More on belts

[Johnny]

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.

[longtooth]

I am also a simple no frills kind of guy. IWB gets the help of your waist band. OWB needs a better belt for sure. I wear one of 2 quality belts 1.5" that are made by Justin & Naconna. The Justin is a Ranger belt & it is about 7 or 8 yr old. I can tell it is starting to let a full size steel frame 1911 sag when OWB. My next belt will probably be a "carry Belt" from a holster maker. If the one you have is keeping everything SECURE & IN PLACE COMFORTABLY then you don't really need to replace it unless you want to. If you feel like your gun butt is trying to sag away from your waist & you can flop it away from your side even a little then you problbly need a better belt. It should never move. That is for muscle memory on draw & also for comfort.

[Kalrog]

Let me start off by saying that I don't know the quality or suitability of the belt you are currently using - it might be great or it might be horrible. I just don't know.

Second, I think a good belt is even MORE important for comfort than a good holster. And you know how much a good holster helps.

Third, if you don't want to spend $90 to see if you want a "gun" belt, there are a couple of less expensive options. Especially if you don't want fancy. I got a Galco - black belt with a silver buckle, no frills - for about $40 and it is a true gun belt. Another option that lots of people like is "The Wilderness" belt. It isn't leather, but it is an amazingly tough piece of work. Again, NOT for dressy occasions, but it could be the ultimate duty type belt. Look for the less expensive options online or at "cop" shops.

http://thewilderness.com/catalog/default.php/cPath/3
http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterP3.asp?Pr ... alogID=255

[AC]

You might want to check out a belt from RafterS, I've heard that these are excellent belts for the money, and I ordered one, but it is not here yet.
http://www.raftersgunleather.com/belts.html

[Johnny]

I like that simple black cowhide belt. My old el-cheapo walmart special looked about like that one. $50 bucks isn't a bad deal, either. I think I'll go ahead and get that one.

Thanks for the advice.

[one eyed fatman]

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.