Many of the holster manufacturers offer speciality gun belts to be used with their holsters for IWB and OWB carry. I have never owned one and have always used a fairly heavy leather belt to carry concealed IWB. I can understand how these specialty belts would be useful for a full size handgun, but I do not normally carry full size handguns. Do these belts add a significant amount of value in terms of comfort for the single stack concealable handguns? If it helps to answer the question, I will be carrying a Shield 9mm as soon as I receive a holster for it that I ordered. Please let me know what you think.

First off i always wear IWB.

To me it did. My belts were all from Walmart or TJ Maxx, Sacks...places like that. They never lasted long and i carried pocket guns because anything else would pull my pants down. I didnt think a gun belt had anything on a regular belt. Figured it was a marketing tactic to raise the price. Well about 3 years ago i finally broke down and bought a $100 belt (wearing it now). Lemme tell you it makes a world of difference. They hold weight better and do a better job of dispersing it. Since then i have sold off all my compact guns. Now my smallest EDC is a Glock 19 with an IWB Galco King tuck holster

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I'm hoping to find out next week, should have one coming in from Rick Garcia at RG Leather, one heck of a nice guy to deal with. Another gentleman that makes some quality belts at affordable prices is Jerry Bissell, his turn around time is pretty quick too.

Specialized gun belt worth buying? You betcha!

Regular belts do not cut it, the difference will surprise you.

I didn't think so until I bought a belt from Galco. I haven't bought another belt since that one.

If you carry on a belt regardless whether IWB or OWB, it's a must IMO.

Think of it this way, a GUN BELT and a HOLSTER comprise a SYSTEM.

You need both pieces together for the system to work well.

Many people just cannot use an In The Waste Band Holster and a Gun Belt really shines then with the OWB holster.

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NRA Pistol/Rifle Inst. RSO

Moonman is absolutely correct. All serious carry guns{is there any other kind?} should be thought of as a system, Belt ,holster, holder for reloads, extra magazines or speedloaders and most important, training and plenty of practice.

May I suggest www.thebeltman.net His belts woork great. however unless you are going to wear a cannon do not consider the stiffener.

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I Cor. 10:13 "1611KJV"

A quality double layer leather belt will do more for the comfort of carrying a handgun than any manner of holster can accomplish alone.

Been looking over his site myself. Looks like he does great quality work.

Simple response...yes, it is necessary. You will see a world of difference and feel it...

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GA Carry member
Vietnam Vet

Thanks for all of the responses and the recommendations. I will look into obtaining one.

I bought my gun belt from Jerry Bissell. Excellent Workmanship, Great Price $55. I HIGHLY recommend Jerry's belts. Check him out, Click here ---> Jerry Bissell | Mount Airy, NC 27030

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Tony
MT Holsters

I bought a Jerry Bissell gun belt. ($55 or so)

I like it, but THEY ARE VERY VERY STIFF.

That might not suit everyone, but I do like mine.

He seems to have fast service too.

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NRA Pistol/Rifle Inst. RSO

In my opinion, they are well worth it. Most I have bought are much higher quality than any other belt out there anyway. Even with smaller, lighter, pistols, it makes carrying so much better, easier, and more comfortable. As a matter of fact, if I stopped carrying tomorrow, I would only buy "gun belts" for normal use for the rest of my life. They are that much better.

IMHO the 1 1/4" Kramer Horsehide belt I bought about 12 years ago is the best I have ever owned. It is still stiff, firm and holds my Kramer Horsehide OWB holster perfectly weather I am carrying my 2" M60 or my 3" M65.

Standard leather belts get way too soft way too fast and after going through dozens of belts I decided to spring for the best one I could find - well worth the coin IMHO.

Chief38

I concur with chief38, I have always thought of the belt as the "foundation" for the holster. They kind of go together like a mattress and box spring set. A proper gun belt stabilizes the holster allowing for a much cleaner draw (read consitent) and more comfortable carry. They are worth every penny.

Yes yes yes it's a must.

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NEVER FORGET SEPT. 11th 2001

I agree with those who believe a good quality belt for CCW is a must. You will not regret purchasing a belt from a reputable source. I highly recommend the offerings from TT Gunleather. Tim makes some very nice leather holsters and belts.

