Holsters forward or reverse canted?

Just out of curiosity, I have narrowed my holster search down to the one I think I am going to get. I have never carried a gun concealed, never carried a holster, and honestly don't know what factors to take into consideration.

I am given a choice of whether or not I want the holster to be forward or reverse canted. I know I want it canted, I just don't know if I want it forward or reverse canted. For example, I imagine myself being able to draw the gun much smoother with a reverse cant, but at the same time, it seems like when sitting (such as in a booth at a diner or something), I'd be constantly worried the gun may "slip out" of the holster if reverse canted. I don't wear extremely loose and baggy clothing, but I do not tuck my shirt in and I tend to dress fairly comfortably and casually the majority of the time. With slightly loose fitting jeans, or sweat pant type elastic pants, and a T shirt or Polo style shirt, ALWAYS untucked.

It is a Pro Carry HD IWB holster. Not sure if anyone is familiar with those, but I know I want my holster to be IWB, and the reviews on this one seem to be pretty good, and it is in the right price range for my current needs. The guns I will be carrying will be one compact .40 SW and a sub compact 9mm.


Just curious to know what an experience shooter with CCW knowledge would choose for this specific purpose, in particular, which canting option he or she would choose, forward, reverse, or none at all?

I look at holsters as a learning experience on the path to figuring out what kind of holster I really want. Even when you find the right holster, you'll still be looking for the perfect holster. <G>

If I were starting from scratch on the quest for the right holster, I'd get a holster that is adjustable for both height and rake and try different configurations before I invested in a non-adjustable holster.

I have one from Tucker Gunleather that is the right holster for me, but I'm still looking.

Forward cant is better for strong side concealed carry because the butt is tucked in tight to the body and doesn't print as much. Reverse cant is better for cross draw.

It depends on where you wear it and what you are doing. Your body geometry and flexibility will drive what is comfortable and fast for you. Hill Country is right... it is a journey to find the perfect holster. That's why most of us have a box of holsters...

For me, in my experience, the following holds true. Your mileage may vary...

The forward cant does cause less printing, but unless you wear the holster behind your hip at the 4 o'clock position, it *may* be a slower, less comfortable draw. A reverse cant, with the muzzle forward, *may*be be slower unless it is worn in front of your hip at the 2 o'clock position. Depending on barrel length, that may be uncomfortable if you spend much time sitting. You also could select a neutral cant that holds the pistol straight up. That is nice at the 3 o'clock. There are holsters that are adjustable for cant and that may be a good starting point.

Good luck!

Thanks

And honestly, as someone pointed out, I have no idea if I would lean more towards cross drawing or dominant hand drawing, but I guess the main concern I have is that no matter what position I am in (standing, walking, sitting in a chair or booth, driving), that I am comfortable.

I am assuming that when you said reverse cant is better for cross drawing, you meant that if it is on your non dominant side, a reverse cant holster would actually have the butt of the gun facing forward, towards your stomach. Just want to be sure I am understanding this.

For me personally, just from playing around with my PLASTIC gun at home to see which position is more comfortable, I actually think reverse cant from my dominant side would be pretty effective, but then again, I have never actually carried a gun before.

I don't plan to carry a gun with me everywhere I go, either, especially considering that many of the places I go every day strictly prohibit carrying of firearms (I'm in college). But I also find myself "running the roads" of a fairly unpredictable urban area, sometimes in the wee hours of the morning, and in that case, I'd just feel more secure with a gun on my side, should I be placed in a life or death situation (not a lose my wallet situation, I do know the difference, Thank God for common sense).

I am probably going to take your advice and get an adjustable holster to start, but as nawilson pointed out, if I know myself (and I'm 5'7 150 lbs soaking wet), I'd most likely carry the gun at a 2 o clock position with a reverse cant (on my dominant side, which is my right side), when walking around, but I would probably want it on my non dominant side (left at 2 o clock, with a reverse cant that is now pointing forward), when sitting. Of course, I don't know how feasible it is to re-position your holster any time you sit in a restaurant or other public place, the last thing I want to do is scare some old lady to death by accidentally letting my gun become visible.

Anyway, if anyone reading this notices that I am misunderstanding what is being said, please point it out to me. Holsters are not cheap and although I don't mind paying for quality, I want to select one that is as versatile as possible. I haven't seen any adjustable holsters that I like as of yet, I have seen a few of the Blackhawk Serpas, which looked ideal to me at first, but when I started reading the reviews of how it causes holster "wear" on guns just did not make me want to run out and buy one.

Oh and one more question, what is this "printing" you guys keep referring to?

Oh and one more question, what is this "printing" you guys keep referring to?

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When the outline of the gun shows through your clothes.

