Buying a gun belt -

[ImDrRich]

Guys -

I need some help in buying a gun belt. I think I know what brand I want, but I can't figure out if I should add 2 inches or 4 inches to my waist size for the belt.

I'm looking at bigfootgunbelts.com for a black leather gun belt for my S&W Model 629. Holster type is irrelevant for this thread but I have a good one. That belt supplier suggests adding 4 inches, but I'm concerned it will be too much.

Would appreciate all opinions - and thank you.

 

[Revoman]

I usually follow their instructions after all it is their business.

Every maker is a little different. Call them and tell them what you plan to carry.

Also if they offer mores holes get them. I always take seven holes over five, gives me wiggle room for expansion and contraction.

 

[ContinentalOp]

I'm not familiar with Bigfoot Gun Belts, so I checked out their sizing recommendations. The method you mentioned, adding 4 inches to your pant size, is not the method they recommend, just a quick way to approximate the size if you can't do either of their recommended methods. The best method is their Method 1, which is to wear a belt you already have with the gear you plan on wearing so that it's comfortable, then measure as instructed.

I recommend always following the manufacturer's instructions for belt sizing.

Belt Sizing Guide

Also, holster type is very important when selecting a good gun belt as the difference between OWB and IWB carry can be significant, especially with a N-frame.

 

[ImDrRich]

Belt Size -

If you use their auto calculator, it comes up with a belt size 4 inches more than your pants' waist size.

In the "Method 1" on that website, it's a bit confusing because first it tells you to measure to the middle belt hole and then to measure to the hole you use the most. Wait . . . What?

 

[andy52]

I'm partial to Bianchi belts, they're well made and last a long time. When ordering their belts it depends what my usage is. If you are wearing the belt on your trousers their calculator works fine, if wearing on the outside of clothing like a coat or heavy gear when hunting it gets a bit more difficult.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Also if you are wearing IWB as well as OWB

 

[WR Moore]

If the belt is too long, you can always punch, or get punched, a hole or two more to make it right. Plus, you can always say you lost weight.

If your current belt is a thin standard belt, you'll generally have to bump up at least one size to compensate for the thicker leather of a gun belt. Tandy leather has the tools, a hole punch is a reasonable investment. The only other things you need is a block of hard wood and a hammer.

 

[6518John]

If your current belt is a thin standard belt, you'll generally have to bump up at least one size to compensate for the thicker leather of a gun belt.

My belts must be a foot thick with all the sizes I have had to bump up over the years! It's that thick leather.

 

[WR Moore]

My belts must be a foot thick with all the sizes I have had to bump up over the years! It's that thick leather.

Naw, leather shrinks if you ignore it. Otherwise the Sam Browne I bought 50 years ago would still fit.

 

[ContinentalOp]

If you use their auto calculator, it comes up with a belt size 4 inches more than your pants' waist size.

In the "Method 1" on that website, it's a bit confusing because first it tells you to measure to the middle belt hole and then to measure to the hole you use the most. Wait . . . What?

I think you're confusing the picture with the instructions. The instructions don't actually say to use the middle hole. When you measure yourself, you're using the hole you normally use. When the belt is made, that measurement will be the middle hole on the new belt. Does that help?

 

[bigwheelzip]

Whichever you choose, open the original packaging carefully, try the new belt & holster combination carefully, and if it's not right, exchange it. As long as it comes back in saleable condition, your OK.

 

[WaywardSon]

Sizing on belts varies even with the same manufacturer.

The holster can make a great deal of difference.

Go up two inches and buy a seven hole belt.

 

[Knigge]

I would go for 4 extra inches.....it`s easier to gain weight than to loose weight

 

[jimmyj]

My daily CCW gun belt is an all leather 1.75" garrison belt

 

[Florida Guy]

Have you considered an Amish made belt?

Free shipping and returns: Hanks Concealed Carry Gun Belts - #1 Leather Gun Belt
I don't own one, but the look pretty nice.

 

[silversnake]

Free shipping and returns: Hanks Concealed Carry Gun Belts - #1 Leather Gun Belt
I don't own one, but the look pretty nice.

I own several; can't recommend them highly enough. Great fit, great quality, great customer service.

 

[snubbyfan]

I tell people to take a belt that fits and measure from the inside of the buckle to their favorite hole.


If they're measuring a double layer gun belt and they want a double layer gun belt, I use that measurement.
If they're measuring a regular "hold my pants up" belt, I add 'bout an inch for a double layer belt.

 

[gwpercle]

Holster type is very revelant....IWB holster must make allowance for the gun and holster all inside your pants.
OWB the holster simply hangs on the outside.
If you want a proper reply , the details matter.
My rule of thumb is I can shorten a belt too long but making them longer is a lot tougher.

 

[jimwilkes]

I have 2 from Hank's, went with their sizing guidelines. Perfect fit & great belts.

 

[ImDrRich]

Hank's

I have 2 from Hank's, went with their sizing guidelines. Perfect fit & great belts.

They do look nice . . . .