FBI Cant: What You Need to Know
FBI cant – it sounds cool, looks cool, and feels cool. But if you aren’t familiar with the term, you may be wondering what it is and whether it’s something you should try.
The FBI cant was popularized by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the 1980s and has since become a popular holster setup among law enforcement and civilian shooters.
FBI cant simply refers to a specific angle at which your gun holster may be carried – usually tilted forward slightly, around 10-15 degrees. Not only does this cant angle make your weapon more accessible, but many find it easier and more comfortable to conceal.
In this article, we will explore what exactly this holster cant angle is, how it got its name, and the benefits of carrying with an FBI can't.
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What is FBI Cant?
The FBI cant angle is a popular carry method for law enforcement and civilian shooters alike. Simply put, the term refers to carrying your gun at a slight forward angle, typically around 10-15 degrees in the 3-5 o’clock carry positions.
This particular cant angle was first popularized by the Federal Bureau of Investigation back in the 1980s. During that time, FBI agents started carrying their pistols tilted forward instead of straight down, making them more comfortable to wear while sitting at a desk or in a vehicle.
Not only that, but the cant angle made it easier for them to conceal a weapon outside the waistband under a plainclothes jacket, as the angle naturally draws the grip of your gun closer to your body.
Other law enforcement agencies quickly caught on, and the civilian market soon followed. Today, FBI cant is a commonly used and recommended carry angle for both IWB and OWB holsters.
Many concealed carriers swear by this cant angle, as it tends to be more comfortable and efficient to draw from than many other carry positions, as well as easier to conceal.
What Are the Benefits of an FBI Cant Holster?
There are many reasons why FBI cant is so widely used by both law enforcement and everyday carriers.
One of the main advantages of an FBI cant holster is that it makes drawing your gun significantly faster. The forward tilt of the holster makes it easier to reach your firearm and quickly draw it, which can be especially beneficial in high-stress situations where every second counts.
Carrying at an FBI cant also makes concealing your weapon easier. When your holster is tilted forward, the grip of your pistol is pulled closer to your body, which can help prevent printing and make your gun less noticeable.
Not only that, but having the grip of your firearm closer to you is noticeably more comfortable. When your holster is attached to your belt at an angle, your gun is less likely to bump or rub against your body. This can make it more comfortable to carry for long periods, and can also help prevent chafing and skin irritation.
Another benefit of the FBI cant is that it’s easier to move and run while carrying a gun. Again, having that grip close to your body reduces the risk of it getting caught on clothing or other objects, which can make it easier to move around and allows you to maintain a low profile.
Are There Any Drawbacks to Carrying an FBI Cant Holster?
While FBI cant offers many benefits, it isn’t without its drawbacks.
First, the FBI cant angle may not be ideal for certain types of firearms or carry positions. If you carry appendix, for example, this cant angle will not only be uncomfortable, but it will also be extremely difficult to draw from.
Another potential issue is that while it makes drawing your weapon easier, it can actually make reholstering harder. When the opening of your holster is at an angle, it’s more challenging to find and re-insert your gun when it needs to be secured. This can be mitigated with training and practice, but it is still something to keep in mind.
Finally, carrying at an FBI cant requires plenty of training and practice to use safely and effectively. The forward tilt of the holster changes the dynamics of drawing and re-holstering the firearm, which requires adjustment and practice to ensure safe and effective use – something that you should be doing anyway, regardless of your carry setup.
Failing to train properly with an FBI cant holster can result in slower draw times and can even put you at risk of flagging yourself or someone else, or experiencing an accidental discharge.
Is an FBI Cant Holster Right For Me?
While the FBI cant angle is a tried and true way to carry, it’s not for everyone.
First, this holster cant angle only works if you plan to carry in the 3-5 o’clock position. So if you typically carry elsewhere, this may not be your tactic.
Beyond that, the only way to really find out if an FBI cant holster is for you is to try one out to see if it meets your needs and personal preferences. Everything from the firearm you carry to your body type can affect how well this holster cant works for you, so you’ll need to try it for yourself.
The best way to give the FBI cant angle a try is to use it during dry fire training. This will allow you to test the setup from the comfort of your own home to make sure it works for you. To learn all about dry fire training, check out our Beginner’s Guide to Dry Fire Training at Home.
If you’re looking for an FBI cant holster, or one that can be adjusted to this angle, you’ve come to the right place. At Vedder Holsters, we offer several holsters that are specifically designed at a 10-15 degree FBI cant angle, including our hybrid IWB ComfortTuck™ and ProTuck, as well as our hybrid OWB Quick Draw and all Kydex OWB LightDraw™.
For adjustable holsters that can be worn at an FBI cant angle, or up to 30 degrees forward or reverse, check out our number one selling IWB LightTuck™, hybrid IWB RapidTuck™, and OWB ProDraw™ paddle holster.
Summary
The ever-popular FBI cant has been used by the bureau for decades and is now a common setup that many concealed carriers like to use.
Sitting on your hip at a 10-15 degree angle, this position makes it easy to access your gun and makes it significantly more comfortable and concealable for many shooters.
If you’re looking for a new IWB or OWB holster that can be carried with an FBI cant, visit our Holsters by Gun Model page for Kydex holsters that are custom-made for your weapon of choice.
Interested in items beyond holsters? Check out our Resources Page for links to recommended products like lights, lasers, first aid, maintenance, and more, and browse our selection of belts, apparel, and accessories at our website, vedderholsters.com.
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