Gun Belt? Ehhh...

Sixer · December 30, 2008, 03:09 PM

Can someone please convince me why I NEED a $75 gun belt. My holsters hold up just fine on a normal, sturdy, leather belt.

I can understand the need if Im carrying a gun, pepper spray, handcuffs, walkie talkie, and shark repellant all at the same time... but for your average every day CCW'er is really necessary to wear a "special" belt.

I really am not trying to provoke anyone or hurt any beltmaker's feelings. It just seems like my money would be better spent on something else, like mags or ammo.

Im also not saying that I absolutely do not need a gun belt, I just need a little convincing before I start shopping around for one.

LHB1 · December 30, 2008, 03:26 PM

Try to convince you? Not me. Do it your way. But I WON'T carry a full size steel 1911 without an Alessi or Bulman 1.5" gunbelt. Actually I like Lou Alessi's gunbelts so much I wear one every day even if going somewhere that I can't CCW.

coolhandluke4 · December 30, 2008, 03:28 PM

They make all the difference in the world. I have one from Simply Rugged, as well as a few of their holsters. My brother and dad liked my belt so much they just had to get their own. And to boot I think his belts are $45. Check it out, simplyrugged.com

rantingredneck · December 30, 2008, 03:36 PM

I thought I didn't need one too. Until I broke down and bought my $90.00 Beltman double layer horsehide belt. Best $90.00 on gun stuff I've ever spent.

rantingredneck · December 30, 2008, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Check it out, simplyrugged.com

I don't have any of his belts but I have one of his Sourdough holsters for my GP100. Good stuff there too.

redrick · December 30, 2008, 04:00 PM

It supports the weight of the gun better. I have a Rafter Shark and I wear it all the time, it is so comfrontable. Like you, it took me awhile to justify it, but it is worth it and after awhile, you forget how much you paid for it. I am going to buy another one just to wear with my dockers.

P35 · December 30, 2008, 04:04 PM

who cares what you use, sounds like you are trying to convince yourself

CortJestir · December 30, 2008, 04:12 PM

You don't need a gunbelt at all for CCW -- you just need a sturdy, stiff belt, period. It just so happens that gunbelts were made for this, but other belts may be able to handle the job. A belt that can support the weight of your carry rig will help you feel more comfortable and safer and can aid in concealing your weapon.

It sounds like you have a belt already that works just fine, so no need to get one specially made for carrying guns around, IMV.

I'll add though, you won't really know if you need one until you get one! In that case, buy a dual-layer gunbelt by The Beltman in size 38". When you get it and decide you don't need it, PM me and you can give it to me!!

redrick · December 30, 2008, 04:12 PM

Somebody IS Not Playing Nice. Do you need a nap?

Creature · December 30, 2008, 04:22 PM

Quote:

You don't need a gunbelt at all for CCW -- you just need a sturdy, stiff belt, period.

Agreed.
I shop on base at the Navy Exchange and I am not much a "clothes hound" like some of my compadres, many of whom are still trolling for a lady who will put up with their disgusting ways.

Anyway, I found a very thick and wide black leather belt with a double-pronged buckle. It is quite stiff and has worn absolutely as tough as iron. The belt is from BASIC CONCEPTS, which is a line of clothing that I consider to be the bargain hunter's fare...decent quality but very inexpensive stuff. You can find that line of clothing at Kmart as well.

I paid a whopping $19.99 for that belt over a year ago and have worn it nearly every day since...it looks virtually as new the day I bought it. It is the best belt I have ever found for wearing with holster. Just got lucky when I found it I guess.

DWARREN123 · December 30, 2008, 05:47 PM

Maybe not needed in all cases but try carrying a full size gun without a good holster and gun belt and you will see why they are needed.

Sixer · December 30, 2008, 05:47 PM

Thanks for the replies fellas... I've only been carrying for a little over a year so Im still a newb at all this.

I guess I can see why you may want to spend the extra $$$ on a nice gun belt. Im not doubting that it's worth it.

I think right now, for me anyway, a good solid / sturdy belt should do the trick. I have a Sig 239 and a Glock 23, neither of which are relatively heavy.

