Let’s Dive into CrossFire The Undercover Semi-Auto Conceal Carry Holster
The CrossFire The Undercover Semi-Auto Conceal Carry Holster promises versatility and adaptability, a chameleon in the world of concealed carry. Marketed as a fully ambidextrous holster capable of nine different carry positions, it immediately piqued my interest. For over a decade, I’ve been searching for that “do-it-all” holster that adapts to my changing needs and carry preferences.
My quest began after a frustrating experience with a rigid, single-position holster during a multi-day wilderness survival course. I needed a solution that could transition seamlessly between inside-the-waistband (IWB) for deep concealment in urban environments, and outside-the-waistband (OWB) for open carry during hunting trips. The promise of ambidextrous use was equally appealing, allowing me to practice drawing with both hands. The CrossFire seemed to offer just that.
Unboxing the CrossFire The Undercover Semi-Auto Conceal Carry Holster, my initial impression was that it’s incredibly lightweight. The memory-type foam laminate and 1680 denier Ballistic Nylon felt durable but not bulky, a crucial factor for comfortable concealment. The Spring-Loaded Thumb Break appeared well-designed for OWB carry, and the overall construction seemed solid for its price point.
Compared to my existing DeSantis Sof-Tuck IWB holster and a Galco Combat Master OWB, the CrossFire aimed to bridge the gap between specialization and adaptability. While the DeSantis excels at deep concealment and the Galco offers unmatched OWB security, both are limited in their carry options. I chose the CrossFire hoping it could provide acceptable performance in multiple roles, rather than excelling in only one.
My initial excitement was tempered by a slight skepticism. Could a single holster truly perform well in nine different carry positions? Only real-world testing would tell. I was eager to put the CrossFire The Undercover Semi-Auto Conceal Carry Holster through its paces and see if it lived up to its claims.
Real-World Testing: Putting CrossFire The Undercover Semi-Auto Conceal Carry Holster to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the CrossFire The Undercover Semi-Auto Conceal Carry Holster at my local shooting range, focusing on both IWB and OWB configurations. I carried my Glock 19, a mid-sized pistol representative of common concealed carry choices. The range offered a controlled environment to assess draw speed, retention, and comfort.
The Spring-Loaded Thumb Break proved its worth in the OWB configuration, allowing for a rapid and intuitive draw. Switching to IWB, I removed the thumb break as instructed, relying on the compression fit for retention. I found the draw to be a bit slower in IWB, requiring a more deliberate effort to overcome the initial resistance. Under light rain conditions, the ballistic nylon seemed to shed water well without becoming slippery.
Initially, the holster felt slightly bulky in the IWB position at the 3 o’clock carry. However, adjusting the cant helped improve comfort and concealability. The first time using it, I felt that it was good for the money.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the CrossFire The Undercover Semi-Auto Conceal Carry Holster has held up reasonably well, although some minor wear and tear are noticeable. The ballistic nylon shows slight fraying around the edges, a common issue with this type of material. The memory-type foam has started to compress slightly, particularly in areas that experience high pressure from the pistol.
Cleaning is relatively simple, requiring only a damp cloth and mild soap to remove dirt and sweat. I appreciate the holster’s ability to retain its shape even after being subjected to daily use and varying temperatures. Compared to my leather holsters, the CrossFire requires significantly less maintenance.
The CrossFire doesn’t outperform my dedicated IWB or OWB holsters in their specific roles. However, it provides a reasonable compromise, offering acceptable performance in multiple carry positions. For situations where versatility is paramount, the CrossFire has become my go-to choice.
Breaking Down the Features of CrossFire The Undercover Semi-Auto Conceal Carry Holster
Specifications
The CrossFire The Undercover Semi-Auto Conceal Carry Holster is designed for semi-automatic pistols and features an ambidextrous design. It’s capable of being worn in up to nine different carry positions, both IWB and OWB. The cant is adjustable, allowing for customized carry angles. It is designed for concealment purposes.
