Can your CCW Belt be too strong?

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marklbucla

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I'm using an Uncle Mike's Instructor's Belt (just about exactly the same as the Wilderness Tactical) and have been getting serious back pain when I carry anything IWB. Holsters include a C-Tac, Minotaur, and Crossbreed Super Tuck. Guns were Alloy 1911s or a Kahr PM9.

I'm pretty sure that it's the method of carry because I'm using relatively light guns and decent holsters. My jeans were also bought big enough to fit it in there comfortably.

The question is, could the belt be what's causing me the problems? I'd pretty much doubt it, but it doesn't hurt to ask in the off chance that others have found it to be the case.
 
More then likely it's the IWB holster and gun putting pressure on your back. Usually a belt too thin or too wide and on too tight will give you a belly ache instead of back pains...
 
Check to make sure you don't have too thick a wallet or anything excessively thick that you are sitting on.:uhoh:

A lot of people develop sciatica as a result of a thick wallet in a back pocket onto which they sit all day (or most of the day).:banghead:

Now you know why I don't carry my S&W 500 Magnum 4" as a carry weapon. I do wear it in a Gene Desantis holster when hunting.
As a carry weapon---(after a while) my right leg would be shorter than my left and my pants would be falling down. LOL
 
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Try an outside the pants holster.Those inside the waistband ones tend to pull everything [includeing your back muscles] over to the stong side.on the belt holsters need a little more care to be concealed properly,but the pay off is in comfort.
 
Agreed, I cannot wear an IWB comfortably for any length of time.
A paddle and a good concealment garment are what it takes, pretty much my IDPA rig with no logos.
 
Try putting the holster right behind the seam of the pant. also you may want to visit your family practicioner the have him look at your back. How long since you replaced your shoes?
 
Then I don't see where hanging the holster inside or outside your belt is going to make a difference or provide any relief. The advice on checking the type and condition of your shoes and where you carry your wallet should, perhaps, be considered.

Additionally, regular visits to a competent chiropractor might, also, be in order. In my experience a tight belt tends to alleviate back strain - not increase it.

Good luck!
 
Agreed, I cannot wear an IWB comfortably for any length of time.
A paddle and a good concealment garment are what it takes, pretty much my IDPA rig with no logos.
Click to expand...
Unfortunately, some of us really can't wear OWB. I NEVER wear untucked shirts. Jackets and such are out of the question in the summer months.

Fortunately, I can wear IWB. I lost a lot of weight due to illness, so my pants have the extra space needed. I also specifically looked for belts that would work well for CCW.

Here in Ohio, it's ok to carry (including in a car) in a closable container of some kind, like a day planner. This might be a good option for the OP if he wants to carry a substantial handgun, but can't carry it on his person.
 
The belt could be to tight and could irritate the sciatic nerve causing the lower back pain. I had a neurologist diagnose me with that problem.
 
"Speaking of belts. Where can I get a decent one?"

I;ve had good luck with belts from Rafter S and The Wilderness; certainly there are worse options out there.
 
I have a holster and matching belt from K&D holsters (www.kdholsters.com) and they are awsome. The holster (called the Thunderbird) can be worn IWB or OWB, and is very nice both ways. The belt is a serious piece of work. When I compare it to my old blue jeans belt, it is like a Hummer vs. Civic.
In terms of "too strong", I think it comes down to gun/holster placement, not the belt.
 
What hurts, where? There's a lot of territory to cover when someone says their back hurts, so give us a little more info.
 
Lower back, pretty much the area that a safety back brace would cover. Feels like a muscle strain, not anything sharp and piercing like it was a nerve. I threw out my back awhile ago; it was like that only not as severe.
 
I must be strange, because I find IWB much more comfortable than OWB carry. Even with the best belts (like Beltman's), I find OWB holsters tend to pull away from my body much more than IWB setups.

I also think that super thick and stiff belts are not usually necessay for IWB carry. I much prefer my 1 1/4 inch Akers belt for my SW1911PD than my wider and stiffer Beltman. It is much more comfortable and provides plenty of support. When I do carry OWB with a heavier gun, the Beltman is my choice.
 
You may be experiencing sciatica, which is irritation of the sciatic nerve through odd posture, or pressure. It does happen. Even happened to Clint Smith. He says that's why he no longer carries IWB.

I've never had any luck carrying a heavy gun without carrying something else to balance the load. Gave me back troubles when I was trying to deal with a shoulder rig. Was starting to do the same when carrying on the belt. One solution that worked for me was a triple mag carrier and flashlight carried on the offside. Another was a second pistol.

~~~Mat
 
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