I still figuring out what carry method works best for me, I had been doing pocket carry in my winter coat.

I'm also considering a holster on the belt. I suppose most use their trouser belt for IWB. For OWB, I'm wondering if a separate gun belt might work better.

The gun belts I've seen appear to be very wide and sturdy, and with the firearm not attached to your trousers, it wouldn't tend to pull them down. I normally wear suspenders though, so that shouldn't be a problem for me. A trouser belt would probably hold the firearm closer to the body and conceal better.

A separate gun belt would be more convenient for bathroom duties though - just take it off and hang on a hook.

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Common sense isn't so common.

70% of the time I pocket carry my Sig P365 in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster. The other 30% of the time in a Kramer OWB Belt Scabbard - one spare magazine in a Kramer Horsehide Pouch and on a Kramer Horsehide belt. As far as I am concerned, Kramer's Horsehide Gun Leather is the best I have ever had - no exclusions. Worth every cent of the price and I own several complete rigs for different guns. Buy once-cry once and you will be happy for the rest of your carrying time!!!

Seriously, I have had Milt Sparks, Bruce Nelson, and at least 3 others make me custom rigs many years ago and while excellent in design and workmanship they are not even close to Kramer's designs, build and materials. Now whenever I need a rig for a new EDC - I just call Kramer!

I'm very much not a fan of having the gun off of my person when using the restroom. Not so much for worries that someone's gonna kick in the stall door, but because that's always the first step in every story of "child finds officer's pistol in McDonalds bathroom".

I've only used a separate gunbelt for competition shooting, and those generally looked more like a duty belt or similar, not exactly a concealment thing. I'd suggest dropping a little money on a good dedicated gun belt that's still designed to be work through the pants loops. I went from a decent but not gun focused leather belt to a kylon reinforced nylon riggers belt and it was a gamechanger for me.

I have two great gun belts. One is leather, the other nylon. Both are plenty stiff for gun duty. The Kore is great for its infinite adjustments. The $30 gun belt is every bit as good at belts twice the price.

[Review] Kore Essentials Gun Belts: Current Favorite CCW Kit - Pew Pew Tactical

30 Dollar Gun Belt | High Caliber Gun Belts. Period. – Thirty Dollar Gun Belt

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

I used to buy the leather work belts. After a while they sagged and the holes stretched. I’ve been wearing a Bigfoot Steal Core belt for Two Years. So far it has fit all belt loops of my pants. It does not sag out of shape. The buckle it came with is sturdy and works well. It holds any gun and holster combo I have tried. I’m sure there are other quality belts out there. After minimal research this is the one I picked. I’m satisfied and would buy again except, this one may outlive me. They also make suspenders.

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Two Handguns every day

THIS!

I tried this with the Uncle Mikes reinforced ccw belt (about 30 bucks) liked it so much haven't bought anything nicer. JMHO forget a second or duty belt unless it is for open carry.

When I visit the public stalls I un buckle, then using my hand on my gun to help lower my pants and sit. Then I stick my gun in my undies while I do the chore. Keeps it off the floor and out of sight from anyone in next stall and no way will I forget it. You could also roll it into your pants. I agree sitting you gun down somewhere is a opportunity for a very bad senior moment.

I carry a 325 which is a bit bulky but light. I use a heavy leather belt from Bullhide belts. Unless you have them under your shirt, a coat or jacket, suspenders make concealing a problem. That means if you have to drop your pants you need to take off your top outer layers first.

For OWB carry it is not so much the belt as it is the holster. A pancake
design pulls the holstered gun in and holds it firm against your body.
It is important that the loops be just about even with the belt line. If the
loops are above the belt line the holster would carry lower and be more
difficult to conceal. If the loops are below the belt line, the loaded cylinder
would cause the gun to tip outward.
Here is a black sharkskin from Black Hills Leather to illustrate what I
believe makes a good OWB holster.
The belt, although also sharkskin, is just a regular dress belt.
As you can see, about half of the cylinder is above the belt line,
so perhaps the gator trimmed pancake from KD is a better example.
Cylinder is about even with the belt line. The belt
is just another ordinary dress belt.

