Concealed Carry Gun Belts

[paris3200]

I'm trying to make a gun belt for concealed carry, similar to the beautiful ones Bruce Gibson has been showing around here, but I'm confused about a few things.

Do both layers run the entire length of the belt. I've been studying pictures from numerous makers, but I'm still not sure one way or the other.

How do I go about constructing the belt keeper. I've consulted several books and they all sew the keeper in, however I would like to use Chicago screws instead of a fixed buckle.

I'm planning on dip dyeing the outer layer and leaving the inner layer natural. Do I need to do anything to the inner layer besides finishing it with a sealer? I'm planning on using Angelus Acrylic Finisher.

Thanks in advance,

Jason

[gunfighter48]

Hi Jason,

I've always run both layers full length, then I skive the buckle and tongue ends down to about a 9 -10 oz weight. This makes the belts easier to buckle and reduces the bulk on the buckle end. But I an starting to think about ending the inside layer about 6 - 8 inches from the buckle end and then bending the outside layer around to meet the inside layer. That would further reduce the bulk and make anchoring the buckle end much easier. I don't think it would reduce strength of buckle end.

As for belt keeps, I make mine out of 4-5 oz leather using a strap cutter. I cut a block of soft pine a little thicker than the tongue end,as a spacer, and put it on outside layer of the belt. Then I run the keeper around and cut it to length. Then I glue mine to the belt and then glue and rivet the buckle end. I have not been able to pull one of the keepers loose doing it this way. If you are wanting to use screws you'll need to glue the keeps down. I would use Shoe Goo, it's a very think clear cement, kink of like rubber cement. I used it to glue felt soles on my wading boots when I used to fly fish. They never ever came off. I still use it today to patch all types of things where most glues won't hold. Once it's dry you would have to cut the keepers off!!! You can find it in the sporting goods/camping sections of most department or sporting goods stores. One tube will last a long time as it doesn't take much to make a lifetime bond.

The only thing I do to the back layer on my belts is use Super or Satin Sheen on them. I usually do two coats and buff well. Hope this helps you. Some of the other folks here have a lot more experience than I do. So they may have a better or different way to doing belts. That's what's great about this site, everyone is very helpful and willing to share their knowledge.

John

Edited January 8, 2008 by gunfighter48