I must admit that I have found from personal experience that carrying anything heavier than a J frame by hanging it in a holster on my trouser belt is just not a workable idea. I have both 1 1/2" and 1 3/4" Bianchi B9 belts, which are heavily built and are intended for belt carry. I have a 30 ounce 1911 compact which I have carried in the waistband with a summer special style holster, and outside the waistband with both leather and kydex holsters. In all cases, after walking around a bit the gun begins pulling my pants down and I am repeatedly hiking them back up.

Sure, I have seen the photos on the Bianchi and Galco brochures showing lean young men with cannons hanging on their belts and they look very comfortable. I could also produce such a photo (despite being neither lean nor young) and would look equally at ease. The guys in the photos are not walking around with those cannons hanging on their belts. They are stationary and posing for a brief period of time for the photo.

I recently read Massad Ayoob's 2012 book about concealed carry. In his photos showing belt carry, he looks pretty much just like me. His trousers are pulled outwards and sagging down at the point where his holster is mounted. In the old west, men who carried guns used dedicated gunbelts or carried in their coats. I don't believe they hung their guns on their trouser belts.

On the other hand, I am quite comfortable carrying my M642 in my front pocket, with or without a pocket holster. It weighs about 12 ounces empty.

For my purposes, I have determined that if I want to carry my 4" Springfield it will be in my Bianchi web belt and holster rig, in my X15 shoulder rig, or in a fanny pack. And the fanny pack is looking like the best option at this moment.

How about you?

I agree. I hate the sag.

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Doug "N Frame Addict"
CO

Suspenders take care of the sag, particularly Duluth Trading side clip where the clip is right above the pocket on the sides.

Can't answer, but personally its the best method for me. Both strong-side IWB and OWB. Everything from J to X. Cross draw not all that much. And MoB/*** doesn't work at all for me.
You're right though, quality belt and holster makes all the difference. I have to cinch it up a little more with the heavyweights to avoid sagging.

X2 on the suspenders although I usually don't carry anything heavy and usually IWB

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carpe diem
one day at a time

I suffer from the dreaded combination of Dunlap's disease and OGDB--Old Guy's Disappearing Butt. I have to cinch my belt so tightly that my shoe and hat sizes have increased and I have to take off my glasses to bat my eyes. Belt carry hasn't worked for me so far, but I carry a 640 in a pocket holster daily without trouble. I don't understand the difference, but that's how it is. On the extremely rare occasions when I carry my house gun, a 10-5, I use a separate belt.

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Oh well, what the hell.

I must be the oddball here.

No problem at all. 4" K frame 357 or full size Beretta M9 with it's million rounds of 9mm. Neither pull my pants down.

Perhaps it's my girlish figure..


Sgt Lumpy

Am slowly exploring differing conceal carry methods, since cc became legal. Still a newbie, but learning. For anything heavier than a j-frame, have gone to a hybrid holster and suspenders, which can spread the weight. It helps if you can get away without tucking in your shirt.

The heavier the gun, the tighter the belt has to be.

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Life Is A Gift. Defend it!

Gun Belts by The Belt Man

Just cinch your belt up a notch, maybe two depending on how your wear your pants. IWB holsters have never given me the control I prefer when carrying. And I have carried as large as a 4" K-frame and a 1911 concealed while working.

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"Sacramento" Bruce Conklin

I often go around all day with my 2 1/2" M66-1 in an OWB holster. If I'm in an N-Frame mood, which I often am, I'll carry my 4" M28-2 in my LOBO IWB holster. At no time am I ever uncomfortable.

Guess that's just me, but I've been carrying for almost 29 years. Good holsters and the right positioning make all the difference.
Jim

I've never had any problems with iwb carry of a full size 1911 aside from carrying in the car. At which point, a shoulder rig starts to make a pile of sense

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it just needs more voltage

We carry what we have.
During those times when I've had limited choices of what to carry, I carried what I had. There was a time believe it or not I tucked an 1860 Army .44 with cut-down 6" barrel into my waistband and felt fully capable of dealing with whatever came my way.
The reason a 30 ounce gun feels heavy is becuase we KNOW we could be carrying a 15 ounce gun, and the reason a 15 ounce gun starts to feel a bit uncomfortable is because we know we could be carrying a 10 ounce semiautomatic. I can drop my Kahr P380 in a pants pocket and literally forget I'm carrying it. Even my slightly heavier (but sexier) Beretta Tomcat fits quite nicely into the watch pocket of my jeans and weighs so little I hardly notice it.

