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Member Section => Down Range Cafe => Topic started by: CDR on March 20, 2007, 06:46:58 PM

Title: Wilderness Tactical Belt advice needed
Post by: CDR on March 20, 2007, 06:46:58 PM
Hi everyone,

I'm ordering a Wilderness Tactical Instructor's Belt and would appreciate any advice on which stiffness and width I should get for carrying a Smith and Wesson 686 4" revolver (stainless steel about 40 oz).  I want it for concealed carry and have a Desantis Speed Scabbard OWB.  Both my Woolrich Elite belt loops and scabbard cutouts are 1.75" so either a 1.5" or 1.75" belt width would fit, but which would work better?  Also, the Instructor's Belt comes in three degrees of stiffness (3 stitch, 5 stitch, and polymer insert), with the 5 stitch being their best seller (combination of stability and flexibility for comfort), but again which would work best?

Lastly, they also do a titanium buckle option, but only with a 1.5" width belt.  I like the look, but is it worth $55 more just for the buckle?  The basic model is $34.95  So Michael, which one do you wear and do you have any recommendations?  I did see the Galco version of the exact same belt today in a gunshop that was also very nice for about $50, but I've never seen a Wilderness Tactical and am going by what I have read and heard about its great quality.  I did like the metal tab at the end of the belt on the Galco that made for easier threading through the belt loops.

Any advice?

Thanks very much guys.
Title: Re: Wilderness Tactical Belt advice needed
Post by: Michael Bane on March 20, 2007, 08:50:06 PM
1.5 inch plain steel buckle. I have one of the reinforced ones for competition, and the plastic buckle for travel.

Actually, I think I have 5 of them, including a 1 3/4 inch from when I shot IPSC stuff (which I may do again...me being taken with the P220 Target SAO).

Michael B
Title: Re: Wilderness Tactical Belt advice needed
Post by: CDR on March 20, 2007, 09:01:00 PM
Thanks Michael.  Which stiffness do you recommend for a S&W 686 revolver, the 5 stitch or the polymer insert?

Much appreciated.

Hey...how about a special run of Wilderness Tactical belts with an embroidered SG duck!! ;D
Title: Re: Wilderness Tactical Belt advice needed
Post by: Rock44 on March 21, 2007, 11:00:57 AM
I have 4 of them all 5 stichers,even the ring ones work great.the only belt I found that really holds up the pants.the 1.5 will work but if you feel you need a 1.75 get them both in different colors :)
Title: Re: Wilderness Tactical Belt advice needed
Post by: CDR on March 21, 2007, 01:33:07 PM
I have 4 of them all 5 stichers,even the ring ones work great.the only belt I found that really holds up the pants.the 1.5 will work but if you feel you need a 1.75 get them both in different colors :)

Thanks Rock.  I just ordered a 1.5" 5 stitch in Coyote Brown........and a titanium buckle.  I couldn't resist as it looks great.  Besides, if you ever need to replace the belt portion, you can send back the titanium buckle and for $29.00 they will replace the nylon and re-install it into your buckle.  Good deal.
Title: Re: Wilderness Tactical Belt advice needed
Post by: DonWorsham on March 21, 2007, 01:39:46 PM
I just ordered a 1.5" 5 stitch in Coyote Brown.

Please provide pictures of said belt on a pair of Elites with said holster and gun.  ;D
Title: Re: Wilderness Tactical Belt advice needed
Post by: CDR on March 21, 2007, 03:04:44 PM
Please provide pictures of said belt on a pair of Elites with said holster and gun.  ;D

Donnnnnnnn..........You just want to see me in my pants, don't you?  We haven't even been properly introduced.... :-*

As I don't have the belt yet, (patience, patience) if you scroll down on this link, they show a photo of the Wilderness Coyote Titanium Instructor's Belt....sure is purdy isn't it?

http://thewilderness.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=374

Supposedly, according to Wilderness Tactical, it not only looks good, but it doesn't set off metal detectors at airports.  I just need to remember to remove the 686.