Curved Gun Belt Question

[johnggrg]

I was wanting to know what is the average width and length of leather is needed to make a curved gun belt? John

[johnggrg]

I am sure someone here can say. I just would like an idea of what sized piece I will need to start it. John

[Luke Hatley]

what might be the waist size that you would be makin the belt for ?

[johnggrg]

Thanks for the reply. 34 waist. John

[Dwight]

Curved gun belts come in many different iterations:

A curved gun belt like Marsahll Matt Dillon wore, . . . you would make it 3 inches wide and the center hole on the tongue would be made 38 inches from the tip of the belt buckle (John Bianchi standard).

A curved gun belt like John Wayne wore in True Grit, . . . is 2 1/2 inches wide, . . . and again would be 38 inches, measured like the above belt.

A curved gun belt to wear today with your concealed 1911, . . . would be 1 7/16 inches wide, . . . and would have 7 holes (instead of Walmart's standard of 5) and the center hole would be 36 inches from the tip of the belt buckle.

You can also go to the "Belt" page of my website, . . . it will show you the proper way to measure for a new belt.

May God bless,

Dwight

[johnggrg]

Thank you for the reply and great information Dwight. I think you answered what would have been my next question thank you. But originaly I was just wondering what size piece of leather it would take for the curved western style gunbelt to fit on. Like the size of blanc needed that's all. Just trying toget an idea of what would be needed. Don't have a pattern at the moment but thought it might be a good project. John

[JLSleather]

That's what I thought you were asking, but the fact is it matters how far you want the gun to "drop". The length is pretty easy to adjust, after all. It's not uncommon to see a 4" wide belt cut out of a 7" wide strip, to allow the skirt of the holster to be strung through the slot, rather than spanning the belt portion itself. If you don't want a drop, or aren't concerned about the flare (which can be built into the skirt of the holster if you prefer), then I don't think I've ever seen a "formula" for the width of the "blank" strip. This is because with the same amount (degree) of curve, a larger waist size will curve FARTHER (though not "steeper"). As a rule, when I made these I fitted a pattern on the guy they were going to be worn on. Pattern made out of butcher paper - which comes on a roll, with one side "waxy" so it moves easily and one side that allows you to write on it with a pencil. Yes, it's a bit of a pain in the backside, but you insure that it will ride where the guy wants it to.

Oh, yeah, is your belt a single rig or double? Two sides hang the same distance? One pattern I found for roughly that waist size requires a 9" wide "strip", but like I said it matters how low you want the steel slung.

Edited February 25, 2012 by JLSleather

[KAYAK45]

Another way, is to make a straight belt, wet it. and form it to a curve. That's one of the great things about leather, it "learns". Make a belt and CURVE IT, with forming.

Just a thought!

Kevin

[KAYAK45]

Another way, is to make a straight belt, wet it. and form it to a curve. That's one of the great things about leather, it "learns". Make a belt and CURVE IT, with forming.

Just a thought!

Kevin

Wonder why I keep double posting? Must be something I do wrong. Sorry!