A Breed Apart:
The Rogue and the Prodigy

By Sam Weitzner

There’s something to be said for going big. Yes, there are times when a low-key approach might be best, but not always. And this principle can apply to the selection of an EDC pistol. Yes, a compact pistol like the 9mm Hellcat can be a pleasure to carry and more than capable as a defensive pistol. But what if you want to have something a bit more substantial, like a full-size pistol?

However, carrying a full-size handgun can present challenges when it comes to holsters. Outside-the-waistband (OWB) holsters come in various shapes and sizes, but tend to take up a lot of real estate. The increased dimensions, weight and even inclusion of an optic on your carry pistol can result in an overly bulky, heavyweight OWB holster.

In addition, many of these OWB holsters may claim to be adaptable for both inside-the waistband (IWB) and OWB carry with only minor adjustments. Unfortunately, many of them can’t be made to fit comfortably inside or outside the waistband, regardless of intention.

Look, I get the appeal of these types of holsters. A modular holster design can be incredibly useful for those who don’t want to buy various formats of holster when they pick up a new handgun platform. But, the reality is that making a Kydex holster that functions well in both OWB and IWB carry modes can be tricky.

In my experience, these holsters can exhibit a bias toward concealed carry IWB or open carry OWB — but not usually both. Finding the right combination of concealability, structural integrity and comfort between the formats is no small task. And in my opinion, Crossbreed Holsters has developed a modular holster system that knocks both of these aspects of carry out of the park.

The Best of All Worlds?

The Crossbreed Rogue is a modular Kydex holster system focusing on OWB and IWB intended uses. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a sturdy holster that can adapt to the various carry conditions full-size handgun shooters might encounter.

In my case, I’ve been looking for a solid OWB holster for the Springfield 1911 DS Prodigy 17+1 9mm. The Prodigy is an excellent design that could excel as a carry pistol, but is by no means a compact — either in its 5” version that I have, or even the somewhat smaller 4.25” model. So, the Rogue caught my attention as a good option for this gun.

As noted earlier, the Rogue can be adapted for not only OWB or IWB use, but also appendix-inside-the-waistband (AIWB). In my case, I applied the OWB belt loops to fit my carry belt. But the Rogue’s versatility runs beyond simply the way it mounts to the shooter. The holster can be fitted with accessories to enhance the carry capability of a handgun.

The optional “Concealment Claw” can be mounted to further reduce printing during concealed carry by pressing the grip of the gun in tighter against the body. This is an incredibly useful tool for those who might want to carry their full-size handgun as discreetly as possible.

Furthermore, the holster can be adjusted for ride height and cant, allowing the shooter to tailor the holster to their exact preferences, regardless of carry position. The Rogue’s adjustable retention is perfect for those who may want to dial it down for competition on the weekend and dial it back up for carry the very next day.

The shell of the Crossbreed Rogue is quite sturdy. It doesn’t exhibit excessive flex when pressure is applied, but bends just enough in the right places to keep it comfortable when worn against the shooter’s side. The shell itself is curved to follow the contour of the body, which is an important feature for comfort. A holster will generally never be something you forget is there, but the Rogue does a good job of being minimally invasive as you go about your daily business.

When worn OWB on the range with a solid carry belt, the holster stays tight to the body. This made running shooting drills a breeze, running from station to station. The holster is tight enough to the body that it does not feel like it will smack into every barrel and wall on a tight course as you run through.

It is tight when adjusted correctly, but not so tight it digs into the shooter’s side and leg. This is no small feat considering the real estate taken up by the 5” Prodigy. I think a big part of this is the placement and angle of the “wall” that rests against the shooter’s side. I’ve owned plenty of holsters with protruding walls that felt like they were trying to give me unwanted surgery as I moved around on the range or at work. I’ve owned a few that have really aced the way it rests against the body and keeps a handgun from pivoting around. The Rogue easily falls into the latter category. 

In Practice

The Crossbreed Rogue kept the Prodigy anchored to my hip throughout several trips to the range. During those trips, I was able to use the holster in a variety of shooting scenarios. Over the course of the stages, the holster was subject to a bit of abuse. During several drills, I began by laying on my side with the weight of my hip and torso on top of the Rogue, before rolling over to draw and engage targets. Both the Rogue and the Prodigy emerged no worse for wear from these drills, though there was a fair bit of dirt on both.

The Rogue feels sturdy enough to protect the Prodigy in unfavorable conditions like this. The hardware is solid and mounts up tightly. The screws don’t look or feel cheap, and the holes in the Kydex used as their attachment points are quite clean. Fit and finish on the Rogue are excellent, both aesthetically and practically speaking.

The base Crossbreed Rogue holster for the Prodigy, either 5” or 4.25” models, is available on the Springfield Armory Store for just $84.95. Offered in both left- and right-hand versions, the holster as sold on the Springfield Armory Store includes hardware for both IWB and OWB carry positions.

Conclusion

To my mind, the Rogue truly represents a great value to the shooter. It not only gives you the tools and options to carry your handgun exactly how you want to in a variety of layouts, it also does a great job of accommodating larger handguns like the Prodigy — either with or without an optic attached.

The holster gives you the tools to make it either a low-profile carry platform, or a launchpad for competition shooting. The Crossbreed Rogue gives you the capability to tailor your holster to your exact needs, and to know it will be comfortable and secure however you choose to carry it.

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CrossBreed Rogue OWB/IWB Holster for 1911 DS 5"

1911 DS Prodigy™ Series