Action Direct bellyband vs. others?

MatthewVanitas · October 16, 2000, 10:17 PM

Greetings all,
I'm trying to work out my Concealed Carry options, and am very interested in the Action Direct bellyband type. It appears to me that I could take said bellyband and put it on over my shirt, but under my trousers, with the butt of the pistol just below the beltline, so I could still wear a tucked shirt, but just reach between tucked shirt and trousers to draw. Is this workable, has anybody tried this?

Are there any other, better bellybands which allow tucked shirt carry, with the butt of the pistol below the waistband?

Important question: does the Action Direct band carry weight well? I'd like to get a steel compact 1911 rather than alloy. Is the difference between 28oz and 32-34oz that notable in an ADBB?

Any advice on a compact 1911 tucked shirt carry (without resorting to unbuttoning all kinds of things to draw), appreciated. Take care all,
-LCpl Matthew Boris

------------------
--Capitalism isn't a program or a system like "socialism," but a description of reality like "the Pythagorean theorem." Deal with it.

LASur5r · October 17, 2000, 10:34 AM

I got this really good belly band from Gunslinger and Terri Darri for $30. It is one of the most comfortable and concealable belly band, but I use it under my arm pit (Pee-uuuu!), but talk about concealable...I walked in two gunshops where I hang out and we're always looking for anything showing and immediately point it out on any of the regulars, especially the LEO's as part of our public service. (We make constructive comments like, "Hey, sweetie...is that a gun you're hiding or are you just happy to see the guys?")
Recommend you talk to Gunslinger on TFL...he's usually reading most of the threads.

robertcarr · October 17, 2000, 11:23 AM

I'd avoid the ADBB. I've got one, and since i received it, I have seen nicer ones for less money. The ADBB is made from 4" wide elastic, others I've seen are made from 5" wide elastic.

I think for what you want, I'd go with a nice IWB holster from Don Hume, Milt Sparks, Galco, Blade-Tech or one of the other respected holster makers. This belly band seems mostly suitable for those times when other carry methods just won't work. (i.e. jogging clothes, sweats, swim suit, etc.) It isn't real comfortable for all day wear.

VGS, Bob Carr

shiroikuma, Anchorage AK · October 17, 2000, 12:44 PM

Hey anyone know of a belly band type that has a actual holster attached. I get tired of having the sharp edges poke me even with a shirt under it. Any acual experience with such a beast? I know horeshoe leather, and uncle mikes had something like this at one time.

shiro

Bartholomew Roberts · October 17, 2000, 01:09 PM

I have the Action-Direct belly band that is designed to be worn like a shoulder holster underneath a normal shirt (with little velcro shoulder straps).

I haven't been real impressed by it. Wore it once or twice and resolved to sell it ASAP. The product you are talking about seems a little different from the one I have; but overall I'd try and get your hands on one and test it out before you spend the money.

Correia · October 17, 2000, 01:13 PM

You guys are probably getting tired of me saying this, but I use Gunslinger's super belly band and I really like it. I wear it around my waist with the gun in a standard IWB position. It is actually pretty comfortable once you get used to it. You can tuck the shirt in over it easily, however I don't know about having the but of the gun under your waistline, seems like it would be more uncomfortable. Plus I like having the extra tension of my belt right on the gun, seems to keep it more secure.

Mikul · October 17, 2000, 02:14 PM

I use the Action Direct Defender daily and it's comfortable. I can wear ANYTHING and still be totally concealed. Having a thicker band means better weight distribution, but also more man-made material on you. That might matter in the summer.

There have been many posts in praise of Terri Darri's belly band. I'd try theirs' if I were looking again.

RBK · October 17, 2000, 07:35 PM

Ditto Mikul on using the ADD. I have a drawer full of holsters and for deep concealment, it is my favorite. My shirt tucks right over the whole shootin-match and it is comfortable. However, if possible, I would try all of the above mentioned holsters before buying, if possible and, avoid the "drawer full of holsters" trip.

ArmySon · October 17, 2000, 07:55 PM

ditto what Correia said. check this thread out

http://www.thefiringline.com:8080/fo...threadid=40502

MatthewVanitas · October 17, 2000, 08:57 PM

Hmmm... I seem to be having a little trouble with terminology. I suppose the "Defender" model by AD is not actually technically a bellyband. I should have thought the post title out better.

