5 Best Cross-draw Holsters: Finding the right fit
Of all the holsters on the market, the cross-draw holster is among those that gets ignored. It’s easy to think a cross-draw holster is best left to Cowboy Action shooters or those who simply don’t know better. In reality, there are times a good cross-draw holster is necessary. You might find yourself needing one, and maybe that day is today. We’ve collected some of the best cross-draw holsters on the market and put them in one place to help you along the way.
Gun University’s Choices of the Best Cross-draw Holsters
Best Cross-draw Holsters
Authors choice Crossbreed The Reckoning Holster |  |
| Buy on Amazon |
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| Buy on Amazon | |
Best for Revolver DeSantis Gunhide Roscoe Cross-Draw Holster | |
| Buy on Amazon |
Best for stability Falco C126 Buffalo Cross-Draw Holster | |
| Buy on Amazon |
Most versatile Galco Cop 3 Slot Strongside/Crossdraw Belt Holster | |
| Buy on Amazon |
Spec Comparison of the Best Cross-draw Holsters
Below is a table of the specifications for the best cross draw holsters.
| Holster | Material | Hand Orientation | Retention | Wearing Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crossbreed The Reckoning Holster | Leather and Kydex | Right or Left | Friction | IWB or OWB |
| Galco Triton 2.0 Kydex Strongside/Crossdraw IWB Holster | Kydex | Right | Friction | IWB |
| DeSantis Gunhide Roscoe Cross-Draw Holster | Leather | Right or Left | Friction | OWB |
| Falco C126 Buffalo Cross Draw Leather Holster | Leather | Right or Left | Thumb break | OWB |
| Galco Cop3 Slot Strong side/Cross-draw Belt Holster | Leather | Right or Left | Thumb break | OWB |
List of the Best Cross-draw Holsters
Here is our list for the best cross-draw holsters:
- Crossbreed The Reckoning Holster
- Galco Triton 2.0 Kydex Strongside/Crossdraw IWB Holster
- DeSantis Gunhide Roscoe Cross-Draw Holster
- Falco C126 Buffalo Cross Draw Leather Holster
- Galco Cop3 Slot Strong side/Cross-draw Belt Holster
Best Cross-draw Holsters – Reviews
Choosing a holster, cross-draw or not, is a personal thing. You might work hard to avoid certain material or the holster in question might not be comfortable for you. Maybe the model of gun is hard to fit, forcing you to a custom holster maker, or it could be you want to make sure it fits your light or laser. All these things are understandable, and that’s why we’re simply going to outline why these particular holsters work and what application they might be best suited for. The choice is yours and only you know exactly what you need or want.
1 Crossbreed The Reckoning Holster : Author’s Choice
Crossbreed The Reckoning Holster
An IWB or OWB cross draw holster with leather backing and kydex outer shell.
- Quality A-
- Versatility A+
- Retention B+
- Comfort A
Our Grade
A
Reader’s Grade
TBD
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Crossbreed The Reckoning Holster Specs
- Material Leather and kydex
- Hand Orientation Right or left
- Retention Friction
- Wearing Style IWB or OWB
Crossbreed The Reckoning Holster Review
This is technically an AIWB holster, and it’s one that’s performed beautifully, not for just one model but for many. Because it’s offered in left or right-hand configuration, it’s going to work for you no matter what your strong side is. Due to it being designed for AIWB, it’s going to allow you to execute that cross-draw near where you’re used to drawing rather than forcing you to reach around your body.
The Reckoning is a hybrid holster, which is what Crossbreed is known for. It has a Kydex shell face and a leather back, which has its pros and cons. The Kydex shell is molded to the specific model of gun for greater retention—I can attest to the fact that you can do yoga wearing this holster, including inversions, and not have the gun slip at all—and the leather backer provides a level of comfort. We can even adjust retention using the screws that mount the Kydex to the leather backer. There’s even a retention point located right under the trigger guard.
