Gun Belt Guide
If you spend some time reading most shooting or handgun forums, you'll probably
eventually see a post or question asking if a gun belt is really needed. Having
carried concealed for over 15 years, and worked in a gun store that specialized
in concealed carry for a number of years, I can't tell you the number of times
I've heard that question asked.
The next question was usually something like "Well what's wrong with my
belt from _________?" The blank was usually filled in with either Wal-Mart,
Sears, or some other similar store.
Let me answer both questions separately.
"Do I really need a gun belt?" - If you carry a handgun or shoot
a handgun on a regular basis, then the answer is a very strong YES. I'll get
into why you need one below.
"Well what's wrong with my belt from _________?" - Nothing at all.
I'm sure it does a fine job of holding up your pants, carrying your cell phone,
etc. The problem is it's not designed to be a gun belt. Most belts from a Wal-mart
or other comparable store are designed as a standard belt for your pants. This
means that they are usually a single ply piece of leather. Unfortunately, no
matter how nicely they are made, single ply leather will stretch over time.
The stretching is even more noticeable under the weight of a loaded handgun
and/or other related gear (mag carrier, light carrier, etc.).
A true gun belt is going to be specifically designed to support the added weight
of all that gear. Most all true gun belts will be produced from two strips of
leather so that they are significantly thicker and stronger than a standard
belt. As a result, a true gun belt has the following features:
* It won't stretch like a standard belt will over time. The two strips of
leather will resist stretching far better than just one strip.
* The added thickness and additional strength will bear the weight of the
gear without sagging or rolling over under the weight. Rolling over occurs when
the belt lacks rigidity, and the belt actually turns over or splays away from
the body due to the weight of gear.
* Provides a solid foundation so the holster and other related gear will perform
to its fullest potential.
While all the points listed above are important, pay especially close attention
to the point about providing a solid foundation for the holster and gear. This
is a key point that many people overlook. Many shooters spend substantial money
on a nice holster, and then turn around and mount the holster on an inexpensive
standard belt. It's kind of like buying a Porsche and then putting tires for
a Yugo on it.
So, when people ask if they really need a gun belt for their holster, my answer
is: Try a gun belt yourself and then make your own decision. I honestly don't
think you'll be disappointed. For more information on gun belts, visit Gun-Belt.