When you use the term "belt carry" bear in mind there is a HUGE difference between the weight of a pistol carried INSIDE a belt versus OUTSIDE a belt! I can, and have carried a Desert Eagle INSIDE a strong belt worn under a pair of running shorts and tank top because the BELT held it cinched up nice and snug. Same with carrying my .500 S&W Magnum...I wear it INSIDE the belt never outside. The 63 ounce loaded weight of a 4" S&W M500 is EASY to port around as long as it'd held close to the body, and a 38-40 ounce steel frame 1911 is certainly EASIER to carry concealed inside the waistband than my 500. Needless to say when I choose to carry my Walther P22 with custom built 3" suppressor (moderator) inside the waistband it feels like....like it's not there!
Ideally, if one feels the need to carry a full-size, combat ready pistol or revolver, the "right answer" is to put together a shoulder strap-to-waist strap arrangement that supports the weight, but probably the MOST IMPORTANT thing is to WEAR whatever you carry all the time, around the house...get used to it...just like putting on your shoes...the weight becomes irrelavant.

I have a Galco belt, and Galco Combat Master holsters for both my Detective Special and my Model 39. I have no problem with either, although I can tell the auto is heavier. I just keep my belt fairly tight.

It just goes to show, to each his own. I for one can't stand a gun in my front pocket, and that's the preferred method for lots of guys here.

I snipped the rest of this off, but agree wholeheartedly. I never carried a snubnose until I was convinced to buy one. I never carried a short 1911 until I got a great deal in a trade. I started off carrying a SIG P220 and still do. It's big and heavy and I love it. I've learned multiple ways to carry it over the years. I have a pile of holsters for it. All of which serve a purpose. I've never felt underprepared toting that weapon. Other goofy and heavy carry items included pocket carried vaqueros and a 460 8.375" IWB. When I owned a 500 I carried it behind the belt buckle with zero issues.

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This≠DodgeCity&You≠BillHickok

Whenever I hear such a concern , the default first answer to use good belt , with 1.75 being inherently better than 1.5in . Andyo5 reports using Bianchi purpose built gunbelts , so unless they are streatched out from many years of daily wear , or had some unfortunate accident, it's not a belt issue.

That brings us to holsters. It could be a mismatch between a particular person's anatomy ( the body contours imeadatly above and below the belt , not overall size ) , or the holster could be inherently badly designed.

Many holster buyers have a desire to place the gun " as high riding as possable " . The problem happens when this high riding puts the center of balance above the belt line. Once that happens , gravity will be constantly pulling the gun butt away from your body. Tighter , stiffer wider belts will be a partial bandaid , but it's still a losing battle.

To stay in place ( without expecting impossable torsional rigidity of belt ) requires the center of gravity of the gun to be below the center line of the belt. For an example look up a reasonably correct interpetation of a Tom Threepersons holster ( Lawrence #5. Bianchi #1 , etc ) Roy Baker Magnolia AR pancakes have this just right. The El Paso #77 has same height and rake ( but 2 slots and stiffer). Every holster company , and most independents make a version of Mr.Baker's holster. Unfortunatly many of them get it wrong. They be too high , or have too little rake , or have excess unneeded leather hanging down up to an inch below the muzzle, or a combination.

Some more general tips : match belt size to belt loop size. A tunnel loop plus a stabilizer loop ( Avenger style) will keep closer to body than tunnel loop alone. Pancake style will be better yet.

With genuine Magnolia AR pancakes , with their single layer somewhat flexable leather , it is possable to wear it with the gun Under the belt , yet outside the trousers. Holds the gun as closely as a good IWB , yet much more comfortable.

