I know a lot of TTAG folks aren’t fans of cross draw carry systems. I am, though, and that’s the only way I carry and practice, other than in training programs which require OWB holsters. But for those who aren’t allergic to cross draw, I thought I’d share a little bit about my setup, which I rigged myself because I couldn’t find what I wanted to buy ready-made.
Off the body, it looks like this.
On the body, it looks like this.
How I created this set-up: I originally started with a single strap cross body holster from a company called Carta Valley Holsters, which unfortunately may be out of business now. The leather holster came with a nylon, single cross body strap.
I ended up replacing that strap and adding another one that goes around the ribcage, both custom-length straps from WC Couture, the company I got my motorcycle carry bag from. I found that a single strap system allowed things to slide around and got really heavy on the neck. Adding a rib strap distributed the weight of the firearm so that I can carry it all day without being bothered.
I also tried making and using straps in other materials, but kept coming back to leather because it’s adjustable, molds over time to my shape, and stands up to practice draws and so forth.
As you can see, there’s a magazine holder mounted on the rib strap with the mag inside mounted in the correct position to go quickly into it. I can also choose to mount it on the cross body strap. It’s a Black Arch HMC-1 leather and Velcro magazine carrier that will fit the seven-round extended mag for my SIG P238. The gun has seven rounds plus one in the chamber and I have the extra mag with seven rounds. That’s 15 rounds without having to carry a full-size pistol, though of course reloading is a consideration.
I could add another mag if I wanted, or take them off completely. I like options.
You’ll also notice that I’ve chosen to slide the gun around several inches so that it rides more on the front of my body rather than the side, which is a personal preference. I could also set it up as an underarm M7-style by adjusting the straps and moving it back to carrying under the arm.
As far as the hardware, it looks very Mad Max (which I don’t mind being a motorcycle gal), but add a big scarf like I wear every day and it starts to disappear.
Top it off with a jacket and you’re done.
I like cross draw because my work, lifestyle and wardrobe would have to completely change in order for me to carry anywhere on the waistband. I don’t see any of those things happening, so this is what I’ve chosen to set up for myself.
There are lots of ways to come up with a carry system that works for you. This is just one DIY idea that works well for me. Have you cobbled together something that meets your needs?