What it is, and what I'm comparison shopping for, is a belt type item worn underneath one's actual belt, separate from one's pants. Are there other "IWB" holsters like that? I usually assosciate IWB with a holster attatching to my normal trouser belt. I'm just trying to keep a pistol below the beltline, and supported seperately from my trousers. Sorry for the confusion in terminology. -MKB

Onslaught · October 19, 2000, 12:34 PM

If I'm not mistaken sir, you and I have the same idea here... But in my vision, and maybe yours, I was using "Thunderwear" style gear. I'm still looking for the best brand, but I've carried my Kahr P9 with no holster in this position, and it feels great, but with no holster, it ends up sliding down a leg and being retrieved at the ankle

.
www.thunderbelt.com is the type of rig I'm thinking of, and maybe you were too.

Good luck!

leedesert · October 19, 2000, 04:04 PM

You were right about the defender, it is a belly band. I have had mine for about 1.5 yr now and no complaints. I do however think the Gunslinger band is a better product but not enought for me to buy another. Some have complained about the mag carrier being next to the gun but the purpose for this is to utilize the gap already formed by the gun in your pants. I use it mostly for when I'm wearing atletic clothing in hot weather but most of the time I use my OWB slide. While IWB conceals better it's just not all that comfortable when you go from sitting and standing a lot. It's still good to have and if I had a choice now I would get the one from gunslinger.

What I did like about the AD Defender is they let you have it with no money down. If you don't like it after 30 days just return it. If you do, pay for it. They didn't even ask for a credit card number as security. Can't beat that.

------------------
"It is easier to get out of jail then it is a morgue"
Live long and defend yourself!
John 3:16
NRA lifer
GOA
GSSF
KABA

October 16, 2000, 10:17 PM	#1
MatthewVanitas Senior Member Join Date: August 24, 2000 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 258	Greetings all, I'm trying to work out my Concealed Carry options, and am very interested in the Action Direct bellyband type. It appears to me that I could take said bellyband and put it on over my shirt, but under my trousers, with the butt of the pistol just below the beltline, so I could still wear a tucked shirt, but just reach between tucked shirt and trousers to draw. Is this workable, has anybody tried this? Are there any other, better bellybands which allow tucked shirt carry, with the butt of the pistol below the waistband? Important question: does the Action Direct band carry weight well? I'd like to get a steel compact 1911 rather than alloy. Is the difference between 28oz and 32-34oz that notable in an ADBB? Any advice on a compact 1911 tucked shirt carry (without resorting to unbuttoning all kinds of things to draw), appreciated. Take care all, -LCpl Matthew Boris ------------------ --Capitalism isn't a program or a system like "socialism," but a description of reality like "the Pythagorean theorem." Deal with it.

October 17, 2000, 10:34 AM	#2
LASur5r Junior member Join Date: July 20, 2000 Location: pasadena,california,America Posts: 542	I got this really good belly band from Gunslinger and Terri Darri for $30. It is one of the most comfortable and concealable belly band, but I use it under my arm pit (Pee-uuuu!), but talk about concealable...I walked in two gunshops where I hang out and we're always looking for anything showing and immediately point it out on any of the regulars, especially the LEO's as part of our public service. (We make constructive comments like, "Hey, sweetie...is that a gun you're hiding or are you just happy to see the guys?") Recommend you talk to Gunslinger on TFL...he's usually reading most of the threads.

October 17, 2000, 11:23 AM	#3
robertcarr Junior Member Join Date: August 31, 2000 Posts: 8	I'd avoid the ADBB. I've got one, and since i received it, I have seen nicer ones for less money. The ADBB is made from 4" wide elastic, others I've seen are made from 5" wide elastic. I think for what you want, I'd go with a nice IWB holster from Don Hume, Milt Sparks, Galco, Blade-Tech or one of the other respected holster makers. This belly band seems mostly suitable for those times when other carry methods just won't work. (i.e. jogging clothes, sweats, swim suit, etc.) It isn't real comfortable for all day wear. VGS, Bob Carr

October 17, 2000, 12:44 PM	#4
shiroikuma, Anchorage AK Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2000 Posts: 102	Hey anyone know of a belly band type that has a actual holster attached. I get tired of having the sharp edges poke me even with a shirt under it. Any acual experience with such a beast? I know horeshoe leather, and uncle mikes had something like this at one time. shiro

