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Old 03-25-2017, 02:54 PM
kgw kgw is offline
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Default Belts!

I have a belt/holster set that was made by Bruce Nelson Combat Leather...
The belt is one of the best I ever had: pre-curved for a comfortable fit from the first wearing.

Any current makers who pre-curve belts?

Thanks
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Old 03-25-2017, 04:53 PM
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Milt Sparks.
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Old 03-25-2017, 05:10 PM
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Mitch Rosen.

I believe Tex Shoemaker makes curved duty belts. I don't know if they make curved belts for CC/plainclothes use.

I also believe Rusty Sherrick makes precurved belts.
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Old 03-25-2017, 05:34 PM
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I Googled pre-curved belts just for the fun of it. There are many that
make them including Bigfoot Belts. I think Bigfoot is a member here?
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Old 03-25-2017, 05:49 PM
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Milt Sparks, Matt DelFatti, any maker of quality belts.

Not cheap belts.
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Old 03-25-2017, 10:33 PM
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As I recall, the curved ones cost about double. The alternative is to wear it long enough that it kind of assumes that shape. Only takes 10 or 12 years to get that way. Galco used to offer them.

Anyone here smart.. How do they measure belts? I've been wearing 36" pants for years. But a 36" belt is barely on the last hole. Just like the 38" belt my wife recently bought me. Should I go to 42" to gain a hole?
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Old 03-25-2017, 11:03 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rpg View Post
Milt Sparks, Matt DelFatti, any maker of quality belts.

Not cheap belts.
Not true. Many quality belt makers don't make their belts precurved.
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Old 03-26-2017, 11:16 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rburg View Post
...How do they measure belts? I've been wearing 36" pants for years. But a 36" belt is barely on the last hole. Just like the 38" belt my wife recently bought me. Should I go to 42" to gain a hole?
Three inches over your pants size.

My waist is 37", I wear 38" pants and they fit a little loose, comfortable. Recently had a belt made (beltman BTW) in 41" and it is the perfect size. Of the seven holes in the belt, the third or fourth hole from the inside is used depending on if a J frame is inside the waist or not, and I still have 3 or 4 holes to go in case I expand in the future. I like pizza.

Horsehide belts are the way to go if you ask me. Thinner than cow/bull hide and way stiffer.
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Old 03-26-2017, 02:34 PM
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Take a belt that fits you comfortably, and measure from the "correct" hole to the buckle connection. Give that measurement to your belt maker, They should put that measurement so that the buckle connection hits the middle ( usually 3rd) hole.

I have 3 of Lobogunleather belts, the "B" model with the two layers. It only took about 3 years of continual wear to soften up, but still doesn't droop to a contour.
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Last edited by H Richard; 03-26-2017 at 02:38 PM.
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Old 03-26-2017, 02:38 PM
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On belt size, bullhidebelts.com says add 4 inches to your pants size. I did and mine fits perfectly on the middle hole.
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Old 03-26-2017, 05:11 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Zuchus View Post
On belt size, bullhidebelts.com says add 4 inches to your pants size. I did and mine fits perfectly on the middle hole.
This would work if everybody was built the same, and of course we're not. 4" gets you in the ballpark, but not the same for everyone.
Only real way to measure a belt (IMO) is to measure a belt you wear now, from inside tip of the buckle, to the hole you now use. (see picture)
Paying extra for a "pre-curved" belt? You're throwing money away, you accomplish the same thing by just wearing it a few days.
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File Type: jpg belt_length.jpg (4.4 KB, 29 views)
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Old 03-27-2017, 02:41 AM
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I've got a few from Bruce also - as well as 5 or 6 custom made holsters he made for me many years ago. He passed on way too young!

Truthfully, even if you buy a straight holster belt, over a matter of months the belt will self form to your body. I am now a huge Kramer Leather Horsehide fan - and I'd rate them even better than Bruce's.
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Old 03-28-2017, 09:08 PM
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I believe best way to measure is to ask the guy making the belt. Most have the info on their website.

I don't think they all measure the same way.
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Old 03-29-2017, 09:20 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kgw View Post
Any current makers who pre-curve belts?
Red Nichols.
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Old 03-31-2017, 10:15 AM
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No need for a pre-curve.
RC gunbelts

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Old 03-31-2017, 10:33 AM
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I just ordered one for serious upholding , and the recommendation was 4" over waist size for OWB and 5" for IWB use. Don't know about the curve thing but have never bought or tried one.
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Old 03-31-2017, 10:43 AM
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I have a variety of Hanks Belts (Hanks Concealed Carry Gun Belts - #1 Leather Gun Belt) and have found them to be great, as is their personal customer service. I think I have 4 or 5 now including a Ranger belt I wear for dress whether carrying or not.
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Old 04-01-2017, 08:29 PM
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Thanks for the info, gents! The belt I have is double-thick, stitched, and came pre-curved. One of these days it's going to wear out. . .Yes, Mr. Nelson passed too young.
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Old 04-02-2017, 10:41 PM
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Default Curved belts?

I agree with those who have said to have a belt cut to a shape is not necessary. Really, it only takes a few weeks for the belt to take to the shape of your body. I now prefer the Wilderness type of belt over leather belts when the belt will not be exposed. The ability to be infinitely adjustable is a very large advantage. And those synthetic belts take the shape of your body also.

Bill
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