Published May. 3, 2022
Outside of cowboy action shooting, few people wear cross-draw holsters, but that doesn’t mean it’s time for an epitaph just yet. Just as the cowboys and gamblers of the West appreciated the unique advantages a cross-draw holster offered to a man on horseback or seated at a poker table, many modern individuals will appreciate this holster’s ability to provide quick firearm access while seated in a car or at a desk. Whether you prefer open or concealed carry, the cross-draw holster provides easy access to a defensive weapon by positioning your firearm close at hand in virtually any situation. While you may never be Doc Holliday, it’s easy to see why the ailing gambler used such a setup and why maybe you should, too.
Methodology
Cross-draw holsters are a rare find, but they are expected to do the same job as any other holster. As such, I made sure to find holsters that adhered as closely as possible to John Correia’s definition of what makes a good holster. I also hit up the Buckeye Firearms Association, Craft Holsters, Galco, GunDigestTV, hrfunk, JM4 Tactical, and USCCA to supplement what I already knew about cross-draw holsters.
Next, I combed through Amazon, Optics Planet, and other online retailers, as well as YouTube and internet search engines, to find the best holsters I could find. Videos from Gun Talk Media and other outlets were helpful for getting a sense of each offering.
Finally, I watched and read a good number of cross-draw holster reviews to verify (or challenge) my initial findings and to get a better sense of the pros and cons of my final selections. I found GunCollector007, The Maglife Blog, Slim Cowboy, and yankeecowboy to be especially helpful in this regard.
Best Overall
Few cross-draw holsters combine classic aesthetics with modern security better than the Falco Cross Draw Holster. It can accommodate almost every handgun on today’s market, whether you prefer a semi-auto or a revolver, and is available in both right- and left-handed configurations.
This OWB holster is crafted with molded, premium Italian leather and features a high-end lacquered finish. This Falco holster is available in either classic mahogany or practical black, giving it a great aesthetic, which is perfect for an open carry holster. It also comes with 1.5-inch reinforced belt loops for compatibility with most belts.
This holster boasts excellent retention thanks to its molded construction and a steel-reinforced snap thumb break. It also has the ideal cant for a cross draw, putting all-in-one holsters to shame. It also comes with a five-year warranty should it fail to meet appropriate quality standards.
Due to its bulk, this holster is a poor choice for concealing most handguns, and it can be difficult to put on and take off, a downside in some open carry situations. Also, some models fail to completely cover the trigger guard, so try and inspect one in person before purchasing. That said, the Falco Cross Draw Holster is a great holster if you sit long and often while carrying.
Product Specs
- Style: OWB
- Material: Leather
- Retention: Retention strap
PROS
Excellent retention
High-quality construction
Great aesthetic
Compatible with a wide assortment of semi-automatics and revolvers
CONS
Some models do not completely cover the trigger guard
Not really a CCW holster
Not easy to don and doff
Best Value
If functionality and price are top priorities for your next cross-draw holster, then the Barsony New Cross Draw Holster (Compact/Sub-Compact) is your best bet. It may not be pretty, but it gets the job done with a minimal hit to your wallet.
This OWB holster is built with laminate Cordura nylon over top of waterproof closed-cell foam padding, creating a tough, lightweight holster. Inside, the holster’s interior features a smooth nylon lining for a slicker draw. On the outside, this Barsony holster sports an adjustable thumb break retention strap and Strap Trap to secure any loose ends. The holster is available in both righty and lefty versions, and its wide single belt loop can accommodate belts up to 1.75 inches wide.
As with most belt-mounted cross-draw holsters, this Barsony can be difficult to don and doff, and interestingly, the cant seems a little high compared to other dedicated cross-draw holsters. Unfortunately, this holster’s range of compatible compact and subcompact firearms is somewhat limited. (There are full-size and revolver versions of the holster as well as laser-compatible versions, so don’t fret too much.) That said, this holster is still quite capable and is a very affordable solution.
Product Specs
- Style: OWB
- Material: Cordura nylon
- Retention: Retention strap
PROS
Very affordable
Good construction
Fairly versatile design
CONS
Somewhat limited firearm compatibility
Not easy to don and doff
Angled a bit high
Editor’s Choice
No holster combines the new with the old like the Andrews Custom Leather Carjacker Crossdraw. Not only does this holster look better than anything on the market, but it also takes firearm retention and ease of access to the next level.
Each Carjacker Crossdraw is handcrafted by Sam Andrews with top-quality traditional and exotic leathers that provide an unbeatable aesthetic, especially when paired with contrasting stitching. This OWB holster features an adjustable tension screw for the perfect level of firearm retention. The dual snap leather belt loop flap makes it impressively easy to attach to and remove from your belt. Best of all, the holster is compatible with a wide assortment of semi-auto handguns and revolvers.