October 17, 2000, 01:09 PM	#5
Bartholomew Roberts member Join Date: June 12, 2000 Location: Texas and Oklahoma area Posts: 8,462	I have the Action-Direct belly band that is designed to be worn like a shoulder holster underneath a normal shirt (with little velcro shoulder straps). I haven't been real impressed by it. Wore it once or twice and resolved to sell it ASAP. The product you are talking about seems a little different from the one I have; but overall I'd try and get your hands on one and test it out before you spend the money.

October 17, 2000, 01:13 PM	#6
Correia Senior Member Join Date: December 3, 1998 Location: SLC Utah Posts: 3,740	You guys are probably getting tired of me saying this, but I use Gunslinger's super belly band and I really like it. I wear it around my waist with the gun in a standard IWB position. It is actually pretty comfortable once you get used to it. You can tuck the shirt in over it easily, however I don't know about having the but of the gun under your waistline, seems like it would be more uncomfortable. Plus I like having the extra tension of my belt right on the gun, seems to keep it more secure.

October 17, 2000, 02:14 PM	#7
Mikul Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2000 Posts: 1,396	I use the Action Direct Defender daily and it's comfortable. I can wear ANYTHING and still be totally concealed. Having a thicker band means better weight distribution, but also more man-made material on you. That might matter in the summer. There have been many posts in praise of Terri Darri's belly band. I'd try theirs' if I were looking again.

October 17, 2000, 07:35 PM	#8
RBK Registration in progress Join Date: September 26, 2000 Location: East TN Posts: 352	Ditto Mikul on using the ADD. I have a drawer full of holsters and for deep concealment, it is my favorite. My shirt tucks right over the whole shootin-match and it is comfortable. However, if possible, I would try all of the above mentioned holsters before buying, if possible and, avoid the "drawer full of holsters" trip.

October 17, 2000, 07:55 PM	#9
ArmySon Staff Alumnus Join Date: April 14, 2000 Posts: 2,926	ditto what Correia said. check this thread out http://www.thefiringline.com:8080/fo...threadid=40502

October 17, 2000, 08:57 PM	#10
MatthewVanitas Senior Member Join Date: August 24, 2000 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 258	Hmmm... I seem to be having a little trouble with terminology. I suppose the "Defender" model by AD is not actually technically a bellyband. I should have thought the post title out better. What it is, and what I'm comparison shopping for, is a belt type item worn underneath one's actual belt, separate from one's pants. Are there other "IWB" holsters like that? I usually assosciate IWB with a holster attatching to my normal trouser belt. I'm just trying to keep a pistol below the beltline, and supported seperately from my trousers. Sorry for the confusion in terminology. -MKB

October 19, 2000, 12:34 PM	#11
Onslaught Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 1999 Location: GA Posts: 1,749	If I'm not mistaken sir, you and I have the same idea here... But in my vision, and maybe yours, I was using "Thunderwear" style gear. I'm still looking for the best brand, but I've carried my Kahr P9 with no holster in this position, and it feels great, but with no holster, it ends up sliding down a leg and being retrieved at the ankle . www.thunderbelt.com is the type of rig I'm thinking of, and maybe you were too. Good luck!

October 19, 2000, 04:04 PM	#12
leedesert Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 1999 Location: Ga Posts: 633	You were right about the defender, it is a belly band. I have had mine for about 1.5 yr now and no complaints. I do however think the Gunslinger band is a better product but not enought for me to buy another. Some have complained about the mag carrier being next to the gun but the purpose for this is to utilize the gap already formed by the gun in your pants. I use it mostly for when I'm wearing atletic clothing in hot weather but most of the time I use my OWB slide. While IWB conceals better it's just not all that comfortable when you go from sitting and standing a lot. It's still good to have and if I had a choice now I would get the one from gunslinger. What I did like about the AD Defender is they let you have it with no money down. If you don't like it after 30 days just return it. If you do, pay for it. They didn't even ask for a credit card number as security. Can't beat that. ------------------ "It is easier to get out of jail then it is a morgue" Live long and defend yourself! John 3:16 NRA lifer GOA GSSF KABA