Gun belts??

I have two styles of belt regularly in use. Wilderness Tactical (I think it's the "original instructor" or some such), and Simply Rugged "real man's belt".

Generally, I prefer the Wilderness belt. And yes, I think a gun belt is worth having, if that's where you carry a pistol.

I found a seller on fleabay that sells thick, plain leather gun belts for $39.99 that are made in the USA. I'm a cheap a$$ when it comes to clothes so I refuse to spend a penny more than I have to.

I carried for years with a regular old belt that came from Sears or something. It was...adequate. Then I "discovered" the world of gun-specific belts. I went through several, and they all were much better for the purpose. They were more comfortable, held the gun with less flopping and shifting, and allowed a faster/cleaner draw.

I bought a "dual layer bullhide gunbelt with internal stiffener" from Beltman (https://www.thebeltman.net/collections/bullhide-gunbelts/products/quick-ship-bullhide-gun-belt) several years ago and have seen no reason to try anything else since then. It meets all my needs and should last forever, or at least as long as I still fit into it!

theboyscout said:

Is it worth buying a "gun belt"?

Click to expand...

Absolutely.

However, it also depends on what gun you're carrying. You could probably use no belt and clip on holster with an S&W Sheild, but it certainly makes a difference if you're carrying a 1911 Government Model.

The baseline for a gun belt is probably the Wilderness Instructor belt, their Frequent Flyer belt, or their new EDC belt, all in 5-stitch configuration. Pay attention to their measuring/ordering instructions. They may seem odd, but they are accurate.

https://www.thewilderness.com/belts/

If you prefer leather, and a conventional buckle, a dual layer leather gun belt is a good way to go. Most leather holster makers produce their own belt and will fit their holsters the best. There are also several belt only places, here are two well known examples. Also pay attention to their measuring/ordering instructions, you don't order your jeans size.

The Beltman https://www.thebeltman.net

A&G Custom Leather https://agcustomgunleather.com

I use a Wright Leather works & it is great. I actually need another after shedding a few pounds.

Azula gunbelts for me. Gun or no gun.
One for work. Another for when I clean up a little.

Yes, a gun belt is worth it. I like Kore Essentials.

theboyscout said:

Do you have a link?

Click to expand...

Sorry no link but here is the description and the seller on eBay.

I have some expensive heavy concealed carry specific belts and some heavy thick just a belt, belts. I see no difference between them when carrying a weapon around in them all day. Both are heads and tails better than the thin JC-Pennys / Walmart leather jeans belts.

I would arbitrarily set 1 3/4" as the minimum width for a carry belt. 1 1/2" wide belts don't support the weapons weight well enough for me.


Affordable belts I own, like and recommend:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01A78KXN8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Really good thick, wide belt easily as good as my $100+ carry belt.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D936MDG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Great belt and a really good value! The length runs over an inch short so order the next size up.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LI6FJC4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 only 1.5" wide but still does a pretty good job. It takes a long time to make a nice looking belt out of it though. Once it has oxidized and worn a good bit it does look very nice.

Good, way better than Walmart for sure:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N3A94L6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The problem I have run into buying belts online is there seems to be no standards for belt length. Some are measured leather tip to tip, some leather tip to tip after being folded for the buckle, some leather tip to far tip of the buckle and occasionally you will find one measured in pants waste size.

MikeInOr said:

I would arbitrarily set 1 3/4" as the minimum width for a carry belt. 1 1/2" wide belts don't support the weapons weight well enough for me.

Click to expand...

I question this recommendation.

While a 1.75" belt may carry weight better than a 1.5" belt, the default loop dimension on holsters is 1.5". If you're using a 1.75" belt you're going to limit your holster options.

I prefer cloth gun belts over metal links.. But you can purchase protectors to minimize damage to the gun

I tried a Bigfoot gun belt and really like it. If your carry gun is more than about 25 oz, I would consider a good gun belt to be a necessity.

A vote for Relentless Tactical. Billy the owner is a pretty nice guy,

JTQ said:

I question this recommendation.

While a 1.75" belt may carry weight better than a 1.5" belt, the default loop dimension on holsters is 1.5". If you're using a 1.75" belts you're going to limit your holster options.

Click to expand...

Interesting, I have never run into this problem. My holsters all fit my 1.75 belts without a problem. But definitely something to look out for when buying a belt!.. It better be compatible with your holsters.

I figured that I would have problems with the odd pair if jeans but I haven't had any priblems with jeans. I do have some pants that won't fit a 1.75 but will just fit a 1.5.

MikeInOr said:

I would arbitrarily set 1 3/4" as the minimum width for a carry belt. 1 1/2" wide belts don't support the weapons weight well enough for me.

