Obligatory gun belt thread

[Guest Boomhower]

I was searching today for information on gun belts, and ran across a few of our other obligatory threads and thought it would be helpful to add this one. I don't have one, or I'd start off, so let's see what you've got.

You could also add a review of your belt in our review system. I wish more people would use it.

My biggest questions are, what is the difference in a gun belt and a regular belt. How are they made so different? What is the thickness (not width) of your belt? Is it the stiffness or the thickness of the belt that matters most?

[Im Neero]

I use and highly recommend the Wilderness Instructors Belt. It is as thin as any leather belt I have, and very stiff vertically, but still pretty pliable in other directions.

[EMTRN]

I have a Beltman 1 1/2 in leather belt. I got it last year as my first gunbelt. It makes a world of difference. It does not sag, it holds the gun close to your body, it makes heavy guns seem lighter. It is thicker than a regular belt. It is very sturdy and will last a long time. It is worth getting a gunbelt if you carry often.

Paul

[Westwindmike]

+1 for the Wilderness belt. Best belt I've ever owned. Very stiff vertically. Supports the holster well.

[Guest utarch00]

+2 on Wilderness. I have two of them.

[Daniel]

the wilderness looks like a rigger's belt.

[Im Neero]

That's because it pretty much is.

[Guest dotsun]

I got an Aker gun belt for Christmas, Boom. It looks like a regular dress belt, but is way stiffer. The only complaint I have with it is it's a little too thick for my Crackberry's clip.

[Guest Halfpint]

Galco 1-1/2" regular belt, no thicker than any other belts I've owned. And an instructor's belt, just like the Wilderness but without the attachments for rappelling gear.

[et45]

I use and highly recommend the Wilderness Instructors Belt. It is as thin as any leather belt I have, and very stiff vertically, but still pretty pliable in other directions.

+1 I find many leather gun belts stiff to the point of being uncomfortable.The Wilderness has just enough give when you are sitting or driving.

[strickj]

i use a 1 1/2 leather belt from wally-world.it has the double clasp poker through the hole thingies.very sturdy and very cheap

[Daniel]

mine is a j.crew belt i thought was 30 bucks but when i got there it had been marked down to like 10. just a plain leather belt with brass (i think) buckle, single eyelet.

(just joking around btw)

[Guest jackdog]

Wilderness Instructors Belt.

[Guest Boomhower]

Ran across this picture a little while ago with this sub-title and thought it was a pretty good visual aid..................

Will your belt do this??

[EMTRN]

Yes, my beltman belt will!

[Rightwinger]

I have a Beltman 1 1/2 in leather belt. I got it last year as my first gunbelt. It makes a world of difference. It does not sag, it holds the gun close to your body, it makes heavy guns seem lighter. It is thicker than a regular belt. It is very sturdy and will last a long time. It is worth getting a gunbelt if you carry often.

Paul

Ordered my 1 1/2 inch Beltman today. Looks to be a quality belt and website, thanks Paul.

(I put in the comments on the order page that a Paul/EMTRN from TGO gave this recommendation. Maybe he'll send you a key holder or something!)

[molonlabetn]

5.11 Instructors belt and 5.11 Operator belt... The Instructor is more comfortable, the Operator is strong.

I intend to try one of the Wilderness Instructors belts, too... I've heard good things about them.

[Guest Boomhower]

I've noticed that a lot of you guys are posting about the tactical style belts. Is there a durability reason, or does it just fit your dress style better? Personally, I have to stick with the dress style belts due to my weekly dress.

[molonlabetn]

The stiffened 'tactical' belts are really only a noticeable benefit when using an OWB holster, and/or a heavy gun... Since I primarily carry OWB with a service-sized pistol, the stiffer belt makes a big difference in comfort, by keeping the gun solidly in one place without flopping around or sagging.

The other option, which I practice sometimes, is to use a paddle-holster... which does not require as much support from the belt, so I can wear a 'nice' belt.

Of course, you could always get a stiffened leather dress belt, too... And of course a nice, matching leather rig to go on it.

[dkd83]

I purchased 2 Beltman 1.5 inch belts nearly a year ago (Black and Brown). They have worked perfectly for me whether IWB with a CTAC or OWB with a Comp Tac FBI paddle. They are expensive but should last for years. Excellent choice if you need a dressier appearance that provides real strength.

[Guest bang-flash]

i use a blackhawk instructor belt. has the kydex insert in it. plus the totally unecessary rap ring on the front of it for emergency rapelling situations. NOT

[Cannon Fodder]

Is there a good place to get a belt around Nashville or Franklin area? Like a Police supply store that sells to the public.

[Im Neero]

I've noticed that a lot of you guys are posting about the tactical style belts. Is there a durability reason, or does it just fit your dress style better? Personally, I have to stick with the dress style belts due to my weekly dress.

The biggest advantage that I see the tactical style belts having over a leather belt is the amount of adjustability. With a leather belt you have to go with the holes that are already there or punch new ones, and the tactical style belts are basically infinitely adjustable which helps to accommodate the slight variances in different gun/holster/lunch combinations.

[GhstFace38]

Here's my gun belt! =)

[Cannon Fodder]

Here's my gun belt! =)

Can you do me a favor, can you weigh the entire setup? Me and the GF was having a discussion this weekend when I was looking at some Safariland & Bianchi gear.

Thanks.