What Difference Does Gun Belt Make for Holsters and Heavy Gun

[khukuri]

I'm trying to switch over to my XD Subcompact 40 for carry. I've been carrying my 642 or TCP. I tried it out yesterday with my Minotaur holster. To me it seems really heavy on my belt and I can't imagine wearing all day. I really like the gun and don't want to trade for one of the light thin 9mm right now because it is a quality gun, I would lose too much on a trade, and haven't found a good mini 9 that I like. My question is..how much difference will a heavy duty gun belt or just heavy duty belt will make. I also don't want to waste the money on one if it doesn't make a night and day difference on the feel of carrying a heavier gun. I've been carrying my 642 or TCP but after going to Dallas last weekend, I decided that there are times that I need the XD.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Mike1956]

A gunbelt is critical. My Wilderness Instructor 5-stitch belt readily supports two Glocks carried iwb.

[RoadRunner71]

The small, lighter firearms are OK on a regular belt, but a sturdy gun belt is a must for heavier guns. In conjunction with a decent holster, a good belt will allow the weight to be distributed more evenly over a wider expanse of belt. This will lessen the perceived weight and make for a much more comfortable carry.

[Rollo]

I agree with the previous posters. A rugged gun belt is a must for anything over 24 ounces. Also, keep this in mind. There's a mental aspect to it as well. Any time you chance something (like switching to a heavier gun) your going to notice it more for a few days. After that you start to get used to it. The same thing happens to me when I wear a watch. I normally don't wear one but on the occasions that I do, I can feel the thing on my wrist all the time and think about it non stop. If I wear it for a few days I forget it's there.

[dukalmighty]

One thing I do besides use a wilderness instructor belt is I use Perry Suspenders under my cover shirt,they support the weight of a Colt SS 1911 combat commander and 2 spare mags,I carry from the time I get up til I go to bed

[357and40]

Beltman Belts are quick to ship, priced well, and are well made. I would happily buy another if I needed it.

[DontTreadOnI]

My question is..how much difference will a heavy duty gun belt or just heavy duty belt will make

I short, it's like switching from the grocery brand trash bags with drawstrings made of tissue paper to Glad brand trash bags with drawstrings that would probably support the weight of a human being.

Good luck

[JDE101]

A GOOD belt is critical. In my opinion, a good belt is even more important than a good holster, although you really should have both! I carry a full size 1911 and a spare mag. After awhile, you get used to the weight. A good belt and holster keep everything in place and secure, and after a while you don't even notice it that much. Just my .02.

[GunnyBunny]

I read somewhere (can't remember where) that when carrying, it's 90% belt and 10% holster that carry the load.

I carry an HK P7 in an OWB TT high ride holster with a Beltman horsehide belt and believe it to be true.

[WHEC724]

You'd think I was a gun nut if you saw me at my range (that's okay - I am);

The handgun portion of the range is about 100 Yds from the rifle portion, and there's no tables out there, so I'll often holster 3 or 4 handguns. With a good belt, they ride quite comfortably.

[tubadude]

I carried on some belt I got at Wal-Mart for $15 until I got my 5.11 instructors belt. It made a world of difference with my G19. Once I get working over summer, I'll get a better leather one because a tan nylon belt doesn't go too well with suits.

[smolck]

I may be in the minority here, or maybe I just lucked up with my Tractor Supply Company belt, but for IWB carry, I find very little difference between the above mentioned belt and my Aker B21 belt. The aker belt can support the weight of my 1911 by itself (see pic) and when I am wearing it, I don't really think it is all the much better.
Granted it doesn't sag quite as much, but it does still sag some and isn't as comfortable as my other belt (which has some give).

For OWB it is very much better because it doesn't allow the gun to fall over away from your body, especially for a butt heavy gun like the 1911.

I hope that helps.

[khukuri]

Thanks for the advice. Sounds like I'll be looking for a belt.

[flydoc]

Jerry Bissell makes a great custom belt that not only functions but looks good. His quality is to notch! His e-mail is jbissell@triad.rr.com


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[Burns]

I went to fleet farm and picked up a Dickies belt for about $22. You don't specifically need a "gun belt". The one I got is very thick and can support the weight of my FS M&P 9 with 2 extra mags and a mini mag-light with no problem whatsoever, so if you can find a good normal belt it will save you some money, just make sure it's thick, nothing from Walmart would work the best.