Gun belt for the monsters

[paraord]

So with moving into full frame revolvers I think it's time for a new belt. I am pretty set on one with either a steel or kydex insert. Any suggestions, reviews, why or why not. Let me have it. I have my Redhawk short barrel for ccw (which conceals very good with that simply rugged), the SBH in a strong side holster occasionally, and a few semi autos of the heavier variety.

[Any Cal.]

Abetterbelt.com was really helpful when I ordered from them. They have all the options you mention, though they didn't when I ordered years back. I called with my problem and he built me a special order belt that wasn't in the catalog, and I don't remember any big upcharge. My belt still looks great after 6? years of everyday use, though it is full leather and has softened up. Would definitely order from them again.

[M-Tecs]

Abetterbelt.com was really helpful when I ordered from them. They have all the options you mention, though they didn't when I ordered years back. I called with my problem and he built me a special order belt that wasn't in the catalog, and I don't remember any big upcharge. My belt still looks great after 6? years of everyday use, though it is full leather and has softened up. Would definitely order from them again.

Didn't know about them. I need to replace a 25 year old belt. I will give them a try

[robertbank]

I just bought the first of two belts for use in IDPA. The company `Simpy Rugged Holsters`

http://www.simplyrugged.com

I have the 1.75`` and after using it with my revolver holsters I ordered another at 1.5`` as I have pistol holsters designed to fit the smaller belt. Their laminated belt is as stiff and capable as any I have seen. They are as stiff as the nylon double belts used in IPSC and USPSA. I thought their prices were fair for the value you get and you folks do not have to deal with the exchange rate. LOL. With our pending postal strike come lock out I suspect it may be awhile before I see the second belt.

Take Care

Bob

[slim1836]

http://aliengearholsters.com/alien-gear-gun-belt.html

This is what I use for concealed carry, it has a stainless steel band for support.

Slim

[Paul_R]

Bullhide belts. Even without the steel core these 1/4" thick beasts smoke the competition.

http://www.bullhidebelts.com/Gun-Belts_ep_111-1.html

[Earlwb]

I would say if you are carrying a real monster sized handgun then you need the bandoleer types of holsters. it is hard to get a belt holster to to work Ok with a big monster handgun with a scope on it. I use a leather handoleer holster that I bought from Magnum Research for my BFR .45-70 revolver. It has a cutout for the scope too. But there are several other types that one can use as well.

[9.3X62AL]

Carrying my Redhawk or 7.5" Blackhawks around is a conflicted exercise--not sure that a shoulder sling or axle and wheels wouldn't be more convenient.

[robertbank]

Carrying my Redhawk or 7.5" Blackhawks around is a conflicted exercise--not sure that a shoulder sling or axle and wheels wouldn't be more convenient.

Al check out Simply Rugged Holsters. I just phoned them and the owner answered the phone. I have his 1 3/4 belt for my GP-100 Kydex holster and was so pleased with it I ordered their 1 1/2" belt as well to fit my pistol holsters. This morning I let the Queen breath a bit and ordered a holster for my Model 10.

I bring this all up because the company makes a chest rig that is compatible with their belt holsters . It is a neat system and is great for Wilderness Carry. I intend to order the rig and holster in August for my GP-100 and a holster for my Ruger Blackhawk 45Colt.

The company uses a three loop system on their holsters which allows for vertical side carry, cross draw carry and with the chest rig, chest carry. If their holster is as well made as their belts life will be good.

I will let you know how the holster works out.

Take Care

Bob

[W.R.Buchanan]

I got a Heavy Leather Gun Belt from Mernickle when I bought my Holster for my 696 from him. When I say heavy I mean it doesn't flex hardly at all, easily 1/4" thick and very hard leather. It is a very heavy 1.5" leather belt (excellent tooling too) that is designed not to twist when you are drawing your gun and foul your presentation.

For all my guns that go to the range for IDPA or Shooting Classes I have Uncle Mikes simple Duty Belts (@$20) with the Kydex Holsters and mag holders and a Dump Bag already set up. Simple to put on and get back off.

The belt is adjusted so that it fits right when over the top of my pants belt and held in place with some Bianchi Belt Holder Uppers.($10)

When shooting at Front Sight these setups are much more comfortable than having your Holster and Mag Holders threaded thru your pants belt and allow you to position the holster where you actually want it as opposed to where the belt loops on your pants will allow it to be. I can also take it all off in a few seconds and leave it in the car when not shooting.

I'm not so sure that this would be the hot ticket for CCW Carry as there is a lot going on with my set ups, but this is the way that most Police Duty Belts are set up. But they are open carry.

I could see using my Mernickle Belt over the top of my pants belt and held in place like the Duty Belts are. Hadn't considered that before but it would work the same way, it would just look more like a civilian setup than a LE set up.

A few minutes later,,,, :coffeecom

I have in fact, just tried this and have it on as I type this reply and it is relatively comfortable sitting here. It will take lots of practice to get a decent draw with the shirt over the top of the gun. I am used to clearing a vest but this is a completely different situation. My wife says she can easily see that I have something under my Tee Shirt and this is my 696. I also don't have any extra Speed loader Holsters on this and with a 5 or 6 shot gun it is kind of mandatory you have several Speed Loaders with you.

