I just purchased a Shield in 9mm and have a N82 Tactical holster ordered for it. I am needing some suggestions for a good carry belt. If you can also give me any instructions on belt sizing experience, that would be great too. I have looked on a few different sites and the sizing instructions for each are different. I wear a size 34 belt now and assume I would need a larger gun belt to IWB carry?
Gunbelt Recommendations
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I have some standard belts that don't work well for carrying. Then I bought a Beltman for $80 and thought it was excellent.
But then I got a 5.11 Operator belt. I'm much happier with the 5.11!!
It's stiff and doesn't stretch. But the best feature is it's info infinitely adjustable. With a leather belt you choose which hole to put the buckle pin through, and the holes are an inch apart. With the 5.11 you snug the belt and lock it in place. Perfect every time.
.
But then I got a 5.11 Operator belt. I'm much happier with the 5.11!!
It's stiff and doesn't stretch. But the best feature is it's info infinitely adjustable. With a leather belt you choose which hole to put the buckle pin through, and the holes are an inch apart. With the 5.11 you snug the belt and lock it in place. Perfect every time.
.
DamnYankee
Member
Wilderness Tactical.
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I own four belts from High Springs Leather and have carried everything from a K-Frame IWB to a 5" Colt 1911 OWB and they've never let me down. Made of 10 oz. cowhide at their shop in Florida. They also do State Fairs if you're into that and want to see them in person. I cannot recommend these folks highly enough.
High Springs Leather | Shop Custom Western Leather Name Belts, Buckles, Bracelets, Kid Belts
My M&P 45C in a Lobo Enhanced Avenger supported by a High Springs belt. I work part time in a gun shop and wear it for 6 hours at a time, standing, sitting, sweeping the floors, etc. The belt was $25 (with free basic buckle) but I opted for the buckle set which doubled the cost.
High Springs Leather | Shop Custom Western Leather Name Belts, Buckles, Bracelets, Kid Belts
My M&P 45C in a Lobo Enhanced Avenger supported by a High Springs belt. I work part time in a gun shop and wear it for 6 hours at a time, standing, sitting, sweeping the floors, etc. The belt was $25 (with free basic buckle) but I opted for the buckle set which doubled the cost.
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Telly
Member
Take a look at this one
I bought one from these folks and it works great. Their sizing instructions worked perfectly. The belt is very sturdy and thick.
Welcome to [Jack Russell Leather] - [when only the best will do]
I bought one from these folks and it works great. Their sizing instructions worked perfectly. The belt is very sturdy and thick.
Welcome to [Jack Russell Leather] - [when only the best will do]
Quality USA Handcrafted Belts - Bullhide Belts, Dress Leather Belts, Gun Belts, Holsters, Double Prong Belts, Money Belts
Their SuperBIO belts were praised by many on numerous sites and forums. There is also a wide selection of leather belts.
Similar/same belts can be found on Bull Hide Belts, Leather Gun Belts, Leather Holsters and Concealed Carry Apparel | Daltech Force site, where that SuperBIO belt called "Indestructible". I own two of them, and will offer the earnest recommendation of them.
Their SuperBIO belts were praised by many on numerous sites and forums. There is also a wide selection of leather belts.
Similar/same belts can be found on Bull Hide Belts, Leather Gun Belts, Leather Holsters and Concealed Carry Apparel | Daltech Force site, where that SuperBIO belt called "Indestructible". I own two of them, and will offer the earnest recommendation of them.
If you are looking for leather, Galco, Desantis, and a host of others make good leather.
I personally like instructor style belts better. I have owned one from The Wilderness, 5.11 Tactical, and Condor. All were plenty stiff and far more adjustable than leather.
I personally like instructor style belts better. I have owned one from The Wilderness, 5.11 Tactical, and Condor. All were plenty stiff and far more adjustable than leather.
I've been most satisfied with a nylon belt like Wilderness Instructor or Cabela's Last Chance Heavy-Duty belt. Sizing varies with the manufacturer-see their instructions.
The Sarge
Member
High Noon Holsters, Gun Holsters and Concealment Holsters
I highly recommend the Rock Steady belt. First ones to include an internal stiffner. Good sizing instructions on the site. Bill
I highly recommend the Rock Steady belt. First ones to include an internal stiffner. Good sizing instructions on the site. Bill
loeman
Member
Here's another vote for Bullhide Belts. I have one and I know if I need another belt or another color I'm going back to them. Their belts are very high quality, thick, one-piece leather. If you use a larger, heavier gun then this is a belt to consider. Their website privides very clear instructions for sizing and they have a large selection colors and styles. They also have frequent sales.
I second Daltech. I ordered two "Zombie" belts...and they are very nice.
Less than 10 days from order to my front door.
Do yourself a HUGE favor. Measure, then measure properly again.
Do NOT go by your pants size, I took mine and added 4 inches....that's a mistake.