This holster is absurdly comfortable. You can wear it cross-draw and have the joy of only shifting your AIWB holster slightly to one side. While it takes time and practice to get used to the draw stroke, it’s not impossible. If you have an injury, need to carry a small child on your strong side, or are otherwise being stopped from strong side AIWB, the Reckoning gives you a cross-draw option. And if you’re concerned about color, they offer this holster in many configurations with color of backer and shell changing, and not necessarily to match.
Now, the downside to hybrids has to be mentioned. You’ll have to watch your holster for signs of cracking and separation between the backer and shell. In addition, you need to be aware the backer can and will crease and fold with use. That’s a problem because it stops you from safely re-holstering, so when it gets to that point, it’s time to replace it. You can use hybrid holsters you just need to be aware of the drawbacks. Overall, this is a fantastic holster.
Crossbreed The Reckoning Holster Pros and Cons
- Comfortable to wear even for long periods
- Minimal footprint for greater concealment
- Quality materials
- Faster draw stroke due to AIWB configuration
- Hybrid means it’s prone to wearing out faster
- Positioning might not be your preference since its AIWB
- Sits higher on the belt line
2 Galco Triton 2.0 Kydex IWB Holster : Best Tactical
Galco Triton 2.0 Kydex IWB Holster
An strong side or cross-draw IWB holster made from kydex.
- Quality A
- Versatility A-
- Retention A-
- Comfort A-
Our Grade
A-
Reader’s Grade
TBD
Based on 0 Reviews
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Galco Triton 2.0 Kydex IWB Holster Specs
- Material Kydex
- Hand Orientation Right
- Retention Friction
- Wearing Style IWB
Galco Triton 2.0 Kydex IWB Holster Review
Yes, a Kydex holster wins for tactical use. There’s no denying the durability and overall performance of Kydex, and the Triton 2.0 Kydex Strongside/Crossdraw IWB Holster from Galco checks all the boxes. Not only is this an IWB holster, meaning it’s made for concealed carry, it’s one that’s made for rigidity and durability. The reason we can use this for cross-draw or strong side use is clear: because your cross-draw holster requires the grip of the gun to face your strong hand for a clean draw stroke. Could you twist your hand at an awkward angle to draw a gun with the grip facing away? Yes, but it’s not at all ideal.
They mold this Kydex holster to the shape of your gun and it’s offered for quite a few models, so odds are good you’ll find yours on the list. It provides solid retention and is comfortable to wear. Thanks to the Kydex construction, you can be confident it’s not going to bend or flex. Because of its overall construction, you can also be sure it will stay in place (assuming you use a proper gun belt). This is a great option for times when you know you’re going to have your strong side hip otherwise occupied (in my case, usually by a small child).
The belt clips on the Triton 2.0 are adjustable for cant, meaning you can shift the gun to where you need it at that time. It also ships with two different tuckable clips—the UniClip and the Ultimate Stealth. Now, if you’re looking for the downsides to this one, there aren’t many. The biggest one is that the material can make you sweat a bit more yourself when it’s hot out. However, the Kydex protects your gun from sweat, which can cause corrosion. There are mods and ways around that, but it can be a problem. Really, this is a well-made holster that’s versatile enough to do it all, and concealed, too.
Galco Triton 2.0 Kydex IWB Holster Pros and Cons
- Kydex is rigid and durable
- Versatile enough for cross-draw or strong side use
- Adjustable for cant, so you can shift it around to suit your draw stroke
- High-quality holster from a reputable company
- Molded to fit the gun model for good retention
- Kydex can crack and break during a struggle for control of your gun
- Rigidity can be uncomfortable
- IWB means it has to be used inside the waistband
3 DeSantis Gunhide Roscoe Cross-Draw Holster : Best for revolver
DeSantis Gunhide Roscoe Cross-Draw Holster
A leather cross-draw holster.
- Quality A-
- Versatility A-
- Retention B+
- Comfort A-
Our Grade
A-
Reader’s Grade
TBD
Based on 0 Reviews
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DeSantis Gunhide Roscoe Cross-Draw Holster Specs
- Material Leather
- Hand Orientation Right or left
- Retention Friction
- Wearing Style OWB
DeSantis Gunhide Roscoe Cross-Draw Holster Review
As its name implies, the DeSantis Gunhide Roscoe Cross-Draw Holster is made specifically for revolvers. DeSantis has been around for decades and their leatherwork is impeccable—and the Roscoe is a great example of their dedication to quality and design. Be aware that this is a leather cross-draw holster for smaller revolvers. This makes it ideal for backup guns or situations where you need a highly concealable handgun. The Roscoe holds the gun close to your body, which is both good for retention and for concealment.