The holster utilizes a Spring-Loaded Thumb Break for OWB retention and a compression fit for IWB carry. It’s constructed from 1680 denier Ballistic Nylon and features memory-type foam laminate technology. These specifications contribute to the holster’s lightweight design and adaptability, making it suitable for various carry preferences.
Performance & Functionality
The CrossFire The Undercover Semi-Auto Conceal Carry Holster performs its core function of securely holding a firearm relatively well, although with caveats. The Spring-Loaded Thumb Break offers excellent retention for OWB carry, while the compression fit is adequate for IWB. Usability is generally good, although mastering all nine carry positions requires practice and experimentation.
Its strengths lie in its versatility and ambidextrous design. The main weakness is that it excels at no single carry position, merely being acceptable at all. The ambidextrous design ensures accessibility for both left- and right-handed users. While it does meet expectations for a budget-friendly, multi-position holster, it does not exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is decent for its price point, although not exceptional. The materials used, while durable, lack the premium feel of leather or Kydex. The weight is minimal, contributing to comfortable all-day carry.
It has a small learning curve, mostly just around finding a perfect carry position and cant angle. The ambidextrous design is well thought out.
Durability & Maintenance
The 1680 denier Ballistic Nylon is reasonably durable and should last for several years with regular use. However, it is susceptible to fraying and abrasion. The memory-type foam is prone to compression over time, which may affect retention.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. Repair is not recommended.
Accessories and Customization Options
The CrossFire The Undercover Semi-Auto Conceal Carry Holster does not come with any additional accessories beyond the Spring-Loaded Thumb Break. Customization options are limited, primarily focusing on cant adjustment and thumb break removal. It is compatible with most standard-sized semi-automatic pistols.
Pros and Cons of CrossFire The Undercover Semi-Auto Conceal Carry Holster
Pros
- Versatile: Nine different carry positions offer adaptability to various situations and preferences.
- Ambidextrous: Suitable for both left- and right-handed users.
- Lightweight & Comfortable: The ballistic nylon and foam construction ensures all-day comfort.
- Affordable: Offers a budget-friendly entry point into concealed carry.
- Decent Retention: The Spring-Loaded Thumb Break (OWB) and compression fit (IWB) provides adequate retention.
Cons
- Retention: Compression fit for IWB is not as secure as dedicated IWB holsters.
- Durability: Ballistic nylon is susceptible to fraying and foam compression over time.
- Jack of all trades, master of none: it’s acceptable at all positions, but excellent at none.
Who Should Buy CrossFire The Undercover Semi-Auto Conceal Carry Holster?
The CrossFire The Undercover Semi-Auto Conceal Carry Holster is perfect for individuals seeking an affordable and versatile concealed carry solution. It’s suitable for those who need to switch between IWB and OWB carry or experiment with different carry positions. It’s also a good option for new gun owners looking for a budget-friendly starter holster.
This holster should be skipped by those who prioritize ultimate concealment or require the highest level of retention. If you have specialized needs, such as competition shooting or deep concealment, a dedicated holster would be a better choice. Anyone expecting premium materials and construction should also look elsewhere.
A must-have modification would be replacing the clip with a sturdier metal clip, as the included clip can be prone to bending or breaking. Additionally, adding a wedge to the IWB side can improve concealment and comfort.
Conclusion on CrossFire The Undercover Semi-Auto Conceal Carry Holster
The CrossFire The Undercover Semi-Auto Conceal Carry Holster is a decent, versatile, and affordable option for those seeking a multi-position concealed carry solution. It offers acceptable performance in various carry positions and accommodates both left- and right-handed users. However, it doesn’t excel in any particular area and lacks the premium feel of higher-end holsters.
The price is justified for what it offers: a flexible and adaptable holster suitable for everyday carry. For individuals prioritizing versatility and budget over specialized performance, the CrossFire is a worthwhile consideration.
I would recommend the CrossFire to those who understand its limitations and value its adaptability. If you’re looking for a do-it-all holster that won’t break the bank, give the CrossFire The Undercover Semi-Auto Conceal Carry Holster a try. Experiment with different carry positions, find what works best for you, and carry with confidence!