1.25" wide belts anyone?

[Snubster]

Just curious if anyone here has any experiences with a 1.25" wide belt.

Most of my belts come from either Milt Sparks or Bell Charter Oak, but in 1.5" and 1.75" widths.

I've noticed some accelerated wear and tear on my dress pants because of the smaller loops.

I think I want to try a 1.25" wide belt but I'm not sure what kind of effect it will have on stability.

Thoughts?

 

[gggman]

This photo is on some other threads, but it shows my rig which is on one of the old Dillon 1.25' gunbelts. The belt is very stable, double thickness, and pretty stiff. I don't like 1.5" belts, they make you look like a cop, and they won't fit in some belt loops.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

I have the Milt Sparks 1.25" and it works fine with my Hi-Power and VM2. I don't wear it as much as the 1.5" though because it is "dressier" and I generally don't wear it at the range. So far I have not noticed any significant difference.

 

[Impax]

I bought a galco 1.25" firm contour belt and quickly realized that it isn't well suited to hold up a stainless steel champion. It works well with my slimhawg, but I think there are better 1.25" belts out there at a much better price.ymmv

 

[MacPelto]

I have 2. A Wild Bill's and a Beltman. Of the 2, I'd buy another one from Beltman, but probably won't need to unless I put on weight. I have a variety of 1.5 belts, but usually wear dressier belts now.

 

[-C4-]

I am actually considering the 1 1/2" vs 1 1/4" belt question right now, still haven't made my decision.

 

[Green Lantern]

Back when I got my IWB holster for my Glock, I ordered it in 1.25" to match my 'rack' belt. So far, so good. When/if I do upgrade to a real gun belt, I'll probably stick with 1.25."

However...the only reason I see to get one would be due to an upcoming (eventually) purchase of a 1911. Any ones I ought to avoid for such a gun? Besides maybe the aforementioned Galco?

 

[JerryM]

Overall I prefer the 1.25 in belts. I am using those from RafterS, and they are thick and stiff, and provide all the support I need. Some of my slacks will not handle a 1.5 inch belt, but I have not found that I need the 1.5 inch.

Regards,
Jerry

 

[JerryM]

gggman,

Who made the holster?
Thanks,
Jerry

 

[Snubster]

Thanks everyone...sounds like 1.25" would be enough belt for my "office" needs.

 

[another okie]

I have a Don Hume 1.25" that is very thick and stiff. Works well. Unfortunately I'm now too fat to wear it and I'm going to have to buy a bigger one.

 

[gggman]

gggman,

Who made the holster?
Thanks,
Jerry

Dillon had a contract with a holster maker in Arizona, but they don't carry their product any more. They now buy all their holsters and belts from Mitch Roosen, but they are not Mitch's high end product. So to answer your question, I don't know who Dillon was contracting with at the time I bought it. But the ones that they carry now aren't the same. I've looked at Beltman belts and Rafters, and I would buy from them any time. Also, Galco makes a nice 1.25" belt for about $60.

 

[JerryM]

Hi gggman,
I thought the holster looked good. Thanks for the reply.

Regards,
Jerry

 

[45crittergitter]

I have a 1.25" dress belt with a plastic insert to make it a stiff gun belt. I don't recall the brand but it's major (Bianchi, Galco, etc.) Works well enough, but now I just buy all my pants with 1.75" belt loops, and am much happier.

 

[gggman]

JerryM, I should have paid better attention to your post. My mistake. The holster is a Fist #12. It's the belt that's from Dillon.

 

[JerryM]

Thanks. It looks like a nice holster, although I have never seen one in the "flesh."

Thanks again and have a good week.

Regards,
Jerry

 

[EHCRain10]

what kind of service life can you expect from a carry belt?
i dont carry right now but i plan to in the future and was wondering if i could buy the belt now and wear it for the year or two before i am able and willing to carry

 

[kamagong]

I don't see a problem as long as the belt matches the loops on the holster and mag pouch. I recently went through this decision myself and I went with the 1.25" belt, 1.5" and 1.75" are too wide for my tastes.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

what kind of service life can you expect from a carry belt?
i dont carry right now but i plan to in the future and was wondering if i could buy the belt now and wear it for the year or two before i am able and willing to carry

My first 1.5" Milt Sparks belt is about eight years old now. After IDPA, multiple 3-day handgun classes, and regular training, it looks a bit beat up and scratched; but is still perfectly serviceable as a carry belt. I bought another Milt Sparks belt to wear for dressier occasions since the belt now looks a little rough for nicer clothes or a suit; but I am still getting good use out of the original.

 

[ktd]

what kind of service life can you expect from a carry belt?

quite a while, what happens is that the belt is serviceable for a long time, but starts to show wear much longer before that, depending on how you use stuff and if you maintain it. I am rough on gear, so I like to keep a sundaygotochurch set for occasional use. That includes belts, holsters, knives, pistols, shoes, etc.

Back to 1.25 inch belts, just about everyone says you have to have a good belt, but I think that can vary a bit, and I think it depends a lot on body type. Back when I was skinny, I could carry just about anything on any crappy belt, as long as the belt was reasonably solid, but as I get a bit roundier and squishier, it seems to matter a bit more. Myself, 1.25 works fine, but all my 1.25 belts are double thickness. It's another one of those things you pretty much have to see for yourself. But good belts are pretty popular, if it does not work for you, you can sell it off pretty easily.