[IDShooter]

Hi everyone,
    I've been trying to find a good holster, and since many folks seem to recommend crossdraw I've been checking those out. The only one I can find locally to try out is the Bianchi Cyclone 111. I was surprised to find that it holds the gun with a butt-forward cant. When I tried it on the way I thought a crossdraw holster was supposed to be worn, the butt was hard to reach and the muzzle poked my left thigh when I lifted my knee up as in climbing. Do you have to wear it all the way around one the left side (oh yeah, I'm right handed and the holster was for a righty)? I figured it would be worn more to the front of the body, with the butt canted to the rear (or toward the gun hand)? Have I got this all wrong, or what? Also, this holster has an open end and I kind of wanted a closed end. Any recommendations? Thanks for helping me out of this fog of ignorance! IDShooter

 

[arkypete]

I've got one of those Bianchi Cyclones for my 6 inch barreled S&W N frames. I've worn it riding in the car, hunting, sitting around waiting for my relay to be called and not had a problem. I just straped it it on and went on. The only thing I would suggest is to get some keepers to keep the holster from migrating.
The Yuppies out at the range allow me to compete in their 'Glop' matches. I just claimed that I had a Smithing-glock. I use my model 25 45 Acp in full moon clips and the cross draw holster. They get to be amused by this dinosaur with the big blued steel revolver that shoots great big holes in the target. Just tell them when they get all growd up they can have a real pistol like mine.

Jim
I'm waiting for the rest of the world to realise the folley of semi autos and plastic guns and return to the rightious path of six shots from a blued steel revolver.

 

[whitehunter35]

Galco makes a combo holster called the pheonix you might ought to try that one.  Its pretty fast, and very secure.  Not real easy to conceal though.

Steve

 

[Marc]

Not sure what type of gun you want the holster for, but if its a single action, (is there any other kind, really? <!--emo&--><img src="http://beartoothbullets.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''><!--endemo-->) Freedom Arms makes a very nice one.  You can read the write up on it at gunblast.com.

Hope that helps.

 

[El Lobo]

Hey Guys,

If you get a copy of the Cowboy Action magazine, they have lots of cross draw holsters, and quite a few different makers.

So many toys, so little time!

Lobo in NM

 

[Chief RID]

Don't buy until you have looked at this sight. El Paso Saddlery The work is incredible for the price and the pancake holsters are out of this world. I do not have one yet but if I was to buy anything other than an inexpensive Uncle Mikes I would surely go with one of these.

 

[Alk8944]

CheifRid has what I consider the best solution, El Paso Saddlery.  They put out the most aesthetically pleasing leather goods for the best price.

Yes, the way you describe it, canted butt forward, is the way a cross-draw holster works.  It is not intended to be a retention type of holster, but a convenient and comfortable one.  If the Cyclone sticks you in the thigh you are wearing it too far to the front.  The primary reason for the cross-draw style is carrying a longer barrelled revolver in a vehicle or on a horse.  It outs the gun in a convenient position to draw and doesn't interfere with the seat in a car or the outside of the thigh on a horse.

 

[IDShooter]

ALK8944,
    I don't mean to be dense but I want to clarify the part about the butt being canted forward. To describe it another way, the handgun tilted toward the topstrap while in the holster. So, when it was put on my left hip (I'm a righty) the butt actually leaned toward the back of my body. That just didn't seem right. The only other crossdraw holsters I have seen in use are the western style ones that a friend of mine uses in SASS, and they look just the opposite.They wear them more toward the front and the grip angles toward the gun hand while the muzzle points down and out from the body. I've got a picture of him wearing his rig, and other than the fact that his uses a rawhide thong and is open ended, it is like what I want.
    The Bianchi cyclone I looked at said on the package that it was for use as a strong side or crossdraw holster. I tried it both ways. On the strong side it seemed just like a regular high ride, butt-forward holster. Maybe they've changed them recently. It seemed so odd I even checked the stamp on the back to make sure it was the correct holster in the package.           IDShooter
PS- I've heard good thing about El Paso so I looked at their website but it was hard to tell about the holsters. The one they list as a crossdraw was actually pictured in strong-side configuration. Who knows?

 

[MikeG]

I use several of the Uncle Mike's nylon holsters.

They're cheap, seem to work equally well strong side or cross draw, and you can toss them in the washer if they get dirty.  I don't worry about loaning them out.

If you get one that has an open muzzle then it works for a variety of barrel lengths.

No it isn't classic leather but you can use it while you are figuring out what to spend your money on.

 

[don44]

I`ll second the post about using the Galco phoenix. It works real well and is a dual position holster, really keeps the revolver at the optimum position.

 

[Big Bore]

Check out the Fobus 360 degree paddle holster.  I just got one for a HK USPC 45 and it can be set up to wear in any position.  My son was particularly interested in the cross draw method so we set the holster up for that without any problems.  Price is right too.   WWW.fobusholster.com

 

[Marc]

Like MikeG, I have used several Uncle Mike's.  My first holster for my Sp101 was an Uncle Mikes.  Recently I got a holster that was more of a 'band' than a holster.  Just two pieces of nylon with an opening for your gun and an open muzzle.  Not pretty, but cheap (12.00)and something to try out a style without breaking the bank.

 

[IDShooter]

Hi guys,
    Boy, do I feel like a Doofus! I just checked out that Cyclone 111 again, and I found that there are two ways to thread your belt through the thing. I know, you're all slapping your knees and laughing. <!--emo&--><img src="http://beartoothbullets.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''><!--endemo--> I figured there was something I was missing. The second slot just looked like a seam and I simply didn't find it the first time.
       I still wish it was closed ended, but hey, at least I know how it works now!!         IDShooter