Received holster/belt from HBE yesterday! - Page 2

C9H13NO3 · February 4th, 2009, 07:06 PM

I have had a few velcro "buckless" belts when I was an auto mechanic to avoid scratching the cars. They don't have a problem staying tight, and with today's quality velcro, it won't wear out anytime soon. It's a great option to go with in your situation. Some people don't like the look of a buckless belt, but in function, I think they are every bit as good as a regular belt.

My pistol belt I'm using right now for my thigh rig is webbing and has a metal buckle it just threads through. I take it on/off a lot, so I stopped threading it through the buckle. I just loop it through and use the velcro, and it holds just fine with 2 full mags, a surefire, a leatherman, and an M9.

PrimalScream · February 5th, 2009, 10:12 AM

Thanks for the great ideas!

It is a J-frame, in stainless. The holster is OWB, with the slots the belt goes through. I have not managed to get the holster on the belt, and then get the belt on yet. I do not have an older belt to try it with - belts have not been "my thing" in the past. LOL. I had one I could put on to measure with, but it's really narrow and not suitable to use with the holster. More of a woman's fashion belt.

The velcro belt may be the answer if Eric doesn't have a good suggestion. I think I would be able to pull it off with my better hand.

I do have a good horse/Western store nearby - I can look there for a belt buckle. I have one from way back when I was involved with horses that has a little hook that sticks in the holes - but it is way to small for the belt. I think that was a good idea - if I can find one that's not a huge silver rodeo belt that may be a really good answer.

Hopefully Eric will have an idea. I am wondering if making the holes extra large will do it, so that the bar or latch or what ever it is called will go in the hole easier.

Thank you!

JerryM · February 5th, 2009, 10:39 AM

Hi PrimalScream,

I sometimes carry a J-Frame. One of mine is a M640 which is all steel. With a thick single thickness belt and a kydex or plastic paddle holster it carries OK. To double check that I am going to carry it some today with the set up I mentioned, and see if there is a problem.

Regards,
Jerry

JerryM · February 5th, 2009, 09:07 PM

Today I carried my 640 in a plastic Fobus paddle holster. My belt was a single thickness 1.5 inch that is not very stiff. I experienced no problem with the gun moving or pressing out from my body.

I know the comments about the Fobus, but I have used them for at least 10 years without any problems.
They are cheap, and if you don't find another solution soon consider trying one. You will not need a heavy belt with it, unless you are going to use a heavy gun, such as a steel 1911.

Regards,
Jerry

Sportsterguy · February 5th, 2009, 09:08 PM

I have a suggestion to you from a friend who has an extensive leathermaking background. Try rubbing in Mink Oil on both sides of the belt starting just behind the hole you will be using when you snug it up. It will not effect the stiffness on the rest of the belt where you really need the heavy duty leather to properly support that little revolver. Try a little at a time and it should soften the leather hopefully enough that you can use that great HBE belt.

You never stated if you had a IWB or OWB holster. You might also consider going with a Quality Paddle holster that does not need the heftiness of a true gun belt. Desantis, G&G both make quality paddle holsters that may solve your problem. You could sell that HBE combo and come out with money in your pocket.

Good luck. Roger out.

QKShooter · February 5th, 2009, 11:48 PM

Actually for the modest weight firearm that you are carrying you could soften the belt in the area of the belt holes and that should not be a problem.

Opening up the holes a bit should not be any sort of problem either.

That having been said the leather will also become more flexible in that area on its own....eventually. But, it sounds like "eventually" is not helping your immediate problem.

See what Eric has to say first.

PrimalScream · February 6th, 2009, 03:02 AM

Sportsterguy - you just overlooked my posting that this is an OWB holster. I think Eric called it a pancake. I didn't call him and tell him what I wanted - I called and told him what my limitations were, and where my strongest areas are. He figured out what would work best, so pardon me for not knowing exactly what model the holster is. It has two slots in the leather, sort of like button holes that the belt threads through. It's made for appendix carry (or cross draw - but I don't think I will use it that way). We figured I would wear it from 12:30 to 2:30 - will just have to see what works. There is a fair amount of muzzle forward cant.

OKSHooter and Sportsterguy - you both are right on the money as far as what Eric suggested

He said if I add a little mink oil to the area where the holes are, it won't effect the stiffness of the belt as far as how it holds the firearm's weight. I am to work a tiny bit into the leather, then work the leather... for instance when I am watching TV. Move it back and forth... quite a bit -- he didn't think it would hurt it to move it to 90 degrees or even past that in this case. Then, work a tiny bit more in - but ONLY until I could get it on and off - not easily - but get it on and off - then STOP adding the mink oil. Continue working the leather for a couple weeks when I can... but only the area of the holes where I will be putting the buckle.

