Right side OWB holster to left side?

[3Crows]

Does anyone do this? What I mean is taking a standard OWB plastic holster meant for the right side and wearing it left and canted as if cross draw. Well, it would be cross draw. This for both a Glock 19 and a 1911 style pistol.

A little background. I am 5-10, 160, less than 30 inch waist so I cannot carry either of these IWB. I do appendix carry warm season either a Ruger LCR or a S&W .380 BG. The problem I am having with the OWB is that I cannot lift the pistol high enough to clear the holster and now complicated by four weeks out rotator cuff surgery on my right shoulder and my long swimmer arms. My thought is to move my right side holster to the left, cant it forward (they can be adjusted to cant fore or aft). And then I can reach across with my injured (and stiff) arm and pull the pistol. Will having the grip forward mak my pistols harder to conceal? What else am I missing here.

Actually, right now, I cannot even lift the pistols with my right arm, but hopefully in a few weeks I will be able to. But even before the surgery I had difficulty lifting the pistols from these type OWB paddle holsters because they sit so high. Of course they sit high so as not to have the pistol reveal itself below the garment line.

3C

 

[JTQ]

My thought is to move my right side holster to the left, cant it forward (they can be adjusted to cant fore or aft). And then I can reach across with my injured (and stiff) arm and pull the pistol. Will having the grip forward mak my pistols harder to conceal? What else am I missing here.

I suppose concealment would be a relative term.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but when you say OWB kydex adjustable cant holster, my mind goes to something like these ...

Blade-Tech Classic https://blade-tech.com/products/classic-owb-holster

Comp-Tac International https://www.comp-tac.com/international-neutral-colors

Garrett Silent Thunder https://www.giholsters.com/product-p/hst1000.htm

If those are the types of holsters you are using, and if you can conceal those strong side, switching them to cross draw shouldn't be a problem.

 

[3Crows]

Well, I reversed my holster and tried it out. Not going to work for me. It might work for a larger (around) guy but not me because the butt of the pistol juts out visibly pushing my coat out. Yes, I can conceal using OWB holsters on my right side (with a coat, jacket or vest on over) but the gun butt is rearward. Problem is I cannot draw it so what good does it do to carry it. I will just have to carry my .380 or LCR appendix. Maybe when my arm is well. Kansas is an open carry state I suppose. But that is kind of not my thing unless hunting or outdoors. 3C

 

[Atavar]

Try a shoulder holster. That should conceal without printing for you and be easy to draw.

 

[Rexster]

Well, I reversed my holster and tried it out. Not going to work for me. It might work for a larger (around) guy but not me because the butt of the pistol juts out visibly pushing my coat out. Yes, I can conceal using OWB holsters on my right side (with a coat, jacket or vest on over) but the gun butt is rearward. Problem is I cannot draw it so what good does it do to carry it. I will just have to carry my .380 or LCR appendix. Maybe when my arm is well. Kansas is an open carry state I suppose. But that is kind of not my thing unless hunting or outdoors. 3C

This was predictable. A bit of forward drop tends to enhance concealment, whereas rearward drop tends to detract from concealment. One consideration would be to carry your smaller weapon at appendix, but also carry the larger weapon on the left side, though vertically, with no cant, for best concealment. The objective would be to use the left hand to unholster the Glock or 1911, and transfer it to the right hand, as necessary, if the LCR runs dry. The 1911 or Glock would be a “reload” for your LCR or other small pistol. A winter coat should make it feasible to conceal both weapons. This does not require buying anything.

Another option is to buy a left-side holster, and train the left hand to shoot. I have always been sufficiently ambidextrous to shoot lefty, so may not fully realize how daunting it may be, to others. (I write lefty, but throw righty, and actually shoot some guns better lefty, and shoot other guns better righty, but am conditioned to reflexively reach for my right side, in an emergency.) The smaller weapon could still be carried at appendix, as the “default” gun, in case the right hand forgets its change in status.

Then, of course, there is the shoulder rig option, as Atavar said.

I have given all of this some serious thought, in the past, because my right shoulder has been gimpy, for some time, so getting some work done, on it, has long been a consideration. Then, while moving heavy debris, after Hurricane Harvey, in 2017, I hurt my left rotator cuff. This was, thankfully, healed without surgery, but for about a year, I did not have a healthy shoulder.