Measure by the actual belt you use and the hole you use.
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The matter of belts depends entirely upon your attire. If you wear jeans every day, buy a gun belt to match. Same for khakis. If you wear professional attire, then get a dress gun belt from Ken Null or the nice dress belt from Galco. You want a belt with a stiffener inside to support the weight of any firearm. Most people will have a gun belt for each of the wardrobe types as no one wears the same clothes every day. Each maker has unique rules for measurements. That said, there is ONE common factor: The "size" of the belt in inches will be to the middle hole, and most have 5 holes. Ken Null normally has 3, with the size being to the middle, and the design of the buckle hides the other two, which makes for a really cool appearance. Ken will, upon request, add length and additional holes, if you want.
The one style of belt I cannot recommend for anything but range use is the canvas type of "instructor belt" (Wilderness is one brand, I think - there are others) so popular with shooting school instructor people. Those, along will photo journalist or similar vests scream out "I am carrying a gun." Don't overlook a pocket holster for the Shield as it is certainly suitable for pocket carry as long as you don't wear your pants so tight the pistol "prints." If you are serious about wearing 24x7, then you will have to adjust your wardrobe to your pistols. If you carry inside the pants, buy your pants one size bigger. If you carry inside the pants, be sure to measure your belt size WITH the pistol in place. Loose clothing is more stylish these days (Saturday Night Fever and "disco pants" went out 35 or more years ago).
Taking accurate measurements for a real gun belt is always depressing because the tape measure doesn't lie. And, seemingly no one wants to admit they wear bigger waist sizes than when younger. When in college, I worked in a men's clothing store, and men would come in when Levis were on sale for under $10.00 (anyone remember those days?), or to be measured for a tuxedo rental for a wedding. If the man said 34 waist, it would measure 38, if he said 36, it would measure 42, etc. The amazing thing is that somehow they would stubbornly fit into the Levis (the fastener was under the belly, which hung way over), and you never wanted to stand in front as the metal stud fastener might launch off and injury might result.
Properly fitting clothes fit better, and you have to buy bigger to also wear a pistol. Buy accordingly.
The one style of belt I cannot recommend for anything but range use is the canvas type of "instructor belt" (Wilderness is one brand, I think - there are others) so popular with shooting school instructor people. Those, along will photo journalist or similar vests scream out "I am carrying a gun." Don't overlook a pocket holster for the Shield as it is certainly suitable for pocket carry as long as you don't wear your pants so tight the pistol "prints." If you are serious about wearing 24x7, then you will have to adjust your wardrobe to your pistols. If you carry inside the pants, buy your pants one size bigger. If you carry inside the pants, be sure to measure your belt size WITH the pistol in place. Loose clothing is more stylish these days (Saturday Night Fever and "disco pants" went out 35 or more years ago).
Taking accurate measurements for a real gun belt is always depressing because the tape measure doesn't lie. And, seemingly no one wants to admit they wear bigger waist sizes than when younger. When in college, I worked in a men's clothing store, and men would come in when Levis were on sale for under $10.00 (anyone remember those days?), or to be measured for a tuxedo rental for a wedding. If the man said 34 waist, it would measure 38, if he said 36, it would measure 42, etc. The amazing thing is that somehow they would stubbornly fit into the Levis (the fastener was under the belly, which hung way over), and you never wanted to stand in front as the metal stud fastener might launch off and injury might result.
Properly fitting clothes fit better, and you have to buy bigger to also wear a pistol. Buy accordingly.
I read here a lot of "will this work" or "my local feed store has".
Cheap belts and "make do" holsters are usually a waste of money and they will cost you a lot more in the long run.
A nice low cost custom gun belt will run usually $65 and up to your door. Most are worth the money.
The more money you spend on a STIFF leather gun belt, the more you will appreciate how well they actually work.
Cheap belts and "make do" holsters are usually a waste of money and they will cost you a lot more in the long run.
A nice low cost custom gun belt will run usually $65 and up to your door. Most are worth the money.
The more money you spend on a STIFF leather gun belt, the more you will appreciate how well they actually work.
Go to your local Walmart and look in the sporting goods area. I bought a triple thick extremely stiff belt with Real Tree camo on one side and brown on the other (reversible) that was $15.95. It makes a huge difference for gun support even with a full size and 18rds in a holster.
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1 3/4 used to be the standard in off-duty belts as it was the size of the so-called "Garrison" belt used under the Sam Browne Belt, and it was also used for off-duty.
Many holster makers do not offer loops that wide on holsters now, and the maximum belt width I would buy is 1.5 inch for Levis and khakis such as Dockers, with 1.25 for use in dress pants. If it is a properly made gun belt with a holster that does not fit sloppily, it will support any gun you can carry all day, even with the 1.25 inch width.
Ty sir. Just what I needed to know.
davemercer
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I like armour belts best. I also have Kramer and beltman which are also good belts. But Armour in addition to being my favorite is the least expensive.
