Looking For Input On Iwb Cross Draw Holster

[SooperJake]

I got a request for an IWB cross draw holster for an SR40 Ruger today from a former customer of my previous work life. . I've never made a cross draw holster at all let alone an IWB cross draw. I'm looking for opinions on the functionality of this type of holster. If you've made one and have pics, please share as well.

[camano ridge]

Sooper, my recomendation is before you spend a lot of timme researching this. Have her take the UNLOADED firearm and tuck it inside her waistband then have her sit down and see if she can find a position where the gun feels comfortable from shere the holster is positioned. Then have her stand up and see if she can draw it comfortably. She may change her mind. If she still wants it to be IWB cross draw. Then spend your time researching. Most any IWB pattern you have will work just adjust the cant for cross draw.

Edited October 10, 2013 by camano ridge

[SooperJake]

Good advice Camano. BTW it isn't a her.

[camano ridge]

Oops, sorry some how when I was replying I got my wires crossed with one I had just replied to on another forum. The advice remains the same.

Edited October 10, 2013 by camano ridge

[Dwight]

Hey, Sooper, . . . I just finished up a cross draw for a customer, . . . used a pic I got off the net as the rudimentary pattern.

That same pic might be what you need, . . . so here it is.

One thing to be careful with on cross draw holsters, . . . the angle of the gun handle. If you notice in this one, . . . the bottom angle of the grip is roughly parallel to the belt line. If you aren't careful, . . . and if you get that angle a bit severe, . . . it becomes a real trick to grab the gun in some cases, . . . depending upon where the weapon is placed on the person, . . . and how much, . . . uhhh, . . . body, . . . protrudes out from under the belt .

A second thing with this design, . . . the flatter the back is, . . . generally the more comfortable the person is with it, . . . especially if they are fairly thin.

Anyway, . . . just some thoughts from an old codger.

May God bless,

Dwight

[George B]

The holster Dwight found is a holster that I have made a few times now and as an snap loop or standard pancake works just fine.

I have not made an IWB with the same cant but it probably is just a matter of adjusting the pattern for use with clips.

And you may want to consider degree of the angle, as others have said the amount of grip and where it will end up when worn. When used outside the ears will curve and form with the body and allow more grip but I'm not sure that you will still get that when used IWB.

If I can be of any help pm me.

[Colt Hammerless]

Here's one Eric Adams, aka "Particle" did a little while back.

http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=45875&hl=crossdraw

Paul

[SooperJake]

Thanks guys. This is very helpful. Do you think the retention strap is a necessity for an auto?

[Shooter McGavin]

I would never put a thumb break on an IWB holster, but thats just me.

[Dwight]

I agree, Shooter, . . . but there are politicians out there who are of a different mind set.

I made (pardon my humility here for a moment) a gorgeous left hand IWB for a policeman several years ago. I was absolutely and seriously proud of that little rascal as I put it in the box and sent it to him. You know, . . . sometimes you do a good job, . . . and sometimes the thing just turns out WOW, . . . this was one of those.

Anyway, . . . not a year later, . . . I get an email, . . . gotta replace the holster. My heart kinda sank, . . . thinking I somehow screwed it up, . . . or my policeman customer did something wrong.

Turned out one of his fellow officers somehow "lost" his weapon in some kind of a situation. Long and short, . . . the brass upstairs passed the edict, . . . from now on, all holsters will have retention devices, . . . IWB, . . . OWB, . . . shoulder, . . . no exceptions. I never did figure out if it also covered pocket holsters. That would be a special trick putting a thumb break on a pocket holster.

But anyway, . . . in answer to your question, . . . I only do it when the customer insists.

May God bless,

Dwight

[SooperJake]

So far, in tinkering with this idea on myself, I think I have discovered the single most uncomfortable holster carry area ever conceived . No position, for and aft, up or down, or cant angle is even remotely comfortable when sitting down for me. Some part of the pistol is poking me somewhere. Why on earth would someone want this?

Edited October 15, 2013 by SooperJake

[camano ridge]

Thats why I suggested you have the customer try the gun in his wait band cross draw to se if he could find a comfortable place. In most cases it will convince them to go with an OWB cross draw or other alternatives. I have been down this road before.