a natural draw. So called "three slot" holsters that claim to be suitable for both strong side and X draw use seem to be the worst in this regard. Of all the holster designs in my holster box, the hardest one to get "right" is the X-draw.
For revolvers (especially Ruger Blackhawks) I go with the old Bianchi 111 Cyclone. Lots of them on EBay. It is still in production but I dont know what guns they fit it for nowadays. My other X draws are from El Paso Saddlery. As to the actual use of the X draw, a step to the rear with your strong side foot as you draw will help pivot you toward your target bringing you on line with the target and may serve to cut down on sweeping. You must also be aware the x draw can "present" your gun to an adversary intent on stripping you of it more than other types of holsters.
If I spend more $$ for another X draw, it will be an Andrews.

Couple of decades ago, before I retired, I had to make occasional weekend trips into Philly for one of my IT clients. Lousy neighborhoods, lots of stop lights/stop signs, etc. Always carried either a P229 or 1911. Normally carried RH side in OWB or IWB. Accessibility issues under those conditions though. Since it was not part of my normal routine, I didn't want to invest in a cross-draw or shoulder holster. Also, neither would be suitable after I reached my client's site.

When I hit the city limits, I just took the pistol and put it under my gun belt (carefully) in the cross draw position. Not terribly secure if I had an accident, but worked just fine. When I arrived at the destination in my car, I just transferred it back into the holster.

In all honesty, not certain if I'd do this with a striker fired gun without a manual safety though.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Nipper,

I have been looking hard at Andrews Carjacker Crossdraw holster as a dedicated driving holster.
It allows you to clip it over a belt so no need to remove your belt.
I just need to decide what gun to dedicate to it.

I do carry cross draw quite a bit during the summer or while driving. The practicality of it all depends on the holster. Cross draws can be hit or miss depending on the holster design. I ordered one years ago for my Sig P239 that is a total POS that I have never used once. Carried very high with the muzzle even with the bottom of the belt with a very shallow forward cant. Extremely uncomfortable to wear while seated.

I've got a couple of 3 slot pancake holsters by Diamond D Leather. They are not catalogued, I bought the first one off their clearance rack in the store for a 1911 and have since had 2 others made up. They work for my intended purpose of driving but are not the best for concealment with the butt of the gun being projected forward away from the body. I've also have one of their Alaskan Hunter Hip Holsters for my 3" Ruger GP100. It really is more field carry and does not conceal well.

The surprising one is my Field Carry Cross Draw from Mernickle Holsters. I originally bought this as a field carry holster for my Smith 629 Mountain Gun with no intention of using it for concealed carry. It works surprisingly well for concealed carry. The holster carries the gun with more forward rake than a 3 slot and it holds very tight to the body. A 4" N-Frame revolver is not noticeable under a vest or untucked shirt. They do make a number of variations, my current one does have a thumb break, I'm planning on ordering a different version from them for my 320 X Ten without the thumb break.

https://www.diamonddcustomleather.com

https://www.mernickleholsters....w-Holster-p211264600

Presumably all the posters so far are right handed? I can see how cross draw would work well for driving. Thoughts on left handed carry for driving?

quote:

Originally posted by walkinghorse:
Presumably all the posters so far are right handed? I can see how cross draw would work well for driving. Thoughts on left handed carry for driving?

Shoulder holster.

For a left handed driver, may I suggest a weak hand draw from a cross draw holster. Picture the draw with the weak hand; short, quick presentation when speed is required. Now the strong hand, reaching across the body (cross draw or shoulder holster) to draw and back across to present, also pointing the pistol at the passenger (occupied?) seat.

Legion Leather makes an awesome leather crossdraw holster. Ted over there does great work.

https://legionleather.com/coll...ns/crossdraw-holster

I have This cross draw holster I wear while driving and under heavy clothing. Great quality.

To me, the IWB crossdraw carry is the easiest pistol concealment method in warm weather. With its butt forward, protected under my left elbow, I have no concern of printing the firearm to the rear when wearing a t-shirt or banded bottom polo. The comfort factor, particularly when driving, is superior. Since I am carrying concealed, fast draw from the holster is not a priority. Given situational awareness, I can easily cross my strong hand to the pistol. There are many quality polymer and leather IWB holsters available. Most belt clips feature a hooked end to engage the belt securely. I would avoid the old fashioned metal belt clip which often clears the waistband along with the pistol. A current design I'd endorse is the DeSantis "Species" model, for the P365. It is kydex, with a unique rubber lining that hugs the pistol and silences the draw stroke. It retails for well under $100.

My error. Safariland manufactures the "Species" for several smaller carry models.

quote:

Originally posted by walkinghorse:
Presumably all the posters so far are right handed? I can see how cross draw would work well for driving. Thoughts on left handed carry for driving?

A regular holster for a lefty should work well for driving, maybe moving the gun a little further forward or back to find a good spot should be all you need.You don't have to contend with the shoulder/ belt lap belt junction like a right handed shooter would.

I bought a left hand draw belt holster and used that for several years for a driving holster.I'm proficient shooting from my weak (left) hand and could easily transition to my right hand if time allowed.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod..._title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'm right right handed and carry the 365xl in the above right handed holster tucked between belt and waistband of paints (holster not against skin) on my left side about 1030ish making the holster a cross draw holster. I wear shorts and a t shirt and it doesn't print. I'm all in on cross draw now and have Rgrizzle making me a GS2 cross draw to try. Hray

If you’re looking for a leather cross draw holster check out lifeforce tactical. They have universal holsters that fit mostly any gun. Lifeforce Tactical

I don't understand at all .
Why doesn't the seat belt negate cross draw carry on the hip ?


For that matter even shoulder holster carry or chest holster carry ?

My 2 cents is RH OWB with forward-tilting, FBI cant. And adjust for clearance while the seatbelt is connected. Practice drawing , swinging the pistol over the steering wheel. Try this and you will see why your carry holster should be canted.

-or-

Shoulder holster. But make sure you practice the drawstroke without muzzle sweeping your left arm.

Some IDPA clubs or matches have stages where you shoot live rounds from a seated position in old cars with no glass.