Then ---- after 2 weeks - if I still could not get it on and off, he could make the holes slightly oval shaped. But he didn't want to do that if he didn't need to - as he thought it better they stay like they are if possible.

He didn't think the western style buckle would work, because he didn't think I could easily find one that would fit a belt as thick as this. If I could find one - yep, good solution.

We discussed if this didn't work at all - that the two ring web belt was good option to try, as was a velcro belt. Probably can't make this into a velcro belt, because it has the holes in it - that would look to odd.

I asked if it had to be mink oil. I used to work in a very upscale saddlery store. Custom western halters, bridles with hundreds of dollars of silver on them, very expensive English saddles of the very finest quality etc. I learned a lot about leather. We didn't put mink oil on any of our leather. I asked if I could use one of my harness dressings made for very fine saddles. He said sure - didn't see why not. So, I used a touch of a dressing that has some lanolin and some bees wax and it smells like some bacon grease - I kid you not, but it's the nicest stuff. It's German - I don't have the label anymore, but it's made by Steuben.

I put a tiny amount on, started to work the leather... a tiny bit more... this "dressing" is like the finest creamy texture, it just glides into leather --- I am not even sure they make it anymore. I have had it for years. Anyway... the belt seemed maybe 1/3 softer than the rest of the belt after only about 2-3 minutes - so I stopped, and started wiping it down/buffing with an old terry cloth. Then, I buffed with a shoe brush.

I managed to get the belt on, the holster on the belt, and the belt buckled. I have unbuckled it, re-buckled it 3 times. It still was not easy - but it worked!

I unloaded my S&W 649, and put it in the holster, still dressed in my work clothes, messed a bit with where I thought I would want it. Ended up that if I centered the holster just a tad left of the center of my jeans pocket, it worked out well.

I checked myself out in the mirror --- I could not make it print.

I went out to talk to my elderly Mom who lives with me -- asked her "do you see anything different on me?" Took off my cardigan so I only had my long sleeve T shirt on, turned, twisted, lifted my arms... (she knows and approves of my CCW)... she said no! I lifted my shirt and she went

She was SHOCKED that the gun didn't show at all! She said "now I know why they call it concealed!" Yep!

When my friend who is into guns is over this weekend, I will ask if he will take pictures - if you don't mind seeing pics of a middle aged plump woman packing a snubbie in the "how you carry" sticky.

Thanks SO much to all who replied here!!! I hope I am on the way to being able get this belt on and off without a struggle. Maybe this info will help someone else who has a shoulder problem someday!

Jules

mfcmb · February 6th, 2009, 03:27 AM

In my experience with leather belts they always start out stiff and increase in flexibility (where needed) over time. Now that you've got it "barely working", I'd suggest just using it for awhile and see what happens. You'll likely find that it "breaks in" and becomes comfortable to use before long.

Should you want to try a velcro and buckle belt, the Wilderness Instructor belt from Wilderness Tactical Products, LLC | Home of the Titanium Instructor Belt bends flexibly, and is very easy (low strength needed) to fasten.

PrimalScream · February 6th, 2009, 09:34 AM

I think that was the idea in only adding enough leather conditioner to make it so I could barely get it to work --- that it would continue to break in - so just add enough to get it to the point I could begin using it and then let the breaking in process take care of the rest of the issue.

I will continue to flex it by hand in that area over the next couple weeks.

One of the Wilderness belts, ironically, was the one that I **almost** ordered, then at the last minute, decided to get an HBE to match the holster. I am glad I got the HBE --- it really is a beautiful set.

I don't know much about leather holsters -- but from my background with really fine leather saddlery, I do know fine leather work, and Eric can be proud of the work he does.

southbound · February 6th, 2009, 10:55 AM

Sorry to get in late but this is the type of buckle I use...

Very easy to use. I just push the belt strait through the buckle with my right hand a little passed the hole then ease back and it goes right in. All the left hand has to do is tilt the buckle away from your body so the belt can go through.To take off I suck in my got a little hold buckle with left hand again it does not take much and the right hand push and it comes right off...

Hope this helps...

