Cartridge Belt Length

[ZARDOZ the GREAT]

HOW-DEE...

Question

It's been a bit and I want to be sure that I am doing this right: For a cartridge belt (old west), we measure around where the belt will be worn, with the proper clothing, then add 9", correct?

This means that for someone who measures 46", I would cut a 55" strip, with the 9" being the tongue that goes under the belt overlap.

Or is there a better way?

 

Thanks!

[Dwight]

I use the same "measurements" that I would for a typical ranger belt . . . 

The cowboy belt is simply 1 inch wider . . . and I make it a "finished" 4 inches longer. 

If I was making one for you . . . and I made you a 40 inch belt to hold up your britches . . . your gunbelt would be a 44 inch belt.

I make them with 7 holes . . . 1 inch apart . . . and from the first hole to the tip of the tongue (where that fancy piece of metal is) is 3 1/2 inches . . . with the fancy metal tip hanging over the front of the belt body.

Measuring your 44 inch cowboy belt . . . it would measure from the butt of the buckle (where it meets the leather) . . . to the center hole of the seven holes.  That gives the wearer the chance to gain 3 inches of pizza . . . or lose 3 inches of lard . . . and still wear the same belt.

I've only had to re-do one cowboy belt for one customer . . . he ordered a 55 and when he came to pick it up about 6 weeks later . . . he needed a 59.

The buckle front lip hangs over the other end of the belt body.

With a ranger belt . . . the tongue and the belt keeper are laid out and fastened straight as possible along the axis of the belt.

With a cowboy belt . . . I lay the buckle end to the left . . . the tongue to the right . . . and I place the tongue so it is NOT straight on the axis . . . I lay it so the tip of it lays over the bottom corner of the belt body.  

That tends to pull the body upward . . . making it appear straight on the wearer.

And of course I don't put a belt keeper on a ranger belt . . . to hold the body right behind the buckle  . . . but there is always one on the cowboy belt.

Haven't had a customer complain yet.

May God bless,

Dwight

Edited March 31 by Dwight

[ZARDOZ the GREAT]

On 3/31/2025 at 12:46 AM, Dwight said:

 

With a cowboy belt . . . I lay the buckle end to the left . . . the tongue to the right . . . and I place the tongue so it is NOT straight on the axis . . . I lay it so the tip of it lays over the bottom corner of the belt body.  

I don't understand that. Is there a drawing? Photo?

 

I make most of the cowboy cartridge belts at 2.5" wide. 3" is also an option.

What I am trying to be sure of is the length.
I have read that it is best to take the measurement for the belt as it would be worn, then add 9" to allow for overlap which goes underneath the buckle side.

[Dwight]

Drawing is rough . . . but it shows the idea

May God bless,

Dwight

[ZARDOZ the GREAT]

On 4/8/2025 at 11:45 AM, Dwight said:

Drawing is rough . . . but it shows the idea

May God bless,

Dwight

AH!!!!!

Thank you!

[Wizcrafts]

We ran into a sizing problem a few months ago where my partner measured the customer around his belt line for a 3 inch gunbelt. When he came to get it, it was way too short. His  belly size was much bigger than where his belt loops were. From now on, we will measure from the belt line up 3 inches to allow a full range of adjustment that accounts for body contour.

[Helenn]

Your method sounds right for adding extra length to accommodate the belt overlap and buckle. Typically, adding 9 inches should be sufficient as it accounts for both the buckle and some adjustment room. However, it's always good to double-check with the specific type of buckle you’re using and the thickness of the leather, as this might slightly change the needed length. Also, consider any personal preference for how much belt end you want visible. If possible, experimenting with a mock-up before cutting the final belt could help ensure the perfect fit.

[ZARDOZ the GREAT]

Good points all around!