What makes a good gun belt?

[checkmyswag]

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.

[hoytinak]

www.thebeltman.net .....no need to look any further.

[rantingredneck]

What he ^ said.....

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2

[checkmyswag]

What size is typically preferred?

1 1/4, 1 1/2 or 1 3/4"?

Thanks.

[Retread7]

I got an 1.5" black (38") Carhartt belt at a Wilco farm store for $30. Best gun belt I've had. My 2 cents.

[hoytinak]

I like a 1.5" as it's the widest that fits in the belt loops on my jeans.

[Double Naught Spy]

www.thebeltman.net .....no need to look any further.

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.

[ClydeFrog]

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 .

[rayban]

Hey....old grandpas can be cool too......

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

[birdzman]

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.

[Straightshooter629]

RW Leather makes excellent gun belts at half the price of the Beltman. Check out their website...

http://www.amishleathergear.com/Abou...h_Leather.html

[geetarman]

++++++ 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

[ClydeFrog]

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

[checkmyswag]

Been measuring my current belt, clothes and holsters.

Man, we "gun people" do some different things!

[armoredman]

I have a Rock Steady from High Noon Holsters, GREAT belt!

http://highnoonholsters.com/Product_...ers/belts.html

[alloy]

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.

[checkmyswag]

So I'm thinking 1.5" is the way to go then.

[twobit]

This is a good belt >>>>>>

http://shop.simplyrugged.com/ecommer...cfm?cat_id=670

[alloy]

So I'm thinking 1.5" is the way to go then.

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/...?TxtModelID=B4

[Kreyzhorse]

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.

[stonewall50]

While you don't have to go fancy,you need to go sturdy and wide. I was told that I couldn't carry in shorts and a Tshirt by a few. Belt solved that. I would say go to a local army surplus or leo uniform shop. I think mine is a Boston leather, but I can't take it off an check right now because I'm wearing it

[checkmyswag]

Thanks for the suggestions.

What I'm really trying to determine are characteristics of a good gun belt.

Does the leather need to be hard/rigid or just dense/solid/thick?

[WV_gunner]

I just intend to use my built I get from a leathersmith. There's usually a guy at at the flea markets around here. I didn't use it for a gun, but my last belt lasted 8 years and I just wear it for work now because it's rough looking. Just got a new belt this month for $20 and is made very nicely. I wear it when I'm not at work and love it.

[ClydeFrog]

A well made or "proper" belt for carrying firearms/related gear should be lined or have a synthetic insert to be stiff enough to support the weight/size of the items.
Thickness isn't the main issue. If it's a quality, well made gun or duty belt, you should be able to wear it comfortablely for hours & it should last years.
Range or instructor belts made of high quality nylon can work too but be aware that the velcro(hook & loop) or metal buckles may wear over time/hard use.
Good brands have the edges lined or covered too. I've had a few nylon "duty" type belts fray or have stiching get loose.

CF

[jhenry]

Two makers I use who I find make excellent quality ccw belts are Simply Rugged and Dillon leather. The Dillon belts are double thickness and are quite stiff at first. They never do get floppy. The Simply Rugged belts are single thickness steer hide and are much more comfortable without being flimsy. Both are fine. I wear the Simply Rugged belt about every day, but I used the Dilon one today. A belt made of proper leather, and cared for correctly does not need any type of insert to hold ccw gear securely. You simply are not toting around the same amount of gear a beat cop would. Fit and material are the key.