I am probably going to take your advice and get an adjustable holster to start, but as nawilson pointed out, if I know myself (and I'm 5'7 150 lbs soaking wet), I'd most likely carry the gun at a 2 o clock position with a reverse cant (on my dominant side, which is my right side), when walking around, but I would probably want it on my non dominant side (left at 2 o clock, with a reverse cant that is now pointing forward), when sitting. Of course, I don't know how feasible it is to re-position your holster any time you sit in a restaurant or other public place, the last thing I want to do is scare some old lady to death by accidentally letting my gun become visible.

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The last thing you want is to be constantly fiddling with your holster and gun when you are carrying. Find where you can carry it concealed comfortably and leave it there.

Unless you plan to use a tuckable holster (cover it with your shirt) a gun forward of the 3 o'clock is a special problem with keeping it concealed. Same with crossdraw. Tuckables allow appendix carry without showing the gun.
Even with a jacket and OWB, do you want to expose the gun every time you get your (keys, change, whatever) out of your pants pockets?
Most people who carry OWB put the gun at 3 or 4 o'clock, and the further back, the more FBI cant (forward).

In general, reverse cant with anything other than crossdraw is impractical when you are drawing from under clothes. It is the realm of the open western fastdraw holster, which is worn openly.

I use cross draw because it is a lot easier to get your gun when you're sitting down - like in a car. And, for someone that tries to get your gun - with cross draw they have to face you head on where you can see them.

With a hip hoster on your side they could come up behind you and get your gun.

I don't wear my holster completely on my left side. I wear it on my front left side above my left front pocket with the grip toward my belly button and wear loose shirts with my shirt tail hanging out.

You can also use an ankle holster and no one will ever see it.

I carry a 642.

I've used rear cant,forward cant,cross draw,IWB,and everything else both in a duty and off duty capacity over the years. I've found that now,the best positon and carry method for me is appendix IWB whether I'm carrying a Glock 19 or a Mod.10 snub.
This works well for me in both summer and winter.T shirt or untucked polo in summer,sweatshirt in winter for comcealment.
This allows for comfort even while seated,and allows me to better protect the weapon,as I would protect my core if I happen to get into an entanglement with a street punk.Also very fast presentation.May not work for anyone with a beer belly,but best for me at this point with my own lifestyle.

I think after you try it out for awhile you'll find the 2 O'clock position is not the best. And changing the positioning is not a good idea, makes it obvious what you're doing. For IWB carry I am most comfortable with 4 O'clock positioning. In IWB carry comfort is very important. A 1/4" difference in position of the gun can mean all the difference between "Dang, I'm gonna leave this thing at home next time" and "I forgot I was wearing that thing......all day long". Most IWB holsters I have seen are really not adjustable. Mine don't need to be, they are just straight-draw, and they work well for me.
You have some good questions, and congratulations on your new permit. But trust me on this one: Pretty soon you'll realize you need a J-Frame revolver, if you don't already have one, preferably a Centennial. Then we'll talk about how to hide that.
Jim

Thanks for all the helpful info

Just out of curiosity, are those "belly band" holsters worth anything? I have read mixed reviews. I'm a slim guy I have a 30 - 32 inch waist. I figured I could start with that, I just don't know how well it would secure the gun to my waist.

I just honestly can't imagine how it feels to walk around in public with a gun, especially if it is physically uncomfortable. As long as it is comfortable physically, I don't think I will be constantly thinking about it and wondering if people notice it. I just have a feeling if I go somewhere with an awkward holster I'm going to have a hard time acting natural while carrying.

But as someone mentioned earlier about the reverse cant on the left side just above the pocket, that position seems to be the most versatile from what I can tell, and I know it would be comfortable. To be honest, my Glocks fit perfectly in my jeans pocket, but I know it's a little impractical to walk around with a gun in your pocket, plus the sites get hung up on my pocket so if I had to draw it I would probably come up short, so needless to say that will definitely not work. I guess I'll just have to wait and see. I'm just trying to avoid buying 3 or 4 holsters trying to find the right one, but that may be much easier said than done.

Also, I have never heard the term "J-Frame" revolver so I googled it. Turns out, I do have one, and it is definitely a good gun (.38 Special - 5 shot) VERY accurate when shot single action..I plan to find a holster for it too, but it will not be my primary CCW. It is truly ironic how much respect I have for revolvers now, because when I first started shopping for guns, I didn't want a revolver because I thought the fact that it is only 5 or 6 shots and that it takes a little while to reload could actually be a downfall.....I know much better now

Yes, the Belly Bands are a very good system, if you do it properly. If you look at the ads in the gun magazines, they show a picture of the rig about half way up the torso. Don't try that. It would be really uncomfortable, and really hard to draw from. It should be used at belt level. I carry mine at the 4 O'clock position, over the underwear/shirt and under a tucked in shirt. Shirt of course can't be skin tight, but done properly, the gun is undetectable. I have carried Glocks, J,K,L and even N-Frame revolvers in my Bianchi Ranger Belly Band in total comfort. I once carried a J-Frame M640-1 with a Speed Strip in the pouch ahead of gun for 17 hours straight, and literally couldn't feel it. To draw you grab a hunk of shirt, yank it out to untuck it, and draw. No, it's not super fast, but can be done quickly with practice.
This is a very secure system, and surprisingly comfortable. I use this sometimes when wearing a suit in an environment where I may have to remove the coat. I really like it, and you will too if you try it.
Jim

Nice, I am trying to decide which one to order right now. There are several on Amazon, not sure if they are all basically the same, or if they have huge differences.

