[Bridger]

Well, I don't CCW yet, but I probably will as soon as I get this darned NY pistol permit. My current belt is starting to go though, so I figured I should go for a good gunbelt for the future rather than something flimsy. What are some good affordable options for every day wear? Are all good gun belts leather or are there some nylon ones available as well?

[Standing Wolf]

Belts from http://www.mitchrosen.com aren't most people's idea of "affordable," until you pause to consider their life expectancy: most of the way to forever.

[Hawkmoon]

"Gunbelts"?

You're going for CCW, not an LEO Sam Brown belt. Be a big spender, drop $5 on a nice belt at Wal-Mart and focus on finding the right concealed carry HOLSTER for whatever gun you'll be wearing.

[Cacique500]

I disagree with the above...you can have the best holster in the world but if you've got a crappy belt it's going to let the holster sag and flop all over the place.

Spend the money and get a good rig...belt & holster. I've got a Tucker rig and a Sparks rig. Both rigs are *excellent* and do their job very well.

Don't skimp - you need both a GOOD belt and a GOOD holster to do the job properly!

[Azrael256]

You're going for CCW, not an LEO Sam Brown belt. The above referenced "gun belts" aren't cartridge belts with holsters for your Peacemaker all in one piece. They're regular belts on steroids. Try wearing your ordinary Wal-Mart leather belt with a pistol attached for more than a few weeks, and you'll see the difference.

[Kamicosmos]

Definitely need a good belt. I had a $10 walmart belt. Was okay for IWB clip on jobs. But I have a Bianchi belt now. Much Much better! Holster actually stays put when I draw now! And, your pants don't sag and you don't have to have the belt on 3 holes tighter than normal...

You don't have to go nuts though. A decent gun belt can be had for 30-50 bucks.

[Dillon]

Take a look at the Aker B-21 belt. It is plenty stiff and less than $35. I've had mine for at least two years, and it is holding up well.

[Technosavant]

I have 2 belts. One is a Milt Sparks- looks great, is quite strong. Probably my favorite, but it is pricey.

The other is from Gunner's Alley. It works just as well, but I still prefer the pebbled finish on my Milt Sparks belt, but on the other hand, the GA belt is MUCH cheaper.
http://gunnersalley.zoovy.com/category/accessories.belts/?source=Adwords

[Blue Jays]

Hi Hawkmoon-

Did you forget the " ;) " emoticon on your post?

Comparing a quality gunbelt to a stretchy POS from a big-box discounter is silly. The belt is the basic platform from which one's CCW capabilities operate. It is a crucial part of the combination and deserves just as much careful consideration as the holster.

~ Blue Jays ~

[carebear]

Take a look at the belt construction. The difference between my lined Bianchi "gun belt" and my heavy, stitched Red Wing belts boils down to $100.

No sagging, no twisting, no less support in a practical sense.

Don't pay more just for a logo. :rolleyes:

[ClarkEMyers]

Particularly in NY I'd want a belt that contributed to the concealed part of CCW. The Wilderness Belt or other non-leather belts will work just fine but matching belt size and holster loop/snap or other attachment is a first rate idea. Many people find the cut down in front belt helps with both comfort and concealment when the belt is wider around the back - there may be some variation depending on what all is carried - both size and weight of the gun and extra ammunition and fighting flashlight and perhaps cuffs.

I hear stories about the belts from famous makers (e.g. Sparks) lasting for years in daily wear. Myself I always heard it pays to rest leather and besides I'm fashion conscious so I have black and brown to say nothing of the reddish color called cordovan though in my case not real horse hide for the belt and holster though it is for the shoes.

If your fashion sense says wear a shoot-me first vest and a Wilderness belt with a Kydex holster that will make a fine rig but just possibly a sharkskin trim rig from Alessi or other fine maker with a nice coat and tie will be less suspicious in the city.

Bottom line don't skimp on the belt more than you have to.

[chris in va]

I gotta tell ya, if you don't want to drop wads of $$$ on a belt but still have a good one, check out the Safariland velcro. Stiff leather *and* you can pull the belt out from either direction due to no buckle. Infinitely micro adjustable too, no 'inbetween' holes. I paid about $38 for mine at a gun store.

http://www.safariland.com/products.asp?id=125

[Mr_Moore]

I recently got my ccw and my best leather belt has split from carrying my pistol around.

I really needed the information provided. Thank you all.

[Radagast]

A number of holster makers post at http://www.pistolsmith.com/viewforum.php?f=6&sid=d7ddc5f6e342f112ed92d194d9c0cfae

you should be able to research belts there.

