Holster/Belt rig

[gsxr219]

I'd like to set up a kind of universal belt setup for my 1911s and s&w revolvers. A nice holster paired with speed loader or mag holder that can be swapped as needed.

I have always used OWB holsters that slip over a standard belt, such as the DeSantis "scabbard". I recently purchased a cartridge belt/holster rig that uses 2½" belt. Being able to just throw this over my jeans while working around the property is nice.

I was looking at belts such as the El Paso Saddlery
Black powder Belt (in 2¼ or 2½)
Or
#150 River Belt (in 2½)

Holsters seem to be all over the place. I like the following EPS at 2¼":
#2 Thumbreak
1920 Tom Threepersons

Barranti makes his Tom Threepersons in 1¾, 2¼, 2½

Seems like Galco, DeSantis, and other production companies make 1¾" the standard.
While the older Tex Shoemaker, Don Hume, and Alfonso holsters seem to be 2¼".

Questions:
1. Will a 1¾" belt ride similar when worn over my jeans?

2. What belt size offers the most versitility? Does it sacrifice ride comfort or secure fit (holster to belt).

3. Has the standard changed from older holsters 2¼" to new production 1¾"? Price the only reason?

I appreciate anyone that takes the time to read all this. Any holster and belt info/education is greatly appreciated! Here is a 686-1 picture for making it to the end.

 

[dobegrant]

I use gear from Simply Rugged, belt, holster and ammo pouches, I have found that 1 3/4" belt / holster is the most versatile. I do have rigs with 2 1/2" with cartridge loops and a singular dedicated holster.

 

[chief38]

The minimum width of a gun belt all depends on how it is built. I use a double thick, 1 1/4" Kramer Horsehide gun belt and it will hold any handgun I care to carry completely stabile all day long. In contrast, there are 1 1/2" - 1 3/4" belts that are thin, soft and floppy that I'd not use for even a J frame!

IMHO, if you are really interested in the most secure and stabile rig available, I'd recommend using a belt scabbard with loops fitted to the dedicated belt you are using - not a clip set up as they are too flexible IMO. To me, Kramer's line of Horsehide leather holsters, belts and clip pouches are the best I've ever found. Pricey and months of waiting along the way (all custom built) but IMHO well worth the time and money! BTW, I have no association with them at all! I get not one red cent - this is just my honest opinion after 50+ years of totin'.

Also please note, I do not "rotate" my guns - I am boring I guess. I have one dedicated EDC and stick to it every day. The only exception would be if my EDC pistol should need service that I can not perform in my own workshop. If I had to send it out I also have a Kramer Rig for my model 60-7 Chef's Special (former EDC prior to my current Sig 365) that I'd use as a back-up EDC until my P365 was returned. I truly believe that always using the same gun and being proficient with it is the key for survival if ever needed. I never want to worry or have to think about what gun I have and exactly how it operates, shoots, sights, reloads, on any stress filled given scenario that might occur. I own plenty of handguns that could be called upon as an EDC but again, I never want to be in a position of having to remember wha gun I have with me and what its characteristics are in a gun fight. To me, rotating guns is not a great idea - at least for me.

So yes, purchasing the best will cost a few bucks more and might make you a little anxious waiting months for it but I know of no better info I can pass along. There are many decent leather holster makers out there and I have owned many of them! Since finding out what I deem #1 the others no longer even enter my mind and in fact I have slowly been selling them as they never get used anymore. There are a few nostalgic exceptions but they are for range time, S&G's while at the range or competition - not CCW.

 

[Piwo]

I went through the same considerations awhile ago. I offer the following for what it's worth. For working around the family property and various other tasks in the woods I have made up "universal " rigs. I use a GI pistol belt (2 1/4 inch) with a Triple K flap holster. I have one for a six inch revolver and one for a 4 inch revolver. As they are rather generic, most of my bases are covered. I use a generic belt pouch for ammo, etc. I also use a Victory half flap on occasion. I find the soft, wide, light belt comfortable for all day wear. I can easily take the belt off as needed for breaks and such. The nylon belt is easy to clean and shrugs off dirt, grime, cut grass and brush. I don't care if it gets rained or snowed on. When doing hard labor in the thicket, I try to keep my armament light. As such, I usually carry a K frame model 67 or model 10. I sometimes add a GI canteen and pouch for when I'm away from the water jug. On occasion I carry a P35 or 1911 in a GI holster, but not often. These rigs are relatively inexpensive and do the job for what I need most of the time. For less vigorous days and woodland walks/property patrol I wear whatever gun in some variation of a pancake on a waist belt with pick box or mag pouch. Those are usually leather and made for a 1 3/4 inch garrison belt. Usually my EDC rig. The gun is worn high and tight, concealed or open depending on circumstance.

