CCW Lifestyle Series – Gun Belts
The following is part of a continuing series of articles intended to provide a starting point for those new to concealed carry. There is much to learn and great satisfaction to be had but figuring out where to begin can be daunting for newcomers. The intent of the series is to provide useful information for those beginning the transition to the concealed carry lifestyle.
A good gun belt is a critical part of your everyday IWB/OWB carry rig. Just like the holster, choosing the right gun belt is a personal matter. A belt that works fine for one person may not work well for another. Between high quality belts it’s often a matter of nuance, the difference between pretty good and perfect.
Once you try a belt specifically designed to carry the weight of a firearm, the difference between that and one that is not will be immediately obvious. A good gun belt will hold the holster in place with no movement or sagging. When combined with the right holster you’ll hardly know you’re carrying anything at all. The following information should help you find your perfect gun belt.
Personal Preference
Let’s start with quality. Stay away from cheap belts as you’ll end up disappointed. You should expect to spend between about $55 and $90 for a good leather gun belt. Some prefer a more tactical look, so the web style belts can be a less expensive option. Style of dress, comfort, appearance, and carry style are some of the things to consider when selecting a belt.
Belts That I Own
In my own experience I seem to have evolved from IWB to OWB carry and have always preferred leather belts. The following are some sources with which I have personal experience:
- Bigfoot Gun Belts – The first real gun belts I used were from Bigfoot. They make a leather belt with a steel core. I prefer leather belts so that part worked for me and the steel core provides the stiffness to securely support and hold the firearm. The difference between what I thought was my good leather belt (not a gun belt) and my Bigfoot belt was night and day. These belts are comfortable, work well, look good and I still wear them from time to time. I have one in black and one in brown and that pretty much goes with anything I tend to wear. You can buy a Bigfoot belt for about $75.
- Simply Rugged – I first discovered Simply Rugged in my search for a leather holster. They make beautiful handmade leather holsters (I now own several) and offer a variety of custom tooling. They also make gun belts with the same high quality and choice of tooling. Simply Rugged belts do not contain a steel core so tend to be lighter and less stiff. Mine works well and is beautiful. Simply Rugged belts can be had from $50 to $135 depending on how much custom tooling you desire.
- Wright Leather Works – My everyday carry rig has evolved to a Predator Pancake holster and an Old World Gun Belt, both from Wright Leather Works. This seems to be the perfect combination for me. The Old World Belt is finely crafted from premium Hermann Oaks Old World Harness leather and is thick (1/4 inch) and very sturdy. The belt is very comfortable, works very well, and looks great. The Old World Belt sells for $75.
- Other Sources – The following are gun belt makers with which I have no direct experience (I do own a Crossbreed holster), but which are well respected in the industry:
Carrying a concealed firearm is obviously a serious endeavor but it should also be enjoyable and offer opportunities to grow and learn. Part of the experience is exploring various carry methods, holsters, belts and all the other stuff that goes with living the Concealed Carry Lifestyle. Be safe and have fun.
The right to self-defense is a basic human right. Gun ownership is an integral part of that right. If you want to keep your rights defend them by joining San Diego County Gun Owners (SDCGO) in San Diego, Orange County Gun Owners (OCGO) in Orange County, San Bernardino County Gun Owners (SBCGO) in San Bernardino County or Riverside County Gun Owners (RCGO) in Riverside. Support the cause by listening to Gun Sports Radio live on Sunday afternoon or on the internet at your leisure. Join the fight and help us restore and preserve our second amendment rights. Together we will win.
©2020 Joseph T Drammissi