The DeSantis Gunhide Roscoe is made from premium saddle leather. It’s molded to the shape of the gun model, which is important to mention because not all holsters are. In fact, the Roscoe is tension adjustable, so you can make sure the revolver is as secure as possible. It has a rigid mouth designed to stay open, not collapse, which is a must for safe re-holstering. The style also works well for getting a full firing grip when you’re drawing the gun.
This is a comfortable leather holster that’s fantastic for two-inch revolvers like the Ruger LCR, S&W 30, and S&W 60. The belt loops are reinforce stitched and part of the holster body, rather than separate metal clips or loops. It’s also compatible with 1.75 inch belts. It’s comfortable to wear, provides great concealment, and offers a decent level of retention. The biggest downside to leather holsters is the way they can crease and wear, which includes the possibility the mouth will eventually collapse instead of staying open for re-holstering. DeSantis holsters last a long time and hold up well to extensive use.
DeSantis Gunhide Roscoe Cross-Draw Holster Pros and Cons
- Reinforced stitching on belt loops for durability
- Full firing grip thanks to the design
- Extremely comfortable to wear
- Offers fantastic concealment with a cover garment
- OWB style means you do require a cover garment for concealment
- Leather holster mouths can collapse
- Only compatible with two-inch revolvers
4 Falco C126 Buffalo Cross-Draw Holster : Best for stability
Falco C126 Buffalo Cross-Draw Holster
An IWB cross-draw holster made from leather with a retention strap.
- Quality A
- Versatility B+
- Retention A
- Comfort A-
Our Grade
A-
Reader’s Grade
TBD
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Falco C126 Buffalo Cross-Draw Holster Specs
- Material Leather
- Hand Orientation Right or left
- Retention Thumb break
- Wearing Style OWB
Falco C126 Buffalo Cross-Draw Holster Review
If you want an extremely secure cross-draw holster with features designed to aid in retention, even if you’re on the ground, you want the Falco 126 Buffalo Cross Draw Leather Holster. This is a holster that doesn’t just shift over on your belt, it’s made specifically for cross-draw. That can be important depending on the gun you’re carrying, your draw stroke, and how consistently you carry cross-draw. If you’re a dedicated cross-draw gun owner, this just might be the ideal holster for you.
The Falco 126 Buffalo is compatible with a lot of models of guns, including some you rarely see available. That’s a huge plus for gun owners with unique firearms they’d like to carry. It has two belt loops, so it’s true it’s not adjustable, but it’s designed not to be because it needs the stability of one option for cant. Also, it fits many sight and optics options such as high tritium sights and red dot sights. How? Because Falco hand shapes their holsters. They’re able to make them pretty much as needed, which means a better fit and greater customization options.
This holster is exceptionally comfortable and offers an extra layer of retention thanks to the addition of a thumb break. The thumb retention strap is useful for keeping the gun in place, but you need to practice unsnapping it to draw the gun quickly. Of course, you should be practicing with any and every holster you carry with, and a little dry fire practice on your draw stroke should fix any slowdown on your end. Falco designed this holster to sit at the best possible angle for a full firing grip, rapid draw stroke, and quick presentation on target. It’s a fantastic choice for the dedicated cross-draw carrier. As for the biggest downside, you’ll run into the same issue of the mouth, eventually collapsing on this leather holster. In addition, the thumb strap might really slow you down. The latter is easier to solve than the former.
Falco C126 Buffalo Cross-Draw Holster Pros and Cons
- Designed at the ideal angle for cross-draw draw stroke
- Thumb strap for additional retention
- Reinforced stitching for durability and retention
- Highly customizable
- Slower draw stroke due to the thumb strap
- Holster mouth can collapse over time
- Can’t be adjusted for cant or ride height
5 Galco Cop 3 Slot Strongside/Crossdraw Holster : Most versatile
Galco Cop 3 Slot Strongside/Crossdraw Holster
An OWB cross draw holster made from leather with three belt loops to adjust fit and a thumb break retention strap.
