Straight Drop vs. FBI Cant

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Whit

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Is there a marked difference between the way straight drop and FBI cant holsters carry? Is there an advantage to one over the other, specifically when using for concealment? Is one more versatile than the other?

All of my experience is with the FBI cant. I’m considering a Kramer Vertical Scabbard which is available in both configurations. It would be for either a 3” K frame or 2” J frame. Maybe, if my financial secretary is feeling generous, I can get both!
 
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First, take the financial secretary to a nice dinner then approach the subject….. I have three of them all straight drop - 4 inch k frame, 4 inch N frame and 1911 commander. The 4 inch K and the commander were bargain bin gun show finds. If I were to order another and it was for concealed carry I would go with the FBI cant. The straight drop is great for field use but on my body (5’8” 175) the guns butts are too straight up for good concealment except in winter with heavy coat. Just my opinion. Kim at Kramer is very good to deal with.
 
I much prefer the FBI cant of 15-20 degrees to the vertical variety.

I’m significantly quicker on presentation with the canted variety.

Although it’s not a significant issue for me, the canted holster is easier to conceal than the vertical holster

To me, the longer the barrel, the more helpful the cant.
 
Prefer the FBI cant at 3 oclock for the medium to large semi's being carried. Much better concealment, especially for when you actually move/bend/reach. For the smaller gripped pistols like a xds, can easily use a straight drop at 4 oclock, or behind the hip for what ever time that is.

For me carrying with a FBI cant takes some practice to bend my hand slightly rearward.
 
The forward cant helps with a draw while seated for sure, and seems to help while standing as well. Straight drop I use for woods walking sidearms.
 
I have a couple of the Kramer MSP paddles, and have carried a pistol as big as an H&K USP 45 concealed. Your shoulder joint may drive the train. As for getting a holster, I would get it for a 3"K - the difference in performance is easily worth the modest difference in concealment.
 
Mostly body mechanics and personal preference, but the length of the barrel will also have some impact on which works better.

I prefer a straight up and down OWB holster, but it needs to be worn just in front of the point of the hip to work right, and this can compromise concealment depending on clothing.

The FBI cant is designed to be worn behind the hip. The draw is a little longer, but can be easier on worn out shoulders, and provides slightly better concealment. I usually go with some cant on an IWB strong side holster to get it behind the hip for max concealment.

I love when actors on TV shows have an FBI cant holster shoved all the way around to the appendix... looks ridiculous! :p
 
The cant is supposed to move the butt of the gun forward and make it less likely to print. But, you can dress around that.

As some others have mentioned body mechanics, the ride height of the holster and barrel length can affect which works best for you as does exactly where you put it. Right at 3 o' clock for a right hander will make it very hard to hide. Back behind the hip hides better. Considering body mechanics, my duty rig was never at 3 o' clock. I've got a Mernickle holster with a very slight cant, but the front edge of the trigger guard is about in the middle of the belt. Works for me.
 
IMO, a straight drop conceals better in most cases; due to the heel of the grip not sticking up. An FBI cant draws quicker. Ofcourse all this depends on the gun, body, where it’s worn, etc… All my holsters are canted.
 
IMO, a straight drop conceals better in most cases; due to the heel of the grip not sticking up. An FBI cant draws quicker. Ofcourse all this depends on the gun, body, where it’s worn, etc… All my holsters are canted.
 
My wrist doesn’t like too high of a ride or more than a few degrees of butt forward can’t from the hip point back.

Straight drop at the hip of forward.

I really like a cross draw work on the strong side, with the but over where acjeans pocket would be. That’s reverse cant compared to the FBI cant and works great for me.
 
I hope that the above is useful, but I think that you have to try each case. My inclination is toward FBI cant, and most of my holsters have it, but I did buy a Kramer vertical from Dillon for my 520, and it worked great. I did carry it at three o'clock (see post #8 above).
 
I prefer a canted holster and LOVE the Kramer OWB scabbards made in Horsehide. I own a bunch of them and aside from never wearing out, they are the best holsters I've ever owned!

Straight vs canted is more of a personal choice, however it seems most EDCers prefer canted from my observations over the years. It just seems a bit easier to extract the gun when worn in a 3 - 4 o'clock position. If worn between 2 - 3 o'clock a straight design might be easier.
 
I wear at about 4 O'clock so I need the cant.

Also important is how high the holster rides on the belt; for me some "high ride holsters don't allow me enough arm movement to draw anything but a 2" revolver...... 5'8" 165 lbs.
 
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Go with what works for your body. In my case, I'm a bit large of belly, small of butt and have bad shoulders. Straight drop works much better for me than any cant at all.
I'm also very fond of Avenger style holsters that tuck the gun's butt in close to my body.
But again, you need to experiment and find what works for your particular body type. That's why most of us have a box of holsters that didn't work. :rolleyes:
 
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