Holster cant?

[Sipowicz]

I will (hopefully) soon be ordering a holster from our resident holster fabricator, but I do not know how to determine what the correct/proper cant would be. How do you measure or determine the degree of the cant? I can take my gun and hold it to my side and determine how it fits comfortably (mainly when sitting) but I don't know how to interpret that into degrees. Also I need to figure out how to make sure it is still easily draw-able if, God forbid, then emergent need should arise.

Any help in how to measure and understand would be great. If meeting with someone is a possibility, I'd be happy to do so.

[EJSG19]

Far as measuring, I am imagining some string and a weight (plumb bob), maybe take a ruler and draw a straight line down the side of your slide. So when your slide's line matches up to the string hanging perfectly vertical, you'd be at 0 degree's cant. (idea being a vertical slide is the benchmark, and a vertical slide = 0 degrees cant. Not being a holster maker, that'd be my guess.)

To measure degree's you'll likely need a second person, and as you rotate the slide's pencil line away from the vertical string, they'd have to record and measure that distance/angle. Protractors are something I avoid like the plague, but thats what I see as a way to measure it.

Most people don't go much more than 10-15 degree's forward cant. Some forward cant is a must for me. Mine rides just about 4 O'clock on my waist when I carry. With no forward cant the grip really jabs me and sticks out through my shirt a lot (fullsize pistol).

Sad truth is, nobody will be able to tell you what amount is best for you. If you want to come by, you can see what a Srigs 10 degree forward cant, in an IWB looks like. I'm in MN until Thursday

[Srigs]

The best way to see what feels right to you is with an unloaded gun and full length mirror. Take the gun in your hand and place it near where you want to carry it and see what ~ cant feels right.

In general, zero works well for appendix to 3 o'clock unless you have shoulder or arm problems and sometimes this works well even past 3 o'clock.
3 o'clock to 5 o'clock 5 to 20 degrees is the norm with 15 degrees (FBI cant) seams to be the biggest choice by most people.

Hope this helps.

[Sipowicz]

You are my hero, Srigs. Thanks!

Front being 12, I carry at about a 3:30 to 4 or so. It is more comfortable with the, shall we say, extra insulation.

The last holster you made for me you did at FBI cant, so I think when I order via your website I'll do that again.

[Srigs]

Glad I could help.

I answer a few of these type of questions a week.