Holster Cant

[egyas]

Ok, just looking for opinions here. I'm a "IWB holster n00b". Before I got my CCW I carried around the house and on private property where legal, but I used an OWB Uncle Mike's Kydex holster that I wore at 3:00. No cant on the holster at all. LOVED this holster for its durability and comfort. When I got my CCW, I still used that holster for a few weeks until my IWB holster showed up.

When the IWB holster showed up, I played with the cant on it. I wear my IWB at about 4:30 or so. The IWB holster said it could do 0 degrees to 40 degrees cant. After playing around and trying the multiple different variations, I set it for 0 (in reality it's more like 5 degrees.)

This is my first IWB holster, so here's the question / opinion portion part....

Why do people like a cant on their holster? I'm a big guy (6'2", and about 350lbs), so 3:00 IWB carry is out of the question for me. My "buddah" doesn't like the firearm digging in, hence the 4:30 carry. The holster manufacturer recommended at least a 20 degree cant at that position, but I found that to be uncomfortable, and more noticeable w/ just a t-shirt covering it.

What are the advantages people (who like a cant on their holster) have seen from having such a cant? Do you personally find it to be more comfortable? Concealable? Easier to draw? etc.

 

[rcmodel]

Easier faster draw.

Don't know about you, but my hand don't go straight up, and my wrest don't bend that far to get a firing grip while reaching behind my back for a gun.

rc

 

[JTQ]

As rcmodel said, most, though apparently not you, would find it difficult to draw from a 0 degree cant holster at 4:30.

The other issue, which would most likely not be a concern of somebody of your dimensions, is extra cant would bring the grip more to the vertical which would be a concealment aid to those that are not as deep as you front to back. For instance, the grip of a 1911 carried at even 3:00 in a holster with 0 degrees of cant by a 5'10" guy that weighs 140 lbs. would probably poke out the back like a diving board.

I agree with the manufacturers recommendation for 20 degrees of cant at 4:30, though everybody is different and you need to find what works for you. We have a recent thread where the OP was looking for a holster with 20+ degrees of cant to wear around 3:00. That's not the book answer, but it is what he found works for him.

 

[JTQ]

See forum member tmoore912 pictures in post #29 in this thread to see how cant and holster position works for him.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=567867&highlight=tmoore912

 

[RustyShackelford]

Blackhawk SERPAs.....

I used to wear strong side belt holsters with a slight FBI cant.
Over the last few years, I chose to wear my SERPA model holsters in a straight or regular style. The forward cant was okay but the traditional straight type seemed fast & secure for most uses.
I still wore the cross-draw style polymer holsters(Blade-tech) with a cant just to allow a quick draw while seated. This worked for SERPAs too, .
When I buy my new M&P Shield 9x19mm(no thumb safety) I want to carry it cross-draw like that.

 

[Lucky Derby]

Body shape and size plays into the equation so very much. I personally don't get how people find IWB comfortable at all. Ive tried different holsters, pant sizes, cants etc. I always end up with a back ache. OWB gives me no such issues.

 

[RustyShackelford]

I agree...

+1
I don't see the big advantages to IWB if you can't breathe or move.
It is great for deep concealment but you must have that specific body shape, build, weight.

 

[Robert]

Or have a good holster from a reputable maker and use it correctly. Even big guys can carry iwb without too much difficulty. Though it may require a new belt and the next size up in pants. I am 5'9" and pushing 220, maybe 225, and I carry iwb without an issue.

I like a slight forward cant but not too much. It aids in drawing but too much cant leaves me feeling like I have a bad grip.

 

[CZ9shooter]

I like my IWB holster at about the 330 to 4 oclock postion. With a moderate amount of cant. I'd estimate maybe 20 degrees. The draw is most comfotable, in my opinion, at this angle. I also feel like the cant, verses a verticle position, helps conceal the butt of the grip better under light clothing. Pointed more upward rather than backward and possibly out away from the body. I am 6'3 220lb if that matters.

 

[egyas]

Thanks guys for all the info and opinion! I did some "draw testing" last night and found out that while I can draw from the vertical position, I find that after I get about half way through my draw I start "dragging" the weapon forward. I realize now that a moderate cant (maybe the 20 degrees the manufacturer recommends) might prevent this.

I think I'll adjust my holster tonight to 20 degrees and see if I can get used to it. Like I said before, it's not as comfortable to me as straight up, but I'll see what happens.

 

[Sav .250]

Personal choice..................

 

[Lucky Derby]

Or have a good holster from a reputable maker and use it correctly. Even big guys can carry iwb without too much difficulty. Though it may require a new belt and the next size up in pants. I am 5'9" and pushing 220, maybe 225, and I carry iwb without an issue.

I like a slight forward cant but not too much. It aids in drawing but too much cant leaves me feeling like I have a bad grip.

No not everyone. I have a back injury from a rollover car wreck more than 20 years ago. I've tried every thing you mention, and then some. IWB does not work for me. Your statement is insulting.

 

[JTQ]

Your statement is insulting.

Why is it insulting?

You mention you have a medical condition that makes IWB uncomfortable for you. That's fine. Robert merely mentioned in response to this…

RustyShackelford wrote,
I don't see the big advantages to IWB if you can't breathe or move.

Robert wrote,
Or have a good holster from a reputable maker and use it correctly...Though it may require a new belt and the next size up in pants.

I consider Robert's comments good information directed to somebody that may have little experience with an IWB holster.

 

[Wishoot]

I may be one of the only people out there that prefers a neutral cant.

 

[Vodoun da Vinci]

I prefer zero cant as well but I carry AIWB and it works fine straight up. I think the degree of cant can depend heavily on what position you carry/draw from.

VooDoo

 

[Zerodefect]

Zero cant at 3 o-clock with a Raven Concealment holster.

I cant all my other holster styles at 5 o-clock.

 

[Lucky Derby]

Or have a good holster from a reputable maker and use it correctly. Even big guys can carry iwb without too much difficulty. Though it may require a new belt and the next size up in pants. I am 5'9" and pushing 220, maybe 225, and I carry iwb without an issue.
.

JTQ; This part is insulting. It is insuating that anyone can do it if they just put in the right effort and buy the right equipment. Not true at all.

 

[jhb]

If you're stick thin like me.....neutral cant carry at 9, 8, 7 (I'm a southpaw) really doesn't work well in iwb or owb shirt covering conceal carry.

The comment on the diving board is spot on. Bringing it to 15+ degrees allows for the grip to hide against ones side.

What I've learned over the years is there is no one way or system that works for every body size and shape. That's why we have so many options available.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

What are the advantages people (who like a cant on their holster) have seen from having such a cant? Do you personally find it to be more comfortable? Concealable? Easier to draw? etc.

It depends on where you wear. The vertical carry works great if you carry on the front of your body. I personally like around 2:00 for myself, for my own reasons. For strong side/behind the hip, generally, the further back you wear, the more cant you need. This both helps hide the gun butt in the "hollow" spot without it sticking out like a wind sock in a storm, and tilts it closer to your hand for an easier, smoother draw. But here's the important thing. If the carry you described is working for you, no further discussion is needed.