Gun Belt, Why?

[GeekDad]

So I did some searching and cant seem to find the scenario of the question I am asking.

Basically... I have good sturdy belt already, what are the advantages of buying a gun belt?

[flb_78]

If you're happy with your belt and it doesn't sag while wearing your gun, then nothing.

Gun belts are usually thicker and stiffer than standard belts providing extra support for carrying a gun.

[terryg]

I asked the same thing some time ago and it all became very clear to me with this picture:

[C-dub]

I was perfectly happy with the belts I used for over 8 years and kept asking myself the same question. Then I saw a real gun belt (something from Galco) and noticed the difference. I just recently ordered my first gun belt that I can wear with slacks. It hasn't arrived yet, but I'm eagerly anticipating it's arrival. It should be here tomorrow or Tuesday.

[RoyGBiv]

Sometimes words cannot adequately explain...

Find a friend with a gun belt, a real one.. Or.. go to a LE supply store and try one on..
The light will come on quickly and shine brightly.

Go to the light.

[74novaman]

So I did some searching and cant seem to find the scenario of the question I am asking.

Basically... I have good sturdy belt already, what are the advantages of buying a gun belt?

Try a quality gun belt and you'll answer the question yourself very quickly.

They provide more support, are stiffer and distribute the weight of a gun better than any other belt, don't care how sturdy it is.

[jmra]

I carry a G23 OWB at 3:00. If I wear a sturdy belt the back of the gun (or the vertical top if you will) leans outward causing a noticeable bulge. If I replace the sturdy belt with a true gun belt, the gun stays nice and tight against my side eliminating the bulging effect present with the other belt.
Like others have said, you have to experience it for yourself.

[Jumping Frog]

I usually say, "a good quality gunbelt can make a crappy holster feel comfortable, but a crappy belt will make a great holster uncomfortable."

For an extreme example, I can wear my full size Para 14-45 in a cheap $20 Uncle Mike's nylon holster on one of my gunbelts comfortably. Put the same gun in one of my $85 Comp-Tac Minotaurs and it is highly uncomfortable with an ordinary dress belt.

It took me carrying two years while reading the people in various forums extol the virtues of a gunbelt before I finally listened and made the leap. I'll never be without a gunbelt again.

[The Annoyed Man]

Why? So your pants don't fall down.

I've found a good compromise in the Wilderness Tactical Instructor belts. Stiff enough to carry a gun, but supple enough to not hurt my back. I've found that a really stiff gun belt does a great job of holding up the gun, but it also tends to cause me pain because of my back issues. I wish it weren't so. Anyway, the Instructor belt, and others like it from other manufacturers are another way to go.

[snatchel]

Why? So your pants don't fall down.

I've found a good compromise in the Wilderness Tactical Instructor belts. Stiff enough to carry a gun, but supple enough to not hurt my back. I've found that a really stiff gun belt does a great job of holding up the gun, but it also tends to cause me pain because of my back issues. I wish it weren't so. Anyway, the Instructor belt, and others like it from other manufacturers are another way to go.

I was able to carry without a gunbelt for the longest time...Then I started carrying a Glock 30 and a SP101 regularly, neither of which are lightweights :) My daily belt ended up curving and after a few months, snapped in two. i invested in a Wilderness Instructors belt. It's amazing.

LIke everyone said... once you try it, you realize what a better job it does of supporting a gun.

[GeekDad]

Thanks everyone for the responses. I will definitely looking into gun belts today!

[function12]

I have had a beltman gun belt for over 4 years now. Great belt. Still looks good too. I had a 5.11 that lasted less than a year before it started to come apart.

[RPB]

The photo is worth 1,000 words, but ...

Here's a good reason too
viewtopic.php?f=7&t=41305&p=496882&hili ... ts#p496882" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[NordicTexan]

I have to be more dressy at work (kahki's or slacks). I like the gun belts for concealment from blackhawk. Usually I can get one for about $30-40 online which is not far from the price range I would spend at Kohls for a normal dress belt.

http://www.blackhawk.com/product/CQC-Pi ... 794,61.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Its worth checking it out.

Oh, with any of them, read the sizing instructions so you get the right size for you and your gun. That part is very important.

[thatguy]

I am the same as most....I thought my regular belts would work fine and they did to a point, then I tried a Galco brand gun belt and everything changed. I believe it was the price that took me so long to accept as the average gun belt is twice as much as the average belt but money well spent.

My new daily carry belt is an NRA nylon webbing style belt and they are about 30 dollars or so.