I know that this has been discussed before, but my search skills are weak today and I can't find any threads.

I'm looking for some recommendations on concealed carry belts. I'd prefer something that doesn't look like a gun belt, if that makes sense.

Thanks.

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Can open, worms everywhere.

No need for something that looks like that attached to the "Fanner 50" of our youth.

Unless you are rocking a Desert Eagle, a Coach or Trafalgar belt is more than adequate...IWB or OWB.

And do make sure the color matches your holster (and shoes) if carrying OWB.

Be safe.

I've had great service out of a Kramer horsehide belt I bought about 8 years ago.

edit: do you have a budget?

When I started wearing mine from thebeltman.net , my wife commented favorably on it. Mine was a 1.5". Great belt, solved my back problems. However, it did not clear up my psoriasis.

I'm pretty sure that there are other good belts out there, but I know about this one and it doesn't look like a gunbelt. Settled issue for me.

I've got 1.5" and 1.75" Amish Belt from Hanksclothing which I really like.

Got a 1.75" from Simply Rugged (they've got a 1.5" also), I need to get a different buckle for it.

Check in with forum member Lobo, of Lobo Gunleather. I have one of his belts and no one would think it's a "gun" belt, but it is more than sturdy enough to hang a .45, or an N-frame off it.

I second Lobo Leather, I have one of his belts & it carries my Model 10 like it was not even there.

Mike

Thanks for the answers. I mostly carry a 3913TSW, so it's not huge in size or weight.

I don't have a budget, I'm just interested in what's out there in the way of "normal" looking belts.

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Can open, worms everywhere.

Check out Mike from Armour belts. Amazing work, good prices, and super quick shipping. I just got a black 1 1/2 and it's top quality.

I have heard many people complain about a holster's performance, and frequently what they describe amounts to a problem with the belt rather than the holster.

The belt forms the foundation on which the carry rig functions. It must be capable of supporting the weight and keeping everything locked snugly into position.

Belts made of lightweight materials generally, and narrow belts in particular, can cause problems. When cinched up tightly enough to anchor the holstered handgun in place they can be very uncomfortable.

Every carry rig must start off with a solid purpose-built belt, otherwise the likelihood of satisfactory service is very low.

In practice (38 years experience) a "gunbelt" has never been necessary whilst in mufti.

Have never understood why some think one is as I have never, ever NEEDED a "purpose-built belt" and daresay I will NEVER own or wear a "gun belt"...period.

Be safe.

Delayed intelligence here - didn't think of this when making my first post.

Before I found this fabulous place with all its wisdom, for a good, sturdy belt I shopped at my local western wear store. They had far better offerings than any department or big box retailer. You could get plain or fancy, and if you so desire you can get the type where the buckle can be changed to suit your particular whim on different days.

The gunbelt was one of the first improvements in carry gear. A solid, well designed foundation for an efficient carry system.
My first quality gunbelt was made by the late Bruce Nelson, probably thirty five or forty years ago. I currently use a Beltman for leather and also a Wilderness belt.
Each to their own, I reckon.

IMHO Kramer Horsehide is the best there is. I have had one for 10+ years now and it's still stiff and very supportive. It's the ONLY gun belt that I have ever had that has not turned soft and sloppy after a year or so.

I have a gun belt. Never use it. A GOOD STRONG belt is all that's needed. Doesn't have to be a "gun" belt.

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Life Is A Gift. Defend it!

it's somewhat amazing to me that anyone would turn their nose up at advancements in carry equipment.
I want my firearm to be in the same place everytime I reach for it. I also want my gear to last as long as is reasonable.
I save my pennies and buy quality, purpose built equipment. Currently, that would be a dual-layered, glued and sewn belt. Most of the custom leathermakers offer these. The fact is that they are selling em' because folks have found em' to be superior to other offerings.

I carried as part of my LEO career for years. When I started, I got a 1.5" Milt Sparks belt for wear off duty. They make them a lot of ways but it has the advantages of being double thickness and it has lasted 13 years past my retirement. I always used to carry in a shoulder holster when I carried in my dressier clothes back in the day. Now I don't do that and right about retirement I got Kenny Null to make me one of his belts which is lighter and dressier. It was also double thickness and he has a stiffener sewed between the layers so it doesn't flop over with a holster on it. IWB doesn't seem to matter but heavier weapons in OWB do. How your rig is put together can be a key to whether it's going to print or not. Seems lots don't know much about K. L. Null leather but he has always specialized in concealed carry systems rather than just regular holsters. I personally believe he is one of the best at that and I have several of his products including the shoulder holster I used before I was retired. Not cheap but really good stuff and all is made of horsehide. He also has something else going for him in this day of 12 week to 6 months waits. He is really fast. I have always gotten my stuff in 2 to three weeks. Even my most recent 696 Gibralter rig which he didn't have a mold model for only took the three weeks and was perfect.

Beem meaning to buy something from Mr. Null for years. Reckon I should check out his current offerings.

