Gun Belt Question

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ezypikns

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Most of us know not to skimp on a good gun belt. I've got a couple of good quality gun belts. Both are double thicknesses of stout leather, and both are 1 1/4" wide. The 1 1/4" width fits all blue jeans, dockers, or slacks I own, and generally work OK.
My question is this: Is there any advantage in going to a 1 1/2" wide belt? It would seem to give a little more support. Does anyone have any personal experience with this?
 
I'd be interested in knowing as well. I've been using an 1 1/4" for about a year now and was considering buying another belt. I thought I'd give the 1 1/2" a try.
 
I think its more comfortable, and more stable. With other equipment on my belt, and carrying a good sized pistol all day long, it helps.

You don't have to get one. But, if you find yourself uncomfortable, sore, or if your gear isn't being held stable enough, this will make a difference. I don't think I've had an issue with belts loops. With a 1 3/4" you might, but not with 1 1/2" in my experience.
 
Hi EZ & Deja...

Most of the western belts one buys at Shepler's and similar emporiums will be at least 1.5". Deja, if you run up to Buda to the Cabela's there I think you can try on some belts in their "bargain basement" section.
I think what you'll find is changing from 1.25" to 1.5" doesn't give a lot more support all the way 'round but the 1/4" wider belt will be able to carry a little heavier gun without twisting enough to be uncomfortable.

Good luck!
 
Well, we'll see.

I just ordered a 1 1/4" and a 1 1/2" belt from The Belt Man. I also ordered mine with the plastic stiffener in each one. I've been carrying a Kahr PM9 in a Crossbreed IWB holster on one of The Belt Man's 1 1/4" regular belts and that works out fine. But I'm thinking of carrying my H&K P2000SK and that's a little bigger pistol. I'll let you'all know how they work out.
 
I need a quality belt too for my CCW. What do the rest of you suggest as good quality belts for carry purposes?
 
I just got a 1.5inch belt from the beltman as well. Very nice belt, I highly recommand it!:evil:
 
1.5" is absolutely the way to go for a good stable platform from which to hang your weapon.

Oh, and the Beltman makes nice stuff! :)
 
I've been using a 1.5" Wilderness 5-stitch Instructor belt for the last 8 years and an Aker 1.5" leather belt with insert for the last 4.
 
wider is better.

I wear mostly jeans and go with 1 5/8" leather. All the extra support you can muster is worth it. With narrower belts, get the stitched in stiffeners ezypickins mentioned.
 
I don't wear a gun even (WI, got school in the UP) and I like a wider belt. I have been wearing a 1.75" blackhawk riggers belt just cause its much more comfortable to keep my pants up then the cheapo 1.25" walmart leather belt I had. Those feel like they dig in now and can't stand wearing it now on a regular bases. Would like to get something less "tactical" so I can tuck my shirts in again but, really don't feel like spending $40.00+ on a semi decent looking belt that does the job as good as my riggers belt.
 
Somehow I got the impression that 1.5 was most common.

I would call Milt Sparks and ask them. They would gladly give a recommendation, and probably take into account that many pants might not accept anything larger than 1.5.

Bill
 
I've got a 1.5" with plastic stiffener from the Beltman. It fits jeans and kakis.

Great belt, holds a holster about like my duty belt did. I use it for both OWB and IWB holsters. Just don't expect it to form fit right away:D

Chuck
 
1/4" wider belt will be able to carry a little heavier gun without twisting enough to be uncomfortable.
Click to expand...
I agree. Luckly for me, I live a few counties away from a large Amish settlement in central Ohio. I went to an Amish leather craft store and bought a hand-made 1/4" thick by 1.5" wide saddle leather belt for @ 25.00. No commercial brand compares in quality or price.
 
For me the 1.5" belts fill the belt loops on my jeans and cargo pants better, thus keeping the gun more secure.

As long as the holster is designed for your belt size, I really don't think there is a right or wrong belt width.

Steve
 
Buy the belt that fits the belt loops of the pants you wear the most. For me that's jeans so I mainly wear a 1.5" belt. Although I do have a 1.25" dress belt for the odd times I may put on dress pants.
 
I got a 1.5" bullhide gunbelt from Tucker Gunleather about a year ago,
and it is without a doubt the best gunbelt I have ever owned. There is no sag to it, ,even after a year of wear.
And no, I don't work for Tucker Gunleather, I am just a satisfied customer.

Walter
 
I've been using a 1 1/4" bullhide with the plastic insert (to carry my "Answer") from Tucker for about a year now and they've both been great!!! I just wasn't sure if another 1/4" in width in the belt would make a noticble difference.

Lately I've thought about giving one of Rafter S' belts a try, mainly due to them having 7 holes spaced at 3/4" of an inch versus 5 holes spaced at an inch. Has anyone here tried one? If so, does the spacing on the holes give more "adjustability" to fit depending on the pants your wear for the day?
 
Lately I've thought about giving one of Rafter S' belts a try, mainly due to them having 7 holes spaced at 3/4" of an inch versus 5 holes spaced at an inch. Has anyone here tried one? If so, does the spacing on the holes give more "adjustability" to fit depending on the pants your wear for the day?
Click to expand...

Short answer....yes.

Rafter S Belt
 
Yes...

I too am a Beltman customer. Others might be as good, but Jim's belts serve me quite well and I highly recommend them! His elephant and shark belts are really nice. He'll also do 5 or 7 holes. And, he will taper in the front. Lots of options... Great guy too.

http://www.thebeltman.net/
 
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Why not get both in one belt?

I bought a tapered belt from RafterS gunleather. It's a 1.5" belt in the part where you hang your weapons and ammo, but it tapers to 1.25" at the front, so it looks "dressy" if you're wearing a suit. It works great!

--Leibster
 
gun belt

i have a 2" belt and have a holster for my p22 but i used to have a 1 1/2" on and because the staps for a 2" belt it slipped and it was nylon and once i needed it quickdraw at my m.o.d. post and it was rather fiddley because it wasnt as close to me as possible and my parner had to step in with a taser but we found out it was a test and i was almost fired.:cuss: :banghead:
 
Leroy Thompson/1 1/2 inch gunbelts

I have read many articles by noted writer/firearms-EP expert: Leroy Thompson that the 1 1/2 in dress belt is best for larger handguns and gear.

I would think that a 1 1/4 in dress belt of high quality and thickness would work well for most compact-small frame pistols and revolvers. Most pant belt loops do not fit larger width belts. Some top leather makers design belts that narrow in the front for better concealment.

If I were working as a LEO or PI and needed to conceal large firearms I would use a shoulder holster for a large weapon then carry a BUG(back up) on the beltline. Like a HK P-2000 with a P-2000SK or a Glock 21 .45acp with a Glock 30 etc.

Rusty :cool:
 
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