At some point during your shooting experience, you may
realize you want to carry your gun in a holster on a belt. Perhaps you go to a range that allows you to
draw from a holster, perhaps you want to start competing or maybe you want to open
carry. Whatever your reason, you will
need to make sure you buy a belt that can support the weight of your gun and
typically a pants belt will not pass the test.
You have quite a few options when it comes to tactical
belts. There are three main types:
leather, nylon and a two belt system.
When deciding on a belt, the most important thing is to decide how it is
going to be used and that it is designed to hold the weight of all the gear you
place on it.
Leather belts can be simple to quite beautiful. These are a great option for the person
looking to open carry and want a belt that blends with their everyday
clothing. Unlike regular dress belts, a
leather gun belt will have an internal stiffener to make it much stronger and
able to carry the weight of extra gear.
Another consideration is to buy the appropriate holster that fits the
width of your belt.
The two belt system is super convenient! This is the “go to” belt for many serious
competitors. The base belt, the one that
will go through your belt loops, is made of Velcro. The top belt holds all your gear. The advantage to this belt is that you can
arrange all your holsters and magazine holders exactly the way you want them
once. Every time after, you just slap
your belt on and go!
The last of the options noted is the nylon synthetic
belt. This is also known as an
instructor belt. It is the most basic of
the three options and the most cost effective.
They come in a variety of colors and are suitable for competition. This is the first belt for many people when they
are learning to draw from a holster.
To find the right belt, keep in mind these considerations:
1) Does the width of the belt match your belt loops? The most common size is 1.5”, but I have encountered instructor belts that are much wider and they do not fit through jean belt loops. Belt loops are important! They help organize and compartmentalized your gear on the belt, not to mention it holds the belt in place so it doesn’t slide off. If the belt is too narrow, you risk the belt shifting up and down. For most pants, 1.5” width is going to work, but it is worth double checking.2) Will the belt fit your holster or magazine pouches? Some holsters and pouches are adjustable and these are awesome. Some are set at a fixed width and this can be problematic. If your belt width is too thick, then obviously your holster or pouches won’t even go on. If it’s too narrow, they are going to be sliding around on you. They should fit snugly on the belt so they maintain the position you set them in. Make sure your potential belt fits your existing gear, or be prepared to replace it!3) For nylon-synthetic belts in particular, the thickness of the nylon web can cause fit issues. This type of belt typically utilizes a buckle and Velcro closure system. The area where the Velcro close doubles the thickness of the belt in that area and may not fit through most belt loops. Depending on how the belt fits you, you may be able to attach the Velcro over the belt or tuck the extra length under the belt.
Depending on the fit and your preference, you can attach the Velcro over your belt loops, or tuck the tail behind the belt.
4) The belt needs to be stiff enough to support the weight of the gear on your belt. Additionally, it needs to withstand the force of you pulling your gun or extra magazines while in action. You don’t want something that will fold over or twist on itself. On the instructor belt you can gauge the belt’s stiffness by the number of rows of stitching going lengthwise across the belt. Typically, the more rows the stiffer the belt. Look for 5 rows of stitches.
5) Look at the quality of components on the belt buckle. Nothing is more durable than metal, however many instructor belts use plastic components. True story – the husband and I went hiking a couple of years back and he bought what seemed like a rugged nylon gun belt to hold his gun, but it had a plastic buckle. On our way back up out of the canyon, we took a break and as he was re-adjusting his pack and belt, the plastic buckle snapped and the belt fell off. Luckily for us the gun didn’t go down in the canyon. After that experience you can bet we spring the extra for durable metal components!6) The fit is also very important to get right. The belt needs to fit snug on your hips. To get the correct fit measure around where you normally where your belt and then add 3”. You need the little bit of extra length to pull the belt tight and have enough to secure it to the Velcro or tuck behind the belt. If you are in-between sizes, go up to the next size. It is OK if there is an open area of open Velcro after attaching the belt – just as long as it attaches!
Bang Bang Boutique offers an instructor belt that fits the above criteria and may be an excellent option for you! Be sure to check it out!
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| Complete your belt with one of our colorful print holsters! |
