When looking for a crossdraw holster, you should find one that’s sturdy and fitted to whatever gun you’re carrying. It also needs ensure a quick and easy draw, and needs to protect the firearm from the outside elements.
With those criteria in mind, we’ve found 4 holsters that fit the bill. These are, in our humble opinion, the best cross draw holsters on the market.
Active Pro Gear Driver/Jogger
One of the biggest benefits of cross draw carry is for people who tend to drive for a substantial part of their day. The way an American car is designed is not well suited for right side carry. Often times you’ll find your gun jammed into your stomach or side, and it quickly becomes uncomfortable for most men and women. Active Pro Gear designed a cross draw holster specifically designed for drivers. This holster is a black leather, cross draw holster that is made from American Steer hide.
The holster is molded for each gun to improve fit and function, as well as retention. Active Gear makes the Driver for dozens of different guns, ranging from the not-small Beretta 92 to the diminutive Ruger LCP. Regardless of what you carry, they likely made an option for you. The Driver uses a traditional thumb snap to retain the weapon, and it’s instinctive and easy to defeat rapidly.
While the Driver clearly has a certain segment of the population in mind, it’s still an excellent holster out of the vehicle as well. The Active Pro Gear holster is well made and easy to conceal, as well as being attractive enough for open carry. You can even remove it from your waist without having to remove your belt via two buttons. The Driver is purpose built, well thought out option for those who prefer open carry. This should be on anyone’s list of the best cross draw holsters.
Desantis Sky Cop
Another purpose built holster designed specifically for cross draw. Desantis has a long reputation of building well thought, and well-designed quality holsters that will work for decades. The leather work here is no different. The Sky Cop is made of premium grade saddle leather, that’s soft and supple, but also durable and strong. It’s treated with an anti moisture compound that keeps sweat from damaging the holster when carried concealed. The holster is designed for either concealment or duty, and works well it both regards.
The holster comes in a variety of different sizes and can carry everything from small J frames to the larger Glock 19 models (see the other models here). The holster is easy to position both safely and efficiently. There is no thumb snap or other active retention devices, so drawing is an effortless affair. To keep your gun from flopping out and bouncing around there is a passive retention device. This device is completely adjustable to the user’s preference and can be light as a feather or stiff as a board.
The holster is perfect for concealed carry with a small gun, and it holds the weapon up high. This means it’s completely concealed by a t-shirt, and the user simply needs to adjust their draw. As a cross draw, holster speed is everything and the lack of a retention device makes it just a bit faster.
Galco Dual Action Outdoorsman
The Galco Dual Action Outdoorsman, also known as the Galco D.A.O., allows us to take a look at the other side of carrying a handgun. You can wear these holsters at your side or, fulfilling the point of this article, in the crossdraw position. And while many of us carry for defense against two legged vermin, more than a few of us carry to deal with four legged vermin. Ranchers, hunters, farmers, hikers, and fishermen routinely place themselves outside of normal civilization to pursue their livelihoods and hobbies. These folks need something a little bigger than a 9mm and a revolver often fills that role.
The Galco DOA is the perfect holster for a big revolver, like the Smith and Wesson 686. The DAO is designed for either cross draw or standard strong side. They can be made for S&Ws, Colts, Chiappas, Dan Wesson, Taurus, and of course the always underrated Ruger (see all of them here). This big holster supports big weapons and look good doing it too.
The Galco DOA uses this leather thong to retain the weapon and the big strap is easy to defeat but isn’t likely to rip and tear if it makes contact with something undesirable. The DAO is made from premium saddle leather and looks beautiful. As a cross draw holster, it will keep your sidearm out of the way as you navigate and explore, or a you carry a slung rifle. Hands down, this is one of the best cross draw holsters for the money.
Country Western Smooth Leather
We all have a dash of John Wayne or Steve McQueen in us from time to time, and this holster will definitely unveil it. We’ve talked concealment, duty, and outdoor adventure, but there is one last aspect of shooting we haven’t mentioned, the fun parts. Shooting is fun and cowboy revolvers are awesome, but if you want a good cross draw holster you may have to look around, or just look here. The Country Western Smooth Leather Holster is a perfect option for cowboy revolvers of all sizes.
The holster is manufactured and designed with the same materials and style classic cowboy holsters had. This all leather holster is a natural product and will contain some slight imperfections, but they add to the character of the weapon. They are an open top design, and feature a leather thong to keep it attached to the leg. The holster can be worn both cross draw and strong side, and actually works extremely well as a cross draw holster. This is the perfect holster to replicate the look and feel of the old west, and bring some fun to the range.
Crossed
Crossdraw holsters aren’t for everyone, but it doesn’t have to be. Cross draw fits an individual’s needs to carry for their specific situation. This could be a shoulder injury, being in a vehicle primarily, or a need to carry something with the right arm. Whatever the reason you have is, you should carry with confidence, and we hope, with this article, you’ve found the best cross draw holster for your needs. Good luck!