Except for the price tag, this holster presents few reasons to complain. For some, the cant angle might be a little off, although not by much, and this isn’t the ideal concealed carry holster for large handguns. That said, the Carjacker Crossdraw easily earned our Editor’s Choice award, and frankly, we don’t know why you haven’t already ordered one.
Product Specs
- Style: OWB
- Material: Leather
- Retention: Friction fit
PROS
Great aesthetic
Adjustable retention
Easy on and off
Compatible with a wide assortment of semi-automatics and revolvers
CONS
Expensive
Cant angle is a bit low
Not a good concealed carry holster for large handguns
Dedicated IWB cross-draw holsters are about as common as blue unicorns, yet the Galco Triton 3.0 almost fooled us into thinking we’d found cerulean rhino. It may not be blue, but this dual-purpose holster is one tough customer.
To maximize strength and rigidity while minimizing weight and thickness, this Galco holster boasts a durable Kydex construction. Each unit is molded to accommodate your firearm and sight of choice, red dot or no. The Triton 3.0 is adjustable for cant, ride height, and retention tension (say that 10 times fast!). It sports a raised sweat guard and includes two different tuckable belt clips, including Galco’s UniClip which can handle belts up to 1.75 inches wide.
Despite not being a dedicated cross-draw holster, the Triton 3.0 only has two major drawbacks. First, both of the included belt clips are made with an injection-molded polymer, which lacks the inherent toughness and durability of steel. The second is that, currently, the Triton 3.0 is only available for Glocks. Of course, if you own a Glock, then there’s absolutely no reason to put off buying this IWB cross-draw holster.
Product Specs
- Style: IWB
- Material: Kydex
- Retention: Friction fit
PROS
Highly customizable fit
Adjustable tension
Fits a wide array of sight options
CONS
Polymer clips may lack durability
Not a dedicated cross-draw holster
Only available for Glocks
Best Single Action Army
Want to go whole hog with your single action Army revolver? Then snag a DeSantis The Wild Hog while you’ve got the chance! This cross-draw holster boasts a unique combination of old-school functionality with top-notch physical security for your Peacemaker.
This OWB holster consists of a split-grain leather body with a top grain leather overlay and retention strap. Yes, retention strap. The strap secures your firearm’s hammer to prevent accidental cocking while simultaneously securing the weapon for ultimate peace of mind. The strap features dual steel-reinforced snaps which allow for quick access and easy removal of the entire strap.
Unlike most cross-draw rigs, The Wild Hog is completely ambidextrous. The holster accommodates 1.75-inch belts and can be set up for strong side carry if desired, although it rides high in this configuration. If you prefer to rock a Wild Bunch look with a 1911 pistol, you’re in luck because The Wild Hog is available in both styles.
The only real downside to this firearm-specific holster is that it does not come pre-molded to your gun’s shape, so if you want a truly custom fit, you’ll need a little extra know-how. That said, this Wild Hog boasts a very reasonable price tag, plenty of security, and wild good looks. What’s not to love?
Product Specs
- Style: OWB
- Material: Leather
- Retention: Retention strap
PROS
Classic style
Secure, removable retention strap
Fully ambidextrous
Reasonable price
CONS
Does not come pre-molded
Our verdict on cross-draw holsters
Cross-draw holsters may not be the most popular pick anymore, but for those who want one, we think the Falco Cross Draw Holster has got to be the best solution on the block. Its quality, looks, and level of retention are tough to beat, and we love that it’s compatible with all but the most unusual semi-automatics and revolvers. In terms of value, you can’t beat the Barsony New Cross Draw Holster (Compact/Sub-Compact) due to its killer combination of affordability, build quality, and versatility.
What to consider when buying cross-draw holsters
Like with any holster, purchasing a cross-draw holster requires a bit of forethought to avoid wasting money. Of course, the price tag is a noteworthy consideration, but don’t let your budget be your only determining factor. Once you determine whether or not you plan to carry a concealed firearm, investigate the pros and cons of where you will position your holster in relation to your waistband. Also, take the time to evaluate a holster’s key features, such as comfort, stability, retention, and level of comfort.
Types of cross-draw holsters
Outside the waistband (OWB)
The once-popular cross-draw holster was originally designed to be worn on a belt on the outside of your waistband. Outside the waistband (OWB) holsters tend to provide high levels of comfort even with larger semi-autos and revolvers. This also makes them a great choice for anyone who sits for extended periods of time, regularly wears open-front cover garments (like suit jackets), or is going for a Doc Holliday vibe.
One downside to OWB cross-draw holsters is that they can make concealed carry a bit of a hassle for some. Like traditional strong side OWB holsters, the variant of the cross-draw holster absolutely requires a cover garment for concealed carry applications.
