Belts?

rickdavis81 · January 20, 2007, 03:02 PM

I've finally decided I need a sturdy belt for carrying but not sure which one to get? I would like one that I can wear to work or out around town. I either carry in a iwb holster or kydex hip holster. I usually wear jeans and a polo or button up shirt at work and home so I don't want a dress belt. But I also don't want a fabric or obvious gun belt. Any suggestions would be great. I'm willing to spend 75 or so on a good one. Thanks

John28226 · January 20, 2007, 07:47 PM

Try Jim. He makes a quality belt and you can get it with 5/8th inch holes; even tapered at the front to look like a dress belt (if you like). His are reasonably priced. For a little heavier belt at about the same price try Rafter.
If you are in Florida, try Kevin at K & D. He is more of a holster maker but also makes a nice belt. All are about the same price. I have several from Jim and one from each of the others.

Either way, be sure you measure according to the maker's instructions.

John
Charlotte, NC

Limeyfellow · January 20, 2007, 07:57 PM

What I do is go down to the leather factory in Charlotte and pick up a nice sturdy blank, decent hardware and then hand it to my wife who does alot of leather carving and so on and get back a really nice sturdy belt perfect for holding a handgun in a holster. I found the majority of commercial belts just not up to par or they look clearly like a gun belt.

RevoRick · January 20, 2007, 10:09 PM

I have a RafterS shark skin belt I got here on TFL. It is an excellent belt. I wear it everyday carry or not.

Leibster · January 24, 2007, 04:56 PM

Another nod here for Rafter S Gunleather (www.raftersgunleather.com).

Reasonable prices and excellent quality!

--Leibster

WSM MAGNUM · January 24, 2007, 07:47 PM

Rickdavis81, check out the "rock steady" belt from high noon holters. Some say this belt makes others look like belts from barbie dolls.

www.highnoonholsters.com

Charles S · January 25, 2007, 11:31 AM

I have had really good luck with Milt Sparks, one of my Milt Sparks belts is over 10 years old, still looks good, and is still plenty stiff enough for carry.

Originally I was very pleased with my Galco belt, but over time it just has not held up as well as Milt Sparks, and for the cost of a Galco one might as well go custom.

I also know people who use Kramer leather and are very pleased, FIST make good products also Mr. Murnack of FIST leather is a great guy.

I am going to purchase a Wilderness instructors belt. I will let you all know what I think.

http://thewilderness.com/

WESHOOT2 · January 27, 2007, 09:47 AM

I have a 14-yr-old Bianchi 1.75', a similarly-aged Hellweg, and a more recent Don Hume.
I am satisfied with them all.

Sparks / Rosen / others; suggest 1.5" as best compromise.

ron8903 · January 27, 2007, 11:12 AM

The Beltman belt is affordable and tuff.
I've been wearing mine well over a year and I have no
complaints.

January 20, 2007, 03:02 PM	#1
rickdavis81 Senior Member Join Date: April 3, 2006 Location: Missouri Posts: 398	Belts? I've finally decided I need a sturdy belt for carrying but not sure which one to get? I would like one that I can wear to work or out around town. I either carry in a iwb holster or kydex hip holster. I usually wear jeans and a polo or button up shirt at work and home so I don't want a dress belt. But I also don't want a fabric or obvious gun belt. Any suggestions would be great. I'm willing to spend 75 or so on a good one. Thanks

January 20, 2007, 07:47 PM	#2
John28226 Senior Member Join Date: May 28, 2005 Location: North Carolina Posts: 292	Beltman Try Jim. He makes a quality belt and you can get it with 5/8th inch holes; even tapered at the front to look like a dress belt (if you like). His are reasonably priced. For a little heavier belt at about the same price try Rafter. If you are in Florida, try Kevin at K & D. He is more of a holster maker but also makes a nice belt. All are about the same price. I have several from Jim and one from each of the others. Either way, be sure you measure according to the maker's instructions. John Charlotte, NC

January 20, 2007, 10:09 PM	#4
RevoRick Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 201	I have a RafterS shark skin belt I got here on TFL. It is an excellent belt. I wear it everyday carry or not. __________________ Criminals thrive on the indulgence of an understanding society DW 10mm CBOB, 10mm Experimental, .45 Pointman GD, .45 Patriot CCO. DW 744 VH .44 6", 715 VH .357 4". Fusion 10mm Longslide XM-10 Tactical Hunter. Glock 19c, Browning Buckmark, S&W 686 .357 4", 629 .44mag 8 3/8". Uberti Cattleman .45LC. http://www.1911auto.org/forum/index.php?referrerid=24

January 24, 2007, 07:47 PM	#6
WSM MAGNUM Senior Member Join Date: September 30, 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 750	Rickdavis81, check out the "rock steady" belt from high noon holters. Some say this belt makes others look like belts from barbie dolls. www.highnoonholsters.com __________________ Henry - Life NRA Member, USCCA Shield Member If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?

January 25, 2007, 11:31 AM	#7
Charles S Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 2002 Location: North East Texas Posts: 950	I have had really good luck with Milt Sparks, one of my Milt Sparks belts is over 10 years old, still looks good, and is still plenty stiff enough for carry. Originally I was very pleased with my Galco belt, but over time it just has not held up as well as Milt Sparks, and for the cost of a Galco one might as well go custom. I also know people who use Kramer leather and are very pleased, FIST make good products also Mr. Murnack of FIST leather is a great guy. I am going to purchase a Wilderness instructors belt. I will let you all know what I think. http://thewilderness.com/ __________________ "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell

January 20, 2007, 07:57 PM	#3
Limeyfellow Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2005 Posts: 1,380	What I do is go down to the leather factory in Charlotte and pick up a nice sturdy blank, decent hardware and then hand it to my wife who does alot of leather carving and so on and get back a really nice sturdy belt perfect for holding a handgun in a holster. I found the majority of commercial belts just not up to par or they look clearly like a gun belt.

January 24, 2007, 04:56 PM	#5
Leibster Junior Member Join Date: May 24, 2004 Posts: 11	Another nod here for Rafter S Gunleather (www.raftersgunleather.com). Reasonable prices and excellent quality! --Leibster

January 27, 2007, 09:47 AM	#8
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	buy best buy once I have a 14-yr-old Bianchi 1.75', a similarly-aged Hellweg, and a more recent Don Hume. I am satisfied with them all. Sparks / Rosen / others; suggest 1.5" as best compromise. __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

January 27, 2007, 11:12 AM	#9
ron8903 Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2005 Location: south florida Posts: 217	The Beltman belt is affordable and tuff. I've been wearing mine well over a year and I have no complaints. __________________ eyes,ears open. mouth closed