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In Omnia Paratus

Do you really need a gun belt? The answer is YES if you carry or shoot a handgun with some regularity.

Dress belt - those 1.25 inch single ply belts don't work as well for carrying a holstered sidearm. They tend to stretch and sag over time, which makes concealing more difficult and, more importantly, drawing the weapon.

Chances are you'll never have to draw your weapon, but if you do then you'll appreciate a gun belt. You won't have to deal with a holster that's moved out of position or sagging on a trouser belt.

When it is crunch time, requiring even a second more to get a solid combat grip on your weapon and draw it out of the holster may make all the difference in the world.

I don't like doing links on the forum , so go to gunnersalley dot com to find a good article on gun belts in their "Gun Holster Articles" section at the top of their main web page. Well, worth the read.

I use the Daltech Force belt with a steel core, the Kore belts are about the same but have a different buckle system. I love my Daltech . I got it from the manufacturer on ebay for less than $70 . You do not want a separate gun belt for concealed carry , as pointed out that would be a pain . My solution to the loose belt/holster when I pop a squat is to tuck the loose end of the belt back into the first loop before I unbutton and unzip. Never had a problem when I do that, everything stays in place. A pants belt with a thin steel liner and a good buckle is what you need. That's what works for me .

This is the belt I bought.
BULLBELT(R) BULLHIDE ULTIMATE THICKNESS STEEL CORE GUN BELT 15oz Black Brown – Daltech Force

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Grumpy Old Man With a Gun

Two belts is a bad idea. Without belt loops the gun belt will sag just like it does in the movies.

Taking your gun belt off to do your business will (eventually) lead to you forgetting your gun.

When I started working as a security guard they issued me a cheap "Law Pro" uniform belt. It literally split in two on me one day at work.

After that someone suggested "Wilderness Tactical". I bought one that I used till I retired and it's still serviceable. The only issue is it looks like a "Tactical" belt. I dress so my belt isn't visible anyway so that's not an issue for me.

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Retired Career Security Guard

No, the inner and outer belt is fine for competition and uniformed duty use, but overly bulky and not so practical for plain clothes or civilian carry. I do agree that a reasonably thick and stiff leather trouser belt is the way to go for either IWB or OWB carry. A skinny belt will allow the holster to rock back and forth, a thin belt will want to sag. You want a belt that fills the belt loops of your trousers.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

[QUOTE=steelslaver;141369255]When I visit the public stalls I un buckle, then using my hand on my gun to help lower my pants and sit. Then I stick my gun in my undies while I do the chore. Keeps it off the floor and out of sight from anyone in next stall and no way will I forget it. You could also roll it into your pants. I agree sitting you gun down somewhere is a opportunity for a very bad senior moment.

/QUOTE]

Using a Sparks Summer special I do much the same but put the gun and holster in my "undies".

Like Smoke I've been using the Wilderness Tactical belts (5 stitch) but the Frequent Flyer model.... a little less tacticool. With two rings it reminds me of the "hippy" belts of the 60s! Infinitely adjustable for IWB , OWB or my current EDC; 3913 w/ Summer Special IWB with double extra mag pouch worn under the belt.

Wear Depends. Problem solved till you get home.

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

I could have gone my whole life......

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Retired Career Security Guard

Ya me too.......................................

but better than "Sip's" solution!!!!!!

Not wanting a double thick belt, as most gun belts are made, I tried the Daltech Superbio. It's a polymer belt that looks exactly like leather. After over three years of everyday wear, it's looks like the day I got it, and it doesn't shout "gun belt". No problem supporting my Shield, Glock 23, or anything else I decide to carry.

Carhartt work belts have served me very well for pistol carry. Especially the web belts that have Carhartt stamped all around them...draws NO attention at all!

Randy

Lots of great belt options out there.