[armedandsafe]

I want 1 1/2" or 1 3/4" belt, lined and double stitched. I have found that leather money belts fit the need very well and run $35 to $50.

Pops

[ssr]

I wear my Rafter S belts everyday. Highly recommend them.

http://www.raftersgunleather.com/

[gggman]

Dillon gun belts are extremely sturdy. Not too expensive either.

[Bulldozer]

Gunner's Alley or the Beltman are good, cheap choices.

I use Alessi, Del Fatti, and Tucker belts myself and have never been disappointed.

You pay hundreds for a carry piece, pay premium price for JHP ammo, and then you're gonna p--s away $5-10 on a flimsy 2-oz piece of cow tail!?

Shame! Pony up and buy the anchor of your CCW system.

The Alessi belt I use was my late father's. he used it almost daily for over a decade and I've used it at least 2-3 times weekly for the past 2 1/2 years. I'll probably be able to pass it on to my newborn kid.

[Browns Fan]

Not everyone's CCW needs are the same. I agree with Hawkmoon. I bought a gun belt solely by reading these type of posts. My IWB carry is slightly LESS comfortable with the gun belt than my basic leather belt. Dont waste money on a gun belt unless you have tried carrying with a good basic leather belt first. If you still have comfort issues, then get the gun belt.

[KevinB]

I too suggest you try a belt from Gunner's Alley. It's a great belt for a great price. When I first got a gun belt I was surprised what a big difference in comfort and concealment it really made. I can't imagine carrying now without a good belt. Have a look at www.gunnersalley.com

good luck!

-Kevin

[1911JMB]

6 years ago I bought a $15, 1.5" cop belt from a uniform store. Its a superb belt. I use it to carry all kinds of crap, and I can't think of a need for anything more.

[mtnbkr]

I like my Rafter S belt. They're pretty inexpensive if you get the plain cowhide models, about $45. Mine is the sharkskin version, but I got that because I didn't like the color of the plain brown leather (too light and too smooth). Supposedly the sharkskin is more abrasion resistant, which can be important depending on your environment. Mine is still new looking after 7 months of near constant wear.

Chris

[20cows]

Any good 1 1/4 to 2" reasonably heavy leather belt like you'd find in a western clothing store and yes, even in the local Wally-mart (at least in my part of the world), will do the job. (I'm not talking a skinny, thin "dress belt"). I get arround five years out of one of those belts until I retire it to work pants only. By then, it still holds things up ok, but the finish is pretty well worn.

[Blue Jays]

Hi All-

The likelihood of finding a heavy 2" belt at Wal-Mart is pretty slim. By definition, that is a gunbelt.

~ Blue Jays ~

[20cows]

They do have the 1 1/2". I've been wearing this one three years. Wally-mart may carry a different inventory in West Texas.

[Kjott21]

I carry with a Wilderness 5-stitch every day.

[obiwan1]

I usually carry with a Null double thick 1.5" or a Strong 1.5" (cordovan). Good belts are worth the money!

I have a friend that travels a lot and is looking for a top quality money belt. He asked me because he knows I CCW off duty and like good leather. Do any of the quality holster companies make a decent money belt?

[Bridger]

Thanks for the info all! I am glad my inquiry has helped others too. I'm glad to see even the higher end and mid grade ones don't cost too much compared to what I was thinking. Now I just gotta pick one, and get that darned NY permit

[JerryM]

Another vote for RafterS. I have 3 and gave two as Christmas presents to my son and son-in-law. The sharkskin for $70 is almost a steal.

Jerry

[LHB1]

Bridger,
If you want a serviceable gun belt that looks like a gun belt, there are several available as mentioned above. If you want the finest quality gun belt that also looks as nice as a dress belt, check out Lou Alessi's belts. I just received an order of three and they are spectacular. Think I will wear one to church tomorrow as a dress belt with slacks and dress shirt. No one will ever know that it is a "gun belt".

Good shooting and be safe.
LB

[wahsben]

I also recommend Rafter S and The Beltman. I have belts from both and they are very solid and well made and the cost is reasonable.

[mbr]

Uncle Mike's synthetic dress holster belt:

http://www.unclemikes.com/srchresults.asp?catky=3407251&subcatky=4548779&subcatky2=2000083

Cheap, indestructable, (Almost), looks decent, will not deform under weight of a holster.

I've heard good things about the Wilderness belts, too. Its on my Christmas list.

http://thewilderness.com/catalog/default.php/cPath/3?osCsid=bc2f3336cbca348763c645f754dd340d

[Mastrogiacomo]

The only problem with buying belts in gun shops/stores is that most cater to men. It's tough for a 5'2" 117 lb woman to find anything. Whether it's Walmart or Galyans, it's always way too big.