Cartridge Loops Question

[ChuckBurrows]

I've used all three and style 2 is the one that the Old George Lawrence Co used on hundreds if not thousands of their gun belts. Style 1 is more likely to push through to the back and then only if the loops aren't slightly oversize as Dwight noted, or the belt is not lined, or you're not wearing it - if you're wearing it then the loops cannot push out the back. Rather than sewing them on an unlined belt I've used spots and/or cap rivets between the loops on style 3 - adds nice deco and keeps the loops on the front. You can several belts done like this on my website.

With style 2, which is my favorite for various reasons, I've never had the loops push out the back when unlined once the loops are form fitted. This is the style I use for my personal gear and in over 50 years wearing such a cartridge belt I've never had any problems even when working in the outdoors for long periods in my younger days as a cow hand, trapper, and guide and it's stronger than sewn loops. Also never had the back of the loops wear away when unlined.

[Bruno Rock]

Thanks a lot for all the opinions, soon I'll try style number 2

[TexasJack]

Will Ghormley had some good pictures illustrating the way he sews cartridge loops - I believe it's on the post he did for the "Hand of God" holster.

[Dwight]

Sewing on loops like Will showed produces a very pretty gun belt, . . . and it will carry the cartridges, . . .

But if you get John Bianchi's video series on making western gun leather, . . . his process is much cleaner looking, . . . and from my personal experience, . . . is a better way to do it.

Of course, . . . Will's process is geared mostly to the hand sewer, . . . John's is to the machine man.

Either will work, . . . but neither is as durable as the #2 post from Bruno Rock above.

May God bless,

Dwight

[TexasJack]

Chuck, I thought you'd already gone into hibernation for the winter!! Good to see you post!

This is not a very elaborate thread, but it's fun to discuss techniques in some detail. I like to know why I might choose a particular method over another one, or when one method might be better for a particular application.

Guys like Chuck and Will make this stuff look easy, but they've had some serious depth of experience to get to that point.

[bushpilotmexico]

Hi Dwight,

I sent you a PM asking what tool you use to cut the slots?

thx

[Geneva]

I use nickel plated brass rivets between cartridges, no glue.

A 1" bag punch for the slots.

You should be able to get 18 rounds on a size 40/42" belt. 24 rounds on a size 48/50" belt. Naturally there is a liner on the belt sewn top and bottom of the finished loops. 5/8ths. inch spacing 1/2" from the top of the belt.

You don't need to wet the loop material to make it work. I use .41 mag cartridges for the 45 long Colt.

My 2 cents

[bagga]

just what i was looking for.