1.5-inch v. 1.75-inch belt width: Does extra 0.25-inch make a difference for CCWing?

[YkcorCal]

1.5-inch v. 1.75-inch belt width: Does extra 0.25-inch make a difference for CCWing?

For civilian carry mostly with cargo style shorts and blue jeans which is better for carry heavier full size firearms IWB? Steal Core or non-steal core what is your experience?

 

[YkcorCal]

Let me modify my original post in that does anyone prefer to modify their concealed carry belts also in that they prefer a tapered front or a "ranger style" front?

 

[Rich Richardson]

I figured get the widest belt for the best support. When I ordered the belt they cautioned that due to the belt being 1/4” thick to get the 1.5” or it might not fit through the belt loops.

I received the 1.5” belt and it fits the belt loops just right.

For extra support for my heavy 629 5” Classic, I sewed an extra belt loop on the pants next to the holster.

 

[YkcorCal]

I figured get the widest belt for the best support. When I ordered the belt they cautioned that due to the belt being 1/4” thick to get the 1.5” or it might not fit through the belt loops.

I received the 1.5” belt and it fits the belt loops just right.

For extra support for my heavy 629 5” Classic, I sewed an extra belt loop on the pants next to the holster.

Now that is a smart move. I will remember that and incorporate that myself. THANKS!!! Rocky

That is why I am asking. I have a 1 1/2" gun belt now and it has some room in my shorts and jeans belt loops so I am thinking about getting an up graded gun belt anyway. The one I have now is a mid-grade belt and the two I am considering are top of the line. One only comes in 1 1/2" but is a Steal Core but the other has the option of 1 1/2" or 1 3/4". The 1 1/2" is a Steel Core, 1 3/8" thick, the other is not but is off the highest quality leather 1/4" think. That is why I am seeking others input and council as well as I am sure others viewing can learn from the input given here.

This is my first time trying IWB.

 

[mckenney99]

I'm not sure that the actual width of the belt is that important. Probably the most important is that the width of the belt is the same width as the slots in the holster or as above, wide enough to prevent the holster from rocking on the belt. It is nearly impossible to pull a belt tight enough to prevent the rocking on an undersized belt without making the belt uncomfortable.
Your "style" of dress will probably influence the width of the belt chosen.
Another reason why those of us who have concealed carry for a long time have a bunch of belt/holster combos for different guns.

 

[Buford57]

I'm not sure that the actual width of the belt is that important. Probably the most important is that the width of the belt is the same width as the slots in the holster or as above, wide enough to prevent the holster from rocking on the belt. It is nearly impossible to pull a belt tight enough to prevent the rocking on an undersized belt without making the belt uncomfortable. Your "style" of dress will probably influence the width of the belt chosen. Another reason why those of us who have concealed carry for a long time have a bunch of belt/holster combos for different guns.

+1 In my experience the stiffness of the belt is more significant than the width, within reason. Whether that stiffness comes from thickness or a steel or plastic liner is another matter. I had a 1.25" money belt that worked well for my M39 in a pancake and a couple of stretch woven belts that did okay for IWB carry of a Colt Lawman 2" in a Bianchi Pistol Pocket. I'd call it a team concept. In any case the belt needs to fit the holster slots and belt loops or it is next to useless.

 

[minconrevo]

The standard carry belt is 1.5" and will fit the average carry holster. Also more dressy pants will accommodate the 1.5". The conceal carry gun, for wearer comfort, needs to be limited to something around 30 oz. loaded with this setup. If you want to tote something heavier I advise a 1.75" belt. It's necessary to pay more attention to wardrobe choices and holster belt capabilities in this case.

Trying to carry a heavy (say 43 oz 1911 plus it's ammo) on a 1.5" belt all day long won't be necessarily be pleasant for some people. It can be done with judicious holster selection.

 

[ContinentalOp]

I think belt construction is more important than belt width.

I use a 1.25" double-layer horsehide belt by The Beltman and can carry my all-steel 5" 1911 in a Kramer IWB#3 all day long with good comfort and support. The belt doesn't have any internal reinforcement. A double-layer 1.5" belt will fit snugly in most casual slacks, but it won't fit in any of my suit pants where the 1.25" will. My 1.5" Beltman belts are snug in my jeans.

