The Right Belt

[OCCCW]

Checking out the what is the ideal belt width that will accomodate milt sparks holstlers for concealed carry and potentially for IDPA if a larger width is needed. Am currently looking at "the Belt Man" web site.

[Dan M.]

1-1/2" seems to be the most standard size. I have a Beltman bullhide in that width that is a great belt. The buckle isn't anything to write home about, but what're you gonna do. Easy to switch it out. I have a Comp-Tac belt and a Wilderness 5-Stitch belt in 1-1/2" that are also nice. I use the Wilderness belt if I think I'm going to be perspiring enough to make my waistband damp.

[BonoVox]

What Dan said. 1 1/2 beltman belts are a very stable platform.

I also have a 1 1/4 beltman bullhide belt that I am going to experiment with. It is pretty stiff and if it works it will be that much more comfortable. Especially when seated.

[OCCCW]

Bonovox brings up a point that I have not yet pondered, comfort. Please let me know about the 1 1/4 suitability. Now, Is it going to be one for IDPA and one black and one tan for dress? $$$$$ When does it end? There is much to learn about here....bullets, magazines, holsters, guns, belts, clothes, training and the question that is on the forefront of everyones mind...what about Greg?

Thanks for the input guys.

[BonoVox]

Originally Posted by OCCCW

Bonovox brings up a point that I have not yet pondered, comfort. Please let me know about the 1 1/4 suitability. Now, Is it going to be one for IDPA and one black and one tan for dress? $$$$$ When does it end? There is much to learn about here....bullets, magazines, holsters, guns, belts, clothes, training and the question that is on the forefront of everyones mind...what about Greg?

Thanks for the input guys.

Yeah it all comes down to your body type and what type of cloths you are wearing. If you have a little belly action going on then the 1 1/2 inch of stiff and semi thick leather is not as comortable as what 1 1/4 is.

I will mess around with it tonight. I have a Cordova colored one for dress cloths in 1 1/4. I have not worn it yet. It is prety dang stiff and I think it is going to work just fine.

I also just ordered a 1 1/4 one in Black today to go with my 1 1/2.

One thing about CCW and trying to do it under all circumstances, options are very helpful. That is true with firearms, holsters, cloths and yes belts too.

It never ends.........LOL

[IAmASensFan]

Just a quick note about leather...

Horsehide is denser than Cowhide. Once formed, Horsehide is less likely to lose it's shape, even after getting wet.

It isn't that much more expensive than Cowhide, so if you take into account belt replacement costs, it becomes cheaper.

If you like leather belts for IDPA/IPSC, consider Horsehide.

[X-ffdo]

Boy!...You guys are a mountain of knowledge........my hat's off to you!

[newshooterinca]

Originally Posted by IAmASensFan

Just a quick note about leather...

Horsehide is denser than Cowhide. Once formed, Horsehide is less likely to lose it's shape, even after getting wet.

It isn't that much more expensive than Cowhide, so if you take into account belt replacement costs, it becomes cheaper.

If you like leather belts for IDPA/IPSC, consider Horsehide.

+1 ... all my Galco hosters are horsehide.

As to belts my favorite is the Galco Ranger, but unfortunately I don't think they make it any more. 3 years of near-daily carry and it's still in great shape.

For the rare instance that I carry and my belt will be visible, such as with a suit, I have one black and one brown 1-1/4" dress belt from Galco. They're not as sturdy as the Ranger but that's a dress belt for you.

[Glock32]

Originally Posted by OCCCW

Checking out the what is the ideal belt width that will accomodate milt sparks holstlers for concealed carry and potentially for IDPA if a larger width is needed. Am currently looking at "the Belt Man" web site.

I use a Milt Sparks 1.5 Inch belt for daily carry. Very stable and very comfortable AFTER break in. I use wilderness stuff (1.5 and 1.25 Inch) for range work and the boonies.

[IAmASensFan]

Originally Posted by X-ffdo

Boy!...You guys are a mountain of knowledge........my hat's off to you!

Why am I afraid to admit that I did a little leatherwork as a hobby years ago...Hmmm...

[safe carry]

I have a 1 1/2" Wilson Combat black sharkskin belt. It is very stiff and looks alot like an officer duty belt. I have been breaking it in for several months but it is still pretty tough. No sag, but almost too thick for my Milt Sparks VM II snaps.

[newshooterinca]

Originally Posted by Glock32

Very stable and very comfortable AFTER break in.

Good point, quality gun belts take a while to break in just like quality boots or shoes, I suppose that's why my under-used dress belts are still stiff as a board....

[X-ffdo]

I just ordered today three belts from Looper Leather. I went with the 1 1/4 width because my dress pants won't take 1 1/2.
These belts are leather with kydex reenforcement. The lady who takes orders seemed to have suggestions, if you carry. They are a police supplier also and have good prices. I'll let you know when I get them.

[NikNak]

Originally Posted by X-ffdo

I just ordered today three belts from Looper Leather. I went with the 1 1/4 width because my dress pants won't take 1 1/2.
These belts are leather with kydex reenforcement. The lady who takes orders seemed to have suggestions, if you carry. They are a police supplier also and have good prices. I'll let you know when I get them.

So, How did they turn out? I assume they arrived already. Leather Looper belts ...

[spc]

Originally Posted by IAmASensFan

Why am I afraid to admit that I did a little leatherwork as a hobby years ago...Hmmm...

I also participated in the leatherwork hobby a bit many moons ago. I still have a belt I made with my astroligical sign on it, circa 1970.

spc