This is a Jerry Bissell belt. I've bought two, now. I wear one every day, carrying or not. Stiff?? ----- you betcha!!

I have two types of belts, flimsy dress belts and gun belts. I wear the gun belts constantly even when I'm not carrying. I have one Ernie Hill that is nearly 20 years old that is still in great shape, and I'm currently wearing a Bladetech leather one. My belts have their work cut out for them.....

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Even older, even crankier....

looks like it's unanimous, but I'll pig pile on anyway. I'm fairly new to the CCW scene. I wasn't convinced of the gun belt thing until I finally broke down and bought a Bladetech belt. 2 layers of leather with a layer of Kydex in between, what a difference. I wear this belt even when not carrying, it just works. I was shocked at the difference. I'd say not getting a good belt was my #1 mistake when I first started carrying.

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M&P FS 9mm
M&P Shield 9mm

Yes. I figured that out years ago. My current daily rig is a Milt Sparks, complete with matching belt. Its double thick, but you can't tell that its anything out of the ordinary. I've also used a 5.11 nylon operator belt and offerings from Galco. The 5.11 worked well, but the velcro tends to last only a couple of years. To date, the Sparks offering has worked the best. I've also heard great things about the Beltman's craftsmanship.

I have several types and styles, but prefer the Galco leather belt heads above anything else. That Jerry Bissell belt looks very nice. Off to googleland to find out about it now......

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Go big or stay home

Jerry Bissell | Mount Airy, NC 27030

There are a lot of preferences and styles on the market. One of the best I have found is Ares Gear I don't want to sound like I'm specifically endorsing Travis Haley and Chris Costa because I'm not, but they turned me on to these belts. Custom made, with a quasi-tactical look, if that's what you're going for.

I have gun belts fro Alessi and Wilderness...the Alessi is thick leather and to be honest, is not all that comfortable all day...the Wilderness nylon is plenty stiff without being too thick...their 1 1/2 inch frequent flyer would be fine for the Shield...

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

Thanks for all of the recommendations everyone. I ordered a gun belt and it is on the way. I'm looking forward to trying it out!

Once again, I am in what seems to be a distinct minority position.

I have carried a gun 99.9% of the days since August, 1975. That's about 13673 days by my count.

I have never used a GUN BELT whilst in mufti...never, ever. Believe me when I tell you that if I thought one was necessary, advisable, or would in any way improve my carry I would have bought one.

My off-duty/plain clothes carry gun was a Model 60 from 1975 until 1991. On duty, in mufti, it was a 14 shot 9mm from 1991 until 2005. Off-duty then it was a 9 shot 9mm. In retirement it is a Model 60, NY-1. When working I carried IWB and OWB. I do the same now.

My belts of choice are Trafalgar or Coach...ones that are typically referenced as "dress" belts. They don't "out" me as toting a gun; moreover, they are absolutely wonderful in doing their job. Best part is they are quite affordable and one can find them in just about any department store and outlets.

No, I don't own stock in either comapny; rather, want to remind folks that gunbelts serve no purpose in MY experience. You results may vary, of course.

Be safe.


I primari and ; , a And

Umm, what's "mufti"?

Mufti means the good part of town....so I guess he didn't need the gun either...

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

It is silly to NOT wear a good gun belt. I have both a 1 1/4 and a 1 1/2 wide gun belt and would not wear a holster without one of them. I actually don't even wear any other belt.

yes the belt is worth buying!!! and a good one is even better so your not replacing it in a week like the ones from walmart i think i paid 25 for mine from hanks clothing and it still looks and works great!

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.40ve, SD9 unbeatable combo

Mufti means ordinary clothing...and is commonly used regarding those who usually wear unforms. e.g. A (usually uniformed) police officer in plainclothes is "in mufti."

I first used it, personally, when describing an Army officer who was arrested and was not wearing his unform at the time. Was something like this (not a direct quote): "Captain XXXX, US Army, stationed at Ft. XXXX, was in mufti at the time of his arrest."

Happy to help.

Be safe.