I was compelled to write this post after working a gun show in Charlotte a couple weeks ago. What I noticed were several folks open carrying and their handguns were bouncing around with what I can only call "belt flop". Now we all know that the majority of the gun show crowd is a "special breed", but I'm sure this is going on more often than I see. You can't expect to have a good, clean draw stroke if you have a holster that flops due to insufficient support from your belt.
The bottom line is that if you're going to carry a handgun in a holster you need an appropriate belt for carrying. An appropriate belt is one that is stiff enough and wide enough to support the holster you're using. There are belts out there in the "normal" marketplace that will work, but I would suggest going with a purpose built one. There are several manufacturers out there of belts that will do the trick, but I will share with you a couple that I like.
First off, you're going to need at least a couple of belts that will fit what you're wearing. Make sure you take a look at all the different styles out there before you choose. I'm not fashion expert as my wife would tell you, so I won't be giving any advice on that. What I'll tell you is that I keep a black one and a brown one handy. Choose wisely as most belts are build robust enough that buckle change outs won't be an option.
Let me start with Ares Gear. Ares Gear gained popularity with their Ranger Belt. It and all their belts are made with scuba webbing sewn together to provide an extreme stiffness. The Ranger Belt has a cobra buckle that needs to be taken off for the belt to get through most belt loops. It's a quick and easy process. It doesn't get much stiffer than these belts and they are top notch when it comes to quality. While the Range Belt is great, the cobra buckle is somewhat of a giveaway if you're trying to remain low-vis and if you're tucked in. Enter the Aegis Belt. This belt is built basically the same as the Ranger Belt, but has a "normal" looking buckle. Either belt will serve you well and each come in a few different color options. The only issue I have with these belts is the extreme stiffness. As a slim guy with bony hips, these can be a bit rough when you first get them. There is a definite break in period that can be sped up by working the belt nightly by hand. I usually take mine and work it into a circle both directions back and forth to make it more pliable. Now, this isn't taking the stiffness you'll need to support the holster out, just making it easier to wear. Unless you're specifically after leather, an Ares belt would be my choice.
Now onto leather. If you're after something that has a formal appearance, I would suggest a leather belt from Mean Gene Leather (his website just went live, so give it a click). Gene Higdon is turning out some real quality handmade belts that are my current favorite. Gene, formerly of High Speed Gear Inc. fame, has been making innovative products for awhile. He's the first and only person I know of to take a cobra buckle and put in on a leather belt. The cobra buckle model is called the "Barbarian Belt", I got it and two of the normal buckle models (Shooter's Belt) through the good folks at War Sport Industries. The Shooter's belts I got for my father and father-in-law as Christmas gifts, and they both love them. Gene now has another model out he's calling the "Victory Aegis" belt that has the Ares Gear Aegis buckle that you see on my Aegis belt.
I also like Crossbreed Holsters or Gould and Goodrich for leather belts.....in that order. They offer different styles of belts and buckle choices. They're all extremely comfortable for every day wear. The stiffness of any of them is more than adequate to support any holster. These belts don't have any feature that would present them as "tactical" or give away that you're carrying. If you're going for leather, this is a great option. The added bonus for me is that they are made in the U.S.A.
These aren't the only options out there by far, just the ones I'm familiar with and choose. If you're carrying and care that your life may depend on your equipment, then don't forget about having a good belt. If you're after a good carry belt just take a look at your wardrobe and purpose, then develop your own list of considerations. Once you've done that, go shopping. Hopefully this will help get you started.
The bottom line is that if you're going to carry a handgun in a holster you need an appropriate belt for carrying. An appropriate belt is one that is stiff enough and wide enough to support the holster you're using. There are belts out there in the "normal" marketplace that will work, but I would suggest going with a purpose built one. There are several manufacturers out there of belts that will do the trick, but I will share with you a couple that I like.
First off, you're going to need at least a couple of belts that will fit what you're wearing. Make sure you take a look at all the different styles out there before you choose. I'm not fashion expert as my wife would tell you, so I won't be giving any advice on that. What I'll tell you is that I keep a black one and a brown one handy. Choose wisely as most belts are build robust enough that buckle change outs won't be an option.
Let me start with Ares Gear. Ares Gear gained popularity with their Ranger Belt. It and all their belts are made with scuba webbing sewn together to provide an extreme stiffness. The Ranger Belt has a cobra buckle that needs to be taken off for the belt to get through most belt loops. It's a quick and easy process. It doesn't get much stiffer than these belts and they are top notch when it comes to quality. While the Range Belt is great, the cobra buckle is somewhat of a giveaway if you're trying to remain low-vis and if you're tucked in. Enter the Aegis Belt. This belt is built basically the same as the Ranger Belt, but has a "normal" looking buckle. Either belt will serve you well and each come in a few different color options. The only issue I have with these belts is the extreme stiffness. As a slim guy with bony hips, these can be a bit rough when you first get them. There is a definite break in period that can be sped up by working the belt nightly by hand. I usually take mine and work it into a circle both directions back and forth to make it more pliable. Now, this isn't taking the stiffness you'll need to support the holster out, just making it easier to wear. Unless you're specifically after leather, an Ares belt would be my choice.
Ares Gear Aegis Belt (bottom) and Ranger Belt (top)
Now onto leather. If you're after something that has a formal appearance, I would suggest a leather belt from Mean Gene Leather (his website just went live, so give it a click). Gene Higdon is turning out some real quality handmade belts that are my current favorite. Gene, formerly of High Speed Gear Inc. fame, has been making innovative products for awhile. He's the first and only person I know of to take a cobra buckle and put in on a leather belt. The cobra buckle model is called the "Barbarian Belt", I got it and two of the normal buckle models (Shooter's Belt) through the good folks at War Sport Industries. The Shooter's belts I got for my father and father-in-law as Christmas gifts, and they both love them. Gene now has another model out he's calling the "Victory Aegis" belt that has the Ares Gear Aegis buckle that you see on my Aegis belt.
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| My "Barbarian Belt" |
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| Mean Gene's new model with stitching is a great looking belt. (pic from www.meangeneleather.com) |
I also like Crossbreed Holsters or Gould and Goodrich for leather belts.....in that order. They offer different styles of belts and buckle choices. They're all extremely comfortable for every day wear. The stiffness of any of them is more than adequate to support any holster. These belts don't have any feature that would present them as "tactical" or give away that you're carrying. If you're going for leather, this is a great option. The added bonus for me is that they are made in the U.S.A.
Gould and Goodrich Shooter Belt
These aren't the only options out there by far, just the ones I'm familiar with and choose. If you're carrying and care that your life may depend on your equipment, then don't forget about having a good belt. If you're after a good carry belt just take a look at your wardrobe and purpose, then develop your own list of considerations. Once you've done that, go shopping. Hopefully this will help get you started.
This is the type of information I’ve long been trying to find. Thank you for writing this information.
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