- Quality A
- Versatility A-
- Retention A
- Comfort A-
Our Grade
A
Reader’s Grade
TBD
Based on 0 Reviews
Your Grade
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Galco Cop 3 Slot Strongside/ Crossdraw Belt Holster Specs
- Material Leather
- Hand Orientation Right or left
- Retention Thumb break
- Wearing Style OWB
Galco Cop 3 Slot Strongside/Crossdraw Belt Holster Review
Galco designs and manufactures some of the best holsters on the market. The Cop 3 Slot Strongside/Crossdraw Belt Holster is excellent for gun owners demanding quality and versatility from their holsters. You can wear this holster on your strong side or shift it for cross-draw as desired. The Cop 3 Slot, as it names suggests, has three belt loops cut into it so you can adjust cant. Technically, this adjusts ride height as well, which could be a huge plus depending on body type and personal preference. There is an adjustable tension screw under the trigger guard and also a thumb strap for an added layer of retention. Belt loops have reinforced stitching for rigidity and longevity.
This is a very comfortable holster to wear, even at great length. It’s designed for OWB wear, which means you do need a cover garment to conceal it, but that’s not really a heavy lift for most gun owners. It’s easy enough to wear a loose, untucked shirt or hoodie. Take care to spend time drawing from that concealment method to ensure you don’t snag the cover garment or otherwise slow down the draw stroke (or make it unsafe).
The Galco Cop 3 Slot is compatible with several types of handguns, including Beretta, Colt, Glock, Ruger, and Smith & Wesson models. It’s available in left or right-handed designs and currently offered in black. In addition, it is compatible with certain models of guns with red dot sights mounted. The pancake holster style helps the holster fit smoothly against the user’s body and the premium cowhide is both long-lasting and less likely to cause sweating than something like Kydex. The biggest downside of this holster, like the one from Falco, is that the thumb break is a huge pro for retention, but really can slow you down if you don’t dedicate time to speeding up your draw. That comes down to needing to dedicate the time and energy to your draw stroke, which you really should be doing, anyway.
Galco Cop 3 Slot Strongside/Crossdraw Belt Holster Pros and Cons
- 3 slots mean it’s easy to adjust cant as needed
- Thumb break adds retention
- Comfortable leather pancake style fits snugly to the body
- Reinforced stitching improves durability
- Can be used for strong side or cross-draw carry
- Thumb break can slow down the draw stroke
- Pancake style means it has a larger footprint, which is a negative for many gun owners looking to conceal their handgun
- Leather mouths can collapse, making re-holstering unsafe
Final Thoughts on Cross-draw Holsters
When selecting a cross-draw holster, the first thing to consider is whether you need to conceal it—remembering that concealment is typically the wiser option—and the second thing to consider is the material it’s made from. There are literally pros and cons to every holster material on the market, meaning it ultimately comes down to your choice. Some holsters do last longer than others, and certain types are more prone to breakage in specific situations than others. Whatever holster you choose, take care to properly maintain it and keep an eye on the condition it’s in on a regular basis. If you see signs of concerning wear, it’s time to replace the holster.
Cross-draw does have a place in the gun world. It might not be the most ideal carry method of all, but there are certainly times in comes in handy. If you’re going to carry cross-draw, for whatever reason, you should spend time training using the gun and holster you intend to carry. That goes for all holsters. Training time matters and though you might not believe seconds count, there have been endless assaults and violent encounters on video where a matter of seconds made the difference between life and death. Train, regardless of holster style. If you are looking for some other holster options, check out our best belly band holsters and our favorite shoulder holsters.
What’s your favorite cross-draw holster? Share yours in the comments.
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About Kat Ainsworth-Stevens
Kat is a respected author and dedicated student of the gun. To date, she has published three books and written thousands of articles on firearms and self-defense in print and online.
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