Are You Wearing The Right Gun Belt?

Did you know that, in some respects, your gun belt is probably more important than your holster?

Personally, I’d rather have a good belt with a so-so holster than a great holster and a saggy, poorly-constructed gun belt.

Your gun belt is the foundation of the entire system. Why?

• You need a good, stiff gun belt so you can draw quickly from the holster without the holster moving.

• You want to carry in comfort without having your gun and holster sagging downward every few minutes.

• You need a belt that resists twisting, spreading the weight out over a large area for the purpose of comfort.

• No matter the size or weight of your gun, you typically need a double-layer gun belt with two straps sewn together at about ¼” thick (most common belt widths are 1-1/2”, with 1-1/4” or 1-3/4” widths easily available.)

• For lighter duty or personal preference, you can still get a gun belt that is slightly thinner, yet still supportive.

Department Belt vs Gun Belt

Many people think that they do not need to use a gun belt because they already have a traditional belt. At first sight, they seem to do the same job for you. However, an experienced gun carrier knows that The gun belt is the foundation of comfortable carry.

A belt with sewn multi-layered leather is necessary to prevent sagging. This is essential for outwards sagging which alerts others that you might be carrying. A single-layered leather department belt is great for keeping your pants up but poor for your concealment. Further, the traditional belt used to carry a holster tends to stretch and become unusable within 3-months. Gun belts last for several years because of its stiffness.

Choosing the Best Gun Belt For Your Needs

If you carry a gun – IWB or OWB – you need a dependable, comfortable gun belt. Here's what you should consider before making your purchase.

Material

Gun belts today are made of a variety of materials, however, the most popular is leather – it is flexible, supportive and extremely durable. Around town or for work, a leather belt can be most suitable.

Comfort & Function

If you plan to wear a concealed carry belt every day or for extended lengths of time, comfort and fit should be top of mind.

Also, in the world of gun belts, function should trump the latest fashion, especially if you frequent harsh environments, or your responsibilities and duties involve rugged, technical maneuvers.

However, if fashion is important to you, keep in mind that there are plenty of gun belt craftsmen that offer countless choices in the areas of leather color, and cut or hand-stamped patterns.

Practicing Gun Concealment & Safety

At the end of the day, the ultimate goal with a gun belt is to keep your gun concealed, safely, securely and comfortably at your side. That way, if you need it, you can pull your weapon out quickly and smoothly to protect and defend yourself. Here are a few final factors to consider:

• Never order a gun belt in your pants size or waist size, otherwise your gun belt will end up being much too short. Ask the maker how they prefer you measure – some have different methods.

• When figuring out what size gun belt you need, start by stretching out one of your regular belts on a table. Measure from the hole you wear daily to the end of the buckle. Next, add approximately one to two inches for IWB carry, or to accommodate weaving the belt through the holster slots. A new gun belt will then be created with this measurement, from the end of the buckle to the center hole.

If you get all of the above right, the result should be a smooth, fast draw and true concealment. Shop Tucker Gunleather for a wide selection, great advice, great prices and for quality leather.