Gun Belt

[tman]

I'm being told, if you carry a gun you need a gun belt, well since I have been away from firearms for many years this is new to me.
Can anyone help, as to what to look for and what the differences are in belts, also in input on retention holsters.

Thanks in advance

[MikeBjerum]

tman,


I'm assuming you are talking for concealed carry.  I use my regular dress and work belts.  When I select a holster I just make sure that it will attach to the belt properly, and since most will work on both 1 1/4" (typical dress belt) or 1 3/4" (typical work belt) this has never been an issue for me.

Most holster companies also market a line of belts that work with their holsters, and I'm not saying that they are not worth looking at, but I figure that if I can buy a nice belt with my suit or dress slacks why reinvest in something else.

[Michael Bane]

In general, a dedicated gun belt hold the holster more rigidly in place than a dress belt.

Some non-gun belts, especially those that are slaves to the god of fashion, can come back and bite you pretty hard if you try for a smooth, fast draw.

All of my belts are gun belts...with the exception of one old one I don't use anymore...

Michael B

[Bill Stryker]

I don't carry any more. But all my belts are gun belts. I find they hold my trousers up better and are more comfortable than the normal dress belt. I do have a small collection of holsters. So, when I go to the range or league all I need to do is slide on a holster for the gun I plan to use.

Back when I did carry, I carried openly OR just stuck my S&W M36 Square Butt in my back pocket. I carried that M36 every day that way when I was stationed in Thailand.

[ratcatcher55]

I have two dressy ones from DeSantis, one work one from FIST and one casual one from Blackhawk.
They all work and wear well. I notice they make a difference when I'm in and out of cars or chairs all day. They don't let the pistol and holster twist. If you carry all day long it does make it much more comfortable to wear a pistol and magazine holder.

A friend has a gentleman at the local flea market make them for him at about half the cost of the DeSantis. They stiffen up the leather by using a heavier section of material between the points of the hips.

Like Michael thats all I would buy anymore.

[Sponsor]

[gunman1911]

In general, a dedicated gun belt hold the holster more rigidly in place than a dress belt.

Some non-gun belts, especially those that are slaves to the god of fashion, can come back and bite you pretty hard if you try for a smooth, fast draw.

All of my belts are gun belts...with the exception of one old one I don't use anymore...

Michael B

Because they are thicker correct?

[Michael Bane]

Stiffer, yes!

mb

[tman]

In general, a dedicated gun belt hold the holster more rigidly in place than a dress belt.

Some non-gun belts, especially those that are slaves to the god of fashion, can come back and bite you pretty hard if you try for a smooth, fast draw.

All of my belts are gun belts...with the exception of one old one I don't use anymore...

Michael B

point taken, can you suggest where to look for these belts

[CybScryb]

I have a very nice collection of heavy leather that rarely gets worn when I carry any longer.  About three years ago I decided to try the Wilderness Tactical belt and now have one in 1 3/4" and another in 1 1/4" and wear both when packing the G30 and double mags around.  They won't win any fashion awards, but since I wear concealed using silk shirts, t-shirts or light jackets only my wife and I know the big ugly things are there.  Great price from Dillon or most online vendors and mine doesn't show any signs of fading.  Wish I could say that for my leather belts.