Please don't consider "We the People Holsters" as an option. Worst customer service I've ever experienced from an internet based retailer.

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Ret. LE, FA Instr, S&W Armorer

Thanks for the options, lots of good ideas!

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Common sense isn't so common.

I will second Chief .38 above. Kramer is fantastic. The horsehide is like kydex - the gun “snicks” into the holster audibly. I have carried a 1911 in one of their MSP Paddle holsters almost daily and the holster has not lost its shape or retention in any way. Wears like iron. Their belt scabbard is also excellent. Pricey but definitely worth it. I have a Kramer 1.25 inch single layer belt but next time I would get the double layer.

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In a pocket, or on a belt, using suspenders is the only way to go!

Been doing it for years and I wish I tried it sooner.

Perry Suspenders are high quality,very easy on and very easy off. They are inexpensive, made in USA.

I carry this,


In this,


Hanging on this,


Right about here,

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Keep on Chooglin'

That depends

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

Fixed it for you..........................

I used to just use an ordinary leather belt to hold my pistol, but it really wasn't the best, as it just didn't support it all that well, so I ultimately switched to some 5.11 belts. They're cheap, nylon belts with polymer buckles, but they do the job, carry all of my gear securely, and they only cost me $12.99 each, so that works for me.

Some folks will tell you just use an ordinary belt, others will tell you that you need a "Rancho Relaxo Sattlery Texas Gunsling Belt" or a "Tactical Pterodactyl Oscar Mike Golf Niner Deep Cover Operator Utility Belt", some will say that all that you need is a Uncle Sneaky's Secret Pocket Holster, or perhaps a Bellucci Branco Shoulder Rig.

Ultimately, much like a firearm, the method you choose to carry a firearm has to be a personal decision that works for you in particular. What JustaCowboy, Gecko45, FordTruckMan52, or even Forte Smitten Wesson use to carry their firearm may not be the best method for you to carry your firearm.
So get some ideas, do a bit of experimentation, then find the method that works for you.

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Shooting Comfort is bilateral.

+1 for the Kore gun belt.

I use kydex reinforced leather belts.

I have a couple 1 1/2” brown and a 1 1/4” black.

The 1 1/2” brown works great with jeans or khakis and shorts in the summer. The 1 1/4” works great as a dress belt with a suit or blazer.

I like them enough I wear them almost exclusively, whether I’m carrying or not.

Galco Instructor's Belt. Only because it's what I have, (and I got it for nothing). Seriously, it works. The only thing I had to get used to is, it goes on backwards, (right to left), if you're right handed.

Regarding a secondary belt, I will say that unless you intend to use belt keepers, it is not a great idea. Fortunately, most of my years spent as an LEO were in plain clothes assignments, but the years I did spend in uniform taught me that belt keepers were an absolute must. Without them, your gun belt will slide around, hang down, and just generally make you uncomfortable.

I’ve found that the far better solution for those of us who aren’t stuck in a uniform all day, is a trouser belt specifically designed with the idea of carrying a handgun in mind. There are numerous options on the market these days, but the one that I personally use is called the “Gunner Eagle” from Hank’s Belts.

It’s a top quality, 1.5 inch wide belt made of steer hide leather in the USA, and carries a 100 year guarantee. The buckle and hardware are top quality, and the buckle is easily replaceable if you happen to be an old backwoods fella like me who likes a custom buckle (I use a vintage Smith & Wesson Handguns buckle on mine). Beat of all, the belt doesn’t have that “tactical” look to it, so you can wear it with your grown up clothes instead of looking like a kid playing dress up in your GI Joe Halloween costume.

I carry an M&P Compact M2.0 9mm on mine using a Tulster Profile holster. This combination is very secure, keeps the gun exactly where I want it, tucks it close to my body for excellent concealment beneath nothing more than a t shirt, and does such a good job of supporting the weight that I hardly notice my pistol is there. I find it perfectly comfortable for all day wear even when seated in a vehicle.

