That Glock 26 you love? It could be even better to carry. If your draw feels awkward or printing is an issue, your holster’s ride height and cant might be the culprits. Lets figure out how to dial it in.
Why ride height matters for your G26
Ride height… it’s just how high or low your G26 sits in the waistband. A higher ride makes the grip easier to grab, super quick. But, it might also mean the gun pokes out more, especially with a subcompact like the G26. Nobody wants that.
Lower ride? Great for hiding it. The gun tucks in deeper, less chance of printing. The trade-off can be a slower, fumbled draw if it’s too low. Your fingers need space to get a solid grip. For appendix carry, a lower ride often feels more comfy when you sit down. Strong-side carry, some folks prefer it a bit higher to clear their cover garment without a big sweep. It’s all about balance.
Think about your body type and typical clothes too. What works for a skinny guy in a t-shirt might not work for a bigger dude in a jacket. The G26’s short grip actually gives a little leeway here compared to, say, a G19. Less grip to print.
Understanding holster cant and its impact
Cant is the angle of your G26 in the holster. Think of it like tilting the gun forward or backward. A “neutral” or straight-drop cant means the barrel points straight down. A “forward cant” tilts the muzzle back and the grip forward. This is common for strong-side carry, usually around 10-15 degrees.
Why bother with cant? Comfort and concealment, mostly. That forward tilt helps the G26’s grip conform to your body’s curve, especially behind the hip. Makes it less likely to stick out. It can also make the draw smoother, presenting the grip at a more natural angle for your hand.
For appendix inside the waistband (AIWB), a slight reverse cant or a neutral cant is often preferred. Some holsters even offer a “claw” or “wing” that pushes the grip inward, which works kinda like cant for concealment. The G26’s shorter barrel and grip make it pretty adaptable to different cant angles without much fuss.
| Carry Position | Typical Cant Range | Primary Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Strong-side (3-5 o’clock) | 10-20° Forward | Concealment, draw ease |
| Appendix (AIWB) | 0-10° Reverse/Neutral | Comfort, draw speed |
| Cross-draw | 15-25° Forward | Seated access, vehicle |
Experimenting to find your personal preference
Alright, theory’s nice, but you gotta try stuff. The best way? Get an adjustable holster. Many good kydex holsters let you tweak both ride height and cant. Don’t have one? You can still play around by slightly shifting your current holster if it has any adjustment, or even just by observing how different body movements affect concealment with its fixed settings.
Start with the manufacturer’s default. Wear it. Do some dry-fire draws (unloaded gun, always!). Hows it feel? Easy to get a full firing grip? Or are you digging for it?
Now, adjust one thing. Say, lower the ride height a notch. Try again. Better? Worse?
Then try cant. If you’re carrying strong-side, maybe try a bit more forward cant. AIWB? See if a straighter drop works or if a tiny reverse cant helps tuck the grip.
- Do mirror checks: Bend, twist, sit. Does the G26 print?
- Practice draws: Smooth is fast. Don’t rush.
- Consider your belt: A good gun belt makes a huge difference in stability.
This aint a one-shot deal. It might take a few days, or even weeks, of minor adjustments. What feels good standing might suck sitting. The sweet spot is personal.
Common G26 ride height and cant setups
While “your mileage may vary” is king, some setups are popular for a reason with the Glock 26. These are starting points, not gospel.
For AIWB carry:
- Ride Height: Medium to low. Enough to get a full grip, but low enough to minimize printing and maximize comfort when seated.
- Cant: Neutral (0 degrees) or very slight reverse cant (muzzle angled slightly forward). Often paired with a “claw” or “wing” to push the grip into the body. This keeps the short G26 grip super concealed.
For strong-side hip carry (3-4 o’clock):
- Ride Height: Medium. High enough to clear a cover garment easily but not so high it feels tippy.
- Cant: 10-15 degrees forward. This helps the grip blend with the curve of your body and presents the grip at a natural angle for drawing.
Remember, the G26 is small. It’s forgiving. You might find a slightly higher ride is fine because there’s less gun to print anyway. Or you might find that because the grip is short, you need that perfect cant to get your hand on it just right. Experimentation… thats the key.