February 4th, 2009, 07:06 PM	#11
C9H13NO3 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 1,188	I have had a few velcro "buckless" belts when I was an auto mechanic to avoid scratching the cars. They don't have a problem staying tight, and with today's quality velcro, it won't wear out anytime soon. It's a great option to go with in your situation. Some people don't like the look of a buckless belt, but in function, I think they are every bit as good as a regular belt. My pistol belt I'm using right now for my thigh rig is webbing and has a metal buckle it just threads through. I take it on/off a lot, so I stopped threading it through the buckle. I just loop it through and use the velcro, and it holds just fine with 2 full mags, a surefire, a leatherman, and an M9. __________________ -Ryan All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.

February 5th, 2009, 09:08 PM	#15
Sportsterguy Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: On the River Posts: 979	I have a suggestion to you from a friend who has an extensive leathermaking background. Try rubbing in Mink Oil on both sides of the belt starting just behind the hole you will be using when you snug it up. It will not effect the stiffness on the rest of the belt where you really need the heavy duty leather to properly support that little revolver. Try a little at a time and it should soften the leather hopefully enough that you can use that great HBE belt. You never stated if you had a IWB or OWB holster. You might also consider going with a Quality Paddle holster that does not need the heftiness of a true gun belt. Desantis, G&G both make quality paddle holsters that may solve your problem. You could sell that HBE combo and come out with money in your pocket. Good luck. Roger out. __________________ Sportsterguy Molon Labe! Join the NRA today, or don't complain when your guns are taken away!

February 5th, 2009, 11:48 PM	#16
QKShooter Assistant Administrator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Off Of The X Posts: 23,487	Actually for the modest weight firearm that you are carrying you could soften the belt in the area of the belt holes and that should not be a problem. Opening up the holes a bit should not be any sort of problem either. That having been said the leather will also become more flexible in that area on its own....eventually. But, it sounds like "eventually" is not helping your immediate problem. See what Eric has to say first. __________________ Liberty/Tyranny ___________________________ Ain't That A Shame! Be Happy! *http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OG3u...1&feature=fvwp*

February 6th, 2009, 03:02 AM	#17
PrimalScream Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 68	Sportsterguy - you just overlooked my posting that this is an OWB holster. I think Eric called it a pancake. I didn't call him and tell him what I wanted - I called and told him what my limitations were, and where my strongest areas are. He figured out what would work best, so pardon me for not knowing exactly what model the holster is. It has two slots in the leather, sort of like button holes that the belt threads through. It's made for appendix carry (or cross draw - but I don't think I will use it that way). We figured I would wear it from 12:30 to 2:30 - will just have to see what works. There is a fair amount of muzzle forward cant. OKSHooter and Sportsterguy - you both are right on the money as far as what Eric suggested He said if I add a little mink oil to the area where the holes are, it won't effect the stiffness of the belt as far as how it holds the firearm's weight. I am to work a tiny bit into the leather, then work the leather... for instance when I am watching TV. Move it back and forth... quite a bit -- he didn't think it would hurt it to move it to 90 degrees or even past that in this case. Then, work a tiny bit more in - but ONLY until I could get it on and off - not easily - but get it on and off - then STOP adding the mink oil. Continue working the leather for a couple weeks when I can... but only the area of the holes where I will be putting the buckle. Then ---- after 2 weeks - if I still could not get it on and off, he could make the holes slightly oval shaped. But he didn't want to do that if he didn't need to - as he thought it better they stay like they are if possible. He didn't think the western style buckle would work, because he didn't think I could easily find one that would fit a belt as thick as this. If I could find one - yep, good solution. We discussed if this didn't work at all - that the two ring web belt was good option to try, as was a velcro belt. Probably can't make this into a velcro belt, because it has the holes in it - that would look to odd. I asked if it had to be mink oil. I used to work in a very upscale saddlery store. Custom western halters, bridles with hundreds of dollars of silver on them, very expensive English saddles of the very finest quality etc. I learned a lot about leather. We didn't put mink oil on any of our leather. I asked if I could use one of my harness dressings made for very fine saddles. He said sure - didn't see why not. So, I used a touch of a dressing that has some lanolin and some bees wax and it smells like some bacon grease - I kid you not, but it's the nicest stuff. It's German - I don't have the label anymore, but it's made by Steuben. I put a tiny amount on, started to work the leather... a tiny bit more... this "dressing" is like the finest creamy texture, it just glides into leather --- I am not even sure they make it anymore. I have had it for years. Anyway... the belt seemed maybe 1/3 softer than the rest of the belt after only about 2-3 minutes - so I stopped, and started wiping it down/buffing with an old terry cloth. Then, I buffed with a shoe brush. I managed to get the belt on, the holster on the belt, and the belt buckled. I have unbuckled it, re-buckled it 3 times. It still was not easy - but it worked! I unloaded my S&W 649, and put it in the holster, still dressed in my work clothes, messed a bit with where I thought I would want it. Ended up that if I centered the holster just a tad left of the center of my jeans pocket, it worked out well. I checked myself out in the mirror --- I could not make it print. I went out to talk to my elderly Mom who lives with me -- asked her "do you see anything different on me?" Took off my cardigan so I only had my long sleeve T shirt on, turned, twisted, lifted my arms... (she knows and approves of my CCW)... she said no! I lifted my shirt and she went She was SHOCKED that the gun didn't show at all! She said "now I know why they call it concealed!" Yep! When my friend who is into guns is over this weekend, I will ask if he will take pictures - if you don't mind seeing pics of a middle aged plump woman packing a snubbie in the "how you carry" sticky. Thanks SO much to all who replied here!!! I hope I am on the way to being able get this belt on and off without a struggle. Maybe this info will help someone else who has a shoulder problem someday! Jules Last edited by PrimalScream; February 6th, 2009 at 03:10 AM.. Reason: changed of to off

