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

[ContinentalOp]

Well, my all-steel Colt Govt Model 1911 probably weighs 47 or 48oz loaded, in an IWB holster, plus a fully-loaded spare mag, and all the cra stuff I normally carry in my pants pockets, and my 1.25" belt does a fine job supporting everything.

But like I said, if you want to go with the Hank's steel-lined belt, go for it. I can't recall ever seeing any bad reviews of them.

 

[YkcorCal]

Well, my all-steel Colt Govt Model 1911 probably weighs 47 or 48oz loaded, in an IWB holster, plus a fully-loaded spare mag, and all the cra stuff I normally carry in my pants pockets, and my 1.25" belt does a fine job supporting everything.

But like I said, if you want to go with the Hank's steel-lined belt, go for it. I can't recall ever seeing any bad reviews of them.

Getting others experience, and input before making my final choice is why I posted my initial post. I want and value others opinions!

 

[delcrossv]

1.5" single thickness gets kinda floppy with a N frame in a pancake. But it's fine for a K frame.

I just ordered both widths from A.E Nelson to go with a new pancake I also ordered.

I've had very good luck with them.

 

[oldiegoldie]

i wear 1 1/2" Ranger belts. they support my fully loaded pistols up to 30 oz. 1 1/2" Ranger belt of bridle leather [not cheap] is my preference.
with a nice buckle set you can easily spend $200 or more. Filson has a 1 1/2" bridle leather belt [non Ranger style] for $85. they will last forever.

 

[sipowicz]

I use a 1.5" all leather $30 gun belt. Works perfectly.. I tried belts with polymer stiffeners but found them uncomfortable. I would probably find a steel core the same.

 

[YkcorCal]

I use a 1.5" all leather $30 gun belt. Works perfectly.. I tried belts with polymer stiffeners but found them uncomfortable. I would probably find a steel core the same.

I may also but I think I am going to try a 1.5" steel core. That way I will have less belt loop issues and it will fit more holsters. Nothing ventured nothing gained and I already have a 1 1/2" leather gun belt now to compare it to. I used to use heavy leather left belts when weight lifting which is really neither here nor there but they never bothered me so I'll see how I guess I will see how I will like it. If I hate it, I will get a higher grade 1 1/2" all leather belt. Trial and error I guess. Thanks for all the input everyone!

 

[minconrevo]

I've done well with the 5.11 nylon reversible belts in 1.5". The double layer of nylon, with 5 rows of stitching supports all but the heaviest CC guns. Never worn one out yet. Not as costly as leather and certainly more sweat/wet weather resistant.

It took me a few years to wear out a 1.5" double layer bullhide with spring steel insert. I think sweat finally got to it.

The rigger style belts are intended to support a person's weight and usually have heavy high strength steel buckles. Not necessarily the perfect CC belt IMO.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I wear a lined 1¾" Milt Sparks belt and a Lobo Gun Leather Enhanced Pancake holster for my 640 Pro.

The belt fills the Carhartt jeans' loops for a firm, no-slip 'n' slide feel.

As I read from a wise sage on this forum a long time ago, "My belt
is for my holster; my suspenders keep my pants up."

I wear 2" Industrial Series "HoldUp" suspenders.

PS: all this gear is "Made in the U.S.A."

 

[uncleted327]

Wider belts are better the bigger you are. I'm a big guy and the 1.5" belts are more comfortable than the narrower ones. Think of a kite string around a grain sack... That said the 1.75" are too wide, it won't work with any of my belt loops, most clips for IWB holsters aren't long enough to encompass the entire belt. 1.5" seems to be the sweet spot. Enough beef for heavier iron but not too wide. I use Wilderness Tactical belts exclusively myself.

 

[WR Moore]

My personal experience is that if you need some artificial core in a gun belt, you need to buy either a higher quality gun belt or a tow vehicle for your firearm.

A leather belt will mold itself to your body. One with an insert will chafe your body until it fits the belt.

 

[haywood]

My steel core Bigfoot belt holds all the gear I carry around all day.

 

[BAM-BAM]

For casual wear I've gone to a 1.5" Wilderness Tactical Frequent Flyer 5 stitch belt..... infinitely adjustable to accommodate IWB or OWB holsters and mag pouches ( including a Milt Sparks double pouch worn between the belt and Wranglers).

NO issues for guns like S&W 39xx, 69xx and 3" 66...... or my Beretta 92 Compact 15+1 and a spare ( or 2) Mec-gar 18rd magazine(s).

 

[Waxster60]

I have carried comfortably up to a full size fully loaded 1911 on a 1.5" belt all day long without any issue. Consider looking at the question differently-rather than belt width, start with belt stiffness and durability. A Better Belt has excellent customer service and based on your needs will personally help you select the best belt for your needs. Additionally, the belt is just half the story - a high quality holster specific to your firearm that keeps the loaded holster snug to your body is just as important. For carrying anything heavier, I'd be looking for a chest rig. Good luck!

 

[delcrossv]

I'm presently (like right now) carrying a 4" pre 29 in a pancake on a 1.5" A.E. Nelson belt. Good support, but it is the "extra heavy" version belt.

So I'd say 1.5" is fine, IF it's a stiff belt.

 

[oldbrownhat]

Suspenders.

Specifically Perry brand.

x2 on the Perrys.

 

[crazyphil]

Here are some of my favorite gun belts:

First, on the Left is a "Sidewinder". A gift from my friend Red Nichols.
Shown with my Colt's Gold Cup in a Brill-Persons holster, also a gift
from Red. Roy Huntington, editor of American Handgunner, said it best
about the Sidewinder: "Feels like the curvy leather belt that you've worn
for 30 years - but it's new."

2nd from left is a gun belt you are not likely to find. It was made by
Chic Gaylord and works perfectly with his speed scabbard, shown with
my Model 29 S&W.

3rd from left is a 2 ply 1.5" gun belt by Milt Sparks, with a carved
and laced Eubanks holster, and my S&W Model 10.

4th from left is a 2 ply 1.5" gun belt my Haugen, with a Seventrees
Combat Speed Scabbard, and my S&W Model 19 Combat Magnum.

5th from left is a 2 ply 1.5" gun belt by Texas Gunslinger, with a Myres
#614 FBI holster, and my S&W Model 67 Combat Masterpiece.

 

[reccpd101]

Since the 1970s, I've used 1.5" belts double width but not steel or plastic lined. If the holster maker for what I was using made belts, I bought the set. I have Roy Baker's pancakes and belts. Lately, MTR Custom Gun Leather has gotten the nod.

 

[sipowicz]

My 1.5" 30dollarbelt will hold anything I own. I tried polymer lined belts but they were uncomfortable. I also have a nylon 1.5" Kore belt. Love the ratchet system and it's super stiff but I always find my way back to my leather belt.

 

[xtrtsqrt11]

I don't find a big difference in comfort from 1.5 to 1.75 belts. Reinforced can be a big help though.
My biggest recommendation goes around the idea that you need to decide on the belt loop size that you standardize on your holster and any other items/pouches you want to wear on your belt. Galco and some other makers seem to be 1.75, while the premier holster makers seem to be focused on 1.5 to a great degree.
I like 1.5, especially like my "A Better Belt" Elephant hide belt...

 

[luangtom]

I am picky. I wear a custom-made 1.75" double-thickness belt with no buckles. It has velcro over-lap instead of buckles. I tried the 1.5" and found with a higher-ride holster that it tipped and printed more. This is just me. I have worn buckleless belts since the 1970s. I grew more rotund over the years and found that buckles were not at all comfortable.