What makes a good gun belt?

[Moparmike]

Ok, everyone keeps saying "get a good gun belt." So I will naturally assume that it wont be found in WallyWorld.

So, what makes a good one? What sort of place would one be found besides the local armory?

[Lone_Gunman]

Something thick, stiff, and 1.25-1.5 inches wide.

Look for them at www.usgalco.com

Their belts are great.

[Ringer]

Pretty much what Lone Gunman said. Double thick quality leather, like a quarter inch thick. As somewhat of a newbie to CCW I can confirm what everyone says about a good belt and holster. It really does make a difference.

I got my belt from Mitch Rosen Gunleather (http://www.mitchrosen.com/product_line/product_line.html), a little more expensive than the Galco. They custom make them cut to within a 1/4" length and they are made with a built in curve to fit your waist. Only took about 2 weeks to receive it. They do have an express model available in less sizes and without the curve for a little less money and they stock them.

I bought my holster from Milt Sparks (http://www.miltsparks.com), they also have nice belts but a long lead time.

Many holster makers sell belts as well, these two are the only I have experience with. You should be able to find some decent belts at your local gunshops, where you can also try them on. If you buy online you need to consider what type of holster you are going to use and add 1" to 2" in length for IWB holsters depending on the holster. Oh and belt sizes do not run the same as your pant waist size :)

[swingset]

I bought a 1.5" leather belt from, you guessed it, Wallyworld. Cost $8. Thick, fairly supple, has double claws at the buckle. Hate to say it, looks just like my older brother's Galco.

Works great. :D

[boing]

It should say "Milt Sparks" on it. :)

[Telperion]

Does anyone have experience with belts with nylon stiffener inserts? Do they work well?

[PCRCCW]

The stiffeners do two things..............

Make a thinner belt very rigid as they can be sewn in between the two pcs of leather.....offering the same as a thicker belt without the bulk.

They can help RETAIN the stiffness.....after 5-10 years of carrying a weapon even the toughest belts will lose their physical integrity..and they help out here too............

Shoot well.

[Harold Mayo]

Get it from closer to home...

www.raftersgunleather.com in southern Missouri OR

get the same stuff at a higher price but with a cooler stamp from

www.wilsoncombat.com