“Touching other people’s lives in a positive way and making a difference, because that, no matter where you are at in life, is really more important than business success, finances, any of it! I don’t care what your financial level is. When you learn to bless other people, you truly get blessed yourself.”
This is a quote from an interview with Mark Craighead, the founder of CrossBreed Holsters LLC. when he was asked what he would most like to be remembered for. He passed in August of 2012 at the age of 43.
Mark was like so many other avid shooters in that he collected a box full of holsters Then he decided to design his own. He took what he thought to be the best attributes of many holsters and incorporate them into his design features, leaving out the elements he didn’t like. Very soon after, his company became nationally known for high quality and some of the best holsters in the industry. They are all handmade by people personally trained by Mark himself.
The name of his organization was taken from his belief of Jesus Christ sacrificing himself on the cross for all of mankind. This was something he was always willing to share with whoever may ask.
Table of Contents
The Hybrid Design
The “Hybrid” design came from the combination of using two differing materials to develop what he believed to be the best, most comfortable holster in the market. He used Kydex as the shell of the holster, then put a leather backing on it for strength and comfort. Then he added a two-week “try-it-free” guarantee and a lifetime warranty that is still being offered today.
IWB Holsters
The Super Tuck Deluxe
The CrossBreed Super Tuck is a IWB (inside-the-waistband ) design thought to be one of the most comfortable and concealable holsters you will ever wear. It’s hand molded to fit the specific firearm it is ordered for. The Kydex shell is molded and mounted to a premium leather backing.
It is made so your shirt can be tucked in between the holster and your pants, but can be worn with your shirt out as well. The powder coated metal belt clips can be adjusted for either ride height or cant angle. The leather backing is also made with a “sweat guard” to protect the gun from any body moisture.
In my own personal experience with this unit, I was able to move the belt clips to the rear of the backing and use this holster for OWB (outside-the-waistband) carry as well, although this was not the original intent.
The Mini Tuck
The CrossBreed Mini Tuck is the same design but made for the smaller compact and sub-compact guns used for deeper concealment or for smaller-framed people. It has all the features as it’s big brother, just made a bit smaller.
Appendix Carry
Appendix Carry is one of the popular positions, as the gun is worn in front of the body and is made without cant. This holster can be worn on either side of the body to accommodate a cross draw as well. The Appendix Carry holster is also available in a women’s’ model with softer leather and smoother corners.
The Freedom Carry
The Freedom Carry is said to be the most versatile holster the company has. It has a much slimmer design and can be carried in almost any position; cross-draw, appendix carry, and strong side carry. It is smaller, has only one belt clip that is adjustable for cant. It can also accept firearms equipped with lights, lasers, and Micro Red Dot Sights.
OWB Holsters
CrossBreed’s OWB (outside-the-waistband) holsters are designed pretty much the same as the IWB. They have a Kydex shell mounted to a premium leather backing. The difference is the way they are held to the body.The backing has belt loops cut into the leather for mounting to the belt on the outside of the pants. Two of the designs have three loops in the leather to accommodate the cant adjustment. These holsters are; The SnapSlide, SuperSlide, MiniSlide, and MaxSlide.
Ankle Holsters
CrossBreed also offers the ankle holster. They are made from ballistic nylon and are available for right- or left-handed use, and are made for small and medium framed auto-loaders. They are equipped with calf straps with height adjustment and have padded ankle sections for added comfort and all-day support, and thumb breaks for security.
Pocket Holsters
Pocket holsters are also available from CrossBreed in two models. They both have the leather backing of all the companies designs and Kydex shells to hold the weapon. Pocket holsters can be worn in the pockets of almost any garment; jackets, larger coats, vests, some shirts and, of course, the pants.
Magazine Carriers
Magazine carriers can also be worn either IWB or OWB.
CrossBreed makes both and they are made to hold one or two extra magazines.
Just specify the type and size when you order.
Conclusion
I have been using my CrossBreed MiniTuck for the Ruger LC9. I found it to be truly one of the best, most comfortable holsters I have used. I can wear it all day, many days in a row, and have not had a problem, except one. I found the sweat guard to be a bit too large and was digging into my side. Two things have remedied this; I lost a lot of weight and inches in my waistline, and I modified the sweat guard by removing a little of the leather, only leaving enough to cover the slide of the weapon. Both of these remedies together have alleviated this problem completely.
I would highly recommend the CrossBreed Holsters to anyone wishing to carry a concealed handgun and magazine carrier. They truly are premium equipment. If you are interested in looking at a CrossBreed Holster, or possibly ordering one please visit their website at: http://www.crossbreedholsters.com
If you have any comments or questions for me about my experience with CrossBreed products please let me know in the box below. Thanks for listening.