Inside the waistband (IWB)
Are you the president of your local Joe Friday fan club but hate the idea of wearing a jacket everywhere you go? If so, then an inside the waistband (IWB) cross-draw holster may be what you need. As the name implies, these holsters position the firearm inside the waist of your pants or shorts, allowing you to carry a concealed firearm without necessarily needing a cover garment. As such, IWB holsters make concealed carrying a cross-drawn rig a whole lot easier.
On the flip side, an IWB cross-draw holster is noticeably less comfortable than an OWB option, and they require a large pant size to accommodate that extra bulk. If you want to avoid printing and a cover garment, then you’ll need to stick with a compact or subcompact handgun for your IWB holster.
Key features of cross-draw holsters
Comfort
In a very real sense, an uncomfortable holster is a useless holster, and cross-draw holsters are no exception. Carrying a self-defense weapon comes with the inherent tradeoff of some degree of discomfort in the form of extra weight, bulk, and sharp corners. That said, a holster that unnecessarily amplifies said discomfort will discourage you from actually carrying your firearm whether you plan to carry it openly or concealed.
Generally, OWB cross-draw holsters will be much more comfortable than IWB options. OWB holsters are best for concealed carry practitioners who don’t mind wearing a cover garment and for individuals who opt for open carry. If streamlined concealed carry is a top priority, an IWB cross-draw holster likely will be your best bet.
Security
Part of responsible firearm ownership is security, and that doesn’t change when you strap on a holster and walk out the door. A quality cross-draw holster will provide good physical security for your firearm using either a good, tight friction fit or, better yet, a retention strap or leather thong. When using a friction fit holster, a firearm-specific holster is non-negotiable, regardless of the construction material.
Another critical consideration is the protection of the trigger guard. Any trigger guard that is not completely covered has the potential to become a liability. Even if your finger can’t reach in there, a smaller one could, so be wary.
Before clicking the “Check Out” button, make sure your choice of cross-draw holster has a solid point of attachment to your clothing. A holster that provides excellent firearm retention but has a cheap clip that won’t close on the hem of your jeans is a waste of money. A quality holster will stay in place draw after draw and hour after hour.
Cross-draw holsters pricing
Cross draw holsters fill a small niche in the holster world, but anyone shopping in that niche is always looking for a great deal. While it may be tempting to snatch up the cheapest holster you can find, don’t do it. Good holsters aren’t cheap, but deciphering between a good deal and a ho-hum offering takes a little effort. To make things easier, we sorted cross-draw holster pricing into bite-sized chunks.
- Under $40: These holsters usually feature cheaper materials and poor to so-so stitching, although you might find one here or there that has decent quality. That said, sub-$40 holsters lack key features, especially in the security department.
- $40 to $80: These are mid-tier holsters and usually employ higher-quality materials and construction. While critical security features are more common, it’s also not uncommon for these holsters to miss one or two.
- Over $80: The best holsters can cost a pretty penny, but the reward is a rig built to the highest standards with the best materials. In this price bracket, you usually will find holsters with all the key security features, but as always, do your research before you buy.
Tips and tricks
As with something you do for decades upon decades, you pick up a few tips and tricks along the way in terms of selecting the right product, and/or using it. That’s the case with us and cross-draw holsters. To help you bridge the information gap, here’s a selection of what we’ve learned along the way.
- Look for a holster that cants your firearm at a steep angle compared to other types of holsters. Due to the biomechanics of a cross draw, a vertically oriented holster will significantly slow your draw.
- As with any holster, make sure you have a belt that can handle the extra weight on your hip.
- If you plan to carry a concealed firearm in a cross-draw holster, seriously consider using a cover garment. IWB cross-draw holsters print relatively easily when the gun is positioned at an angle.
FAQs about cross-draw holsters
You’ve got questions. Task & Purpose has answers
Q: What are the advantages of a cross-draw holster?
A: One of the biggest advantages to a cross-draw holster is the ease of access to your firearm while seated. OWB variants of this holster have the added advantage of handling larger or long-barreled handguns much better than most other concealed carry holsters, provided you wear a cover garment with it.
Q: Is cross-draw slower?
A: It depends. When sitting, a cross draw may just be the fastest option available, but while standing or walking, there might be a couple of faster options, depending on cover garments and muscle memory. No matter what, practice is key.
Q: What side do you wear a cross-draw holster?
A: Cross-draw holsters are designed to be worn on your weak or support side. This means that righties will position their holster on their left hip, while lefties will do the opposite.
Q: What is the most comfortable way to conceal carry?
A: This depends heavily on your physique and lifestyle. People who sit most of the time might prefer an ankle holster, cross-draw, or shoulder holster, while those who stand or walk a lot might prefer an IWB option instead.
Q: What is your strong-side hip?
A: Your strong-side hip is the hip closest to your dominant hand. If you are right-handed, your right hip will be your strong side. If you’re a southpaw, it’ll be your left hip.
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