 

[crstrode]

Suspenders.

Specifically Perry brand.

 

[Ziggy2525]

It can be harder to find pants that will work with a thick 1-3/4” belt. It can be harder to find holsters that will work with a 1-3/4” belt. Not a lot harder for either, but it can limit some of your choices. I went with a Kore Essentials 1-1/2” belt recently. It’s stiff. Supposed to support up to 8 lbs on the belt (pistol plus mags). They don’t make a 1-3/4” in the model I got. If they did, it wouldn’t fit the belt loops on my pants.

 

[Rpg]

I use 1 1/2” Milt Sparks or DelFatti belts with holsters from those makers. These have worked perfectly for many years.

 

[ken158]

I figured get the widest belt for the best support. When I ordered the belt they cautioned that due to the belt being 1/4” thick to get the 1.5” or it might not fit through the belt loops.

I received the 1.5” belt and it fits the belt loops just right.

For extra support for my heavy 629 5” Classic, I sewed an extra belt loop on the pants next to the holster.

I use a belt keeper instead of the extra belt loop and sometimes put one in front and in back of the holster - just like old times...

 

[ISCS Yoda]

I always use 1.5" belts. My standard CC belts are handmade by Murray Leather in Aledo, Texas. I have a plain brown one and a "ranger-style" black one. Both belts fit my jeans and cargo pants perfectly and since I seldom wear shorts except for exercise I don't think about it much in re shorts.

In the event I wear a dress belt that is less than 1.5" (with slacks or a suit - - a VERY VERY rare occurrence) I just carry a smaller gun.

And full sized firearms are not a concern; I never carry those concealed. YMMV as always.

 

[ContinentalOp]

Let me modify my original post in that does anyone prefer to modify their concealed carry belts also in that they prefer a tapered front or a "ranger style" front?

I think the tapered front belts are best for those that use a concealing garment that opens in the front, like a jacket or suit coat, to give the appearance of a thinner belt while still being wide enough under the coat to support a gun. I don't think it offers any other advantage.

FWIW, both Beltman and Mitch Rosen make belts that taper like that. I'm sure others do as well.

 

[JayCeeNC]

I use 1.25" double-layer belts from The Beltman.

 

[Flip18]

Have been using a double layered 1.75 from The Beltman for a year or so. I carry a heavy(ish) all steel CZ75 Compact with a TTGunleather Slim XC. Works very well. Great belt and awesome customer interaction. I wear Wranglers and Dickies shorts so loops are not an issue.

 

[YkcorCal]

The 1.5" gun belt I am looking at is a Hanks Steel Core Gun Belt - 1.5". It is a 20oz. a tri-layer belt made of two layers of USA steer hide harness leather with a steel core sandwiched in the middle .37" thick belt. 100-year warranty. Anyone else use a Hanks Leather Gun Belt?

 

[Ole Joe Clark]

We just bought a beltman belt for the MBH, now I want one. It's beautiful and does the job.

Have a blessed day,

Leon

 

[ContinentalOp]

The 1.5" gun belt I am looking at is a Hanks Steel Core Gun Belt - 1.5". It is a 20oz. a tri-layer belt made of two layers of USA steer hide harness leather with a steel core sandwiched in the middle .37" thick belt. 100-year warranty. Anyone else use a Hanks Leather Gun Belt?

While there's certainly nothing wrong with them, and plenty of people use them with good results, I think for most CCW it's a bit overkill. Unless you're toting around something like a S&W X-frame or Desert Eagle, a regular double-layer 1.5" gun belt will be more than sufficient. And as I mentioned previously, 1.25" would be just as useful with a little bit more versatility with clothing choices. I have 1.25" and 1.5" Beltman belts, and with the same gun and carry gear I can't tell a difference in terms of support.

 

[YkcorCal]

Remember, I am having a custom IWB holster made for my 4" S&W 625-8 JM .45 ACP N-Frame 40.5 oz (unloaded) revolver to be worn on this belt; a "Texas Heritage Revolver" Holster by Tucker Gun Leather in Texas. Similar to the one shown in the pic below.