CrashInBlack Report post Posted December 25, 2010 (edited) I'd like to start making Gun belts to go with my holsters, but I'm not entirely sure what the difference is between a normal belt and a gun belt. Are gun belts thicker? Wider? Pre-curved for the waist? What would you like to see in a really good gun belt? Edited December 25, 2010 by CrashInBlack Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Haystacker Report post Posted December 25, 2010 Different people do different things. I offer gun belts made of two layers of 6/7 oz Herman Oak A grade (I use backs). The layers are glued and stitched. I color the top layer before I glue the two pieces together. The bottom layer is left uncolored. I also use my belt sander to "skive" the buckle ends of the two pieces. This gives a belt just less than a quarter of an inch thick. I have found this is an ideal thickness and makes for a very usable "gun" belt. I have also made them for folks that just want a nice heavy duty belt. I am thinking about making a less expensive line of gun belt. I was thinking about a single layer of 10/12 oz leather, not herman oak. The single layer will not last as long but will probably be better than most belts you find for carrying concealed. Even the belts that I have seen from the cop shops are not that heavy. Hope this helps. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BanjoMan Report post Posted December 25, 2010 (edited) I just completed a gun belt that I am pretty satisfied with. I used two pieces of 1 1/2" wide leather, approx. 8 oz. each, that I purchased already cut from Tandy. I just glued them together and hand stitched them to make one, then dyed front and back and installed hardware. I am pleased with it, but don't know if I'll do it again any time soon. The hand stitching took a REALLY long time, but if you have a sewing machine it would not be as bad. It turned out to be just over 1/4" thick, which is a little bulky but supports a loaded gun in a pancake holster really well. Next time I may try Haystackers idea and just use one thicker peice of leather as opposed to stitching two together. Edited December 25, 2010 by BanjoMan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dwight Report post Posted December 25, 2010 All of the belts I sell on my website are double layer: I start out with the front piece, . . . hit it with calipers, . . . then go looking for the back liner. 8 oz is supposed to be .125 thick, . . . but often times will run much thicker, . . . and what I am looking for is a total of .118 to .124, . . . which my experience has shown me is just about perfect for carrying a handgun, ammo, etc. As mentioned, . . . cemented & sewn, . . . although I do have one out there I did not stitch, . . . it is a "trial" that has been going on for over 4 years now, . . . no complaints. May God bless, Dwight Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CrashInBlack Report post Posted December 27, 2010 Ok, so gun belts are going to be thicker than a normal belt. What about width? Does a wider belt carry better than a thinner one? Or does the stiffness of the belt matter more? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BanjoMan Report post Posted December 27, 2010 CrashinBlack, im my opinion width and thickness are equally important in a good gun belt. I've seen them range from 1" to 2", with 1 1/2" wide being the most common. If you're going for more of a "dressy" look then a narrow belt would look better but...the more narrow the belt is the more likely it will be to roll out when carrying a loaded full size handgun. I think the 1 1/2" belt is the most versatile as far as width goes. It seems to be wide enough to support a holster and weapon, but it still has the look of a normal belt to the untrained eye. Regardless, your holster is only as good as your belt and I am yet to find a plain store bought belt that is strong enough to do the job! Ok, so gun belts are going to be thicker than a normal belt. What about width? Does a wider belt carry better than a thinner one? Or does the stiffness of the belt matter more? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gregintenn Report post Posted December 27, 2010 I generally make 1.5" belts, and try to make them look like a run of the mill belt. The less attention you draw to them, the easier conceal carry is. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fredo Report post Posted December 28, 2010 (edited) My personal belt is 9-10 oz lined with 3-4 oz. Cemented and hand sewn, 1 1/2 inch wide. It can carry a full size 1911 with ease (tested it last night on a buddy's holster) When I carry my Firestar M40 it feels like it's not even there. Thats about it for my research and development, Edited December 28, 2010 by Fredo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gregintenn Report post Posted December 28, 2010 Making double layer belts is a great reason to obtain a sewing machine!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