When I do get that full size 1911 that I've been dreaming of I will most likely spring for a nice gun belt

Kreyzhorse · December 30, 2008, 08:43 PM

You can get by without one, but once you have a good gun belt, you won't ever go without one again. They do make a hell of a difference not only with full sized 1911s, but with light weight guns as well.

FrontSight · December 31, 2008, 10:04 AM

Simply Rugged, nice, I have to look into that...

Musketeer · December 31, 2008, 10:10 AM

For 2 years I have used a 1 1/4" black Don Hume leather belt and it still looks good even with a suit. I spent $60 on it if I remember properly.

Before that I probably spent $20 three times a year for belts that wore out, deformed or tore.

Shorts · December 31, 2008, 12:04 PM

I wear my own gun belts.

The difference between a casual leather belt and a specific sturdy gun belt is felt in the comfort of the carry. Unless you've tried a dedicated gun belt to compare to a casual wear belt, you won't feel the difference. For perspective I wear several different belts. A sturdy belt assures that you'll fiddle and arrange your carry less. It won't move or shift on you.

If you're content to wear what you're wearing, by all means, continue. But if you're curious about a gun belt, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at the feel of carrying.

Sixer · December 31, 2008, 12:59 PM

Quote:

I wear my own gun belts.

SO do you MAKE them yourself? If so, do you sell them online as well? I'd be interested to see what you have, thanks!

Shorts · December 31, 2008, 08:45 PM

Quote:

SO do you MAKE them yourself? If so, do you sell them online as well? I'd be interested to see what you have, thanks!

Yes, I make them myself. I do not sell them online at this time. We're in the process of an overseas move so no orders in the meantime.

armedandsafe · December 31, 2008, 09:38 PM

I have worn carry-specific belts and still have one floating around here someplace.

Many years ago, I purchased a leather money belt. Leather outside, leather lined and with a zipper on the inside. I put 10 bills, folded twice lengthwise into the money compartment and tried it. I am still wearing that type. I would still be wearing that very belt, I think, except that my belts seem to shrink every 5 years or so as I age.

I just purchased two of them to replace the one I bought in 2001. The reason I bought two is because they were on a 2fer sale.

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=489048

I know there is a "don't buy from..." effort going on right now, but this is where these are found.

When I was in business, I would often have several thousand dollars on me in cash. That was the reason for the money belt experiment. Now that I retired, I don't carry as much cash, but still have the belt stuffed with bills. Twenty $1.00 bills is about all one can get in there, but you can replace the ones with larger denominations over time or for a trip.

Another advantage is that it is possible to find yourself at the side of the road with no bike, no luggage and nothing but the (now raggedy and tattered) clothes on your back. It is hard to lose your belt in this situation.

Pops

WESHOOT2 · January 3, 2009, 05:35 PM

A holster is held by its belt; the two components make up your carry system.

Cheap?

Check the fine-service guys at Gunners Alley (I have a Don Hume I've worn for some years; granted its color has worn off way more rapidly than a better choice, like my Hellweg, which has three times the years, but looks newer).

Check Brownells.

Check Dillon's Mitch Rosen line.

Buy best buy once.
Same with holsters.

They are for securing your gun, and maintaining its position on your body.
Critically important.

Logs · January 3, 2009, 09:22 PM

I bought a nice leather 2 inch belt from TSC and it does a great job. Cost $22.

Sixer · January 4, 2009, 02:04 PM

Alright, Im convinced... It's definitely time for a "gun" belt.

Honestly, I never had any real intention of buying one... but if the price is reasonable and it really is that important to have one, then I dont have an excuse not to.

I really appreciate all the advice and will put everyone's recommendations to good use while checking around...

Dang, does this mean I have to buy one for work and one for regular carry?

Wuchak · January 4, 2009, 04:23 PM

For a more casual non-leather belt that works well for outdoor activities or jeans take a look at the Instructor belts from The Wilderness. Very nice and reasonable for what you get.http://www.thewilderness.com

WESHOOT2 · January 6, 2009, 09:47 AM

Good safe smart (recommended 1.5" width) choices include:

Milt Sparks
Alessi
Rosen
Hellweg
Bianchi

Prices can vary, so shop around. Start at Brownells....