If your trouser belt won't keep your CCW in a vertical position when unsupported: you don't have a proper belt.

I have to concur with RobertJ on the Galco Combat Master. Excluding the custom jobs, I have found this over the counter the best holster to maintain a balanced tight to the body carry. In addition, for those who like a thumb break holster, try the Galco Fletch.

My opinion, yours may vary,

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Sierra 255
Ret. LEO/ NRA-LIFE

With duty holster and gun with a flashlight attached plus Mag's when I was on a protection detail I had the same problem. My solution was a pair of Perry Suspenders.

I've been carrying my snubby on a 9 ounce strap leather belt. With all the snow and ice, I've found myself with lotsa spare time and no more excuses to not make myself a proper gun belt.
I've been dreading all that hand stitching but it wasn't all that bad. The belt came out so nice I felt compelled to make a matching holster. Now I want to make a whole new set of carry holsters for my snubby.
A proper belt does a big difference. I should have done this long ago.

my problem is that i have no butt...my pants fall down even without the my 40c on the belt or in my pocket...i've been considering suspenders...

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SDMF

A holster on my pants belt works good when I am not moving around much but if I am going to be on my feet and moving around I use a shoulder holster. If I don't use a shoulder holster I can't get anything done because I am too busy pulling up my pants. I also use a shoulder holster for anything over 4 in. Larry

+1 here. The other thing about it may be that I wear pants that I don't need a belt to keep up. I started wearing belts when I started carrying guns. I have carried my 1911 strongside owb with my Model 10 weakside iwb and not experienced much sagging, though the Model 10 would work it's way out slowly(clip holster) so I switched to keeping it in my jacket pocket.

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Just the opinion of a kid

The heaviest weapon I can carry is a 442 due to some ongoing medical issues and for me pocket works best followed by IWB appendix. Anything on my belt begins to cause pain in short order.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

Sarge, If you really are female (I assume that's where 'Lumpy' comes from) I can understand how the wider hips would help keep your pants and belt from slipping. Barring a sex change operation, not an option for me.

I don't know. Might be worth it if it would keep your gunbelt from slipping down.


Sgt Lumpy

My insurance wouldn't cover it, and my wife would probably not be pleased. I will keep looking for a better solution. I suppose I could get some of those injections that enlarge your butt. That might help. I seem to have a small posterior.

Larry, What brand and model belt and holster are you showing in your photo?

You could try a butt implant. Ask for Kevlar implants so if you ever get in a gun fight you could moon your opponent which would scare the guy so bad he would immediately surrender.

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Dennis
He's got a gun!

Nowadays, I'm not so sure. He might be encouraged.

Ask one of those ladies in the spandex pants at WalMart for dietary and exercise advice.


Sgt Lumpy

I don't have any issues.

I carry a Kimber Pro in a holster that looks like the original Bruce Nelson's "professional" model.

The rig weights just over 30 ounces loaded and I don't even notice it at the 3:30 position. I wear this on a good stiff, thick, gun belt.

It's a Jerry Bissell gunbelt and a Don Hume holster. I can't find Jerry's ad on the internet any more. The addy has been taken over.

Amazingly, he built such a great product for a more than fair price that I believe the business got to be too much for him. He's a retiree with some health problems. I wear a JB belt everyday; carrying or not.

...even the funny ones.
I'm so glad that I started this thread. After reading some of the posts, I decided to wear my IWB holster with gun and belt around the house for a couple of days. Well, apparently they are breaking in or something, because this morning the belt with holster and gun mounted on it is behaving itself. No bulge or slipping. It feels just fine. Maybe break in was all that was needed. Interestingly, I am wearing my normal sized pants with the belt cinched up to the same spot that I wear it without a holster. I don't seem to need an oversized pair of pants or belt position.
My out of waistband pancake holster with my 4" N frame is still somewhat of a challenge, however. I could probably manage it so long as I don't mind periodically hiking my belt back up.
Thanks for all the great replies. I guess I won't be needing the butt injections after all. Whew!

