New carry belt suggestions

[Marshal Tom]

I have a double thickness leather gun belt that I have been using for 20+ years. I have had it re-dyed and have polished the leather several times as well. The stitching is now starting to go as well. I am looking to replace it with one of the many adjustable Kore style belts that are on the market. What do you have and why? Thanks much, Tom

 

[crazyphil]

A couple of double thick belts that have served me well for many years:
On the left made by Haugen. The holster is a Seventrees. Model 19.
On the right is a Milt Sparks. The holster is by Oliver Ball. Model 19.

 

[Mainsail]

Crossbreed has a website for their "seconds" which are belts with a blemish somewhere. The link is to their Instructor belts, which are infinite adjustment style belts (no spaced holes).

There's a code at the top of the page to take $5 off, bringing them down to $30.

Belts - Instructor - CROSSBREED SECONDS

They have other belts and holsters too, all at killer prices. Same quality as any of the other big-name makes for much less. I own three and never found the blemish on any of them.

EDIT to add: The inventory changes daily- blemished products are not a stocked item. If they don't have one for you today, check back.

 

[dsink]

I use one of the Bigfoot belts with the steel lining. Been using it for about a year now and so far I have been impressed with it.

 

[SSizler]

I like the Blade-Tech Ultimate Carry Belt much better than the KORE offerings.

 

[rustythread]

A few yards of waxed linen thread and a couple of needles, and you can re-stitch it and get another 20 years.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Check out Wilderness Tactical "Frequent Flyer Belt' or "Instructor belts"......

Spend the extra $5 and go with the 5stitch.

 

[marinevet]

I use, and have been very happy with belts from The Beltman.......

Bullhide CCW Gun Belts for Concealed and Open Carry by Beltman

 

[mckenney99]

This past year I finally replaced my well worn Milt Sparks Contour Cut double thickness gun belt that I have been using for the past 25+ years and yes I made the call to Milt Sparks again. I have redyed, re-polished and cleaned the old belt to the point that the stitching was going and the leather had finally lost is rigidity. While not cheap they are definitely the most comfortable belt I've ever used to carry a firearm.
I bought another name brand gun belt years ago that had a Kydex liner and while the belt was certainly nice looking and rigid when new it has not held up nearly as well as the Milt Sparks belt.
Also, I will NEVER purchase another belt that has a rigid nylon or Kydex liner. The liner has fractured and broken in several spots which leaves a "floppy" spot in the belt. I believe some manufacturers try using the liners to get by with using inferior leather stock and still get an initially rigid belt but it doesn't last.
Also something to consider. Some manufacturers use 2 layers of very heavy leather to make their gun belts and while they work, they may be too thick to fit through the belt loops of some makes of holsters.

 

[Rolex28]

I. have 2 Kore belts.. like them a lot....I mean really like them a lot!

 

[zumatodd]

I have two Wright Leather Works belts, excellent quality and work great.

Old World Gun Belt Made in the USA - Wright Leather Works(R) LLC

 

[rednichols]

I have a double thickness leather gun belt that I have been using for 20+ years. I have had it re-dyed and have polished the leather several times as well. The stitching is now starting to go as well. I am looking to replace it with one of the many adjustable Kore style belts that are on the market. What do you have and why? Thanks much, Tom

There is no truth to the fiction that a wide, thick belt is ideal for carrying -- unless the holster itself has been designed to be topheavy; as many/most were in the '70s which is when the thick gunfighter belts became popular anyway (think Andy Anderson and Alfonso Pineda and Milt Sparks).

If you need a big, thick belt, then instead change holsters. More funner anyway.

Below, top-heavy and needs a thick belt or the grip will fall away, especially if you've an 18 round Glock!!

Notice the cylinder is above the belt line, and the shortest barrel will provide no counterbalance against the hip.

Well balanced, use any belt you like, same pistol:

Notice the grip is barely above the belt line, and the long barrel to counterbalance against the hip.

It's not rocket science, but it is a science (not tm ).

 

[Jimmy4570]

Belt options

Red's absolutely correct. Of late, I think Mernickle has struck the correct balance of thickness and stiffness. I've got two Mernickles I've been wearing daily for the past twenty years and they're still going strong. When not being forced to carry angry Tupperware for work I generally carry a 5" Government Model, pre-B CZ 75, a 4 3/4" USFA Pre-War or a 4" N frame of some sort- either a 24-3 or 25-6. The Mernickle belts flat out work. The only other I'd opt to go to would be one of Red's double contour models but I missed out getting one before he retired.

 

[ZGrand]

I. have 2 Kore belts.. like them a lot....I mean really like them a lot!

Same here. I really like the racheting fit system. It's adjustable 1/4" at a time. I even use their non-gun belts for this reason.

 

[JJEH]

What do you have and why? Thanks much, Tom

I wear Jason Winnie products every day. Good guy, good quality and made in America. He's also Don Hume's Grandson.

 

[crazyphil]

In my number 2 post, I mentioned two of my favorite gunbelts. I failed
to mention my very favorite because the OP is looking for a gunbelt and
Red Nichols has retired from leather work. But I wanted to give Red the
recognition that he richly deserves.

Here, on the left is a Brill-Persons holster that Red gave me for my 1911
Colt's Gold Cup. It is riding on the double contour belt, that I believe is
called a "Sidewinder". Also a gift from Red.

Roy Huntington, Editor ofAmerican Handgunner said "Feels like the curvey
leather belt you've worn for 30 years ---but it's new."

I also agree with Jimmy4570, that everything said by Red in his post #12
I have found to be absolutely correct.

Another "honorable mention" belt is the vintage gunbelt, and
the holster, made by Chic Gaylord, shown with my Model 29,
2nd from left.

 

[Onomea]

Mitch Rosen gun belts are excellent. In addition to standard gun belt widths, he also makes tapered models that taper towards the front so that under a jacket they appear to be a regular dress belt.

 

[Ole Joe Clark]

Lots of quality belts out there, we like Beltman Belts. Hoping to own one soon.

Have a blessed day,

Leon

 

[crows]

It also depends on style of carry. After being a fan of double thickness leather belts for years, I have found that good quality nylon belts work best for me on IWB carry. The belt holds the holster securely in place, tucked in close, and the thinner belt as it passes over the holster doesn't print like a thicker belt will.

 

[sceva]

I have no complaints on my El Paso Saddlery 1 1/2" belts.