How many of you use a "gun belt" as opposed to a regular belt for cc? I recently picked up a MP9c and plan on getting a Crossbreed ST. Having trouble deciding if I should include a belt... and if I do, what type should I get. It would be most convenient to get the belt with the holster, but the CB belt does not have a synthetic insert between the leather halves. Is this insert necessary only for heavier weapons (compared to MP9c) or is it an important consideration regardless of weapon weight? Does a one-piece belt offer any advantage over a two-piece? I'm not too hung up on material- cowhide or horse- I dont see myself spending extra for elephant or shark...unless the extra green translates into a substantial utilitarian advantage. Maybe I'm putting too much thought into this, but I truly cannot decide! Any advice and/or recommendations will be greatly appreciated.

Welcome to the forum first of all.
I'm sure you'll get plenty of responses.
But it's like you say, it depends. You don't need a heavy duty belt for lighter weight firearms. However, when you get up in weight you need something stout.
Don't know anything about plastic inserts. Most of the gun belts I've come across are leather only, usually multi-layer. But then they've been for OWB and heavier guns. You have to adjust to what you're carrying and what you're wearing.
I don't need a stiff leather belt for my M36 in my pocket, or for my .380 for that matter. I can also get by with a good leather belt with a IWB for either .40 or .45s.

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Pete.

I would get a gun belt if you are going to be carrying a 9c. In fact after I starting using one I use it all the time even when not carrying and never went back to my skinny leather belts.
A leather belt sold by a top holster maker should be adequately stiff without the insert, my Ted Blockers are. For the last couple of years I've been using a thewilderness frequent flyer model belt in the 5-stitch format b/c it allows infinite adjustments if you ate too much, or your jeans are thicker than your dockers, etc.

I use primarily two belts. One is a leather Aker B21 with kydex reinforcement. My other belt and as of late, most used, is a nylon 5.11 Operator also with kydex reinforcement. Both belts are very well made and can be had for under $50. I carry either a Colt Commander or a Glock 19 and prefer the extra support that reinforced belts offer especially when carrying OWB.

I use wilderness belt ...they are pretty inexpensive and plenty stiff...especially for inside the waistband.

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

I wear a double layer gun belt of my own making when carrying a full size handgun. It makes all the difference in the world. for a compact like a Ruger LCP or a S&W 642, I often wear a standard, quality single layer leather belt.

I WILL NEVER WEAR A BELT THAT LOOKS LIKE I AM A LEO RANGE INSTRUCTOR IN MUFTI. (Sorry, rant off.)

A quality dress belt...e.g. Coach or Trafalgar...is MORE than suitable for the vast majority of guns used for concealed carry. Period.

Now if you're rocking an elephant gun 'cause your scared of zombies, that's quite another story. Most peops would i.d. you as totin' for many other reasons. Jus' sayin'...

Be safe.

1. What is MUFTI?

2. I respectfully disagree. I have been carrying concealed for approximately 25 years and a good leather gunbelt makes all the difference in the world.

3. As far as "elephant gun", when the fight starts no gun is too big.

4. I have a gun so why would I be afraid of zombies?

5. Period

I think a good belt is as important as a good holster. For me it made a world of difference. I have a Looper's belt that someone gave me used, I've continued using it and I'm not sure I'll ever wear it out. It's double thick leather with a kydex insert.

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"I'm your huckleberry."

I only use 1 3/4" belts which I purchase from any leather store. BTW, that size is about the upper-limits on holster slots. I take the thick leather blank, make snaps for attaching to a buckle, dye it or add exotic skins to it: and you have a fine-strong belt....

I purchased a belt from the press blue book and beltman a year apart. I prefer the belt from The Beltman because it is thicker and double layered and stiched. I use it with a Gelco IWB and pancake holsters. There never sag and look as good as a dress belt. The gun stays in place and well hidden. I have one in black and brown. I change the buckle every now and then. They are not overly expensive and it will last you for years. A great investiment. Would you wear a cheap belt with your rather expensive firearm purchase? You get would you pay for.

