Belt loop adapters?

[Matt_X]

Has anyone tried or seen adapters to better fit holster loops for 1.75" belts to a 1.5" belt?

This could be an adapter that goes on the belt, or a modification to the holster. I'm open to ideas.

I first started thinking about this when I got a Desantis open top holster. The leather is thin (which I like for a concealment holster) and the retension is good. But it moves around too much - especially on the draw.

A similar issue with the older Galco SSS. As I recall the most recent on-line catalog says this is/was available with 1.5" belt loops. Maybe. But this US made one has loops for a 1.75 belts.

Finally a couple of holsters with slot type loops. These tend to work a bit better for belt that is slightly smaller than the slots. But obviously not ideal.

(The belt in all photos is a Hume B109)

With the different types of loops, there's probably different types of solutions. Curious what people of done or seen done.

I've seen Safariland has a barrel bolt with small strap they offer for their slot type belt openings. But that's all I've seen.
Might that idea work on some leather holsters? Does it actually work well?

 

[Onomea]

I'd just buy a 1.75" belt. Good luck!

 

[ameridaddy]

Take the holsters to a shoe repair shop and have them stitch the loops tighter?

 

[chief38]

Take the holsters to a shoe repair shop and have them stitch the loops tighter?

Yup - was going to say that but you beat me to the punch.

 

[Matt_X]

Take the holsters to a shoe repair shop and have them stitch the loops tighter?

I think that could be done with the Desantis.


The Galco's loops are snap closures. I don't see how those could be sewn smaller.


With the slotted loop holsters, how can the be sewn smaller?

 

[cololab]

You would likely be better off just acquiring a belt that has a closer width to the holster slots. Not saying there couldn't be some contrivance to close the slots, but I'd think the easiest solution is another belt. That is, of course, presuming your pants belt loops can accomodate a wider belt.

 

[BAM-BAM]

IIRC common belt widths are 1 1/4" "dress belts", 1 1/2", 1 3/4" and 2 1/4" "duty belts.".

My belts are mostly 1 1/2"
.

Recently ordered an IWB holster [like a summer special] w/ 1 1/2" snap straps.

The straps were too short to fit over a thick 1 1/2" leather "gun belt" or a Wilderness Tactical "Frequent Flyer" belt. I had to order a set of 1 3/4" straps to be able to snap the straps around any 1 1/2" belt.

Were the first set cut to short or did the maker use 1 1/4" straps by mistake....... don't know. These are handmade and there are variables ..... like S&W barrels can be plus or minus 1/8" from standard.

Generally I've found the belt slots are a bit bigger than needed. If they are tight or too small a lot of holsters would be returned as unusable by the purchaser. Holster maker doesn't want to eat the loss.

The only option I can think of is to order the holster and belt as a set!

 

[Matt_X]

Yes that's about right. 1 and 1.25 are typical 'trouser belts" for dress and "collegiate" or casual wear. 1.5" is still "trouser belt" but for uniforms, jeans, and work wear. 1.75" will fit many jeans and cargo pants but at least in my experience is pretty unusual. For me, that width not only draws attention, it is also uncomfortable. So for all those who asked why I'm asking, that's why. And I thought there would be some people on here that have seen or experimented with modifications or adapters.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Thinking about it; you could add a "Keeper" on the belt in front of the holster.

...or front and back!