Johnny wrote:I noticed the discussion of that ranger belt, which looks like a really neat one, and thought I should ask some questions.
Everybody says you need a good, stiff leather belt. That makes perfect sense to me, and I agree. Reinforcing stitching seems to be a "common thread" (heh) when it comes to tough belts, so I've got that on my checklist, too. The thing is that I have little basis for comparison, so I was hoping somebody here might tell me if I'm heading in the right direction.
I have one of these patent leather snap belt things made by Boston that I swiped off a CO buddy of mine (ok, I didn't actually "swipe" it, but it sounds good). I use a quality holster for my heavy pistol, and it seems to be working well. I know from a little experience, however, that a poor holster makes you feel that there is just no good way to conceal your weapon, while a high quality one feels like a whole world of difference that you couldn't imagine before. So, am I using a good enough belt? It is obviously a much better choice than the el-cheapo walmart thing I had before, but I don't know how it stacks up to the fancy $90 jobbies I see from holster makers.
If it isn't good enough, does anybody have a recommendation? I really like the snap closure, but I would give it up if a better belt only came with a buckle. I like black and simple. Many of the carry belts I have seen are a bit dressy for my personal taste. I'm a jeans, t-shirt, and workboots type. I hear lined belts are nice. I've never owned a lined carry belt, so can anybody offer an opinion on lining?
Any other advice you guys might have on the subject would be appreciated.
This is an easy one to answer. If your not comfortable wearing your gun and you have to keep pulling your pants up you got the wrong gear on. The Rafters belt I have is a double layer belt (1 1/2 inch). It's great for my XD9sc but does not have the plastic stiffener making it not so great for my XD 45. I just recieved my Beltman belt today (1 1/2 inch) which is double thickness bullhide and has the stiffener which I think is going to be great for carrying my XD45 OWB. I just wore it around the house tonight. I'll wear it at work for a week and give a report. I'm using the Answer (IWB) and Serpa (OWB) holsters. Walmart belts just plain suck.