Cartridge Loops

[tops]

I have noticed that cartridge loops are sewed to the main belt. Years ago I had a bandolier made and the maker cut rectangler slots in the main strap and run the strap for the shells in and out of the same slot. The strap made a circle completly around the shell instead of halfway like a sewed strap. He is the only person I have ever saw do that. Has anyone else ever done that or saw it done? Larry

 

[Oscarflytyer]

Absolutely - and it is THE BEST method! But I have only seen it on custom maker products. IF I ever hand make one for myself, I will prob use this method.

 

[Ron H.]

I have noticed that cartridge loops are sewed to the main belt. Years ago I had a bandolier made and the maker cut rectangler slots in the main strap and run the strap for the shells in and out of the same slot. The strap made a circle completly around the shell instead of halfway like a sewed strap. He is the only person I have ever saw do that. Has anyone else ever done that or saw it done? Larry

Sir, it's not unusual. It's a cheaper method than sewing each individual loop (doesn't require as much labor time), and also adjustable for different diameter cartridges. Whether it's better overall is debatable. It requires more flexible leather than fixed loops, which makes it somewhat wiggly when inserting or removing cartridges, and depending on how it's done, the tension on one cartridge can depend on whether there's another beside it--an empty loop or two can create "slack" in the adjacent loops.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.