Gun Belt for XXXL Waist

[RVM45]

Guys, I've finally started buying materials, so that I can actually start Holster making. Got the Stohlman Holster book; and the pattern book on order. When my next monthly check comes; I'm going to order a big piece of leather.

Okay, here is my problem...

This is a bit embarassing to say--I weigh about 450 pounds; and have about a 56" Waist. I would really like to reduce; but in the meantime, I'd like to make some Gunbelts that fit me.

Of course none of the Belt blanks are large enough. It is a rare piece of leather that has a straightaway long enough for a belt for me.

Can I use the 2" Latigo straps to make an "External" gunbelt? Can two shorter pieces of leather be sucessfully spliced together to make a belt?

Also, I really liked the pants belt the other day, where a slightly narrower strrip was stitched on top of a wider one...

Yes, I remember now, that was "Lobo's" Belt. At any rate, can two Latigo strips be used to make the Lobo belt? If I were feeling lazy, could I buy a new belt, and stitch the narrower reinforcing strip on it myself?

Anythig else y'all can tell me about belts in General; or Jumbo; Super-Sized belts in particular?

.....RVM45

[badboris]

I am new and do not know what method is used but belt made of Cordovan is 2 pieces, because horse shell is not long enough

any way they do it for these belts should be very good quality

There must be some here that know how

Edited June 1, 2009 by badboris

[dbusarow]

RVM45,

If you are ordering leather get a side or back and it will be plenty long enough. A double shoulder probably would not be.

Dan

[The Major]

Why don't you use a stirrup blank? Tandy has them in 2 1/2" and 3" x 66". That was more than enough length to make an order I had a couple years ago for a guy with a 56" waist.

[fishguy]

You could also join multiple pieces of leather together. If you handle the design cleverly you can probably hide the join fairly well. I have seen some seriously long straps at the leather stores I go to so I do think there are probably some that may be long enough for you out there.

If you are going to join the leather a harness splice would be a good candidate. Skive the ends of both pieces down so when placed together they transition smoothly and glue together . Stitch along the edges to join the pieces permanently. This edge stitching would blend right in if there is stitching all along the edges (as in a lined belt) You could re-enforce the join by adding a concho through the two, or even a couple of rivets (probably not necessary, the stiching should be strong enough).

Joining two pieces of strap leather isn't that hard, it is just how you want to work it into a design. If you wanted to go all punk on it, you could just skive it a bit so it does not make a uncomfortable bump where the join is and then rivet the hell out of that sucker.

Edited June 1, 2009 by fishguy

[rdb]

A side is the way to go, but expensive, unless you are going to make a dozen or so belts. Don't bother splicing anything together. Unless you've done it a few times, I doubt you'll be happy.

Since you said you are starting to order, my suggestion would be to ask your supplier to cut two strips from a side (either a 6/7oz veg tan, or bridle type leather...2 6/7s=decent gun belt weight). I'm sure they would do it for you. SpringfieldLeather/Zack White's, etc.....

I know Zack's sells the belly side leftovers of bridle leather, for about $30. They are about 10" wide, and probably about 72" long. Bellies are weaker than strong side, but if you lay one strap the opposite of the other, it'll be fine, I would think, for what you want.

[BOOMSTICKHolsters]

dbusarow has it right. If you order a back it will have plenty of length for what you need. Double shoulders won't be long enough. Anything else will be innapropriate for belts and holsters IMO.

Personally, I would go with a double thick standard belt as opposed to a "ranger" style belt. The job of a carry belt is to make carrying the weight of a pistol more comfortable for longer periods. The ranger belts won't do this quite as well as a normal double thick belt will. In your case, you might even consider a 1 3/4" belt because it will probably look more proportionately appropriate to your build.

If you can swing the cost, I suggest you order a back from Wickett and Craig; 8 oz. weight, sanded and plated (some people that work there call it "holstered"). This will work pretty well to construct a belt and for making holsters.

[Tac]

Boomstick, I agree with your post, but my understanding of the original post was that this was to be a western style belt for a cowboy type rig, not a regular pants belt. a 2.5 inch or 3 inch ranger style belt would be completely appropriate for that style.

I also second The Major's comment... A stirrup blank would work well in this application and be relatively easy to find and plently long enough.

-Tac

[BOOMSTICKHolsters]

Boomstick, I agree with your post, but my understanding of the original post was that this was to be a western style belt for a cowboy type rig, not a regular pants belt. a 2.5 inch or 3 inch ranger style belt would be completely appropriate for that style.

I also second The Major's comment... A stirrup blank would work well in this application and be relatively easy to find and plently long enough.

-Tac

Oops! I think you're right. RVM45, you're probably gonna need two different leather weights to do this right, but I will default to the folks that have more experience with cowboy rigs on that subject.

[RVM45]

Thanks for all the responces guys.

Just to clear it up--I was asking about both types of belts--a good concealed cary belt (I can order leather trouser belts that fit; but was impressed by Lobo's extra thick carry belt); and a sort of Western Style belt.

Sometimes I run things together; and it's not clear that I'm asking two questiond at one time.

.....RVM45

[badger]

My suggestion would be either a Stirrup blank as suggested or a veg tan 'side'. If you're not familiar with the way things are cut, a side is one side of the whole skin cut from the other side down the length of the spine.

This should easily be long enough.

Badger

[Freedom]

Call Wickett & Craig and order a side of there 10/12oz. russet tan skirt leather Tell them your situation and what you want to make and they should send some fine leather and you can probly get a good piece of "utility grade" if you talk to Glen and tell him your needs...It is expensive but you can get your belts from the back/top. The thickness is less as you move down from the back and is just about perfect for heavy holsters.

The russet oils to VERY nice color and takes other dyes and finishes better than most other leather. It tools very well!

If you do this, you will hate me cause those $50 import sides will never be good enough again and you will be stuck buying $160 W&C sides

Hope this helps

[nobearsyet]

I'd use a stirrup blank (and have on a couple belts I've made for a couple different people) and then double it up with the other peice running the other direction