I long ago got away from 2 1/4 leather gunbelts due to the weight and maintenance. GI belts are cheap and I have yet to wear one out. As I age I tend to go lighter as it is less fatiguing. The GI belt is not fancy but it works for me. Light, durable and cheap. FWIW

 

[gsxr219]

I use gear from Simply Rugged, belt, holster and ammo pouches, I have found that 1 3/4" belt / holster is the most versatile. I do have rigs with 2 1/2" with cartridge loops and a singular dedicated holster.

I do have their sourdough pancake holster, which I like, and it seems their products are good quality.

 

[gsxr219]

So yes, purchasing the best will cost a few bucks more and might make you a little anxious waiting months for it but I know of no better info I can pass along. There are many decent leather holster makers out there and I have owned many of them!

I tend to buy once cry once. It usually saves me a headache or two!

 

[gsxr219]

I went through the same considerations awhile ago. I offer the following for what it's worth. For working around the family property and various other tasks in the woods I have made up "universal " rigs. I use a GI pistol belt (2 1/4 inch) with a Triple K flap holster. I have one for a six inch revolver and one for a 4 inch revolver. As they are rather generic, most of my bases are covered. I use a generic belt pouch for ammo, etc. I also use a Victory half flap on occasion. I find the soft, wide, light belt comfortable for all day wear. I can easily take the belt off as needed for breaks and such. The nylon belt is easy to clean and shrugs off dirt, grime, cut grass and brush. I don't care if it gets rained or snowed on. When doing hard labor in the thicket, I try to keep my armament light. As such, I usually carry a K frame model 67 or model 10. I sometimes add a GI canteen and pouch for when I'm away from the water jug. On occasion I carry a P35 or 1911 in a GI holster, but not often. These rigs are relatively inexpensive and do the job for what I need most of the time. For less vigorous days and woodland walks/property patrol I wear whatever gun in some variation of a pancake on a waist belt with pick box or mag pouch. Those are usually leather and made for a 1 3/4 inch garrison belt. Usually my EDC rig. The gun is worn high and tight, concealed or open depending on circumstance.

I long ago got away from 2 1/4 leather gunbelts due to the weight and maintenance. GI belts are cheap and I have yet to wear one out. As I age I tend to go lighter as it is less fatiguing. The GI belt is not fancy but it works for me. Light, durable and cheap. FWIW

Sounds like a very similar use scenario as what I'm looking for. I'll have to take a look at the USGI belts. The cobra style clip would made it easy on/off. Thanks for the idea!

 

[TheTinMan]

I prefer a 1-1/2" belt that fits virtually any pant belt loops. This style of belt didn't appeal to me for a long time but I'm not too old to change my mind:

Best Rated Gun Belts - Tactical Belt Sets | Kore Essentials

Kore tactical belts use a micro adjustable track that’s sewn into the back of the belt. This track lets you adjust your belt in small ¼” adjustments to over 40+ sizing points. The result = a perfect fit all day, every day. Second Kore tactical belts use superior quality materials including our...

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The nearly infinite adjustment is a big plus for me. Makes IWB or OWB support very solid.

 

[john17427]

I have a bunch of EPS belts and holsters. I use the Austin holster for a lot of the handguns I drag around the property. While I have an EPS Blackpowder belt, I tend to use narrower, thicker belts like a Hanks Gunner or similar. Just easier to strap it on, take it off and throw it in the cabinet when I'm done. Typically, I'm using the wider EPS belts during hunting season. I also use old WW2 web belts a lot. That's just what we had growing up. WW2/Korea surplus was everywhere back then by the barrel and for pennies.