TacticalDefense1911 · January 6, 2009, 09:55 AM

Check out www.thebeltman.net as well.

December 30, 2008, 03:09 PM	#1
Sixer Senior Member Join Date: April 16, 2008 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,891	Gun Belt? Ehhh... Can someone please convince me why I NEED a $75 gun belt. My holsters hold up just fine on a normal, sturdy, leather belt. I can understand the need if Im carrying a gun, pepper spray, handcuffs, walkie talkie, and shark repellant all at the same time... but for your average every day CCW'er is really necessary to wear a "special" belt. I really am not trying to provoke anyone or hurt any beltmaker's feelings. It just seems like my money would be better spent on something else, like mags or ammo. Im also not saying that I absolutely do not need a gun belt, I just need a little convincing before I start shopping around for one.

December 30, 2008, 03:26 PM	#2
LHB1 Senior Member Join Date: March 25, 2005 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 1,545	Try to convince you? Not me. Do it your way. But I WON'T carry a full size steel 1911 without an Alessi or Bulman 1.5" gunbelt. Actually I like Lou Alessi's gunbelts so much I wear one every day even if going somewhere that I can't CCW. __________________ Good shooting and be safe. LB Last edited by LHB1; December 30, 2008 at 03:48 PM.

December 30, 2008, 03:36 PM	#4
rantingredneck Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 4,728	I thought I didn't need one too. Until I broke down and bought my $90.00 Beltman double layer horsehide belt. Best $90.00 on gun stuff I've ever spent. __________________ NRA Member NC Hunter's Education Instructor PCCA Member (What's PCCA you ask? <- Check the link)

December 30, 2008, 04:04 PM	#7
P35 Member Join Date: October 21, 1998 Location: Tulsa,OK.USA Posts: 65	who cares what you use, sounds like you are trying to convince yourself __________________ Contra Mundum

December 30, 2008, 04:12 PM	#8
CortJestir Senior Member Join Date: July 7, 2008 Location: Southern CT Posts: 1,406	You don't need a gunbelt at all for CCW -- you just need a sturdy, stiff belt, period. It just so happens that gunbelts were made for this, but other belts may be able to handle the job. A belt that can support the weight of your carry rig will help you feel more comfortable and safer and can aid in concealing your weapon. It sounds like you have a belt already that works just fine, so no need to get one specially made for carrying guns around, IMV. I'll add though, you won't really know if you need one until you get one! In that case, buy a dual-layer gunbelt by The Beltman in size 38". When you get it and decide you don't need it, PM me and you can give it to me!! __________________ "They have men amongst them who know very well what they are about..." - Lord Hugh Percy, on the events of April 19, 1775 Do you know what you're about? Find out at an Appleseed near you.

December 30, 2008, 03:28 PM	#3
coolhandluke4 Member Join Date: February 15, 2007 Location: upstate SC Posts: 70	They make all the difference in the world. I have one from Simply Rugged, as well as a few of their holsters. My brother and dad liked my belt so much they just had to get their own. And to boot I think his belts are $45. Check it out, simplyrugged.com

December 30, 2008, 04:00 PM	#6
redrick Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,041	It supports the weight of the gun better. I have a Rafter Shark and I wear it all the time, it is so comfrontable. Like you, it took me awhile to justify it, but it is worth it and after awhile, you forget how much you paid for it. I am going to buy another one just to wear with my dockers.

December 30, 2008, 05:47 PM	#11
DWARREN123 Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2006 Location: BETWEEN TN & KY Posts: 1,758	Maybe not needed in all cases but try carrying a full size gun without a good holster and gun belt and you will see why they are needed. __________________ Have a nice day!

