Ranger Belt Questions

[dmr400]

Hello everyone, I'd like to make myself a ranger belt to try the style out, and I have some questions.

1.) First, anyone have a good resource/how to link? I understand the basic concept, but I'd like to see someone else make one so I don't make any obvious mistakes.

2.) Do you prefer to make a 2 layer lined or single layer of heavier leather? I'm of two minds, on one hand I really like the look of the "Urban" Ranger Belt at http://leatherworker...topic=1911&st=0 with the creaser groves around the outside with no stitching, but I wonder if a single layer will stretch (I'm carrying a glock 19 everyday until my 1911 commander arrives). What weights do you use for either style?

3.) Are you using 1" or 3/4" buckles? Pictures always appreciated. I don't think I'll use a buckle set (I grew up on a ranch, but don't dress the western part too much anymore ) so it will have 3 leather keepers with creaser grooves.

I'd like to keep the whole rig kind of "understated" I guess would be the word. Buckles will be antique finish to avoid glare, etc. Also don't want it to SCREAM "gunbelt", though that's kinda tough with this style.

Any advice, suggestions, or pictures (front and back?) of one you've made? Thanks everyone!

Edited June 11, 2010 by dmr400

[westtxcowboy1979]

Hello everyone, I'd like to make myself a ranger belt to try the style out, and I have some questions.

1.) First, anyone have a good resource/how to link? I understand the basic concept, but I'd like to see someone else make one so I don't make any obvious mistakes.

2.) Do you prefer to make a 2 layer lined or single layer of heavier leather? I'm of two minds, on one hand I really like the look of the "Urban" Ranger Belt at http://leatherworker...topic=1911&st=0 with the creaser groves around the outside with no stitching, but I wonder if a single layer will stretch (I'm carrying a glock 19 everyday until my 1911 commander arrives). What weights do you use for either style?

3.) Are you using 1" or 3/4" buckles? Pictures always appreciated. I don't think I'll use a buckle set (I grew up on a ranch, but don't dress the western part too much anymore ) so it will have 3 leather keepers with creaser grooves.

I'd like to keep the whole rig kind of "understated" I guess would be the word. Buckles will be antique finish to avoid glare, etc. Also don't want it to SCREAM "gunbelt", though that's kinda tough with this style.

Any advice, suggestions, or pictures (front and back?) of one you've made? Thanks everyone!

First off I don't know of any sites. I have made a few range belts I prefer 7 to 8oz for the front and 2 to 3 for the liner. The billets I do the same as the main body of the belt. I prefer the 3/4" buckel sets I did one belt with the one inche I thought it looked to big for the belt. One last thing I always sew my belt to help with the stretching and in my opion it gives the belt a more profesional look. Hope this helps you.

[MADMAX22]

Someone posted this a while back. Not sure if this is what your looking for. http://home.windstream.net/henryh/Make_Handmade_Leather_Belt.html

[dmr400]

Max,

I found that link during my searches, but it's more an "Imitation" ranger belt lol, a full ranger belt isn't tapered and has an extra billet sewn on both ends, one for the billet and one for the buckle to attach to, with the buckle *usually* being the same width as the belt blank or narrower. Tough to describe, but easy to picture once you've seen one.

[Dwight]

DMR, . . . here is a pic of the one I made for myself, especially to carry an all steel full size 1911, 24/7 or thereabouts, with 1 or 2 mags.

It is two layers of thick 5/6 (much closer to 6 than 5), contact cemented together, neatsfoot oiled, dyed, sewn together, and the billets are 7/8 leather. The 7/8 is a bit overkill, . . . but my other one that I used for a pattern was only 38 years old, was a full 6 oz and it had stretched some I didn't want that happening again..

I used a Tandy buckle package, and love it.

Since I started wearing double layer belts several years ago, . . . that is my standard now, . . . love em.

If you are interested, there are a couple more tricks I use, . . . let me know, . . . I'll get em to you.

May God bless,

Dwight

Edited June 11, 2010 by Dwight

[dmr400]

DMR, . . . here is a pic of the one I made for myself, especially to carry an all steel full size 1911, 24/7 or thereabouts, with 1 or 2 mags.

It is two layers of thick 5/6 (much closer to 6 than 5), contact cemented together, neatsfoot oiled, dyed, sewn together, and the billets are 7/8 leather. The 7/8 is a bit overkill, . . . but my other one that I used for a pattern was only 38 years old, was a full 6 oz and it had stretched some I didn't want that happening again..

I used a Tandy buckle package, and love it.

Since I started wearing double layer belts several years ago, . . . that is my standard now, . . . love em.

If you are interested, there are a couple more tricks I use, . . .

May God bless,

Dwight

Dwight, that's a good looking rig! And the buckle set is sure appropriate for your interests I'd certainly be interested in hearing about your tricks, I have lots to learn. I wear a double layer belt now (ordered this one from A&G Gunleather, member here) since I didn't have my shop set up yet, thought I'd try the ranger style to see if I liked it. Looks fun to make too.

[rdb]

Got a kick out of seeing the "urban ranger" again, dmr.

That belt was never more than a "flea market" type belt. I was doing small shows, and the ranger design was sort of a fad around here. It was never meant to be a carry belt, just an easily made, and inexpensive version. A lot of guys pawed over the ones I made, so it must have had the "look". But there are some reallly fine examples of them within the search function here on LW. The western makers here on LW have true quality and more historic design. Nice belt Dwight!

[K-Man]

I suspect you saw the discussion on the 1911forum where someone expressed an interest in having a Ranger style belt for conceal carry. Here's a pic of one we did a couple of years ago. Has stingray on the billets. The buckle was provided by the customer.

[dbusarow]

K-Man and Dwight.

Are you just using single layer on the billets?

Thanks,

Dan

[K-Man]

K-Man and Dwight.

Are you just using single layer on the billets?

Thanks,

Dan

Dan:

I used a piece of 6 oz leather and laid the stingray on top; glued and stitched the two together.

[dbusarow]

Dan:

I used a piece of 6 oz leather and laid the stingray on top; glued and stitched the two together.

My old eyes couldn't pick out the stitches in among the sting ray beads.

Thanks,

Dan

[Dwight]

Dwight, that's a good looking rig! And the buckle set is sure appropriate for your interests I'd certainly be interested in hearing about your tricks, I have lots to learn. I wear a double layer belt now (ordered this one from A&G Gunleather, member here) since I didn't have my shop set up yet, thought I'd try the ranger style to see if I liked it. Looks fun to make too.

DMR, . . . sorry it took so long, . . . but here is the information you wanted. Holler back if you have any questions.

I also will not let a ranger belt out that is not stitched 360 (just my way of doing things), and I stitch em at about 3/16" from the edge, . . . using a stitch grover on both sides.

Dan, . . . billets are only one layer, . . . but I am careful to select it away from the hard edges of a hide as well as away from the soft underbelly.

Have fun guys, . . .

May God bless,

Dwight

Edited June 16, 2010 by Dwight