Hesitating on gun belt and holster purchase...

[cowtownup]

I have been carrying IWB @ 4 o'clock position with a Ozark IWB holster and just a regular old 1.5" leather belt. It has been pretty comfortable and I've carried all day like this, but I feel certain it can be more comfortable. I like the above mentioned carry position so I am considering getting the following to try and up the comfort level:

-Comp Tac Kydex Reinforced Contour Belt
-Minotaur MTAC IWB Holster

I got all the way to the checkout screen last night and was hesitant to dump $205 bucks on getting all this stuff, so I backed out.. I know the "HOLSTER GAME" can be painstaking and costly and I'm willing to pay my dues, but can somebody please make me feel better about it...

 

[TarDevil]

I'm up to 6 (I think...maybe one or two more) holsters for my SR9c... several IWB, couple of OWB belt holsters, one cross draw.

Go ahead and buy it. It won't be your last, either.

 

[Dnaltrop]

I just automatically budget $100-200 for a new holster after buying a new gun, and keep a few inexpensive "all in one" cloth/velcro ones on hand to fit friend's guns that come and go for cleaning.

If you don't have a heavy belt that works for *anything* as a foundation, that alone is a good investment. Can't speak to the Kydex reinforced one, but I'm wearing a massive, double-layered leather belt, stretching was minimal, but I flip it over and run it the opposite way every few days to keep the curve even.

Can't recommend it sadly, only because the guy who made it followed NW gun shows with an antique leather sewing machine and made belts while you watched. Met an unfortunate end on the road. RIP Animal Jack, but if you see his stamp on a garage-sale gunbelt.... get it.

 

[Iggy]

Try a gun belt from The Belt Man before you go crazy.

http://thebeltman.net/

That in itself will change the whole "comfort" picture.

Then go from there.

 

[armoredman]

I use a High Noon Rock Steady belt, fantastic stuff.

http://www.highnoonholsters.com/Pro.../Magazine_Carriers/Pocket_Holsters/belts.html

 

[9mmepiphany]

If you have to choose between a good belt or a good holster, the good belt is the better investment. It will allow a more stable carry with your current holster and also be more comfortable

 

[cowtownup]

Thanks... The Beltman is actually bout an hour down the road from me... I am going to order a belt and use my current holster, then go from there...

 

[smalls]

I never really thought a belt mattered, either. But a member here sold me a "blemished" gun belt he made for like $30, so I decided to give it a try.

Night and day difference. No more pulling up my pants constantly. No more cinching my belt as tight as I can get it before cutting off circulation.

Not to mention that I had literally torn 2 Walmart belts to shreds trying to hang guns off of them. I've been carrying on this one for about a year and a half now, without almost any wear.

So save yourself some frustration and money and go but a proper gun belt.

 

[endebt]

I have a safe full of store bougHt leather. Findly got smart and went to Rode Hendly in Waco Texas. He is a leather man and told him what I wanted. End of story he makes all my leather work. No more store bought leather for me. Prices are right and they all fit and work. I am 68 years old and 230 lbs. they just fit and you have no more problems. Phone Number (254)-848-9972 HOPE THIS HELPS

 

[zoom6zoom]

I am about to order another from the Beltman. Nothing wrong with my first one, I have been carrying on it every day for six years. But it's the best way I can think of to reward a vendor who makes a product so good you'll likely not need a second one. So a fancier one in a different color for me.

Oh, and you don't need reinforcement unless you're carrying something really heavy.

 

[340PD]

As someone previously stated, the belt is probably the best investment in leather you will ever make. Mine come from
http://www.rgleather.freehomepage.com/

I highly recommend you get is made with seven holes 3/4" apart as it gives you a lot more adjustment options. The usual is five holes 1" apart.

 

[bdickens]

Quit hesitating. You will not regret the investment in a good holster and belt.

I've never understood why people drop $500, $600, $700, $1000 or more on a gun to carry and then hesitate about dropping another $100- $200 on quality gear to carry it with.

 

[TUBBY1]

You might check out bandera beltster.

 

[Notoast]

The Comp-Tac belt is nice. It is pretty stiff, so if you get a holster with belt slots close together it can take some work to position it where you want; might want to consider belt snaps for an OWB holster. With my Glock 26 in an MTAC holster and this belt though I don't even feel the weight.

 

[hariph creek]

I really don't like Kydex lined belts.
It breaks at stress points, and never really conforms to the body.
I've got a Looper sold by Blade Tech. After nearly two years I had to give up on it. Falling apart and digging into my hips.

That said...a real gun belt makes even large, heavy guns carry quite well.

 

[asia331]

Have a bottom draw filled with leather of various types that I've carried over the years. Nothing has worked better for durability, practicality and value per dollar expended than Rob & Jan Leahy's Simply Rugged.
http://www.simplyrugged.com/