Fat man in search of a workable gunbelt...

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Detritus

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Guys I need help, I'm trying to put together a holster, belt, and mag pouch rig for weekly range trips and eventually the local practical pistol matches.

So far I've got a holster (Blackhawk Serpa sportster with the paddle switched for a belt loop) and mag pouch (Tuff Products 8 In Line) that I like. But naturally BOTH of them are going to require something different in the belt department than my current 1-1/4", single thickness, leather, pants-holder-upper.. (Especially the Mag pouch, 8 steel 1911 mags containing a total of 64 rounds of 45acp isn't light by any stretch.)

Problem comes in the form of my need for a belt that is up to the task and available in sizes above 52". I wear 52-30/32 jeans/khakis, and I'm leaning toward wanting this rig to go over my existing street clothes, and be range use only. though I am amenable to going with a heavy-duty "double duty" type (gunbelt and street wear), If needs be.

My preference would be for a heavy-duty webbing/courdura type belt with quick release type buckle. but I am as mentioned open to suggestions.

thank you for your time and any help/input you can give me.

:)
 
I like the flexibility of the 5.11 Trainer Belt. As my weight goes up or down, the velcro locking system is perfect. It holds my OWB/IWB holsters very sturdy. Highly recommended.

5.11 Tactical Trainer Belt

Trainer Belt - 1 1/2"" Wide Description:


- Durable, comfortable and functional
- Solid Stainless Steel Buckle (6000lb rating)
- Buckle finished in black matte
- Super strong 1.5 inch nylon mesh material
- Reinforced stitching
- 3 colors

The 1.5 inch 5.11 Trainer Belt provides law enforcement, military and fire professionals with a high quality and secure belt for use in almost any environment. The 5.11 Trainer Belt has a solid stainless steel, low profile buckle which has a 6000lb rating for emergency climbing. The durable nylon webbing locks securely in the belt buckle and is additionally locked with a Velcro® locking system. The 5.11 Trainer Belt can accommodate most off duty holsters and will not lose its shape even after repeated use. Great for training, casual or duty wear, the 5.11 Trainer Belt is the choice of Law Enforcement, Military and professionals around the world. The 5.11 Trainer Belt comes in sizes from Small to 4XL. The 1.5 inch webbing can be used on most belt loops and is great for holster wear. The Trainer Belt can also accommodate a variety of other gear as needed. Quality, durability, and a low price make the 5.11 Trainer Belt a super value.
 
Whatever you get, you oughta consider Perry Suspenders in addition to your loosely worn waist tourniquet.

Perry's straps clip onto the belt, not the fabric.

There is a 'Manual Of Arms' involved in going to visit John J. Crapper's invention.

It'll take getting used to, but your britches and whatever else you have around the waist or in the pockets, will stay up.

salty
curently wearing my Michelin Man disguise.

EDIT: I haven't seen you post for a while. Good to see you back. Cap'n Sam keeping you busy on the Night Watch?

sd.
 
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At last, I can carry the proverbial concealed police officer for real!

Exactly! "I carry a gun 'cause a cop's too heavy"...well, he's still heavy, but at least now he fits in my pants! :D
 
I've got the same problem you do. I found a Bianchi 2" wide belt that fits my round middle. It is some sort of typical non leather polymer velcro belt. I'd check them out.
 
I would make my own IMO. I know that there are native american and western pioneer events that have leathersmiths that can jimmy out a custom one off for you in about 15 minutes-and they make great heirlooms
 
MarlinBrando wrote,
I know that there are native american and western pioneer events that have leathersmiths that can jimmy out a custom one off for you in about 15 minutes-and they make great heirlooms
I can't think of anybody that would have more knowledge about large diameter belts made by Native Americans than Marlin Brando.:D

Great screen name.
 
when you get it finished and fine tuned you HAVE to post some pics. This I want to see. Good luck and I can't wait.
 
The wilderness tactical belts sam posted are awesome.

I like the flexibility of the 5.11 Trainer Belt. As my weight goes up or down, the velcro locking system is perfect. It holds my OWB/IWB holsters very sturdy. Highly recommended.

5.11 Tactical Trainer Belt
I love those belts. While I may not be a big guy, my waistline is constantly changing. I work out regularly and I recently lost a few inches off of my waist. I really like the wilderness style belts because if I slack off for the weekend and eat all the wrong stuff, the belt is easier to adjust and more forgiving than leather.

There is a member here named possum who can make you some great holsters and mag holders. I recently bought some stuff from him and I couldn't be happier with it.

The gear rocks, the cameraman doesn't!
 

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I bought a "Last Chance" style belt from Cabela's for $20 and the XL was way too big and I had to send it back and get a L. The XL was probably at least 52". It works just fine as a gun belt, especially with Perry suspenders.
 
well as soon as my paycheck drops (sometime thursday morning) and I can get my wife to help me measure my actual beltsize, It looks like i'll be getting the Wilderness Instructor belt with CSM option. it just seems to fit my needs/desires the closest without going over the $100 mark


I haven't seen you post for a while. Good to see you back. Cap'n Sam keeping you busy on the Night Watch?

that would be a fairly accurate description of my life since late Aug. except it's mix and match scheduling at a sporting goods store.. but i can't complain, it's allowed me to add to/upgrade portions of my collection, and i like the work. :)

and the Perry Suspenders have definitely caught my attention, thanks for the lead. that's the Other order I'll need to make later today

when you get it finished and fine tuned you HAVE to post some pics. This I want to see. Good luck and I can't wait.

Of the rig, or Me in it? not exactly sure anyone wants to really see the later option... ;)
 
I've seen a number of the local LEOs wearing the Perry Suspenders. With all the Tac gear they carry they start to look like Mr. Gadget so I bet the suspenders come in handy. The alternative is having their gear fall around their ankles :)
 
It looks like i'll be getting the Wilderness Instructor belt with CSM option.

Good choice! You won't regret it. Like I said, I am not a big guy. I can relate in that my waistline is NOT a static measurement at all. I recently lost several pounds and some love handles and now I am weight training. Depending on what I eat and how I exercise each week, I may be a 32, 33 or a 34 if I slip up realllllly badly. Having infinite adjustments with a wilderness belt (particularly after a big lunch while carrying IWB :) ) is worth it's weight in gold. My leather belts just never seem to have enough adjustment despite my poking holes in them constantly.
 
You will not be disappointed with the Wilderness Tactical Instructor Belt. I have one and love it. I am in more of the same boat as ForumSurfer in dealing with waist size fluctuation. Best of luck to you.
-Gig 'em-
 
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