Different Carry Techniques

[Sam1911]

Could you (or anybody) elaborate on what characteristics a good gun belt possesses and how they are useful?

Yup! Stiff (as Vern said), and substantial. It has a lot more of a job to do than just keeping tension on your pants.

That stiffness will help distribute the weight around more of your waist, as well as not letting the gun sag away from your body.

A bit more width (at least 1-1/2", though I often wear a 1-3/4" Instructor belt) will make that weight more comfortable and feel less like it's digging into your flesh.

It really isn't complicated -- but such quality of construction can't be found in the $10 belts from Sears or Walmart. In fact, most "rugged" work pants belts really aren't what they should be, either. A GOOD leather belt consists (at least) of two decently thick layers of leather, stitched together.

A GOOD nylon gunbelt is not simply a piece of nylon strap with a buckle, but consists of several layers stitched together with multiple lines of stitching, and a REALLY good one has a stiffening liner of rigid plastic buried inside as well.

 

[Zundfolge]

I'm going to disagree with Sam here a little bit. Cheap Holster + Good Belt < Cheap Belt + Good Holster.

The biggest difference between a good heavy gun belt and a cheapie belt is longevity.

Over the years I've had some success with cheap belts ... cheap but heavy bonded leather belts found at places like Ross and TJ Maxx for $10 or so work just as well as a proper, well made gun belt but only for a few months ... then they have to be replaced. There's no reason why one of the good belts made by a holster maker shouldn't last you a decade.

So in the long run an $80 holster maker belt is more economical, but if you're in a cash flow crunch you can get by with a cheaper belt (if you shop smart ... that dress belt from Walmart is gonna suck from day one). However I don't buy the cheap holster will work fine for a while bit ... spend your money on a good holster FIRST, then buy the good belt (assuming you can't just buy the whole rig at once).

Now absolute best thing you can do is if you're going to order a custom leather holster, order the belt at the same time so they will match the best.

 

[TimmyXD]

so as far as the belts go which would be best a nylon belt from like 5.11 tactical or a thick lather belt or does taht just come down to preference?

 

[Sam1911]

Nylon vs. leather is a preference and wardrobe issue.

A leather belt will probably become a little bit more comfortable over time as it will stretch and conform to you -- at least a little -- over time. I'd agree with Z. that it will last a decade, maybe more, depending on how rough you are on your gear.

In nylon, a 5.11 belt is probably pretty good. I've never owned one. I like the belts from Wilderness Tactical. Especially the "Instructor" version with the stiffening panel. I've worn a 1-3/4" one daily for years and don't find them the least uncomfortable, but since I got a VERY high quality leather belt custom made by a friend, I only wear the nylon ones for competitions.

But my carry guns are things like a 5" 1911 and a 4" 629, so I need the belt to be all that it can be.

(Regarding the belt > holster comment -- I guess I won't disagree there, either, it's simply that most folks would never dream of buying a "universal fit," nylon, Uncle Mike's quality level holster for their carry gun, but relatively fewer consider how poorly their decent quality DeSantis or Galco -- or GREAT Milt Sparks, Alessi, etc. -- might seem to perform when hung on the belt that came free with their Dockers. They really do work together, and the sum is only as good as each part.)

 

[Harleybabe]

Any recommendations for a chicklette with curves to conceal a pk380?

Probably should have gotten the LCP for carry purposes, but it just felt way to small for my hand. Now that I have the Walther pk380 I am trying to figure out how to carry except in a bag.

I don't wear coats and girl clothes tend to be a bit clingy compared to guys.

I fear I am stuck with the bag option.

 

[TimmyXD]

You could always try some type of IWB carried in the front or maybe an ankle holster if you wear flared or boot cut pants. Fortunately I don't have to worry about that but can see where it could pose an issue and the bag doesn't sound like a great option. I know I have seen the bags at gun shows and such and they don't appear to be the most glamorous either. Personally it sounds like ankle would be an easy bet but I can tell you I tried a .380 with an ankle holster and I wasn't a fan. Of coarse it was also a cheap $10 Uncle Mikes holster and I'm sure that didn't help.

 

[Harleybabe]

Either bigger pants or less me is on the agenda for IWB carry....got to work on that. Ankle.... hmmm playing at the store tomorrow on the agenda now.

Thanks.

 

[ForumSurfer]

Either bigger pants or less me is on the agenda for IWB carry....got to work on that.

I lost a couple of inches and several pounds, then added a crossbreed-ish IWB holster and a good belt. Now carrying is much simpler and comfortable. As a bonus, I didn't need to buy +2" pants since I had already lost a couple of inches or more. Losing the weight wasn't all that hard, it took far more dedication than actual work. Good luck!

 

[TrakHack]

Any recommendations for a chicklette with curves to conceal a pk380?

This curvy gal has had surprising success with appendix IWB. I'm generously endowed on top, which distracts away from the gun anyway, and my somewhat soft middle seems to make the grip less noticeable.

I've got my eye on a Kramer sheepskin IWB holster. They also have an OWB specifically made for ladies that I'd like to try, but I can't justify the expense for both right now.

 

[Sam1911]

Any recommendations for a chicklette with curves to conceal a pk380?

TrakHack brings up a good point: Some manufacturers do make models that are designed for ladies, or WILL make them as a custom job. I'd contact one or two of the better makers and see if they have recommendations.

One of my female friends uses IWB holsters at the normal 4:00-ish position with a small SIG (which would be larger and fatter than your Walther). I don't know what brand, but I do know that it tucks a lot deeper into the waistband than my IWBs do. I can ask her Thursday if she comes to practice.

 

[BullfrogKen]

I posit that a good belt and a cheap holster is better than a good holster and a cheap belt.

I've been using the same belt for a decade now. I've gone through several pairs of shoes, but I'm still on the same leather belt. It's gotten a lot more use than my holsters have. It's a nicer sharkskin belt, and I'll wear it every day, including those days I wear a suit and tie. I spent the extra money on a nicer belt that will fashion with as much of my wardrobe as possible.

That isn't the case with all my holsters. I have some guns that I just don't carry often, so I don't have $100.00 holsters for them. But I can put a $40 holster on my good belt, and the belt adds support to it that it doesn't have on its own. It's still not as nice as a premium quality holster, like a Milt Sparks, but it sure is a whole lot better than a Milt Sparks on a cheap belt.

A nylon belt will cost less than leather, but you're not going to be able to dress up with nylon. The evening out with your wife, going to the office, anywhere you need to wear something nice . . . a nylon belt is just not appropriate. I find a good quality leather belt much more versatile.