Affordable belts I own, like and recommend:

Click to expand...

I hadn't looked at your specific recommendations before my earlier post, but looking at them now, I it appears as if all of them are single layer belts. This may be why you find the need for the 1.75" belt.

Note The Beltman and A&G Leather links above, most leather gun belts are two layer construction.

This from The Beltman FAQ page

Why do you use two layers of leather instead of one thick layer?

Using two layers solve two problems.

A. No matter what kind of leather it is, a single layer belt will stretch! Leather is composed of collagen fibers (just like your skin) that have a grain-like quality. It's not quite like the grain in wood, but it is similar. When you put two layers of leather together, with the grains opposing one another, you get a "plywood" effect that virtually eliminates stretching.

B. Using two layers allows us to leave the inner layer undyed, or "natural." This prevents leather dye from "bleeding" on your clothes if you get wet or perspire heavily. If you lead an active life or are outdoors a lot, don't tell me this hasn't happened to you.

Click to expand...

TBS,
I wear/wore regular Cowboy belts. I still do and I still use them when I carry.
Having said that, about 3 or 4 years ago I finally bought real gunboats - and everyone and everything they say about a real gunbelt is true.
They are so much better than a regular belt. The difference is immediately noticeable.
So - If I am not going to work, I use a real gunbelt almost always nowadays.
I have bought from both Tucker and Tucker & Byrd for their gunboats. Both Ranger and Regular gun belts.
Do highly recommend both as they do quality work. And make great IWB and OWB Holsters also and I own and use them.
https://tuckergunleather.com
https://www.tuckerandbyrd.com

gamboolman....

From my background and upbringing, I've appreciated and desired high quality leatherwork in all cases.

Which can be complicated by men's fashion with belt loops barely large enough to fit a 3/4 thickness 1 1/8" wide belt. Which I find absurd as 1" wide belts are nearly pointless (even if nothing but a cell phone is being carried).

I'd rather get a high-quality belt, lined if possible, doubled if that is the only choice. Double stitching, naturally. I have a personal preference for "ranger style" buckles, as to not have a large buckle. But a good belt is a good belt. And a good belt will carry anything you ask of it. Firearms, knives, cellphones, whatever.

Some of the belts sold as "gunbelts" meet my criteria, but many do not. All too often they are just a heavy thickness of bull hide with decorative stitching or embossed tooling--a pretty basic leather strap, but just not elegant.

I've made my own plain, old fashioned, heavy leather belts for pretty much ever. They do fine. I've never felt the need for anything steel lined or whatever.. much less anything costing a hundred bucks or more.

I've tried wearing a heavy nylon "rigger's" belt, but it does not suit me at all.

I like leather. In fact the only synthetic holster I have is a UM84. That said, any of the gunbelts from the major leather smiths are usually very good. Simply Rugged makes good ones. But, since good belts last so long I find myself having them custom made.

theboyscout said:

What's your beat gun belt? Is it worth buying a "gun belt"?

I have seen some posts about bigfoot gun belts, relentless tactical, and 5.11 tactical gun belts.

What's your opinion on them or any other brand you use?

Click to expand...

Is it worth buying a gun belt? IMHO only if you carry a gun.

I carry a GLOCK 34 in a Safariland paddle every day at work. My gun belt of choice is a Bullhide Belts 1.5" belt with the creased edge. It fits through the loops of jeans, chinos/khakis, dress pants, etc. and supports my gun, a spare mag, pepper spray and cuffs just right. I have been wearing this belt daily for years with no stretching of the leather or the buckle-prong holes.

https://www.bullhidebelts.com/colle...-edge-max-thickness-bullhide-belt-sku-1038-18

Stay safe.

Mine is R Grizzle, and it's made to last. I recommend his belts, and holsters.

And here is my belt story.

I bought a $32.00 belt at Kohls, it was a pretty thick belt, it looked like it would do the job. I thought "could there be that big of a difference between a 30 dollar belt and one of those expensive 'gun belts'?" And too - it wasn't like I was going to be carrying a Desert Eagle around...

Well I had it one week before the buckle broke - looking at the break, it looked like the buckle was made out of ZAMAK to me.

So I got a refund on the thing and put it toward a purchase of a real gun belt...

Lesson learned.

I purchased a Bullhide belt with a steel stiffener and it has been great. The only issue I have is getting into the ballpark. I think they have the metal detectors turned down to be less sensitive than at courthouses. Every time I go through the entrance at the park, I go to take off my belt and they tell me each time "Oh you don't have to take off your belt" and so I don't take off my belt but then it trips the metal detector and they wand me and I say "Just let me take off my belt." Once I take off my belt I go right through with nary a beep, and they frown and look at the brass buckle on my belt but then they give me my belt and I go on my way.