[Justin]

Ok, I've been considering getting a leather belt from Galco or Milt Sparks, or some other maker for awhile now.
But I'm interested to find out whose belt do you like and why?
I'm primarily interested in getting a 1 1/2 inch belt in brown leather. But I don't really know anything about belts or leather, so I'd like some input before I go off and drop nearly $100 on a belt.

Thanks.

[El Tejon]

Justin, IMO, a GOOD belt is key to a stable foundation to the pistol. It aids in carry, concealment, retention, mal drills, et al. I confess I do not understand why guys go out and spend 100s if not 1,000s on guns, ammo, training and holsters and then buy a belt on sale at the Gap.

I have an excellent Bruce Nelson belt which I wore during high school and undergrad and and looks fantastic. I prefer Milt Sparks now and wear one daily in 1". I have other widths as well--it depends on your dress code at your gig which is best.

I prefer Milt Sparks as they are made by gun people for gun people and, IME, all of their gear has lasted years for me. However, we are fortunate that there are many good makers now, so see what's out there.

[TheEgg]

El Tejon nailed it. A good belt is necessary and will last a very long time. Milt Sparks products are very good, I have several. Tucker belts are also excellent, thicker than Sparks. Depends on what you like, personal preference, YMMV, etc. But don't hesitate to invest in a good belt, the more you wear a gun, the more you will like it.

[shadow 1]

I won't rehash all the good info, but will concur that a belt made by gun folks are the way to go, I personally own a Sparks and a couple from Dillion Leather. Both are top notch and I don't travel anywhere without them.

[FJC]

I use a Rafter S Gunleather belt. Nice and thick, does a great job, and was only like $42.

http://www.raftersgunleather.com/

[Harold Mayo]

Second that...you won't find better than the Rafter S belts at any price and in any place.

www.raftersgunleather.com

[AK103K]

Leather belts are nice for dress, but for everyday hard use, you cant beat the "Instructor" type belts from The Wilderness and others. They are infinitely adjustable through the size range, ie. no holes at fixed intervals to hit, allowing for real comfort. They are not affected by moisture like leather, and they dont "creak". Leather also requires more care if you want them to last. For the money, for a good everyday use gun belt, the Instructor beats leather hands down.

[jthuang]

Agree, a good solid belt is essential to any quality carry rig.

I have three Kramer 1.25" double-thickness horsehide belts. Two in mahogany and one in black (gotta match the shoes, holster and watchband eh?).

Why I think the Kramer belts are nice:

1. Rock-stable -- two thicknesses of horsehide will get you that. :)

2. Buckle utilizes Chicago screws for attachment. Don't like the "stock" buckle? Old buckle too scratched up and dented? You can unscrew it and replace with another one.

Downside:

1. Horsehide tends to "squeak" more than cowhide. Figure you've got your belt, holster and mag pouch ... all horsehide ... that's a decent amount of squeaking. It's not overly loud, but it can be annoying.

2. $98 per belt takes a dent out of your wallet (pricing may be different, I got my last belt over a year ago).

Justin

[10-Ring]

Agreed! I spent some $$ on some cheapy work belts. All of them held my pants up okay, but add on a few pounds of gear & there was ALOT of flex & movement. I spent less money on one quality belt than I did on the 3 others. Stability & sure drawing & reholstering are the main advantages of getting a quality belt.
By the way,I bought a dressy DeSantis belt.

[No4Mk1]

Because I have to weary "fancy pants" to work most days, I opted for the 1-1/4 inch Galco. It looks like a high quality dress belt but is stiff and stable enough to work very well with even my full sized USP. If you can go with a wider belt you should.

[Justin]

I'm already very familiar with the fact that you have to have a good belt in order to carry a pistol with any sort of comfort. About a year and a half ago I picked up one of the Wilderness Instructor's belts, and it's been the one I wear every day. It serves its purpose wonderfully, keeping my pants up, as well as allowing me to comfortably carry all sorts of stuff in my pockets, as well as a holstered pistol.


My only gripe with the Instructor's belt is one of style. It's got none. Which is why I'd like to pick up a decent leather gunbelt. I want something that looks nice, that way if I have to tuck my shirt in, I don't have this nylon thing wrapped around my waist that just screams "Mall Ninja!"

[Master Blaster]

Second on the desantis belt department store price for a custom belt designed to hold up a holster.

[modifiedbrowning]

Justin, give Rafter-S a serious look, I am very pleased with mine.

[Skunkabilly]

Rafter S...because elephant skin is just too :cool:

:D

[W Turner]

One of the best values in a gun belt is the Aker line. They are double thickness with a polymer stiffener inside of them. They can be had in 1.5 and 1.25 widths and black and tan. I have two, one I got app. 4 years ago and it still looks great, the other I got a little over a year ago and it looks like I just took it out of the package. I have never had a problem with them flexing no matter how much I put on them.

The best part is they are only $29.99 in Gall's.

mino

[wunderkind]

Absolutely LOVE the Galco COP belt. I just bought one for $50.00 at my local gun shop. Got to support the local guy, get a great belt at a good price.

I got mine in black, but I think they come in brown colors too. The buckle on the COP belt is great-not too dressy, not too casual. Goes with jeans OR slacks OR khaki shorts. Excellent product.

A belt is a personalized fit item I would rather buy in-store than mail order-too many variables in fit from maker to maker. Besides, by the time you pay shipping/handling, you'll save 10-15 bucks. Then when the gun store closes, you'll still have that ten dollars...

[C.R.Sam]

Tell me why your leather belt is the best

Cause it is home made, out of harness leather and to fit ME.

Sam

[AZ Husker]

It's VERY important to match your belt to your holster slots (or vice versa). Another of my favorite leather pros is Gary Brommeland.
www.brommelandgunleather.com