I have a 686 4" that I would like to start carrying on my trip to the woods. I have a holster picked out, but I'm not sure abut the belt. I wear a 1.5" leather belt that has been with me for years. It is a high quality belt, but I'm not sure if it will be enough for this gun.

What are some of the things I should consider about a belt. I don't want to spend $ on a belt if I don't need one. Is there something different about an everyday belt verses a belt made for holsters?

Thanks

Yes! the degree of stiffness. A pistol and holster of that size (weight) will 'sag' any average belt. IMHO, you need at least a belt that is 1 3/4" and constructed of two layers of leather that is securely sewn together. An alternative to leather is the "Rangemaster" ballistic nylon type belt. If you insist on wearing a limber narrow belt, figure on adding a set of suspenders to your hunting outfit. ........... Big Cholla

I've also found that I need a double layer belt to support a 686, although a 1.5 inch belt seems to work fine for me. Of the few manufacturers I've tried I prefer a belt by AG Custom Leather Custom Gun Belts, Custom Leather Belts from A & G Custom Gun Leather. For the ballistic nylon type belt I've had good luck with The Wilderness belts Original Instructor Belt I prefer the 3 stitch model finding the 5 stitch a little too stiff for comfort.

A 1.5 inch belt works great for me. Finding a good belt is very important. I have one from Lobo Leather and I am very pleased with it. You might want to check them out.

Google Jbissell Mt Airy, N.C.

1 1/2" double layer stiff heavyweight belts $55 Shipped.

These are a very nice Gun-Belt.

He will make any length you ask for, FOLLOW HIS SITES
MEASURING DIRECTIONS PLEASE.

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NRA Pistol/Rifle Inst. RSO

Jerry Bissell | Mount Airy, NC 27030

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Centennial Every Day

Spend a few bucks and get a good dedicated gun belt. You'll be happy you did.

Gun Belts by The Belt Man

Galco holsters; Holsters; Gun holster, pistol holsters, western holsters, shoulder holsters, leather holster and Glock holsters

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Centennial Every Day

a little tip, measure your present belt from the end of the buckle(front) to the hole you are presently using in the belt. He will make the necessary corrections with additional holes. Also, if you give him the wrong size, he will exchange it free of charge. He has eight buckles to choose and that is included in the price.

Nick

Thanks guys. Looks like I will be getting a belt.

I have a fat boy belt, also made in NC. It's not just for the large mid section. I ordered a 38in, added inches for the IWB. It doesn't look like your typical gun belt. Innovative no buckle design. You can look up reviews on youtube.com He sometimes sets up a booth at local gun shows. Fat Boy Belt by TwoFoolsLeatherGoods on Etsy

I'm wearing one of these as we speak. Although not double layer its plenty thick and strong.... the price is right. It carries my 686 4" in a holster very well, does not sag.

CCW Belt - Hanks Amish Belts

This. Great customer service and fast shipping. Only took 4 days or so to get the two I have ordered.

Jerry Bissell | Mount Airy, NC 27030

I bought a belt from Jerry Bissell. Talk about good quality and TOP notch customer service. I have to admit I did not measure correctly, but Jerry was kind enough to make things right and take care of me. If you order from him, make sure to follow his measuring instructions. He got his hands on some thicker then normal leather and he made mine out of that. Talk about no sag. I have a S&W 686 and as you know that gun can be pretty heavy. I wore it on the belt and there was no sagging or anything. Take a look at the way the belt holds up to the weight of this gun. I would highly recommend Jerry's gun belts. I now have two. Oh, the best part is there was almost no wait. I think I had mine within 3 days of ordering.

Eddie

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Belts...I had a problem finding the right belt, to expensive...dye bleeding...so I ended up going to a leather shop and buying a 1.5 inch blank strap of super thick pure grain leather (no dye) and 2 chicago screws for $7.50. I had a few buckles so no problem there. I went home used a punch and drill for the holes, a scroll saw for the buckle slot and when all was done I cut it to length. Perfect pant/gun belt, very stiff no sagging.
Cheers

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"Chiefs Special" 637 & 442

there is nothing like a quality belt. people spend thousands on their weapons and holsters but skimp on their belts. a good 1 3/4" gun belt will darn near last you a lifetime if kept properly.

Aker - good gunbelt for the money

own 2 and wear one of them daily

Aker International, Inc.

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Professional Trainer

I have 3 of these...
Looper Reinforced Holster Belt

Owning four of their belts, I can recommend High Springs Leather.
High Springs Leather | Shop Custom Western Leather Name Belts, Buckles, Bracelets, Kid Belts

I have a Galco Sport Belt.
Heavy. beautifully finished.
And can serve nicely as a casual pants belt, too.
Holds everything I've holstered, up to and including 6" N-frames.

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-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

Take a look at the Wilderness Instructor Belt. Best 40 bucks I ever spent. Plenty stiff for any gun but not too thick. I wear mine all the time since I wear my shirts out so looks don't matter. I have a nice Alessi leather belt but I find it uncomfortable for all day wear...just too thick for me. I also like that I can cinch it up anywhere without needing a belt hole...

Tactical Belts, Duty Belt, Military Belt, Instructor Belt

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

For revolver carry there is only one way I carry---winter or summer.
Blessings

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TEXAS, by GOD