Both of my belts are from AG Custom Gun Leather. Very satisfied.

I use an Instructor belt by Wilderness Tactical. I don't know that it "looks like" a gunbelt, I'm actually not sure what a gun belt looks like but it isn't a traditional belt.

I have an Instructors belt that I used to wear as my uniform pants belt. What I'm looking for is more along the lines of a regular belt which is durable and will support my IWB holster.

I ordered an Amish belt from Hanks, to see how that works. If it works well, I'll order another one in a different color.

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Can open, worms everywhere.

Jason Winnie or check the NRA online store.

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Jorge

Null is good and quick.

Trivia: Ken owns some of the intellectual property of Seventrees/Paris Theodore, the S&W ASP 9mm pistol originator. He made leather for that gun back in the day, and quickly produced a holster and magnetic magazine carrier for the gun for me after I bought mine a few years ago.

A"gun belt" is any belt that supports the holster and gun being worn. Don't get locked into the gun belt moniker. It can be any belt that works BUT it must work. It has to support the gun/holster securely and comfortably. That usually means a thick( double ) belt and somewhat wide.
I'm sure others use any old belt and they may work but on a daily basis and someone with any kind of back issues, the belt is key. JMO

Check your local farm supply store. Farmers need good, heavy leather belts that don't cost a fortune.

I got that Amish belt model from hanks, but it is one layer and it worked ok for my lighter carry. At this point I have shifted over to the 1.5" double layer type belts. Note within two layer belts, some are more rigid than others.

The Galco SB2 in brown is a nice belt and not quite so stiff. Also have a dual layer in black from daltechforce.com and it is a little stiffer than the Galco. I see they offer several more variations since I got this one a year ago. The belt business looks like it might be a good thing to be in to right now.

Also check Amish Leather online. Their belts are strictly utilitarian, single-thickness 13-15 ounce cowhide, stainless steel roller-type buckles. Haven't had mine long yet, but I'm going to order a second one. They aren't dressy, but normally neither am I.

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Oh well, what the hell.

Galco Contour, The Beltman, Wilderness - all with stiffeners.

I'm with everyone who said I want my firearm where I put it..every time.

Best.

TheBeltman.net

Awesome belts

I got a belt from Bull Hide Belts a few months ago. It's nice thick leather and has held up well. I carry a 9c in an OWB holster most of the time. I also wear it with my IWB when carrying my BG 380. I believe I paid somewhere around $60 plus shipping for the belt.

Gun Belts

I have this hefty belt from Duluth Trading Co.




It's 1/4" thick of single layer leather -- no lamenations, no stitches.
It will last a lifetime.

I love the belt as it really secures my holsters in place. I did however end up dyeing it to a mahogany/cordovan color to match my holsters.

Heavy Belts - Beefy Leather Belt - Duluth Trading mens&processor=content

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M&P-9FS,Shield40,642,32ColtPPS

x2 I have a couple of them and they are great!!!

I finally wore my Rafter S Black Shark belt out. I was planning on replacing it with another one to match a huge amount of Black Shark leather I have when Della was killed in a car accident.

My every day belt is a single layer heavy 1-1/2" belt made by my local saddle shop. Fancy stitched around the edge and I supplied the Brass Buckle. In my area you will see lots of belts made my Cornman Saddlery.

My local holster maker is making a two layer gun belt with a Kydex stiffner. Great looking belt, and everyone I have talked with who owns one is very happy with it. I will probably put one of his on order one of these days. I need him to get caught up on holsters first however.

Bob

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ICORE MO2908

I have a 5.11 casual belt. It has a plastic liner that stiffens the belt. leather sewn over it. looks very normal, not gun belt looking.

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S&W BG380, S&W 915 9mm

I can recommend carhartt and filson. Both less than $50, thick and sturdy.

I ordered an Amish belt from Hank's. When it came it was a size too small, so I called them and the nice young lady was very helpful with an exchange. She said it happens fairly often and that the measurements can be a bit tricky.

I like the quality of the belt and hopefully the replacement will fit. I also like their no hassle return policy.

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Can open, worms everywhere.

I have recently purchased a pancake holster with matching belt made by Jason Winnie for my .40 Shield....and they're top notch in every respect...and very reasonably priced. Check them out!

I got the new Hanks Amish belt today. What a difference in IWB carry. I'm carrying a relatively light 3913TSW, but it feels like I'm carrying nothing. The amount of support is almost unbelievable. I can see that even with a OWB holster and a heavier pistol, this would be a great belt.

I'll probably order one in brown as well.

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Can open, worms everywhere.

5.11 tactical belts. Pricey but worth it!

I really like my belt from Carhart, they make quality stuff! And their leather belts are no exception.

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Still just a kid at heart

Check out Wright Leather Works, they have great quality at fair prices and are really good to deal with.
Bull Hide Gun Belt Made in the USA | Wright Leather Works LLC