 

[3Crows]

The doc seems to tell me it could be as long as a year for full recovery. Good thing I am somewhat ambidextrous and the solution may be to shoot left handed. A shoulder rig will not work now for me because I cannot lift my right arm that high. As to carrying multiple weapons, I hardly have room for one, much less two .

Even without the shoulder issue I always had difficulty getting my arm up high enough to draw the weapon from these high ride holsters. I may can carry my Glock 19 appendix and cross draw or just try out shooting left handed. I have switched already to my left eye due to a cataract and other issues with my right eye. I will have to do some more experimenting, and practice it seems.

 

[shoobe01]

I would 100% get a left side holster after a dozen range sessions getting used to shooting left handed. Leave the injured arm to recover for the ENTIRE period you are told to.

Aside from recoil forces being jarring in ways bad for recovery of such injuries, when action shooting or practicing in similar ways it is easy to forget the allowed range of motion or go past the "that hurts a bit" range to the point you have injured yourself.

The left eye thing makes me say you should plan on just staying left handed as well

 

[Atavar]

Ok, I’m going to go completely off in left field here.
Take a look at these cargo pants designed for concealed carry. Built in purpose made right hand gun pocket with extra mag storage.
Easy low draw, inconspicuous, about the price of a mid range holster.
I know there are a few brands out there. This was just the first hit in a search.
https://ccwbreakaways.com/stone-concealed-carry-cargo-pants/

 

[Seedy Character]

Moving the holster will work.
Concealment could be a problem. Being winter should help. At least for me. But, I haven't been less than 30" waist since 8th grade ( 50 years ago )

I like my cross draw, especially driving or on horseback.

Another option would be concealed carry vest, cross draw. I carry a full sized 1911, with no problem.

 

[redcon1]

Does anyone do this? What I mean is taking a standard OWB plastic holster meant for the right side and wearing it left and canted as if cross draw. Well, it would be cross draw. This for both a Glock 19 and a 1911 style pistol.

A little background. I am 5-10, 160, less than 30 inch waist so I cannot carry either of these IWB. I do appendix carry warm season either a Ruger LCR or a S&W .380 BG. The problem I am having with the OWB is that I cannot lift the pistol high enough to clear the holster and now complicated by four weeks out rotator cuff surgery on my right shoulder and my long swimmer arms. My thought is to move my right side holster to the left, cant it forward (they can be adjusted to cant fore or aft). And then I can reach across with my injured (and stiff) arm and pull the pistol. Will having the grip forward mak my pistols harder to conceal? What else am I missing here.

Actually, right now, I cannot even lift the pistols with my right arm, but hopefully in a few weeks I will be able to. But even before the surgery I had difficulty lifting the pistols from these type OWB paddle holsters because they sit so high. Of course they sit high so as not to have the pistol reveal itself below the garment line.

3C

I think the universe is telling you that you need to develop your weak hand skills. I prefer leather right side OWB holsters and have tried to move them as you have suggested and it doesn't really work so i just bought a left side holster. I just tried again with my Aker Flatsider/Glock 19x and it works but it's a really awkward draw and if your shoulder is post surgical, I'm not sure that you would want to be reaching across like that. It may work better for you than for me though. I think this is exactly why we have weak hand shooting drills and left side holsters. Then, after you're all mended up, you'll have the ability to carry a BUG on your left side as well as you're main weapon and there's just nothing wrong with that.

 

[JTQ]

I just tried again with my Aker Flatsider/Glock 19x and it works but it's a really awkward draw ...

This holster worn in the cross draw position? https://akerleather.com/holsters/belt-slide-holsters/168/flatsider-xr12.html

I can imagine it is awkward with a muzzle rear cant. A cross draw holster should either be straight drop or muzzle forward.

Well, I reversed my holster and tried it out. Not going to work for me. It might work for a larger (around) guy but not me because the butt of the pistol juts out visibly pushing my coat out. Yes, I can conceal using OWB holsters on my right side (with a coat, jacket or vest on over) but the gun butt is rearward.

The characteristic of most good OWB concealment holsters is a trailing loop (see the loop aft of the trigger guard in the Aker link), that will pull the grip of the gun close to the body. An adjustable cant paddle typically won't have that feature or capability.

The Nelson #1 Professional (Milt Sparks 55BN is a copy of this design https://www.miltsparks.com/products-55-bn.php ), that also has a trailing loop, in straight drop configuration was designed for cross draw use though I've tried it with a similar Ritchie Vertical Speed Scabbard ( https://www.ritchieholsters.com/catalog/p-100001/vertical-speed-scabbard-vss ) and that holster, at least on me, works much better strong side.

