Choosing a gun belt for open carry

[charlesfranks44]

hey everyone, first time posting here. I own a S&W SD9VE with a Fobus OWB polymer holster. The problem I'm having is finding a strong enough belt to support the weight of my pistol. Im confused as to looking online and no one in my area carries a heavy duty belt. I ordered a garrison belt online but it turned out not to be strong enough, as it crushes if you squeeze it. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[OFT II]

Take a look at Hank's belts. They work fine and aren't expensive for what you get.

 

[loeman]

Welcome to the forum. I'm not sure if you are looking for leather or something else. If leather, then take a look at Bullhide belts. I have two that I use (with jeans loops) that I love. They hold up my 4 inch 681 and my Md 4506 just fine for backwoods hiking and fishing. The leather is thick, really thick.

 

[Shark Bait]

Simply Rugged makes nice ones at reasonable prices. I have several.

 

[jimmyj]

I have always used a 1.75" all leather garrison belt. works for me.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Bianchi # B12 in leather is what I've used since the 1980s.....1 1/2" IIRC $50ish on Amazon

or

Wilderness Tactical's 1 1/2 inch "Frequent Flyer" (5 stitch) which is a version of their Instructor's Belt. in reinforced nylon. $35ish from WT.

 

[earlygrandpa]

Cross bread holster has excellent belts

 

[Protected One]

Don't know where you live, but just go to your local gun store/range and get a Galco gun belt or 5:11 Tactical.

Either will work fine and you don't have to wait for something you order online.

 

[sixtwoniner]

I found a real nice class A CHP duty rig on e-bay. 2" belt, holster for a Sig 9mm but my SD9VE fits perfect, and two mag pouches all in high grade patton leather. Looks outstanding for $65. Pay close attention to belt size and holster design when buying online. There are a lot of holsters and belts on e-bay and amazon. You can get a good deal because people don't know the value of what they are selling.

 

[bigwheelzip]

... get a Galco gun belt ...

Hubby and I both got Galco SB2 belts. Worn daily for a couple of years and still look new.
Bought from these folks, and shipping for a size swap was free.

Galco SB2 Sport Belt SB2-40 Up To 27% OFF Best Rated

 

[NCW Ray]

I use a belt made by Ted Blocker Holsters. It is their "H" belt that is 1.5" wide, fully lined and has a spring steel insert. Supports my M&P40c without any problems. I can't even tell it has a steel insert when wearing it.

 

[iPac]

Welcome to the forum. I'm not sure if you are looking for leather or something else. If leather, then take a look at Bullhide belts. I have two that I use (with jeans loops) that I love. They hold up my 4 inch 681 and my Md 4506 just fine for backwoods hiking and fishing. The leather is thick, really thick.

If you don't like to pay big money, then Bullhide belts offers their returned items at clearance prices. They are about the only company that will take returns if it don't fit, which they sell discounted.

I bought one from Bullhide. At first, they didn't do the metal insert like other companies. Considering their belts measure 1/4" in thickness, I figured it would be just as good as one with a metal insert. I only paid $40 for my belt, and it had upgrade options, but was on their clearance.

It's a great belt, but even with 1/4" thick leather, it is still developing a small sag in the section my holster rides. It works great though and that minimal sagging has no ill effect. Bullhide now makes belts with the metal insert, so that must be better for them to get in the market. My next belt purchase will have the metal insert.

 

[cmansguns]

Plus 1's and 2's on the Galco gun belts for open carry,

I wear jeans (both blue and dress khaki/tan/black) almost daily and have found the 2 inch belt loops on most jeans take that big Galco (have a black and a tan) belt just fine.

I have several Galco holsters too, so the Model 15, 28, almost any of the 4 inch ride just right for me.

I'm a 38" waist and the Galco's come in length increments so you can it just right or a tad larger and still not have a great big over hang flapping around.

The real quality of the Galco (and I'm sure other quality real "gun leather") is the double thickness, heavy duty stitching
that for me supports anything I'm carrying up to the 1911A1's

Once put the K 14-3 w/8-3/8" barrel in a 12" long Buckheimer.. and yea...that was not the most comfortable, but on the other hand any of the 38 snubbies on the Galco belt...you don't even remember they are there.

Good luck on your decision.

PS Galco is on-line and price is same as at my LGS, arrives in 2 days if your LGS is out of your required length or style.

