First Impressions of North American Arms Holster – Cross Draw Open Muzzle
The North American Arms Holster – Cross Draw Open Muzzle isn’t your typical, flashy, tacticool holster. This simple, understated holster from North American Arms promises a discreet and accessible carry option for their popular mini revolvers. It’s designed for left-handed shooters who prefer the cross-draw method. I was hoping for a minimalist solution to comfortably carry my NAA .22LR without printing.
I’ve been searching for a comfortable inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster for my NAA mini revolver for a while now. Most of the options I’ve found are either bulky or not optimized for cross-draw, which is my preferred method for this specific firearm. The North American Arms Holster – Cross Draw Open Muzzle seemed to offer the simplicity and discreetness I was looking for, at a price point that’s hard to ignore.
Upon receiving the holster, my initial impression was one of simplicity and practicality. The brushed suede leather felt soft to the touch, and the metal clip seemed sturdy enough to provide secure retention inside the waistband. It’s lightweight and doesn’t add unnecessary bulk. Compared to kydex holsters, this feels more comfortable against the skin.
I’ve tried a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster and a custom-made leather belt holster for my NAA mini revolver. The Nemesis was great for pocket carry, but not ideal for IWB. The custom leather holster was bulky and printed easily. This North American Arms Holster – Cross Draw Open Muzzle seemed like a better solution for concealed IWB carry due to its low profile and cross-draw design.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The holster felt well-made for its price, and the design seemed promising. I was eager to test it out and see if it lived up to its potential.
Real-World Testing: Putting North American Arms Holster – Cross Draw Open Muzzle to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the North American Arms Holster – Cross Draw Open Muzzle at my local shooting range during a casual practice session. I wore it inside my waistband at approximately the 11 o’clock position (for a left-handed draw). I wanted to assess comfort, accessibility, and retention during typical range activities.
The holster performed reasonably well in dry conditions. The gun stayed securely in place during normal movement, and the cross-draw presentation was smooth and relatively quick after some practice. I did find that the suede leather absorbed sweat noticeably, especially after extended use.
The initial learning curve was minimal. The metal clip secured easily to my belt, and the holster stayed in place during drawing and re-holstering. One surprise was the amount of lint that initially accumulated on the brushed suede leather from my clothing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a few weeks of consistent use, the North American Arms Holster – Cross Draw Open Muzzle has held up surprisingly well, considering its price. The suede leather has softened slightly and conformed to my body shape, making it more comfortable. However, it still shows some wear around the muzzle area.
The durability is decent for a holster in this price range. The stitching is still intact, and the metal clip remains firmly attached. I have noticed some stretching of the leather around the trigger guard area.
Maintenance is straightforward. I occasionally brush the holster with a soft brush to remove lint and debris. I also apply a leather conditioner every few weeks to keep the suede supple. Compared to my previous experiences with kydex holsters, this leather holster requires a bit more upkeep.
Breaking Down the Features of North American Arms Holster – Cross Draw Open Muzzle
Specifications
The North American Arms Holster – Cross Draw Open Muzzle is an inside-the-pant (IWB) holster designed for left-handed shooters. It features a metal clip for secure attachment to a belt or waistband. The holster is constructed from brushed suede leather and has an open muzzle design. The Manufacturer is North American Arms, the color is brown, and it’s classified as a shoulder holster on some sites (though it functions as an IWB cross draw).
These specifications translate to a minimalist, low-profile design intended for concealed carry. The open muzzle allows for compatibility with various NAA mini revolver barrel lengths. The suede leather provides a comfortable feel against the skin, and the metal clip ensures secure retention.
Performance & Functionality
The North American Arms Holster – Cross Draw Open Muzzle performs its primary function of providing a concealed carry option for NAA mini revolvers reasonably well. The cross-draw design allows for quick and easy access to the firearm, especially when seated. The holster retains the firearm securely, preventing accidental dislodging during normal activities.
One strength is its simplicity and ease of use. The holster requires minimal setup and is easy to put on and take off. A weakness is the lack of adjustability. The retention and cant angle are fixed, which may not be ideal for all users.
The holster meets my basic expectations for a budget-friendly IWB holster. It provides a comfortable and relatively discreet carry option, but it lacks some of the features and refinement found in higher-end holsters.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is adequate for the price point. The suede leather is soft and comfortable, but it’s not as durable as premium leather. The metal clip is sturdy and provides a secure attachment to the belt. The overall weight is minimal, which is a plus for concealed carry.
The holster is relatively user-friendly. There’s no significant learning curve. However, the open muzzle design may be a concern for some users, as it leaves the muzzle of the firearm exposed.
Durability & Maintenance
The North American Arms Holster – Cross Draw Open Muzzle is not designed for heavy-duty use. With proper care and maintenance, it should last for a reasonable amount of time. However, the suede leather is susceptible to wear and tear, especially with frequent use.
Maintenance is simple and requires only basic cleaning and conditioning. Regular brushing and occasional leather conditioning will help to prolong the life of the holster.
Accessories and Customization Options
The North American Arms Holster – Cross Draw Open Muzzle doesn’t come with any additional accessories. Given its minimalist design, there are limited customization options.
The holster is designed specifically for NAA mini revolvers, so compatibility with other firearms is not possible. Aftermarket clips might be compatible, but trying that might void any warranty.
Pros and Cons of North American Arms Holster – Cross Draw Open Muzzle
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to budget-conscious users.
- Comfortable brushed suede leather provides a pleasant feel against the skin.
- Minimalist design ensures discreet concealed carry.
- Metal clip offers secure attachment to belt or waistband.
- Cross-draw configuration allows for quick and easy access to the firearm, especially when seated.
Cons
- Suede leather is less durable than premium leather and may show wear and tear more quickly.
- Open muzzle design may be a concern for some users.
- Limited adjustability restricts customization of retention and cant angle.
Who Should Buy North American Arms Holster – Cross Draw Open Muzzle?
The North American Arms Holster – Cross Draw Open Muzzle is perfect for individuals who prioritize affordability and comfort in a concealed carry holster. It’s ideal for those who prefer the cross-draw method and are looking for a discreet and low-profile option for their NAA mini revolver. It’s suitable for casual range use and everyday carry in situations where deep concealment is necessary.
Those who should skip this product include individuals who require a high level of durability, adjustability, or retention. If you need a holster for demanding environments or competition shooting, you should invest in a higher-end kydex or leather holster.
A must-have accessory for this holster is a good quality gun belt. A sturdy belt will provide a stable platform for the holster and prevent it from shifting or sagging.
Conclusion on North American Arms Holster – Cross Draw Open Muzzle
The North American Arms Holster – Cross Draw Open Muzzle is a decent option for those seeking an affordable and comfortable IWB holster for their NAA mini revolver. While it lacks some of the features and durability of higher-end holsters, it provides a reasonable level of performance and functionality for its price.
The price is definitely justified considering its basic functionality and comfort. It offers a good value proposition for budget-conscious consumers.
I would recommend this holster to individuals who are new to concealed carry or who are looking for a backup holster for their NAA mini revolver. It’s a simple and effective option for those who prioritize affordability and comfort. If you’re looking for a no-frills, comfortable way to carry your NAA, give this holster a try.