...I had difficulty lifting the pistols from these type OWB paddle holsters because they sit so high. Of course they sit high so as not to have the pistol reveal itself below the garment line.

Could you identify the holster you are using? The typical paddle holster is not intended as a concealment holster and most ride lower than the typical concealment holster, which is something to consider if you're searching for something else, as most concealment holsters will typically ride higher than the typical paddle holster.

 

[JeffG]

Does anyone do this? What I mean is taking a standard OWB plastic holster meant for the right side and wearing it left and canted as if cross draw. Well, it would be cross draw. This for both a Glock 19 and a 1911 style pistol.

A little background. I am 5-10, 160, less than 30 inch waist so I cannot carry either of these IWB. I do appendix carry warm season either a Ruger LCR or a S&W .380 BG. The problem I am having with the OWB is that I cannot lift the pistol high enough to clear the holster and now complicated by four weeks out rotator cuff surgery on my right shoulder and my long swimmer arms. My thought is to move my right side holster to the left, cant it forward (they can be adjusted to cant fore or aft). And then I can reach across with my injured (and stiff) arm and pull the pistol. Will having the grip forward mak my pistols harder to conceal? What else am I missing here.

Actually, right now, I cannot even lift the pistols with my right arm, but hopefully in a few weeks I will be able to. But even before the surgery I had difficulty lifting the pistols from these type OWB paddle holsters because they sit so high. Of course they sit high so as not to have the pistol reveal itself below the garment line.

3C

Yes, it keeps the butt of my rifle from getting scratched from my right side handgun. I like the left side Cavalry draw when I do that.

 

[Seedy Character]

"I can imagine it is awkward with a muzzle rear cant. A cross draw holster should either be straight drop or muzzle forward."

A cross draw with the muzzle FORWARD is awkward, impossible to draw.

A cross draw (right hand shooter) is worn on the left side and drawn with right hand. Muzzle cant forward, puts the grip farther back and more difficult to reach.
Hanging straight / muzzle down, with grip to the front would be better, but still difficult.
A cross draw is not for a long barrels. Less than 5" is needed.

 

[redcon1]

This holster worn in the cross draw position? https://akerleather.com/holsters/belt-slide-holsters/168/flatsider-xr12.html

I can imagine it is awkward with a muzzle rear cant. A cross draw holster should either be straight drop or muzzle forward.

Nah, I don't like thumb tabs. This one, the XR-13. I like this holster enough that I have like 4 or 5 of them- acquired as I slowly gravitated away from 45 acp/10mm pistols to the Glock 19x 9mm. They are nice because they will accommodate multiple Glock pistols of the same frame width but different barrel lengths and they are just very well made. They're bad because the lower lip is curled inward and will catch a suppressor or a compensator as you draw and prevent you from clearing leather. But for normal use, I like it.

 

[JTQ]

Nah, I don't like thumb tabs.

Thanks for clarifying, though it is still a muzzle rear cant holster that wouldn't be expected to work cross draw.

 

[redcon1]

Thanks for clarifying, though it is still a muzzle rear cant holster that wouldn't be expected to work cross draw.

It works but it's awkward for me. It would work in a pinch but I wouldn't do it everyday.

 

[3Crows]

I think the universe is telling you that you need to develop your weak hand skills. I prefer leather right side OWB holsters and have tried to move them as you have suggested and it doesn't really work so i just bought a left side holster.

Are you drawing from left side with your left arm?

Yes, I think you are right, time to get better with my off side arm. I would like to do cross draw though, either way left or right side carry but a 1911, even my Commander length Kimber, just sticks out too far.

I do have a vest with a purpose made carry pocket. But it is somewhat restrictive and still the pocket is high and left and right now it might as well be in orbit, cannot reach up that high. The vest might take my Glock 19, it does take my .380 BG or Ruger .357 LCR. But does not work now.

As to my current holsters, it is a Serpa Blackhawk for both the 19 and 1911. I also have a IWB for appendix for the 19 and a leather OWB for the 1911 but it sit too high also and cannot cant forward enough for me on the right or rearward enough for me on the left (gun butt direction).

I am just going to have to go left handed, that at least gives me a direction to move in if I just go ahead and accept my fate (that is hopefully not forever).

Thanks guys, your thoughts appreciated.
3C

 

[JTQ]

As to my current holsters, it is a Serpa Blackhawk for both the 19 and 1911.
3C

I would say you are doing something right if you can conceal a SERPA even strong side.