 

[Smoke]

Original Instructor Belt

Some folks say they're a little pricey but I've been wearing one of these for 7 or 8 years and I know people who have individual belts by this company that are 25 years + old and still quite serviceable. Which drives the actual cost down.

I will say that if you get one follow their sizing instructions to a "T" then add an inch.

 

[Kodiakco]

I use the 5.11 Casual Leather belt with Permastiff insert. It's held up well, as I wear it every day.

5.11 Tactical Leather Casual Belt 1.5" | Official 5.11 Site

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[jyork08854]

I bought a Hanks at Amazon. Worth the $50.

 

[DevilDog72]

I have been using a ComTac 1.5" belt with a Kydex insert for about 10 years now. I take care of it... clean and treated. It has carried 1911, Sig 229, glocks, and S&W J,K and N frames without a whimper. I also have a
Tucker and Byrd that is very stout and will carry any of the above with ease.

 

[Rpg]

I wear Milt Sparks or Matt DelFatti belts exclusively. Have for over 40 years.

Don't cheep out on belts or holsters.

1.5"
All leather double thick.

Cheep isn't a good choice in belts or holsters.

Plan on over $100.00 for a quality belt.

 

[sodacan]

Armour Belts is another good choice. I think they're well priced for what you get.

 

[CoMF]

I have a Lenwood Double Layer belt and couldn't be happier with it.

The key thing is you want a belt that is vertically rigid and won't twist or sag, providing a solid platform for the holster and the firearm it's carrying.

 

[okiegtrider]

FWIW, I think you are on the right track. A substantial belt is key to successful carry. These guys have given you some great suggestions.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Another recommendation for Milt Sparks. I have one of his 1¾" lined leather belts that works with my jeans and my Carhartts. Comfortable, superior quality, and strong as steel. I carry a S&W Model 640 Pro at 4 o'clock all day every day, and sometimes a S&W 500 4" at 10 o'clock, and thanks to Milt's belt I don't even know they're there. Comfort right out of the package is unreal.

 

[delta-419]

My Gun Belt

I have several holsters and gun belts made by Jason Adams at ArchangelLeather.com . Good prices and outstanding gun leather. Made to your liking.

 

[BornToLooze]

Be careful looking at gun belts, some of them make really nice holsters too and you'll end up spending more on a carry rig than some people do on their carry rig. That said, I really like Tucker Gunleather

 

[Horn]

Comp-Tac Gun Belts

I have been using a ComTac 1.5" belt with a Kydex insert for about 10 years now. I take care of it... clean and treated. It has carried 1911, Sig 229, glocks, and S&W J,K and N frames without a whimper. I also have a
Tucker and Byrd that is very stout and will carry any of the above with ease.

I have one of Comp-Tac gun belts too. They have a choice and I chose the ! 1/2 inch belt with the tapered front___in front it appears similar to a dress belt. That Kydex interior will hold up a
105mm howitzer! And, the buckles are removable so you can use
your custom buckle.
Actually, I picked the tan color and the original brass buckle has remained on it and exceptional quality, belt and buckle.
Customer service is outstanding. I even suggest ordering by their
free phone number___because of that very friendly service.
Stay safe
Poli Viejo

 

[S42N8]

Simply Rugged makes nice ones at reasonable prices. I have several.

Big recommendation for Simply Rugged; I've got a few of their belts, and the holsters are good too. If you want a different look, Saddleback Leather has excellent gear; their belts are reasonably priced, but their other stuff is $$$. You will get value for the money with either.

 

[jimwilkes]

Another fan of Hank's belts. I have the stitched model, got it from AMAZON for $50.00 + free shipping.

 

[Faulkner]

Duluth Trading Company has a number of quality belts at good prices.

I have a couple of theirs, this is my favorite for carrying.

Work Belts - Men's Gets Better with Age Work Belt - Duluth Trading

 

[Geronimo Jim]

I love my two Dillon belts. The reloading people. Have a black
and a brown. Thick, double layer with solid brace buckle. Used
them for years. I also love supporting Dillon as they set the
standard for customer service.

 

[Goblin]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Beltman, his belts are very popular among the members of another forum. I have his and Galco belts. While I have no real complaints with Galco, I carry IWB, and if I carried OWB I would definitely want the extra stiffness of the Beltman.