December 30, 2008, 08:43 PM	#13
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	You can get by without one, but once you have a good gun belt, you won't ever go without one again. They do make a hell of a difference not only with full sized 1911s, but with light weight guns as well. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

December 31, 2008, 10:04 AM	#14
FrontSight Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2005 Posts: 1,712	Simply Rugged, nice, I have to look into that... __________________ To kill something as great as a duck just to smell the gunpowder is a crime against nature. - Alan Liere Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve. - George Bernard Shaw

December 31, 2008, 10:10 AM	#15
Musketeer Senior Member Join Date: September 12, 2005 Posts: 3,733	For 2 years I have used a 1 1/4" black Don Hume leather belt and it still looks good even with a suit. I spent $60 on it if I remember properly. Before that I probably spent $20 three times a year for belts that wore out, deformed or tore. __________________ "Religions are all alike - founded upon fables and mythologies." Thomas Jefferson "The way to see by faith is to shut the eye of reason." Benjamin Franklin

December 31, 2008, 12:04 PM	#16
Shorts Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 2004 Posts: 1,484	I wear my own gun belts. The difference between a casual leather belt and a specific sturdy gun belt is felt in the comfort of the carry. Unless you've tried a dedicated gun belt to compare to a casual wear belt, you won't feel the difference. For perspective I wear several different belts. A sturdy belt assures that you'll fiddle and arrange your carry less. It won't move or shift on you. If you're content to wear what you're wearing, by all means, continue. But if you're curious about a gun belt, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at the feel of carrying.

December 31, 2008, 09:38 PM	#19
armedandsafe Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2005 Location: Moses Lake WA Posts: 1,001	I have worn carry-specific belts and still have one floating around here someplace. Many years ago, I purchased a leather money belt. Leather outside, leather lined and with a zipper on the inside. I put 10 bills, folded twice lengthwise into the money compartment and tried it. I am still wearing that type. I would still be wearing that very belt, I think, except that my belts seem to shrink every 5 years or so as I age. I just purchased two of them to replace the one I bought in 2001. The reason I bought two is because they were on a 2fer sale. http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=489048 I know there is a "don't buy from..." effort going on right now, but this is where these are found. When I was in business, I would often have several thousand dollars on me in cash. That was the reason for the money belt experiment. Now that I retired, I don't carry as much cash, but still have the belt stuffed with bills. Twenty $1.00 bills is about all one can get in there, but you can replace the ones with larger denominations over time or for a trip. Another advantage is that it is possible to find yourself at the side of the road with no bike, no luggage and nothing but the (now raggedy and tattered) clothes on your back. It is hard to lose your belt in this situation. Pops __________________ Armed and Safe: Not just a theory If it time to bury them, it is time to dig them up. Remember, "Behind every blade of grass."

January 3, 2009, 05:35 PM	#20
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	system A holster is held by its belt; the two components make up your carry system. Cheap? Check the fine-service guys at Gunners Alley (I have a Don Hume I've worn for some years; granted its color has worn off way more rapidly than a better choice, like my Hellweg, which has three times the years, but looks newer). Check Brownells. Check Dillon's Mitch Rosen line. Buy best buy once. Same with holsters. They are for securing your gun, and maintaining its position on your body. Critically important. __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

January 3, 2009, 09:22 PM	#21
Logs Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 1999 Location: BLUEGRASS STATE KY USA Posts: 1,780	I bought a nice leather 2 inch belt from TSC and it does a great job. Cost $22.

January 4, 2009, 02:04 PM	#22
Sixer Senior Member Join Date: April 16, 2008 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,891	Alright, Im convinced... It's definitely time for a "gun" belt. Honestly, I never had any real intention of buying one... but if the price is reasonable and it really is that important to have one, then I dont have an excuse not to. I really appreciate all the advice and will put everyone's recommendations to good use while checking around... Dang, does this mean I have to buy one for work and one for regular carry?

January 4, 2009, 04:23 PM	#23
Wuchak Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2007 Location: Shawnee, KS Posts: 1,093	For a more casual non-leather belt that works well for outdoor activities or jeans take a look at the Instructor belts from The Wilderness. Very nice and reasonable for what you get.http://www.thewilderness.com

January 6, 2009, 09:47 AM	#24
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	about time, Sixer Good safe smart (recommended 1.5" width) choices include: Milt Sparks Alessi Rosen Hellweg Bianchi Prices can vary, so shop around. Start at Brownells.... __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

January 6, 2009, 09:55 AM	#25
TacticalDefense1911 Senior Member Join Date: April 4, 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,277	Check out www.thebeltman.net as well.