When searching for a replacement, or complimentary holster, just be aware nearly every concealment holster will ride higher than a SERPA.

 

[redcon1]

Are you drawing from left side with your left arm?

Yes, I think you are right, time to get better with my off side arm. I would like to do cross draw though, either way left or right side carry but a 1911, even my Commander length Kimber, just sticks out too far.

I do have a vest with a purpose made carry pocket. But it is somewhat restrictive and still the pocket is high and left and right now it might as well be in orbit, cannot reach up that high. The vest might take my Glock 19, it does take my .380 BG or Ruger .357 LCR. But does not work now.

As to my current holsters, it is a Serpa Blackhawk for both the 19 and 1911. I also have a IWB for appendix for the 19 and a leather OWB for the 1911 but it sit too high also and cannot cant forward enough for me on the right or rearward enough for me on the left (gun butt direction).

I am just going to have to go left handed, that at least gives me a direction to move in if I just go ahead and accept my fate (that is hopefully not forever).

Thanks guys, your thoughts appreciated.
3C

I was reaching across to my left side with my right hand. It was definitely suboptimal for me but YMMV. Another option might be a pocket carry holster. I have my Kimber solo in a DeSantis Superfly pocket holster and it works well in left side pockets or right side pockets. You wouldn't have to reach as far that way but you would need a gun suitable for pocket carry.

 

[Atavar]

Gotta love those CT grips.

 

[JTQ]

"I can imagine it is awkward with a muzzle rear cant. A cross draw holster should either be straight drop or muzzle forward."

A cross draw with the muzzle FORWARD is awkward, impossible to draw.

A cross draw (right hand shooter) is worn on the left side and drawn with right hand. Muzzle cant forward, puts the grip farther back and more difficult to reach.
Hanging straight / muzzle down, with grip to the front would be better, but still difficult.
A cross draw is not for a long barrels. Less than 5" is needed.

The holster is described as muzzle forward - the fact that you wear it on your opposite side, and when positioned on your left side, the muzzle would be facing towards the rear, doesn't change the holster terminology.

For instance, redcon1's Aker holster would be described as having muzzle rear cant. When he wears it cross draw, and the muzzle ends up pointing forward, doesn't mean that he has a muzzle forward canted holster, it is still a muzzle rear canted holster.

Regarding long barrels, cross draw is often preferred by those carrying long barreled hunting revolvers. The cross draw gives them more range of motion ability than trying to draw a long barrel from the strong side.

 

[JTQ]

The holster is described as muzzle forward - the fact that you wear it on your opposite side, and when positioned on your left side, the muzzle would be facing towards the rear, doesn't change the holster terminology.

For instance, redcon1's Aker holster would be described as having muzzle rear cant. When he wears it cross draw, and the muzzle ends up pointing forward, doesn't mean that he has a muzzle forward canted holster, it is still a muzzle rear canted holster.

A description from Horseshoe Leather on their Crossdraw holster http://www.holsters.org/crossdraw-holster.htm

Model 28X, 28XS (Crossdraw) belongs to the same family of holsters as the Model 28, based on the classic wraparound concept. However, it has a slight muzzle forward rake, which makes it ideal for use as a crossdraw holster.

DM Bullard https://bullardleather.com/collections/crossdraw-holsters

Our Crossdraw Holster has a slight 10 degree forward cant,

 

[JTQ]

If you want to experiment with left side carry, and stay with a paddle holster, you may want to try the Extreme Cant Paddle holster from RM Holsters

https://www.shop.rmholsters.com/Extreme-Cant-Paddle-Holster-ECP20.htm

It has a small footprint and should work well for slim folks. The gun should clear the holster fairly low if you have range of motion issues on the left side too, and it's relatively inexpensive. Forum member @GunnyUSMC is a fan of the holsters and knows the owner.

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-more-rm-kydex-holsters.870991/#post-11578209

Due to the extreme muzzle rear cant, it probably isn't suitable for cross draw, though.

 

[3Crows]

I would say you are doing something right if you can conceal a SERPA even strong side.

When searching for a replacement, or complimentary holster, just be aware nearly every concealment holster will ride higher than a SERPA.

LOL,, this ain't Florida and it is winter here and heading for 7 degrees tomorrow. We wear a coat! I would not choose or even think to use those in summer when it is just the opposite and 110 degrees.

You are right, I need a better holster(s).

3C