The difference between a purpose built gun belt and a typical off-the-shelf casual or dress belt is dramatic. Spend a few bucks on a quality rig and you will never go back to the alternative.

Thanks for tips, lots to think about.

When I was thinking about the gun belt, I wasn't thinking in addition to a trouser belt, but just the gun belt since I normally use suspenders. I see where it would be less secure and move around without the trousers to anchor the belt though.

I've seen holsters that use a clip rather than loops, but I'm a little skeptical of the security of the clip.

Summer will bring a new set of challenges...

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Common sense isn't so common.

Depends upon the clip. Reverse J-clips and regular J-clips that are sturdy and really pinch the trousers between the clip and holster are usually reliable.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

I'm just going to throw this out here and let you take it or leave it as you see fit.

I can tell you from direct personal experience that if at 8 or 9 at night you eat two apples or two Pears with a banana you will never have to worry about what to do with your gun while relieving yourself in a public restroom ever again.

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Retired Career Security Guard

Mitch Rosen makes leather gun belts that taper in the front on both sides so that they look like a regular, thin dress belt from the front.

Do they have similar features??? If not, I see a missed opportunity...

Thunderwear Holsters - The Ultimate in Concealment!

I’ve been conceal carrying for 36 years and a I’ve used holsters with metal clips for about the last 20 years, not exclusively but primarily. I’ve only bent one clip in that time and the maker replaced it for free. I’ve also never had a holster come loose using metal clips.

I am not however a big fan of plastic clips. They work, they just don’t work as well.

Holster wise, an IWB holster using loops can be attached by either threading the belt through the loops or sliding the loops around the belt once you have it on. That second method is a little too fiddly for my tastes.

The advantage of a holster with clips is that it is easy to remove the holster from the belt with the gun inside it if you need to remove it to go into a gun free zone. It’s also a huge advantage if you carry a striker fired handgun with no manual safety. The Glock and similar style striker fired pistols were designed to be carried in an OWB duty style holster. And if you’ve watched things evolved over the years many of those duty holsters now have a spacer between belt and holster that leaves the pistol a bit farther out from the belt, which further reduces the potential for an intrusion into the trigger guard that could cause a negligent discharge while re holstering the pistol.

One of the primary ways that concealed carry folks who carry Glocks manage to shoot themselves in the leg is when holstering or reholstering the pistol. A wad of shirt, a pull cord on a jacket, or some similar obstruction ends up inside the trigger guard and presses the trigger as the pistol is inserted in the holster. It’s a non issue on a pistol with a manual safety and much less of an issue on a DA pistol or revolver given the long, heavy trigger pull. But with the short and comparatively light trigger on a Glock where any intrusion in the trigger guard also disables the safety, the holster becomes a key safety feature.

Metal clips on the holster allow you to easily and quickly remove the holster and then insert the striker fired hand gun with it held out in front of you where you can visually confirm there is no obstruction. If you don’t do that, you need to be extremely careful to visually confirm the lack of any obstruction as you reholster the handgun with the holster inside your waist belt.

——

Below are a pair of holsters. The top one is a Desantis IWB holster with loops. There are some other features worth noting. The holster itself is wide with a fair amount of surface area. That helps stabilize the holster so it won’t shift, slide down or rock forward or aft. That lets you leave the belt a little looser than would otherwise be necessary and that eases pressure on the opposite hip. On your strong side hip, it also lets spreads out any pressure from the belt making it more comfortable to wear.

The holster below it is a Wild Bills Concealment Covert Carry. The clip is mounted on a thick piece of leather under which a shirt can be tucked so it can be worn under a tucked shirt without a cover garment. That can be an advantage in the summer if you have to have a tucked dress short, etc.

The offset clip also keeps the holster thinner and easier to conceal than is the case if the clip or loops) are centered on the holster.