As far as sizing all I can suggest is follow instructions for measuring given by the maker. Some include buckle in measurement some do not. IWB carry will add about two inches to needed belt length. Good luck.
Armour Belts
As far as sizing all I can suggest is follow instructions for measuring given by the maker. Some include buckle in measurement some do not. IWB carry will add about two inches to needed belt length. Good luck.
Armour Belts
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Murphy's Law
Member
Take sarge's (above post) suggestion on the 5.11 tactical. You can tweak it just right and it won't collapse as they are extremely stiff.
I make my own leather products including belts. I've found that all I need is a good quality 9 ounce strap leather belt to hold up a J frame snubby owb. For anything larger or heavier I'll just double it up and stitch two straps together.
SMR
Member
I honestly went to a local gun show that we have at our trade center once a month and I bought one from a gentleman that makes them for $30. It is thick and very sturdy. I was a little hesitant because everyone says you get what you pay for, but I figured for the price I would give it a try and it has not disappointed! It is a great belt. Sometimes you don't have to over spend and give the little guy a chance and the little guy came through as far as Im concerned.
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Rastoff
US Veteran
Leather belts are great, but all the ones I've used have become less stiff to down right floppy after a year or so. While those belts still work, they are less than optimal.
What I've learned is that any belt with a polymer insert is better. The polymer insert doesn't degrade over time and stays really stiff. This helps hold the gun up and is much more comfortable.
I got this one:
Uncle Mike's Reinforced Instructor Belt 1-1/2 Black Steel Buckle
It's $26 or so. I thought it would be cheap and not last long. Two years later it's still going strong and I have no intention of replacing it.
That's just one of many makers that have similar belts. As long as the have that polymer insert, I'd buy one. The difference is tremendous.
Normally, I'd say that you need to spend a fair amount to get a decent product. This is one case where that's simply not true.
What I've learned is that any belt with a polymer insert is better. The polymer insert doesn't degrade over time and stays really stiff. This helps hold the gun up and is much more comfortable.
I got this one:
Uncle Mike's Reinforced Instructor Belt 1-1/2 Black Steel Buckle
It's $26 or so. I thought it would be cheap and not last long. Two years later it's still going strong and I have no intention of replacing it.
That's just one of many makers that have similar belts. As long as the have that polymer insert, I'd buy one. The difference is tremendous.
Normally, I'd say that you need to spend a fair amount to get a decent product. This is one case where that's simply not true.
The matter of belts depends entirely upon your attire. If you wear jeans every day, buy a gun belt to match. Same for khakis. If you wear professional attire, then get a dress gun belt from Ken Null or the nice dress belt from Galco. You want a belt with a stiffener inside to support the weight of any firearm. Most people will have a gun belt for each of the wardrobe types as no one wears the same clothes every day. Each maker has unique rules for measurements. That said, there is ONE common factor: The "size" of the belt in inches will be to the middle hole, and most have 5 holes. Ken Null normally has 3, with the size being to the middle, and the design of the buckle hides the other two, which makes for a really cool appearance. Ken will, upon request, add length and additional holes, if you want.
The one style of belt I cannot recommend for anything but range use is the canvas type of "instructor belt" (Wilderness is one brand, I think - there are others) so popular with shooting school instructor people. Those, along will photo journalist or similar vests scream out "I am carrying a gun." Don't overlook a pocket holster for the Shield as it is certainly suitable for pocket carry as long as you don't wear your pants so tight the pistol "prints." If you are serious about wearing 24x7, then you will have to adjust your wardrobe to your pistols. If you carry inside the pants, buy your pants one size bigger. If you carry inside the pants, be sure to measure your belt size WITH the pistol in place. Loose clothing is more stylish these days (Saturday Night Fever and "disco pants" went out 35 or more years ago).
Taking accurate measurements for a real gun belt is always depressing because the tape measure doesn't lie. And, seemingly no one wants to admit they wear bigger waist sizes than when younger. When in college, I worked in a men's clothing store, and men would come in when Levis were on sale for under $10.00 (anyone remember those days?), or to be measured for a tuxedo rental for a wedding. If the man said 34 waist, it would measure 38, if he said 36, it would measure 42, etc. The amazing thing is that somehow they would stubbornly fit into the Levis (the fastener was under the belly, which hung way over), and you never wanted to stand in front as the metal stud fastener might launch off and injury might result.
Properly fitting clothes fit better, and you have to buy bigger to also wear a pistol. Buy accordingly.
Thanks for the detailed info!
A vote for thebeltman.net . It is certainly possible that there are other good belts, but this one is good for my back and never gets noticed. My wife likes it. You can get 3/4" hole spacing. Measure for size the way he tells you to, and don't worry about it. HINT: Your pants size doesn't count.
Florida J Frame
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BullHide Belts does a good job at a reasonable price. They will space the holes 3/4" apart and the belts are very stiff.
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