Hoozyerdaddy

I'm still very new to CCW I've been open carrying for a few years now, but never had a real Pistol Belt. After trying on a friends CCW rig I can't believe the difference, it's amazing how much better everything works.
My question is what kinda belts do you choose as far as width goes? I noticed the thinner ones 1 1/4 are a little cheaper on alot of sites compared to the wider widths. What are the pros and cons of thinner 1 1/4 and 1 1/2 inch wide belts compared to the thicker 1 3/4 and 2 inch models. Other than of course fitting through pant belt loops. As of now I'm thinking the 1 3/4 wide might be a good bet for me seems like it'd carry the weight of a Springfield XD9 sub-compact, cell phone, an extra mag, and possibly a sap or OC canister 2 oz. Any advice is definately welcomed, Thanks.

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"Fear is nothing more than an emotional response to the perception of danger coupled with the belief that I can't handle it."
"If you change that belief to 'I can handle it', you'll no longer experience FEAR. You'll simply see what you are facing is a challenge... an opportunity to test yourself.

JayHawker45

HoozyerDaddy, I have both 1.25" and 1.5" belts, both widths are Beltman belts. I went with both widths as it is a function of what pants I'm wearing as to what belt I use. My preference leans to the 1.5" width, as it seems to be a slightly more stable foundation for my carry pistol (P229).

The other issue with the 1.25" width belts is that most "off the shelf" OWB holsters (I only carry OWB...so this may or may not apply to you) have slots for either 1.5" or 1.75" belts. The narrower belt will allow a certain amount of travel upward during your draw. If you practice that and get used to the additional travel it might not be a problem...personally, I still find it a little unnerving to feel the retention of the holster for a few milliseconds longer when wearing my narrower belt vs. my wider belts.

Hope this gives you some points to consider. I can't emphasize enough the need for a quality belt as the foundation for your complete carry rig.

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madengr

I bought a 1.5" since:

1) Some leather holsters are cut for 1.5" maximum
2) My belt loops can't handle anything over that.

I think stiffness is what's really important. Two layers at 1.5" thick will be stiffer than a single 2".

PaulG

I have two leather belts and one wilderness belt.

All are 1 1/2" and they all hold everything I can think to put on them with no problems whatsoever.

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LoveLeather

I use a 1.5 inch for my bigger guns and a 1.25 for my airweight j-frame....

cmidkiff

1.25" Beltman.

It's been great. I'll be ordering a 1.5" from him in the near future, for a more casual situation. The 1.25" belt secures my 5" 1911 in a Galco without problems, but I rarely carry it. I'm a pocket carrier. Still, the belt helps even with pocket carry.

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cockedlocked01

A good gun belt will probably handle whatever you put on it, whether it's a 1.25" or 1.5". I think it's really about what looks & fits good on what pants. A 1.5" belt is a happy medium & you'll probably find that it's the most popular. Most pants can't fit 1.75" belts. 1.25" belts are usually good for dress pants.

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Integrated Close Combat
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Glock 19, Kahr P45, Kel-Tec P-32, S&W 442, & Dan Wesson 14-2

BonoVox

You can also look at the tapered belts. 1.5 that tapers to 1.25 in front. Has the looks of a dress belt in front with the width of a 1.5.

Also works good for sitting with a beer belly! LOL

mikeyinokc

I wear a 1.5 inch belt made by Looper Leather. Looper is a local (OKC) leather company that makes quality belts among other things. Mine is a stitched double thickness of leather sandwiched over a Kydex liner. Very quality belt at only $29.95.

I have NO connection to Looper Leather, other than being a fan of their products.

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raysheen

I too have a Looper Leather 1.5" belt
The Kydex sandwitch belt is the best belt I've ever had for carry and it is very rugged and you just can't beat the price! I always encourage everyone to give them a try.