The down side of this design is that it has less surface area and is more prone to rock forward over the course of the day. It requires a little tighter belt to stay put and that can make it a bit less comfortable. There’s never a free lunch, but it does work just fine for all day carry with a slightly smaller and lighter handgun - and provided you use a quality gun belt.




This holster is a Next Holster Guardian. This is my favorite design when I don’t have to wear a tucked short without a cover garment. The design is very wide with lots of surface area making it very comfortable and the pair of clips make it very stable, while still keeping the profile thin. The holster will come flat when new, but within a week or so it’ll shape itself to the curve of your hip and be very comfortable. It’s the major reason as prefer this type of all leather design to a hybrid kydex/leather holster.

I’m normally an advocate for a double thickness mouth with a polymer or steel insert between the layers of leather (like the Wild Bills Holster above)to ensure the holster mouth doesn’t collapse inside the belt. However, I’ve been using this holster for a couple years now and it’s never shown any tendency to collapse even of the gun is out of the holster for a couple hours.





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A well made gun belt is an absolute must for comfortable IWB carry. My preference is a double thickness l leather belt made from two layers of 6-7 oz leather sewn together. You can also get a two thickness belt with a polymer strip between the two layers to add even more thickness.

Size wise, finding one with 6 adjustment holes rather than 5 is a plus as it gives you more size flexibility if you switch between IWB and OWB carry.

I also go with a 1 1/2” wide belt. It works fine with casual pants and jeans, and I’ve never had a pair of dress slacks that would not accommodate the 1 1/2” width. If you go with a narrower 1 1/4” belt you’ll really need the polymer strip.

Plan on paying $70-80 for a good belt. You can get one for less, but you usually get what you pay for and it’ll be much more likely to twist or sag over time.

The belt is the foundation for your carry system. Its the key element in both comfort and concealment. Without a good foundation, the best holster in the world is junk.
Buy a good quality belt designed specifically for concealed carry. They ain't cheap, but its money well spent.

I like my Kore ratchet belt. No holes, plenty of room for small adjustments. It is stiff and does not buckle over from the weight of the gun/holster. I cut mine about 2-3 inches longer to accommodate a gun and holster. Still can tighten it up plenty when I am not carrying.

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otis

need a gun belt?
do it the right way.......
we've all heard the "you dont put a $500 gun into a $25 holster"
the same theory applies to your gun belt.

over the past few years , I've purchased a few from these folks.
American made , outstanding quality and very nice people.
When buying , its not a point , click and purchase routine.
You will get on the phone with them and discuss all details of sizing, stitching, ect ,with detail of the build matching your firearm

Serious equipment for serious buisness

I recently purchased a Beltman Belt, a double stitched belt that is stiff and handsome. I really like it. We talked to David before the order and mine fits exactly like he said it would. I has 7 holes, with 3/4" spacing. I haven't really got used to it yet, but I will. I want to get a slightly narrower dress belt for my dress pants.

Have a blessed day,

Leon

After reading this thread I ordered a couple of the $30 belts from 30 dollar gun belts. They have several grades of belts but I went with the $30 dollar ones as I didn't trust them enough to get the pricier ones. Now that I've received the cheap belts I'll order some nicer ones. They are thick bull hide and look like they will hold up well.

The cheap ones, they call distressed. They look like they purposely ran them thru something to give them some defects and turn them into seconds. I'd have preferred just plain but whatever.

As long as they don't start stretching a bunch when they get sweat soaked I'll be happy. They seem to be a steal at $30.

Got an 1.5 inch double thickness belt. It is longer than I thought I needed, had to put a few more holes in it.

My 642 is out of commission, so I've been carrying my 4" 686 OWB under my coat, mostly just trips to the grocery store. I'm big enough I can pull it off, but I definitely notice the weight.

The holster loops are wider than the distance between belt loops so I had to skip one but works ok. Glad I have the suspenders though.

When summer arrives I'll have to do something else.

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Common sense isn't so common.

I use Vesa Carry double stitched leather and Kore nylon adjustable

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Is that a gun No a lifesaver