February 6th, 2009, 10:55 AM	#20
southbound Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: tn Posts: 242	Sorry to get in late but this is the type of buckle I use... Very easy to use. I just push the belt strait through the buckle with my right hand a little passed the hole then ease back and it goes right in. All the left hand has to do is tilt the buckle away from your body so the belt can go through.To take off I suck in my got a little hold buckle with left hand again it does not take much and the right hand push and it comes right off... Hope this helps... __________________ “Dollars and guns are no substitutes for brains and will power” Dwight D Eisenhower Here are some of my holsters http://handkholsters.blogspot.com/

February 5th, 2009, 10:12 AM	#12
PrimalScream Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 68	Thanks for the great ideas! It is a J-frame, in stainless. The holster is OWB, with the slots the belt goes through. I have not managed to get the holster on the belt, and then get the belt on yet. I do not have an older belt to try it with - belts have not been "my thing" in the past. LOL. I had one I could put on to measure with, but it's really narrow and not suitable to use with the holster. More of a woman's fashion belt. The velcro belt may be the answer if Eric doesn't have a good suggestion. I think I would be able to pull it off with my better hand. I do have a good horse/Western store nearby - I can look there for a belt buckle. I have one from way back when I was involved with horses that has a little hook that sticks in the holes - but it is way to small for the belt. I think that was a good idea - if I can find one that's not a huge silver rodeo belt that may be a really good answer. Hopefully Eric will have an idea. I am wondering if making the holes extra large will do it, so that the bar or latch or what ever it is called will go in the hole easier. Thank you!

February 5th, 2009, 10:39 AM	#13
JerryM Distinguished Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,693	Hi PrimalScream, I sometimes carry a J-Frame. One of mine is a M640 which is all steel. With a thick single thickness belt and a kydex or plastic paddle holster it carries OK. To double check that I am going to carry it some today with the set up I mentioned, and see if there is a problem. Regards, Jerry

February 5th, 2009, 09:07 PM	#14
JerryM Distinguished Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,693	Today I carried my 640 in a plastic Fobus paddle holster. My belt was a single thickness 1.5 inch that is not very stiff. I experienced no problem with the gun moving or pressing out from my body. I know the comments about the Fobus, but I have used them for at least 10 years without any problems. They are cheap, and if you don't find another solution soon consider trying one. You will not need a heavy belt with it, unless you are going to use a heavy gun, such as a steel 1911. Regards, Jerry

February 6th, 2009, 03:27 AM	#18
mfcmb Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: USA Posts: 120	In my experience with leather belts they always start out stiff and increase in flexibility (where needed) over time. Now that you've got it "barely working", I'd suggest just using it for awhile and see what happens. You'll likely find that it "breaks in" and becomes comfortable to use before long. Should you want to try a velcro and buckle belt, the Wilderness Instructor belt from Wilderness Tactical Products, LLC \| Home of the Titanium Instructor Belt bends flexibly, and is very easy (low strength needed) to fasten.

February 6th, 2009, 09:34 AM	#19
PrimalScream Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 68	I think that was the idea in only adding enough leather conditioner to make it so I could barely get it to work --- that it would continue to break in - so just add enough to get it to the point I could begin using it and then let the breaking in process take care of the rest of the issue. I will continue to flex it by hand in that area over the next couple weeks. One of the Wilderness belts, ironically, was the one that I almost ordered, then at the last minute, decided to get an HBE to match the holster. I am glad I got the HBE --- it really is a beautiful set. I don't know much about leather holsters -- but from my background with really fine leather saddlery, I do know fine leather work, and Eric can be proud of the work he does.

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