[Euclidean]

Obviously a good gun belt helps in any given carry rig and is a must for OWB carry.

But how essential is a good gun belt to IWB carry with a good holster? I'm particularly interested in what our resident holster makers have to say. Obviously it's going to help, but is it a deal breaker like it is with OWB holsters?

 

[Bumper]

I just bought my first real, no BS heavy gunbelt last weekend and have to say that OWB and IWB carry stability has increased dramatically. Not to mention I have been wearing it to work with Dockers and jeans alike. I'm sold, now I need a black one....

 

[Bud White]

It is a must just helps keep the gun in place no sagging no shifting etc etc

 

[SSKC]

Obviously a good gun belt helps in any given carry rig and is a must for OWB carry.

But how essential is a good gun belt to IWB carry with a good holster? I'm particularly interested in what our resident holster makers have to say. Obviously it's going to help, but is it a deal breaker like it is with OWB holsters?

I've never carried with a "regular" belt, so I don't know if it's a "deal breaker." I have spent a few $$ on gun belts and don't regret it at all. A quality gun belt is a good investment.

If you want to go less expensive, try the Wilderness belt (about $40). If you can spare the cash, quality leather belts are nice. I have a Del Fatti (my favorite), a Milt Sparks, and a few others. I also have a Rafter S, but it isn't quite as stiff as I like, though it is well made and comfortable (however, I needed the belt in a hurry and they were the ones with the shortest response time).

Pay close attention to the measuring instructions for each maker - they don't all measure the same way.

Remember: when was the last time you regretted buying anything high-quality?

SSKC

A few links:

http://www.delfatti.com/

http://www.miltsparks.com/

http://www.thewilderness.com/index.html

http://www.raftersgunleather.com/

 

[CombatEffective]

The belt is the most overlooked piece of equipment for carry. People will buy a nice pistol and a nice holster and then try to hang them on a cheap belt. Get yourself a quality belt and you will be happy you did.

 

[Euclidean]

The question is a "devil's advocate" type of question just for the record. I'm not surprised by any of the answers.

 

[Jumpout]

The belt is integral to the entire system. Some people can get away with a regular belt but for a professional or anyone who is going to be carrying for extended amounts of time really needs a good belt. It keeps the holster from sagging and aids in comfort and conealability.

 

[Eric Larsen]

A good gun belt is an absolute pc of equipment most people need. Its all about gun weight and placement. IWB is less critical given your gun, carry location and body type. Its still a great idea and will result in more comfortable carry.
OWB carry is more critical as the belt is the only thing giving proper support to the holster/gun. My rule is get a good belt.......Regardless........Shoot well.

 

[TwoRavens]

I would hate to carry my 1911 without my Milt Sparks belt.

The keltec p32 I could manage... :biggrin:

 

[KC135]

Tonight, IWB G19, OWB S&W 296 crossdraw with JIT. Belt is a Sparks.

Earlier today, while mowing, IWB G19, using a Davis belt that is 20+ years old. Not as pretty as the newer Sparks (age 10), but still an excellent belt.

Wilderness belts are good, have three, but like leather better. Same with holsters.

 

[GGL]

Yes, a good gun-belt is absolutely necessary with any type of OWB carry.
To answer the initial question, this may not be as critical an issue with IWB depending on the type of holster. With an IWB style with a single loop like Rosen's ARG or Alessi's GWH, or any of the Summer Special styles with snap-loops mounted directly to the front holster body, a good belt is necessary. The spaced front and rear loop styles (Sparks VMII, my In-Cognito) are more forgiving of the type of belt worn, so a double thickness gun belt may not be as critical with them. (A good customer of mine wears a G19 in one of my In-Cognitos with a braided leather Dockers belt with no complaints, except from me cringing every time I see it!) :smile:
Another factor to consider is the actual suport and stability of the waistband itself. With good jeans you can get away with a lesser belt for IWB carry because the waistband will support some of the weight. With lighter weight pants (khakis, Dockers) a good belt will be more critical, and with elastic waistband pants (Royal Robbins 5-11 series) it will be essential.
Something else to keep in mind, OWB or IWB, is that the holster slots or loops and belt width should match. Do not expect optimal performance from the best holster and belt if you are mating a 1 1/4 inch belt to 1 3/4 inch holster slots or loops.
Hope this helps...

 

[mark9fogger]

Just got back from seeing the movie "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" wearing my Glock 23 in a CTAC holster with the 5-stitch Wilderness belt. I plan on wearing this outfit for the rest of the evening while playing with the kids on the Xbox at home.

 

[ExSoldier]

A Great Gun Belt Makes for a Great Day

Obviously a good gun belt helps in any given carry rig and is a must for OWB carry.

But how essential is a good gun belt to IWB carry with a good holster? I'm particularly interested in what our resident holster makers have to say. Obviously it's going to help, but is it a deal breaker like it is with OWB holsters?

I only wear my gun belt from Dillon. It's one and a half inches wide and it took me almost a year to get it properly broke in to my body shape, but it is now the most comfortable belt on the planet for me. I'm planning on getting another in a different color and width (probably one and a quarter) soon. My Blade Tech IWB with the "J" Hooks AND my Blade Tech IWB with the adjustable "pull dots" are a joy of comfort to wear with this belt. So are all my leather OWB holsters.

 

[triggertime]

A good belt is critical regardless whether you carry IWB or not. If you think that you can get away with using a cheap belt because with IWB carry, the gun is held under belt pressure, remember that once you add a single or double magazine carrier, the weight is not going to be supported and you will sag. You'll also find yourself hiking up your pants whenever you get in/out of your car. Don't skimp on the belt.