That holster sitting at 4 o'clock was right on my sciatic nerve.
Oh baby does that hurt!

I had surgery for that in October (Lumbar Laminectomy) and it doesn't hurt so bad now, but why aggravate it if I don't have to?

So I usually wear a Sig P365XL in a lightly modified Blackhawk IWB clip-on, but worn at 10 o'clock clipped inside my belt only.

Very comfortable and conceals well even though I'm down to 195 pounds now (Yea!)
Practice the draw a bit so that you DON'T flag yourself or anyone else. It's not hard.

In your pics the holster is OWB, and that will print a bit. Or with a 1911, print a LOT?
But if it is comfortable and fairly well concealed (when necessary) - enjoy it!


I have also been experimenting with a shoulder holster.
The only complication is that cover in summer here in Texas may be a challenge.
Right now it tucks in under a sports coat of flight jacket perfectly.

I'm on the second Falco (roto-holster) and have, after several weeks of messing with it, fixed it up so that it's comfortable and fairly well concealed.

The first one had the double mag pouch on the right.
Too much bulk and weight (for me).

 

In your pics the holster is OWB, and that will print a bit. Or with a 1911, print a LOT?

More like a lot! True, but I would not use that holster in public for that reason. It's fine in the woods tho (many acres on the property). It's clearly intended for open carry and even under a coat not good for concealed, much like my black powder sixgun rig.

 

I don't use cross draw holsters, but certainly there are applications where they can be useful. Here's an article that may be helpful.

http://www.shastadefense.com/CrossDrawHolsters.htm

Actually, to find that article again, I ended up on our own forum with a post from myself. This 2019 thread may also be useful.

https://www.1911forum.com/threads/cross-draw-holster-for-cc.982436/

 

I use a shoulder holster, which is essentially a cross draw because the muzzle is pointed backwards while in the holster. I have absolutely zero concern about "flagging" with the muzzle, because I'm experienced and now how to draw a gun.

The fact is that every draw from any kind of holster flags some part of some body at some time. Just ask the people that use appendix carry.

Learn to draw the gun properly and then use the holster that works for your needs.

 

I'm also EDC with a shoulder holster, albeit vertical, so every draw is cross draw. Its a full size 1911, and frankly there's nowhere more comfortable to wear it. IWB/OWD strong side are a pain getting in and out of a car or dealing with seatbelts.

Whenever I get that our at a range, I get some flak from people who JUST KNOW that THEIR method is better, whether is pocket, IWB, oWB, etc... but I've not gotten flak about flagging other people.

No matter what works best for you, someone's going to have an opinion. Do what works best for you and thank them for the information.

I use a shoulder holster, which is essentially a cross draw because the muzzle is pointed backwards while in the holster. I have absolutely zero concern about "flagging" with the muzzle, because I'm experienced and now how to draw a gun.

The fact is that every draw from any kind of holster flags some part of some body at some time. Just ask the people that use appendix carry.

Learn to draw the gun properly and then use the holster that works for your needs.

 

In my opinion, I find cross-draw to be one of the most practical ways to carry a handgun, regardless of its size. It keeps the gun easily accessible, whether you're seated eating or driving, or leaning, or regardless of what other position you may find yourself in. It is also very quick from those awkward positions where your strongside is otherwise hampered. The rake doesn't have to be too severe, either. Mine tend to point down at the ground, slightly to my side or behind me. I consider the 'sweeping' fear to be somewhat over-rated. The concern comes into play more so when drawing, and I will say that if the time comes when one is forced to draw, potential flagging will be very low on the list of issues to be concerned with. Besides, I will not carry pistols without manual safeties, so, there's an additional level of insurance there that others forego, regardless of holster position.

As for gun store clerks, well, I say this respectfully: with very, very few exceptions, I wouldn't rely too heavily on those folks for guidance on anything firearm related, carrying included.

The form of carry I find the most unnerving is the shoulder holster rig where the gun is perfectly horizontal, pointing directly behind you. Combine this with a gun with no safety, and I look to quickly exit the general vicinity. Happened to me at a restaurant... Guy walked in, took off his jacket, sat down next to us, and I was looking directly down the barrel of a .45. Luckily, in this case it was a 1911, but I moved regardless.