 

[Lt.Donn]

The minimum width of a gun belt all depends on how it is built. I use a double thick, 1 1/4" Kramer Horsehide gun belt and it will hold any handgun I care to carry completely stabile all day long. In contrast, there are 1 1/2" - 1 3/4" belts that are thin, soft and floppy that I'd not use for even a J frame!

IMHO, if you are really interested in the most secure and stabile rig available, I'd recommend using a belt scabbard with loops fitted to the dedicated belt you are using - not a clip set up as they are too flexible IMO. To me, Kramer's line of Horsehide leather holsters, belts and clip pouches are the best I've ever found. Pricey and months of waiting along the way (all custom built) but IMHO well worth the time and money! BTW, I have no association with them at all! I get not one red cent - this is just my honest opinion after 50+ years of totin'.

Also please note, I do not "rotate" my guns - I am boring I guess. I have one dedicated EDC and stick to it every day. The only exception would be if my EDC pistol should need service that I can not perform in my own workshop. If I had to send it out I also have a Kramer Rig for my model 60-7 Chef's Special (former EDC prior to my current Sig 365) that I'd use as a back-up EDC until my P365 was returned. I truly believe that always using the same gun and being proficient with it is the key for survival if ever needed. I never want to worry or have to think about what gun I have and exactly how it operates, shoots, sights, reloads, on any stress filled given scenario that might occur. I own plenty of handguns that could be called upon as an EDC but again, I never want to be in a position of having to remember wha gun I have with me and what its characteristics are in a gun fight. To me, rotating guns is not a great idea - at least for me.

So yes, purchasing the best will cost a few bucks more and might make you a little anxious waiting months for it but I know of no better info I can pass along. There are many decent leather holster makers out there and I have owned many of them! Since finding out what I deem #1 the others no longer even enter my mind and in fact I have slowly been selling them as they never get used anymore. There are a few nostalgic exceptions but they are for range time, S&G's while at the range or competition - not CCW.

I wonder if Kramer offers those dbl thick belts in 1.75" ?

 

[fatcat3]

Sounds like you're looking for something to work around the property, not CC. For what it's worth, I took a standard police duty belt, added Constuction worker suspenders (takes the weight off your hips and puts it on your shoulders) holster, pouch for ammo, knife, binos, canteen and pouch. Add gun, water and slip on like a vest. Buckel belt or not as desired.

 

[Lt.Donn]

Sounds like you're looking for something to work around the property, not CC. For what it's worth, I took a standard police duty belt, added Constuction worker suspenders (takes the weight off your hips and puts it on your shoulders) holster, pouch for ammo, knife, binos, canteen and pouch. Add gun, water and slip on like a vest. Buckel belt or not as desired.

No... actually all my holsters are for 1.75"...I was just curious if K made any that size...most other makers only offer 1.5"

 

[gsxr219]

I have a bunch of EPS belts and holsters. I use the Austin holster for a lot of the handguns I drag around the property. While I have an EPS Blackpowder belt, I tend to use narrower, thicker belts like a Hanks Gunner or similar. Just easier to strap it on, take it off and throw it in the cabinet when I'm done. Typically, I'm using the wider EPS belts during hunting season. I also use old WW2 web belts a lot. That's just what we had growing up. WW2/Korea surplus was everywhere back then by the barrel and for pennies.

Are you wearing the narrower belt over your belt loops like you would a 2½" belt?

 

[chief38]

I wonder if Kramer offers those dbl thick belts in 1.75" ?

Kramer does offer 1 3/4" double thick belts & he will make one up for you with a slight up-charge of $25 according to his website. He is a custom maker. That said, believe me if you get one of his Horsehide belts you would never need something that wide!. Mine are all double thick 1 1/4" and they will hold any gun I care to carry, quite securely. IMHO even the 1 1/2" isn't needed but that can be a personal preference of course. When you order one of his holsters and magazine pouches as well, they all fit perfectly together as one rig.

Horsehide leather is very stiff - more so than Cowhide. When ordering a double thick belt it really takes the place of wider ones that are larger. I don't think you would get a 1 3/4" double thick belt through most belt loops anyway. Wearing an 1 1/4" wide belt doesn't "scream" gun belt either. After 1 1/2" width it sort of does IMO.