I am looking for something that would enable me to keep it at either 10 or 2 o clock, at least at first. I'd just much rather have the gun on my front side right now.

I think I'm gonna start off with that, and this will enable me to determine which carry position is the most comfortable for me, and then I will buy a good holster in the future.

Chris,
We have several excellent holster makers on the forum. Check out the Vendor area and see what they have to offer. I'm sure they would be willing to offer suggestions.

Link: Smith and Wesson Forum Vendors

I'm thinking cheap for you right now. As a beginner, and as young as you are, rather than spend $80 or more on a really good, long-lasting holster, maybe you should get a couple of things. If you run around a lot maybe a bellyband, for certain times/situations- only $25-30. Then do a search on Ebay for 'concealed cary holsters' and a bunch of cheap ($25-ish) leather holsters will show up- as well as kydex. But buy a cheap one you think you'll like, and use, and try them out. After a year or so of carrying, check out the more expesnive models and get a good, long-lasting holster that does what you want it to do. Just a thought......

In addition to all of the great advice already posted, I'll add that while it is perfectly acceptable to experiment with what position/holster combo will work for you, once you make a decision I think it would be in your best interest to stick with that combo as much as possible. People fight like they train. If you carry strongside one day and crossdraw the next, it's possible that, under the stress of a gunfight, you might reach for where you think your gun is only to find nothing. Under high stress this could make you freeze up while you try to figure out where your gun is.

Some people can get away with multiple guns/multiple holsters/multiple positions, but they're the ones who practice and train a lot, which can mitigate the problem. I don't have the resources to train as much as I'd like so I stick with my 642 carried IWB at about 3:30 with my primary reload on my left side at least 99.99% of the time, and that's how I practice. On the rare occasion I pocket carry, I always do some practice draws from the new position (with a triple-checked unloaded gun, pointed towards a safe backstop, and no live ammo nearby, of course) before heading out. When I switch back to IWB, I repeat the process.

Just my opinion. Take it for what it's worth.

Is this what you mean by a reverse cant? I had one made I think by don hume for revolvers that I wore daily for many years, (in uniform) it was my favorite. No worry about it dropping out, it was a thumb break. They were super comfortable to me, but not many was built like me either.

I believe they are using "reverse" as meaning "rearward". Some say "forward" cant and "rearward" cant, or maybe "front" cant and "rear" cant. "Reverse" can be opposite of "forward" but in this case using "rear" or "rearward" is describing the position of the grip in the holster relative to the muzzle.

I have a Black Hawk Graphite holster with both belt slide and paddle options. I can adjust the cant. It has a positive retention device.

1. The hoslster works very well. The retention device secures the weapon absolutely. It presents quickly.

2. Although the release motion is intuitive, the exact placement of the trigger finger to release it must be practiced. Also I had to learn not to start to pull the weapon before I pressed the release button. If you time that action incorrectly (start to pull slightly before you release the weapon) it won't present.

3. Adjustable cant is a nice feature. On my strong side draw the vertical drop (no cant) was very fast, but the butt of my 340PD telegraphed right through my covering garment (sweatshirt). A forward cant eliminated the telegraphed outline, but in my opinion is a little slower to present.

4. I will replace this holster with a speed scabbard. Although it works fine, the molded holster stands further from the hip than a leather one will. So it shows as extra bulk under a covering garment.

5. Another advantage is that it was cheap, and immediately available.

To me, I always thought a reverse cant was the bottom of the barrel kicked forward with the butt back. The fbi butt forward style would be a forward cant --- I think.
As said, for me, I like the reverse cant and used to find them hard to find even 40 years ago when revolvers were popular with LEO. I lost a nice one I had don hume build me. I still own that old rig shown that ALPHONSO built me around 1970.
They seemed more natural drawing for me. You dont have to bend your wrist backward reaching for your gun. Also for me they were more out of the way driveing and getting in and out a lot in a shift.
Probley alphonso and many other custom makers will build them on request, but with generic makers like galico and triple K, I would think we would be out of luck. The security was good as the ones I have and had all had a good thumb break like the federal man style. The type also were cut lower in the front to wear you barely had to raise the gun up to clear. Very fast, no doubt the fastest to draw, yet secure as any other.

Hi:
Consider zero cant (0). This allows the arm and hand to draw a weapon naturally. It also allows different positions.