 

Guy walked in, took off his jacket, sat down next to us, and I was looking directly down the barrel of a .45.

I've thought about shoulder holsters but every one I run across in person is that configuration, which irks me. Tho it is probably slower to draw would like a vertical one. But the climate is not conducive. Right now it is freezing, but half the year here it is so humid the gun would rust in place under my armpit Be nice to have one tho.

 

Nothing wrong with a cross draw rig. I have several and use them often.

 

 

For outdoors, the cross draw is my favorite. High drop legs and pancakes also work well for my applications. Depends on the situation.
For church carry or anywhere I will be sittting most of the time, cross draw is a no brainer. You can easily access your firearm from the sitting position.

 

I carry my Defender and my 2" K frame in crossdraw holsters. Mostly on the farm, but occasionally in town.

 

When I first became a civilian lawman my FTO was an old timer who wore a crossdraw holster on duty so I did too. It is a Safety Speed Holster (Montebello, CA) for my S&W Model 15 four inch. I think crossdraw holsters have a place especially when driving a car.

 

This is the one I finally chose.
It took a bit of work to get it right, but it was worth the effort.

Vertical Roto-Shoulder Holster

 

Shooting SASS matches my rig was of course two revolvers with one being crossdraw. When on shootings line had do what cowboys called 'the dance' as not to break the 180degree when drawing. Gus on Lonesome Dove wore his revolver cross. Still has a place. To me comfortable and quick & smooth.

 

That is my preferred method of every day carry, the holster is inside the waist and clipped over my belt on the left side with the pistol handle facing forward. Very comfortable and does not print much. Great when driving my truck, easy draw.
Ive been reprimanded by a range officer for concealed carry that way, but it works for me. I cover with my tshirt and no one is the wiser. When i draw i keep the muzzle down until its in front of my body. I find it quite natural to carry this way.

 

I also like cross draw when out working or walking on our property. If it is comfortable and works for you, then do it.

I use an OWB pancake on strong side most of the time, with a 5" 1911. Lately I've been trying a Maxx Carry paddle holster. It has two screws to adjust the cant for strong side or cross draw. It is pretty comfortable for driving when used for cross draw.

I've also been thinking about an M7 holster for woods, or driving on longer trips. I may get one to try.

 

I normally carry IWB appendix but when driving move holster to left hip or cross draw

 

Cross draw works great when seated in car as seat belt is not covering weapon. If using IWB/OWB keep the muzzle pointed down until you are lined up square with target. No more exposure to others than strong side draw. It is slower though and not for range use.

 

Ive never tried cross draw. I did see a young woman at walmart a few years ago open carry cross draw a revolver. It was summer. No jacket no long shirt. If I was a thug it would have been very easy to over power her with my left hand and take her gun, which was on her left hip, with my right hand.
However, she was a very noticeable young woman. You may not draw as much attention as she did.

 

I've always carried at least two guns, most days (even when I was between badges and working in a non-permissive environment).

When I first did this in uniform I carried a small .38 under my uniform shirt cross draw, later when working plain clothes I tried a left handed holster behind my left hip for my bug for a while. Still later, I reasoned that if I need to draw a BUG it had better be an effective one! So I sort of went through a series of guns all in .40 caliber or larger and I went to a cross draw on the theory that it shoud be available to either hand - and yes I practiced the "cavalry" draw with the support (left) hand - I will never be as fast but I can get two hits at close range in under 2 seconds that way (but I am slowing down in my old age!).

I've now carried that way for 40 years. After retirement, I now carry a lot of different guns, in the summer while mowing I usually carry a .38 or .44 Spl. as a BUG and usually have one shotshell up for snakes, but I replace it with a bullet when I stop mowing. When I go to town I usually just carry a Commander in .45 as a BUG.

We each have to work out our own salvation - whatever you decide is fine by me!

Riposte

 

You need a chest holster:

Store - Simply Rugged Holsters

Store Home Page Your store will be shown here

www.simplyrugged.com

 

A chest rig was going to be my reply as well.

