The leather belts at the department store look just like gun belts, so is there even a reason to invest in a quality gun belt? In fact, gun belts are quite a bit different than fashion belts. In this article, we’ll go over the differences between the two and help you figure out what makes a good gun belt.
GUN BELT BASICS
A good gun belt is one that’s reinforced in some way to support the weight of your holster and gun, plus any extra magazines, knives, pepper spray, or other gear that you want to carry at your waist. It should distribute the weight of your items around your center and should never sag. The style should suit your daily attire, and the belt should be comfortable.
A quality gun belt is an essential complement to a good holster. Let’s take a more in-depth look at the features that set gun belts apart from fashion belts.
STURDINESS
The main feature that distinguishes a gun belt from a regular belt is its sturdiness.
Department store leather belts are often pressed leather scraps, much like particleboard. They’re not built to support the weight of a loaded gun, nor any of the extra gear that you may choose to carry.
Before long, a regular belt will sag under the weight of the weapon, which is a dead giveaway that you’re armed. Picture the Old West gunslingers from the movies: their belts hung low on their hips, weighed down by their guns. Don’t let that be you.
With a regular belt, your entire holster may shift, and your gun may print through your clothes as you move. If you’re ever in a situation where a violent assailant is scouting an area before an attack, they’ll aim for you first when they notice your holster printing against your pants.
Eventually, a fashion belt will begin to crack around the holes and will eventually break. Quality gun belts, on the other hand, are usually made from exceptional leather and are reinforced with a steel or kydex core, so they never sag, and they won’t crack and break.
COMFORT
A proper gun belt spreads the weight of your loaded weapon around your waist. It prevents movement and printing, while also preserving your back health. It’s much more comfortable to be armed with the weight of your gear evenly distributed.
Another comfort factor is the size and width of your belt. Some people like the sturdiness and heft of a thick, wide belt. However, people with a smaller build may prefer a more streamlined belt. It’s not necessary to get the largest, sturdiest option ever made. Typically, what’s most comfortable is the one that’s better sized for your body and your gun.
You may have to test out a few brands and widths to find what works best for you, but the improved concealment and back comfort offered by a gun belt is worth the time you’ll spend shopping for the right one.
BELTS TO MATCH YOUR GUN
Not all gun belts are the same. A belt designed for a compact, .380 will not properly support the weight of a loaded 1911 and all of its extras. While you can certainly use a belt rated for 1911s to carry a .380, it’s a bit of overkill. Plus, a larger belt may not be as comfortable as a smaller one, depending on your body.
Choose a belt that pairs well with your gun and holster. Common gun belt sizes are anywhere from ¾ of an inch wide to 1 ½ inch wide. Your holster clip should fit over the entire belt, so a ¾ inch clip will obviously not work with a 1 ½ inch wide belt. Similarly, a 1 ½ inch clip may shift a bit on a ¾ inch belt.
NYLON VS LEATHER
Typically, you’ll have a choice of leather or nylon for your gun belt. Neither material is better than the other; they have different applications.
Leather belts are often thicker than nylon. They usually have two layers of sturdy leather with a steel or nylon core sewn into the middle. Nylon gets a lot of its sturdiness from its tight weave. Some nylon belts have a reinforced core, but others do not. If you’re seeking a thin, light belt, you may want to start your search among the nylon varieties.
If you wear a suit to work, you’ll likely prefer a leather belt. However, if you want a more casual, sporty look on the weekend or have a laidback dress code at your job, nylon could be a great option.
If you want to carry a gun every day, make sure you choose a belt that suits your style. If you only purchase a nylon belt, you’re not very likely to wear it to the office, which undermines your intention to carry daily.
Guns come in countless models and designs, and there are dozens of holsters to suit each gun. The market for gun belts is no different. Finding one that looks good and is comfortable should be easy.
BUDGET
Your budget is an essential factor in what makes a gun belt a good option for you. If you want to, you can spend quite a lot of money on gun accessories. However, you don’t need to break the bank to get a functional belt.
If you want a luxurious leather belt, this one from Relentless Tactical is an excellent option. If your budget is tight, you can get this nylon belt from Fairwin for a good price. Both belts are high-quality, both will evenly distribute the weight of your gear, and both will last for a long time.
So.. What Makes A Good Gun Belt?
If you’ve tried out several holsters and are struggling to find a comfortable one, we’d like to point your attention to your belt instead. If you’re using a regular, fashion belt, you should seriously consider upgrading to a proper gun belt. A gun belt is an essential component of comfortable concealed carrying.
If you already wear a gun belt but still find concealed carrying uncomfortable, shop around a bit more. Choosing a belt that’s meant for a full-sized pistol when you carry a micro-compact isn’t a great pairing. Adequate reinforcement, proper size, and style are what makes a good gun belt, so take some time to pick the best one for you.
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