[Bargsbeer]

Ok, a couple of things I have learned since I started carrying a week ago, is that your holster and belt are just about as important as your choice of weapon. I bought a cheap belt. I can buy a custom belt online for $25.00 or should I goto Walmart and buy off the rack?

 

[mikesid]

Buy one made for a holster. The belts you get from walmart will crack and warp.

EDIT: I had the same question a while back:
http://floridaconcealedcarry.com/Forum/showthread.php?t=4161

 

[SGB]

You're not going to get much of a belt for $25. Decent belts start around $50 and the good ones run around a $100.

http://www.thebeltman.net/

www.kramerleather.com

http://miltsparks.com/

 

[Moylan1850]

IWB too?

I only plan on carrying IWB. Does it matter much for those as well? I don't mind buying new belts everyonce in a while if it's just a matter of warping over time.

 

[Uechi]

Don't waste your time on anything, but a gun belt. Doesn't matter whether its OWB or IWB unless you don't mind constantly pulling your pants or your holstered gun up or both. Once you have a good gun belt you will never settle for aything else. I like 1 1/2" belts and I have purchased three from Beltman in North Carolina. The are many quality gun belt manufacturers in the USA. When it comes to gun belts the old adage is very true " You get what you pay for "

 

[Senior Chief]

Bargsbeer,

I've bought one of these: http://store.thewilderness.com/product_info.php?products_id=1186 I looked at leather and the good ones are expensive. I was also looking for an everyday work belt too, and in Florida the heat kills me. I really am satisfied with my decision, its is a durable gun belt and everyday work belt for me too. I got the 5 stitched version for the added stiffness and it works great. Be sure to following their sizing instructions or if you need just call them (I did) they are truely helpful.
I know money is tight, but I do believe you get what you pay for too. If you are like me I don't like buying things 2 and 3 times. Good Luck.

 

[Rvrctyrngr]

For good belts on a budget, check out Aker Leather and Don Hume. Good belts that will do the job for around $40.

Of course, I swear by the Beltman and LittleBear belts.

 

[SwampRat]

I've got one of Little Bears Belts and 3 5 stitch Instructor Belts that Senior Chief linked to above..great belts and affordable. 2- 1-1/2" and 1 1-3/4" with C.S.M insert. No matter what kind you get..a GUN BELT is an absolute must and a critical part of your carry gear.

 

[Cthulhu]

I only plan on carrying IWB. Does it matter much for those as well? I don't mind buying new belts everyonce in a while if it's just a matter of warping over time.

It's not just a matter of the belt warping or getting deformed.

A belt designed for carry will hold the gun tighter to your body, aiding in concealment and very often aiding in comfort. You'll also be considerably less likely to find yourself constantly adjusting your rig or hiking up your pants because the cheapie off-the-rack belt can't support the weight of your rig.

I carried for a while with a fairly thick belt, but it was not designed for gun carry. Later got a gun belt from Crossbreed to go with my Supertuck. BIG difference.

-JT

 

[brownie]

I wear nothing but Johns belts and holsters.

http://www.gun-holsters.com/belts.html

 

[focal06]

I have a double thick shooters belt from Little bear holsters. Top notch product if you ask me. Supports the weight of my carry piece with ease and looks very professional to boot.

 

[Franklin]

I too am happy with my Little Bear gun belt. Mine is only 1.25 inches wide but it is very thick and supports my heavy gun nicely.
It also matches my holster and sheath. I think it was $40-50, can't remember?
The gun belt really helps.
Good luck getting just the right gun belt!
Franklin

 

[Glockster]

You might consider looking at Gunner's Alley...

I purchased a 1 1/4" custom belt from Gunner's Alley and have been very happy with it. What sold me was:

We receive a number of calls each week from LEO's, shooter's, and CCW holders asking about a gun belt that will meet two criteria:

1. Be worn with plainclothes or dress clothes, and
2. One that does not look like a gun belt.

If you are one of those folks looking for a dressy gun belt, then we'd really suggest taking a look at this 1 1/4" GA model. It functions flawlessly for this purpose; providing excellent support, while looking like most dress belts on the market.

http://www.gunnersalley.com/product/GABELTQUARTER/1_14_Gunners_Alley_Gun_Belt.html


They take about six weeks to make but it was will worth the wait. The belt fit's me perfectly, it's built solid, doesn't look like a gun belt and I can wear it everywhere.

 

[MRBARRY]

When I first started carrying I thought I was on top of things by not scrimping and getting a quality holster for my EDC. While that was a good idea it didn't take me long to realize the belt is as important as the firearm and holster. I got a 1-1/2" bullhide one from The Beltman and have been very satisfied with it.

 

[eyebedam]

Heres another plug for the Beltman. Dont sell yourself short get a great belt from the start in the long run it will save you money.

 

[Paladin]

Is there a minimum thickness needed for a gun belt?

 

[XDMan]

I must admit that I was skeptical about how important a top quality belt can make in everyday use and when carrying a hand gun…(Beltman) made me a believer!. First of all, I received my order exactly when they said I would. The product itself is absolutely superb! I ordered the black 1.5” tapered to 1.25" bull hide with a square nickel buckle. It’s thick and stiff (no jokes) yet very comfortable to wear. My gun doesn’t flop around and the belt doesn’t sag. Oh yeah…it’s a beautiful belt that doesn’t scream GUN! I used to think a belt was a belt....how wrong I was.

http://thebeltman.net


Springfield XD9 SC with Truglow night sights
Springfield XD45 Service with CT grips
Smith & Wesson 638 Airweight with CT grips

 

[BobL]

Dumb belt question: when you give a size, is that the last hole at the end of the row of holes, or the farthest one back?

Is there a conventional way of saying it?


BobL

 

[PS0303]

BobL,

All belt makers will tell you exactly how to measure for the new belt they are going to make for you. You really can't go by your pant size or what size belt you bought and a local retailer.