 

You have me thinking O boy.
Out in woods strong side but I don't get in the woods since last year. Back hip knee shoulder surgery over years.
Chest not for me but haven't tried one and it can't be leather breaks me out bad.
I really like cross draw but not very fast with shoulder getting a little bit worse but good for drinking, I mean driving.
Thinking of powering down .380 have two nice pistols with strong side holsters that don't seem to hurt much.

 

You do not flag people if you do it right.

 

Cross-draw does it for me. The only shoulder holster that suits me is the old Bianchi X-15.

 

That's the one I borrowed from a friend to make a pattern. My wife sewed one up in linen canvas so its all white and less visible with white dress shirts. I ended up using a white kydex IWB frame hanging from the linen straps, that was supposed to be "temporary" while I though about other ways to make the gun holding part of the holster, but it seems to be working just fine.

 

A bladed stance with holstered gun toward down range will prevent blading. if right handed stand on the far left side of the range, left hand far right side. Keep in mind many training courses and ranges have rules preventing cross draws.

 

I have shoulder holsters - some with horizontal positioning, and one Craft roto (vertical). The horizontals aren't comfortable, probably because I haven't spent enough time positioning them, The Roto needs more break-in time and practice. Still, a vertical carry is awkward for me because of old wrist/arm injuries. So I'm thinking about a 35 degree canted shoulder holster. I've found a couple of choices that are appealing, but pricey to experiment with. One is a Black Hills model - BH7D Double Shoulder Rig, with a 35 degree angle on the holster (blackhillsleather.com). The other is an Alien Gear model - Leather Shoulder Holster (aliengearholsters.com).

The Black Hills (all leather) option is around $300. Rudy makes highest quality stuff, and I'm very happy with the other holsters I"ve bought from him. But (as discussed below) the Black Hills solution is a one-pistol only option.

The Alien Gear option is interesting for several reasons. First, the Alien Gear holster feature a kydex shell, that can be swapped out for different pistols, thus making the rig functional for multiple pistols. Second, that holster has an adjustable cant that can be positioned for horizontal, vertical or 35 degree cant carry. Third, each shell can be used on other OWB carry options and for a between-the-knees car seat option. Very flexible. I've ordered one, and will see whether I like it. Alien Gear advertises a "drive it for 30 days and return if not satisfied" option that I might activate, but I suspect I'll still be experimenting with it past the return period. Again, the Alien Gear option is about $250, so the initial investment is still considerable.

I've carried cross draw, but the cant needed for comfortable carry while driving is one that isn't so comfortable for walking carry. Still, cross draw is for me a preferred solution to strong-side carry. And I don't like the IWB options - my jeans aren't loose-fitting enough to make IWB carry comfortable. I'd need to invest in flexible-waist jeans to overcome that problem.

Bottom line - there is no perfect solution. Some are better than others, but not for all circumstances. Guess that's why I have ended up with a portfolio of holsters for each weapon. (Yep, that's why - I tell my bride).

 

Galco Phoenix high quality cross draw with option of strong side carry for full size 1911.
But a Carhart vest right hand warmer pocket P938 is much better for pumping gas.

 

Andrews makes a great cross draw, the “Carjacker” that can be removed without taking the belt off.
It has a more horizontal cant angle and no thumb strap.
Great for long drives.
High quality craftsmanship and materials with a good functional design.
But if he doesn’t have ‘em in stock it may take a while to fill the order.

He’s a First Class down to earth guy based on our conversation on the phone and the holster he delivered.

 

I like that, A LOT! Thanks for sharing!

 

I'm not sure if this counts but my leather (Etsy) AIWB Ruger WC GP100 holster has a slot in the leather/metal belt clip allowing it to rotate almost 30+°. Note the two screws in the empty holster. Bottom screw is the axle/anchor and the top screw rides in a slot allowing the articulation. I'll cant the pistol from cross draw to vertical depending on the need for comfort or better concealment. It definitely improves comfort while driving or seated, while allowing me to draw the pistol if needed. I even carried it this way while deer hunting this past Nov in some rocky terrain.

I wanted a holster like this for a 1911 but the seller has been unresponsive to my requests... Going to see if I can find someone else who can make a similar holster for me.

Dave