What makes a good gun belt?

C

checkmyswag

New member
My current belt is very worn out.

I'd like to buy my first good leather "gun belt". How wide should it be? How stiff does it need to be?

What are some good brands/models?

The purpose of the belt is for my CCW...and to hold up my pants.
 
www.thebeltman.net .....no need to look any further.
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While a good brand, being a good brand does not mean the belt will meet his needs of being a good gun belt.

Aside from the quality issue, a good gun belt is one that matches the belt loops on your pants and the loops in your holster.

If the belt is smaller than your belt loops on your pants, then the gun can be moved about as the belt moves within the beltloops.

If the loops on the holster don't match the belt, in particular, the loops being larger than the belt, then the holstered gun will not only have a greater chance of moving along the belt, but also tipping forward or back.

In short, the loops on the holster should match the belt and the belt should match the loops on the pant.
 
belts, suspenders, concealed gear....

As for belts, I'd agree that a standard width should be 1.5" for most handguns & related gear(mags, white light, knife, etc). Some custom shops like Mitch Rosen and Ken Null offer leather belts that taper in the front to 1.25" to appear more "business" like. ;)
I'd also check the nylon-synthetic type belts from 5.11, Blackhawk, Unkle Mike's, Safariland, etc. Many military/outdoor supply firms market "operator" or "instructor" type belts. They have milspec type colors(tan, OD, black, brown) & lined construction to support a holstered weapon(s).
I'd add that if you plan to tote a lot of stuff or wear a holstered firearm for extended periods(12-16 hours), you may want to use suspenders.
Newer styles work well and can spread out the weight of gear/weapons.
With new colors, fabrics & designs you won't look like an old grandpa either, ;).

See: www.Blackhawk.com www.policehq.com www.5.11tactical.com www.galls.com www.duluthtrading.com www.uscav.com www.mitchrosen.com www.donhume.com www.safariland.com www.kirkpatrickleather.com .
 
Hey....old grandpas can be cool too......:D

Here's an option for ya.......I'm here to help;)

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One thing to be careful of is the thickness of the belt. Most good gun belts are two layers of leather and if there too thick they will create problems going through both your holsters and pants loops.
 
++++++ for Rayban

I bought three from him. And he redyed one that I had from Dillon.

Fair price, quality belt good service.

I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Geetarman:D
 
belt loops, "tactical tailoring"...

It's worth knowning that many pants & slacks may have narrow belt loops.
You may need to buy different pants or have the loops modified.
Many newer clothing lines like Blackhawk, Woolrich, Bullet50, 5.11, etc have "dress casual" or office type pants that help conceal-carry the wt/size of weapons, gear, badges, etc.
You may need to pay more for a decent belt or clothes but these quality items will hold up longer than cheap crap that may fall apart.

ClydeFrog
 
As a blue jean type guy, I use a Bianchi 1 3/4" Ranger belt that seems like it's at least 12 years old and just won't wear out.
1 3/4 does limit pants loop choices and even more....holster fitments.
 
So I'm thinking 1.5" is the way to go then.
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You may be right.
My limited experience is that 1-3/4" works with regular Wrangler jeans loops. It holds a heavy 1911's weight very securely IWB all day long, or a larger revolver OWB. So for me it works, I'm not changing with all these holsters that I already have taken the time to find.
The problem is most places sell holsters and mag holders for narrower belts. At a gun show, local store etc...95% of in stock items always seem to be 1 1/2". Holster makers offer the larger size but don't stock it as much.
Pretty much like ClydeFrog mentioned.

http://www.bianchi-intl.com/product/Prod.php?TxtModelID=B4
 
The Beltman in 1.5" horsehide can't be beat. You can buy cheaper belts, but if you take care of it, it will out last several cheaper ones.

My Ross lasted a couple of years, my Beltman is still as stiff as the day it was new 5 years ago.
 
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