What Weight for Gun Belts

[rickeyfro]

What oz leather do you guys use for your gun belts? Not Western rigs but regular gun belts.

[Lobo]

I make single-layer belts from 9-10 oz. shoulders, and these work very well for many applications. I also offer these lined with 4-oz, which beefs up the load-bearing capabilities. For the heaviest applications I offer belts made of two 8-oz straps cemented and sewn together, which results in a very strong belt.

A good sturdy belt adds considerably to the comfort of carrying a holstered handgun. Belts made of lightweight materials frequently have to be tightened to an uncomfortable degree in an attempt to stabilize the holster.

[TwinOaks]

+1 to Lobo's statement about stability and comfort. I've also found that a wider belt is more comfortable than narrow ones.

[cumberlandhighpower]

What oz leather do you guys use for your gun belts? Not Western rigs but regular gun belts.

2 layers of 6/7oz leather gives the perfect feel and heft.

(1-1/2")

I use Herman Oak 6/7 and leave the inner leather undyed.

For final application, use Fiebings Leather Balm, it is easy to use and has a decent atom wax content.

This combination makes the finest carry belt on the planet.

The only "downside" to a double layer belt is that it cannot be stocked finished in 1 length and cut to order, it has to be made in the actual length to start with....

a belt made from 2 layers of 8oz has more body/support and is stronger-although it is a bit excessive for the general carrying public...

A belt made from 2 layers 6/7 is about the max you can get though most jeans belt loops comfortably...

Most major makers (Galco, Bianchi, Milt Sparks..) also use 6/7 oz.

A major thing to remember is to use GOOD leather.

In this day and age, there is very little of it around, Herman Oak is the only leather I would advise for belts.

Hope I could help

CS

Edited December 27, 2009 by cumberlandhighpower

[Jordan]

One thing I have noticed while people watching, super wide, thicker belts to an observant person in a public place usually indicates a concealed carry along with those oh so obvious shiny clips or extra loops, LOL. So I guess my point is that a happy medium must be decided on by the customer as to how wide and heavy they want the belt. It seems that one and a half inches is about the right width and the weights listed above should be sufficient. Anything skinnier than an inch and a quarter would tend to twist with the weapon weight and anything wider than an inch and a half would be too bulky. Open carry is a completely different animal. I personally like a belt that fills the pant loops and has a good amount of heft, at least 8/9 in thickness, not really a problem as most of the other observant people out there are likely carrying concealed too..... Jordan Just my opinion and observation though.

[Shorts]

Doubled 7/8oz HO

[dickf]

Doubled 7/8oz HO

Ditto

[rickeyfro]

Thanks Everyone

[awharness]

Carry belt... I've got a whole lotta @$$ to hold in! I personally go 1 1/2"... Roller buckle 9/10oz Bridle, with about a 3/4oz veg lining. Its held back a good many Buffets, even the Shady maple in New Holland PA

-Andrew

www.awharness.com