CBST for J-Frame Revolver
Compact revolvers have been carried by many people and for a long time. From single-action to double-action, the compact revolver has survived as a primary (or secondary) defensive tool despite the popularity of compact, high-capacity pistols of today’s time. Compact revolvers, like their semi-automatic pistol counterparts, need to be carried securely and that comes down to (usually) the holster in which the firearm is housed.
Cross Breed Holsters, of course, is widely known and respected for their line of concealed carry holsters. The Cross Breed Super Tuck (the CBST) is perhaps the most widely recognized of IWB hybrid holsters with other IWB hybrid holsters doing their part as well.
When I purchased the Kimber K6S (https://guntoters.com/blog/2018/05/06/kimber-k6s-357-magnum-revolver/), I already had a CBST for the Ruger SP101 revolver. The Kimber K6S does fit very well in the SP101 holster, but I felt that a holster specifically made for the Kimber K6S would be the best. I had received an IWB holster from FALCO Holsters for the Kimber K6S (https://guntoters.com/blog/2018/05/21/falco-92-iwb-concealment-gun-holster/), and it is an excellent strong-side holster, but I wanted a holster set up for IWB cross-draw carry for backup or travel purposes, and I didn’t want to modify the CBST that is set up for strong-side IWB carry. It was obvious (to me at least) that I needed another CBST holster for experimentation purposes.
The CBST for the Kimber K6S is a combat cut, black cowhide holster that I felt would be worthy of using for the cross-draw carry experiment. And, I felt that it just might work for cross-draw carry of the Ruger SP101 since these two revolvers are very similar in size. The CBST, with its open-bottom design, should work with the longer barrel of the Ruger SP101.
The CBST holster for the Kimber K6S is designed with a SLIGHT forward FBI cant, which meant that I needed to adjust the belt clips to position the holster more vertical and, if possible, with more of a negative cant than vertical. The CBST, I felt, should have enough adjustment to accomplish this without negating the comfort of the holster against the body. I had experimented with the CBST for the Ruger SP101; trying various angles of the holster within the waistband without adjusting the mounting clips. Even with the forward cant of the holster, I was still able to retrieve and remove the revolver without effort. “This is doable!” I said to myself. I just had to find the correct angle to make it work. Crossbreed Holsters claims that the CBST can be set up for cross-draw carry. I was going to test that statement.
The rear adjustment was raised so that the CBST fits as low in the trousers as possible and at a cant that allows both strong hand and, if necessary, weak-hand draw. The weak-hand draw is a reverse draw since the butt of the Kimber K6S faces to the front. If the holster is positioned too far to the front of the body, a weak-hand draw would be very difficult to pull off. If the holster is positioned to far to the rear of the body, a strong-side draw may be very difficult. The ‘sweet spot’ (for my application) of the holster seems to be so that the cylinder of the K6S is just slightly forward of the hip bone.
In most cases, folks would want the holster positioned in the weak side appendix carry position, or slightly before the hip, for easier retrieval. Some would also want the holster as high as possible to ensure easy retrieval of the firearm. While I do tend to agree with that, this holster is intended for ‘deep concealment’ yet would allow me to get to the firearm as needed. It is also my intention for it to be used to house the K6S as a back-up firearm, or as a primary as I see fit. I also have to consider the way that I dress, which is usually with the outer shirt not tucked in and the firearm is against my undershirt with the butt of the firearm tight against me to lower the profile as much as possible. The firearm is virtually undetectable when covered properly.
The photographs that follow illustrate the CBST and K6S mounted for my particular method of carry.
The CBST Setup. Note Position of Mounting Clips for (My) Cross-Draw Carry.
The CBST Mounted, but Deeply Concealed.
Note the Clearance Above the Belt Line.
The Kimber K6S is in Easy Reach for Me. Your Mileage May Vary.
Twist the revolver Inward Slightly to Release the Tension on the Trigger Guard and Complete the Draw Stroke.
I have to say that the combat cut on this CSBT holster is well-executed and I do not feel that I need to modify it in any way, as I do with most hybrid holsters, which usually involves sharp objects and some degree of material removal – even some from Cross Breed Holsters.
Back to that claim from Cross Breed Holsters that the CBST can be set up for cross-draw carry? Yes, it can be. Please remember; however, that this holster is an IWB ‘Utility’ holster. It is not a showcase holster and if the cant and height adjustments are a little bit wacky to make it work for you, all I have to say is, “If it works, don’t break it!”
IWB cross-draw holsters are difficult to find. Sometimes you have to be creative.
Update 06/06/2018:
After sending a Readers Digest condensed version of this review to Cross Breed Holsters, I received the following response from them in regard to changing adjustment holes:
A tip on moving the clips would be to wet the back of the hole that you desire and then push the t-nuts into the leather. The other thing that you can do is put a piece of rubber or card board over the top of the hole then take a plastic maillot and hit the top of the cardboard of rubber and that should set that into the leather.
RESOURCES:
Cross Breed Holsters (CBST): https://www.crossbreedholsters.com/holsters/inside-the-waistband-holsters/supertuck-iwb-holster.html
