chemicalpoet

I've been toting around some of my "smaller" guns (L-frame, GP-100, etc. . . /cough) since I received my perm., and I've stumbled upon an issue that has been on my mind a bit since I've been armed:

I need to know how tight to have the belt! :O

Yeah, it's probably a silly question, and I know it's one of those things only "you can really know", but I still want some peer advice, and peace of mind that I'm at least trying to do it right.

'K, so I've got the scabbard, belt and loader+pouch on the ready, and I have the rig up and ready to slip on. On the most comfortable hole, it sits good, but the gun can oft start to slide down about an inch or so when I begin to walk and move about. It's not a big deal really, I've been carrying it this way for the past week, but when I get home and look at it, it looks just a tad floppy.

Now, if I pull it up just a hair and yank the belt to the next hole, it's definitely up and in position. The retention is very positive and the slab doesn't feel like it wants to slouch or flip in the least. The trade-off is, it's really not that comfortable. Bearable and firm, but just not comfy.

Ideas? Thanks!

Rock and Glock

What's the quality of the belt? Is it a true gun/duty belt? That will make a huge difference in comfort, carry, retention, slippage, etc.

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Richard

NRA Life Member

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Rcher

Your pants should stay up on their own merit. Your belt should be good enough to support the weight of the gun. The only real way to do this is to have a good, double layer or reinforced belt designed to carry the weight of the gun. A good belt will be very stiff and not allow the gun to sag.

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Rugergirl

Assuming you are using a good stiff gun belt, I personally wouldn't worry much about that inch as long as the gun is secure in the holster.
Being a woman and having a curved shape and a short torso, I have to carry below the waist, more at the top of the hip, works best for me and lets the grip sort of tuck into my curves. I wear the belt as snug as is comfortable. I could physically put the belt on hole tighter, but doing so eliminates the options of sitting down and/or breathing.
As long as the gun is secure and not flapping back and forth, letting it ride a little lower shouldn't be a problem, as long as your cover garment is long enough to cover the firearm.

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Disclaimer: The posts made by this member are only the members opinion, not a reflection on anyone else, nor the group, and should not be cause for anyone to get their undergarments wedged in an uncomfortable position.

Blackeagle

This is why I like a belt like the Wilderness Instructor Belt that can be adjusted to any length, rather than being limited to holes that may be too tight and too loose.

retsupt99

A GOOD leather gun belt should keep the firearm tightly upright and still allow you to breathe comfortably. OMO

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NRA Life Member

chemicalpoet

Yep, all good leathers.

I guess some pictures might be necessary here.

In these, I have on an Aker B21 belt, dual layer+poly. insert, Aker holster and two Bianchi "agent slim" speed loader holders made to accommodate a pair of Safariland loaders.

Snug


Comfortable


As you can see, it's not that big a diff., but it's been on my mind.

Yeah, Rugergirl, not everyone can have your figure! :p

usmc3169

My .02... part of the issue I have is that I dont own enough different belts. let me explain. The belt, regardless of quality and "stiffness" will sag if the belt is not the right size for the belt loops. I run into this problem when wearing jeans. My jeans are 1.25 inch belt loops I believe, but my belts are all .75 or 1.0 inches thick! so I get some sag when carrying OWB. IWB is fine. My next purchase will be a 1.25 inch Galco or Bianchi belt. When I wear pants that have the corresponding belt loop size I don't have to worry about sag or droop.

Hope this helps.

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S&W M&P340CT, Glock 22, Springfield XDm, SIG Sauer P229 Elite

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alexcantslee

Try raising your pants some. When Im carrying more weight, I go to a smaller setting on the belt and bring the waist line up just a bit.

Alex!

Bark'n

Do not scrimp on your belt holster rig. Countless people will spend $1,000 + on that great custom gun and then go out and spend $20 on a belt and holster and can't figure out why they have problems carrying or it's uncomfortable or their rig sags.

You don't need to spend $250 or more on a custom holster, but you do get what you pay for. The right holster and belt combination you can wear all day long, day in and day out and the gun is almost glued to your side and it's comfortable to boot.

We have a link to a ton of holster makers here at DC forum and many of the greatest custom leather artists are members here to boot!

And again, do not scrimp on the gun belt either. It should be a purposely built as a gun holster. There are many fine belts out there but the one I own and have excellent luck with is from The Beltman which you can find here. I have the 1.5" double bullhide belt and it is awesome.

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-Bark'n
Semper Fi

"The gun is the great equalizer... For it is the gun, that allows the meek to repel the monsters; Whom are bigger, stronger and without conscience, will prey on those of us who without one, would surely perish."