I prefer the stability and comfort of synthetic insert belts even for a J-Frame model 60 but they certainly aren't necessary. If you want to try a synthetic insert-type belt "on the cheap" --- Uncle Mike's makes a duty belt that doesn't cost much and works great.

I don't know about the synthetic stuff or that reinforcing bit but I use carry belts from Mitch Rosen and Kramer....for everything. Plenty hefty to support any holster, last like steel and look great under all circumstances. Haven't had a flimsy "dress" belt in ages.

Not cheap to buy but plenty cheap to wear when you consider how they last.

Bob

He said inexpensive, not cheap. And you do get what you pay for. For example, the made in china 5.11 belts that are $9 are junk with weak attachment buckles. Compared to a "relatively expensive" $35 thewilderness belt.

I have 2 Wilderness belts, and wouldn't use anything else, for casual dress.

I attempt to make my gun belts look like an everyday belt.

i also use the 5.11 quite a bit....works great

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SWCA#2208
KK4EMO

+1 on the Aker B21 belt. This is a 1 1/2" wide belt. The B22 is a 1 1/4" wide belt that doubles as a dress belt. These are the only belts I use now.

KAC

I just bought one of these at lunch today, and I'm wearing it now. Seems rigid enough, and I will try it with an SP101 or S&W 3953 tonight OWB and see how it does. Not bad; mine was less than twenty bucks.

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MARK

beltman makes quality products, website is very informative, he and his wife will be happy to discuss any ques or concerns with you if you call. I have three of his belts, none with stiffeners, and don't think I need them as the plain belt is rigid enough to hold the loaded 29oz I carry. His belts aren't cheap but you get what you pay for and he is a quality guy to deal with. None of mine look like anything but a really nice belt so you won't stand out when carrying. Good luck.

Thanks to all for the advice. Looks like I'll be spending more than I planned! It sounds like a proper belt would be a good investment.

I have heard nothing but good reviews about the Amish belts from Hanks Clothing, and for less than $30 including shipping.
Steve

I wear a Looper belt every day with blue jeans. It's stiff enough for Hume OTW carry with a 4013TSW and keeps my pant waste band from rolling over the belt. If I would lose some weight I wouldn't have that problem and need a wider belt, but then I couldn't carry my toys with me, either!

I wear a double-thickness gun belt instead of a regular belt due to the fact that with my size, I am tough on belts. When I was a local driver I'd be climbing up and down in the truck all day, carrying packages of product by hand over sometimes loose or rocky terrain. This kind of work would stretch a Wal-Mart belt out in a matter of weeks. Since it didn't matter what I looked like at work, I wore a Tactical Tailor rigger's belt with everything. Now that I no longer drive trucks, and will be working in an office environment once I'm done with school, I wear a Comp-Tac gun belt in black leather. It looks like a regular belt when worn with slacks or jeans, but has a layer of kydex sandwiched between the leather layers for stiffness.

I find the Perry suspenders do a great job no matter which handgun I choose to carry. I find the belt not that important with a good set of suspenders holding ones britches and gun up and in place.

Welcome to the Perry Suspenders eStore

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Hook686

I wear a FILSON Ranger belt year round.

J.R., just Googled your belt...Nice looking and very durable...A winner...

When I got my carry permit about 4 years ago shortly after arriving here in Arizona from California I quickly discovered what everyone here has been saying...that a good belt is essential if you are going to carry. Got a 1.5" and then a 1.75" in nice stiff leather and between them I can accommodate all of my holsters. Now even when not carrying I wear nothing but these belts as they just feel better. Don't know if I am ready to try suspenders yet but anything is possible. (o;

A good belt is important to stabilize the holster and distribute the weight of the weapon.

I have several of the 1 1/2" wilderness five stitch belts that I wear anytime I am dressed casual. I think the ones with the insert are too stiff.

I also have a Beltman belt 1 1/4" for when I need to dress up a little.

The Carhartt line up of work belts are a great value and are certainly stiff enough. If you can fold the belt in half vertically it is not stiff enough......
Randy

I recently bought a "everyday" belt from the Beltman . After having bought it, I can tell you that I have never been more pleased. It was extremely well done and the service was "Lightning fast". This was purchased as a result of advice right here on the Forum.