I just got my second belt from Jim Speidel and I am again astounded by the superb quality that he delivers.

There may be belts as good, but I have a hard time imagining something better. His belts are flexible where necessary for comfort (along the length) and super stiff where necessary to support the heaviest of handgus (from top to bottom).

I have carried a magnum K frame all day long in complete comfort with his belts and Kevin Manley's holsters. What is so cool about Jim's belts is that you do not need to cinch them down to where they are uncomfortable when you sit to keep the gun from sagging everything down. This is all due to the severe vertical stiffness of the belt.

I cannot wait for my pancake from Kevin to start carrying my Model 29.

IMO, I have found the ultimate handgun carrying system with Beltman belts and K&D holsters. And I have plenty of tacticool holsters and rigger belts to compare. Rigger-type belts like The Wilderness Instructor Belt are fine for aluminum and plastic-framed semi autos but they show their weakness when one hangs all-steel guns on them. My Wilderness belt is a five-stitch and still cannot match a Beltman belt. I suspect a Wilderness belt with five rows of stitches and their kydex insert may be as stiff vertically, but now it would become uncomfortably stiff along its length (as it goes around the waist).

They work great with Milt Sparks VM-2 also!
Than you Beltman!

Sir, I'm within a hair's breadth of ordering a Beltman belt. Do I need/want the internal stiffener for a 4-inch N-frame in a conventional outside the waistband holster?

Thanks, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

+1 for the Beltman!

quote:

Originally posted by Ron H.:
Sir, I'm within a hair's breadth of ordering a Beltman belt. Do I need/want the internal stiffener for a 4-inch N-frame in a conventional outside the waistband holster?

Thanks, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

IMO, no. My belts do not have it and they are extremely stiff. A stiff holster would be key.

You can also call Jim for a pro's opinion.

quote:

Originally posted by Wyatt Earp:

quote:

Originally posted by Ron H.:
Sir, I'm within a hair's breadth of ordering a Beltman belt. Do I need/want the internal stiffener for a 4-inch N-frame in a conventional outside the waistband holster?

Thanks, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

IMO, no. My belts do not have it and they are extremely stiff. A stiff holster would be key.

You can also call Jim for a pro's opinion.

Sir, thanks for the info--that's good to know.

Thanks again, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

I got the horsehide and the stiffener and it is awesome. Might be overkill, but if you want a nice tight carry all the time every time with that N-frame, it can't hurt.

What a belt. Easily the nicest belt I've ever owned and after a year it's clear it will last a lifetime. As soon as I get some extra cash I'm getting one of the tapered ones that looks a little better with dress clothes. Awesome belts!!!

These belts are great. I especially like the fact that they custom make them in "larger" sizes. I carry my glock 23 in a Mitch Rosen holster and I can hardly tell it's there.

+1 for the Beltman.
I have two and carry my Colt OACP or 696 all day while barely knowing they are there.
Highly recommended.

When I was in the leather business, I made belts out of unusually thick vegetable-tanned cowhide. Then I took even thicker hide and made my own gunbelts. I have a 3" border-patrol type belt mated with a 3" loop flap-type holster that makes my 6" barrel 629 feel light as a plastic Glock.

Apparently Beltman is carrying on the tradition. Hoo-Ray! As for durability, there is civil war leather that is still serviceable. I have a belt my dad made in high school and I am 65 years old. And it still looks good.

Making your own belts is ridiculously easy, and cheap. The Tandy Leather company, a hobby outfit, has everything you need. They may even have a retail store close to you. But if you just want a belt or two and your time is limited, pay Beltman to do the labor. It's well worth the bucks. Somewhere here someone wrote it's the belt, not the holster. I totally agree.

KeithCarter
NRA Life

quote:

Originally posted by Ron H.:
Sir, I'm within a hair's breadth of ordering a Beltman belt. Do I need/want the internal stiffener for a 4-inch N-frame in a conventional outside the waistband holster?

Thanks, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

I just got an elephant hide belt from The Beltman. It has the stiffener, and it is the best belt I have ever owned.
In my opinion, they offer a superior product, and superior service.
Best,
Gary

I met Jim this spring at a machine gun shoot, a real gentleman who does outstanding work. Try his elephant hide belts.

Just ordered a 1 3/4" horsehide with the stiffener....

I ordered a 1 3/4" double layer bullhide this week. I'm thinking that without a stiffener it's all I will ever need to IWB a 5" full underlug N frame. Thanks for your thoughts on The Beltman belts, Wyatt. You convinced me to try one.

Same story for me too Flop-shank.
Thanks for mentioning the product and providing the link Wyatt!