Crossdraw Holster questions for 4 3/4 SAA

[Familydoc]

Gents:

I currently carry a SAA as a trail gun in an El Paso 1880 Original Holster, on a full loop lined belt, worn crossdraw. My question is this: What would the difference between the rig I am using now and a "proper" cross draw holster be?

Familydoc

[Old Top]

Familydoc,

From the sounds of things, nothing.  But I have noticed that most of the people wearing cross draws wear them closer to the center of their bodies.  Hope that helped.

Old Top

[Slowhand Bob]

For modern carry of the saa, as a trail gun, most non cowboy types opt for holster styles that use much less leather, highly molded, abreviated or even sewn on belt loops and some form of safety strap.  Forward wear of the crossdraw is quicker and fine when walking but more towards the hip is more comfortable on horseback or sitting.  This actually could be a description of a crossdraw California but its not, think more like a molded Duke style without the front loop.
A lot of makers offer products for cowboy, police and trail use, find a few of these sites and check out their styles.  What they offer is generally based on customer requests that have been fine tuned over many years.

[Silver_Rings]

Doc, if I uderstand you correctly, you are using a strong side holster on the opposite side as a cross draw.  If this is correct, the main difference between it and a holster designed as a cross draw is the cross draw rig will be canted so the pistol handle will tilt to your body's center rather than be straight up and down.

SR

[Familydoc]

Gents:

In answer to some of the questions. Yes, my current holster is what is advertised by El Paso Saddelry as their "1880's Original Holster", I started wearing it strong-side as it was advertised, it tended to get in the way of everything I did other than draw and shoot. So rotated it 180 degrees; to the left-side, and am now wearing it cross-draw. It hangs almost stright down with just about a 5-10 degree rear-ward angle.

I find it is out of the way, and more comfortable to wear. I tend to wear it forward of the centerline of my hip, closer to the front of my body. I also find it easier to draw when it is closer to the front of my body.

I was just wondering about the use of the holster as I am using it now, as compared to a Proper crossdraw holster, and the differences between them.

Familydoc

[Marshal Will Wingam]

A cross-draw holster typically has more cant to it. A second consideration is how much room is in the belt loop. A cross draw needs to be fairly snug on the belt to work correctly. Most modern CAS holsters are snug on the belt anyway, but the traditional skirted holster, like a Cheyenne or Mexican Loop, doesn't grab the belt, rather it hangs down and can swing for or aft depending on what you're doing (sitting, riding, walking, etc.). Also, a skirted holster isn't as good for a cross draw because the extra width can get in the way especially when trying to sit.

I just ran down and took a photo of a pair of my wife's holsters. She really liked the original pair I made but wanted a cross draw to match the right strong side. The X-draw holster is made from the same pattern with the skirt eliminated and the belt loop modified to grip the belt snugly.

This should show the difference between strong side and cross draw holsters.

[Trailrider]

Howdy, Pard!

Sent you an e-mail...  But for general information:

The "proper" type of holster for riding and walking, IS a crossdraw holster which covers most of the gun, including the hammer spur and the trigger guard, to prevent inadvertant snagging by brush.  NEVER, EVER carry a DOUBLE-ACTION revolver in a holster with the trigger guard exposed, and I strongly recommend having the holster top shroud the hammer spur to prevent snagging with your sleeve or by brush!

In addition, the holster should have some type of retention flap, strap, etc., NOT a hammer thong (TOO difficult to remove if you need it in a hurry!).  I prefer a thumb-break half-flap, which allows the shooter to quickly release the gun, but holds it securely until needed.  If you prefer to sacrifice a LITTLE speed for additional protection from brush and the weather, then a full flap will work nicely.

You need not sacrifice style for utility, IF you get the right holster.  Now, so I don't get crossways of ANYbody, I won't recommend a topnotch, thirty-plus year holster maker who has just such a holster on his website and in his catalog...  But if you check at www.gunfighter.com/trailrider  you MIGHT find the #961 what you are looking for!