I carry a 4 inch Smith & Wesson Model 686 in a duty holster during the day along with two double speedloader pouches, pepper spray pouch, handcuff case, radio case, and an expandable 21 inch baton carrier. This is all held to my trouser belt with six belt keepers. My trouser belt is a 1½ inch 5.11 Double Duty web belt on which I wear a Ka-Bar TDI. If I cinch up the trouser belt, I don't have problem with all that gear pulling my pants down.

Off duty, I wear either the 1½ inch 5.11 or the 1¾ inch 5.11, depending on what I'm carrying or wearing. I usually wear my 3 inch S&W Model 13 and my S&W Model 37 with a double dump pouch carrying speed strips. Sometimes, I just wear the Model 37.

ECS

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CPT, Armor (Ret)
Luke 22:36

for you belt challenged folks, try some squats and lunges!

For IWB, I'd think the hybrid types would have more surface area for grip on the body. Maybe there is an oppty for entrepreneur to come up with holsters that have a thin coating of silicone that would grip very well against your side.

or just staple a patch of velcro on your side

I heard/read a story (might have been here) about a former Marine who had recently had back surgery before reporting to work as a substitute teacher. As a result of the surgery he was wearing a body cast that was invisible under his shirt.

He showed up to teach a class of teenagers, explained that their regular teacher was ill, and that he would be teaching that class for the next week. Of course, he told them a little bit about himself, mentioning that he had been in Iraq/Afghanistan with the Marines. Some of the young gentlemen in the class were skeptical since he didn't exactly look like the prototypical Marine and were a bit rude in their disdain.

After opening a window for ventilation, he sat down at his desk only to have the breeze blow his tie around. Without hesitation, he picked up the stapler, held his tie down, and stapled it to his chest. The room went quiet, and he had no more problems for the rest of his assignment.

ECS

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CPT, Armor (Ret)
Luke 22:36

Er....great story.
So what can we learn about belt carry from this?

As many of you wonderful people know I am a wheelchair user so belt carry would Not be an option for me so I would have to carry using either a fanny pack or chest holster.

I don't know what you carry, but might a belly band be feasible?

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Oh well, what the hell.

shouldazagged: I actually don't carry I have another medical condition and because of it I chose not to carry.

I have been carrying a holstered pistol on a belt for over 36+ years now with no issues what so ever. It is the way to go. Quality gear is the key. Bill

1860? Man, you're old!

Well, I am gravitating towards fanny pack carry. I just bought a Galco Escort for my Springfield. Not as fast on the draw as a belt holster, but way easier for me to carry. Which means I'll be more likely to have the gun with me.

Yes, Jerry retired again. I believe it is his nephew that trained under him, then took over his belt business, and renamed it. Check armourbelts.com .

I've been having constant changes with how I have to cc because of my changing body shape. I have pretty significant lower back issues(herniated/fused/cracked disks) and my weight was contributing to the pain so I lost around 70 lbs as of now. So it did leave me with quite the "bubbly" figure. Needless to say that much change definitely constitutes changes in how you carry. I ended up doing away with traditional hole-and-post belts because I was constantly struggling with being between hole sizes so I was having to make my own holes and weakening the belt. Plus having to buy smaller ones too often. I moved to a friction-hold style and has been fantastic. It is definitely indicative of carrying, but I don't tuck my shirts so it's not visible anyway. That belt coupled with a Foxx Trapp kydex holds the Shield and pants perfectly in place. I originally wore back around 4:30/5, but as the weight came off, the rig had to move around to 3/3:30 riding right on my hipbone. I know the Shield is minute weight-wise to what a lot of you guys are carrying, but anything heavier puts too much strain on my back. As was mentioned before, a big factor is the center of gravity of the holster being too far above the belt.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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-Dik

Funny you should mention this. Since starting this thread, I heard about Armour belts and I ordered one of his 1 1/2", double thickness belts. The belt is made incredibly well. However, it is also incredibly stiff. I wore it for a couple of days trying to break it in. Instead, I was the one who got broken in. For the past three days, I have been staying at home and taking acetaminophen, trying to recover from a strained back.
Looks like it will be the fanny pack for me. That, or I'll carry my M642 instead.