I don't really see how you can actually conceal a Ruger Red Hawk under anything less than a Parka,,, but if you can ???? then maybe the Heavy Leather Belt and Leather Holster would be what you need. I can assure you that drawing from a Kydex Holster is much faster than any Leather Holster, but at 3lbs. nobody is going to draw a Red Hawk fast from anything.

Here is a couple of pics for the sake of illustration. There will be no comments on my beautiful figure, as most of you should be so lucky !!! :holysheep

Randy

[DerekP Houston]

I'm still proudly wearing the 2 from Whyte Leather (sponsor springfield made) I've actually had to drill a few new holes in it thanks to the dropped weight. Very sturdy and thick I'd buy again if he does another sale. My original belts were all from Kohls, Wally World, etc....none lasted more than a few weeks before I snapped a metal piece or bent something. I am a bit rough on my clothing and I like to roll around on the floor with my kid and dogs.

You have me reconsidering getting a concealed or OWB holster for my model 10.....

[Tom W.]

Didn't know if you were referring to the handguns or the gut size.....:kidding:

[DerekP Houston]

Didn't know if you were referring to the handguns or the gut size.....:kidding:

In girth we trust :redneck:

[paraord]

I must have accidentally turned off notifications for this thread. Thanks for the replies everyone.

I do have a Diamond D guides choice for my SBH when hunting, but If Im just gonna pop on the tractor quick it turns into which holster is closer.I sent Mike at ABetterBelt an email about their different weights and see what he says.

I cant agree more about simplyrugged, awesome guy to work with and his sourdough pancake is excellent!

Randy, thanks for the pictures there. Believe it or not that Redhawk and sourdough holster conceals very well for me in just a t-shirt. Ill put my rig on and post a picture or two. Its the round butt on the Kodiak Backpacker that makes it less likely to print for me anyways. Maybe I will dabble in making a kydex holster for this just to say I did.

[Murphy]

Simply Rugged Holsters & Belts are some of the finest I've ever owned. I realize there are belt & holster vendors here on our site, and I mean then no disrespect whatsoever.

I've known Rob & Janet Leahy (the owners of Simply Rugged) for close to a decade now. You can't ask for better people to call friends. I met Rob through another website when he first began to sell holsters, they lived in Alaska at the time. Rob is a pretty good sized fella and part of me is pretty sure he developed his products out of necessity. I'm fair sized myself and your average off the rack belt doesn't seem to last me a good six months. I have happily been wearing one of Rob's belts daily now for 4 or 5 years. I own two, one for daily work wear and the other for evenings and dress. No signs of stretching, etc.

And last but far from least, is the man Rob himself. Rob is a great person and supports our troops like none other I've witnessed. Along with that, he & Janet often donate items to support good causes. In short, a great couple making a great product they stand behind.

If one can find anything wrong a Simply Rugged product? It would have be it's over built for what the buyer intended. Simply Rugged is just that...rugged, tough & reliable. You can't go wrong ordering from them.

Murphy

[paraord]

As promised heres some pictures of my simply rugged running IWB with my redhawk. This is about as light as I dress normally. It can be 110 degrees and Im likely still in pants. Ive gotten poisin Ivy every year since I was a kid, this is the only thing that deters it (and even then I found a little blister spot on my elbow this morning so I must have been walking through some pretty tall stuff).

Wife gave me a good look over and said you cant tell one bit. She is generally the voice of what prints terribly and what looks good.

http://i823.photobucket.com/albums/zz154/paraord1911/Mobile%20Uploads/20160710_092552_zpss52kb8aw.jpg (http://s823.photobucket.com/user/paraord1911/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160710_092552_zpss52kb8aw.jpg.html)

http://i823.photobucket.com/albums/zz154/paraord1911/Mobile%20Uploads/20160710_092556_zpsjrpewxw4.jpg (http://s823.photobucket.com/user/paraord1911/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160710_092556_zpsjrpewxw4.jpg.html)

http://i823.photobucket.com/albums/zz154/paraord1911/Mobile%20Uploads/20160710_092559_zps2l594bfy.jpg (http://s823.photobucket.com/user/paraord1911/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160710_092559_zps2l594bfy.jpg.html)

http://i823.photobucket.com/albums/zz154/paraord1911/Mobile%20Uploads/20160710_092611_zps2nj6idle.jpg (http://s823.photobucket.com/user/paraord1911/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160710_092611_zps2nj6idle.jpg.html)

And Ive worked hard for this here spare tire! Never know when Im gonna need it.:mrgreen:

[jrayborn]

I agree 100% with Murphy. I have never met the fine folks at Simply Rugged, but their products are fantastic and their service is first rate.

[robertbank]

Well if I had not seen it I would never have believed it. Paraord use is da man!

After reading Murphy's post I am just going to order that chest rig for my GP-100. Beter wait until the Model 10 holster arrives. The tax collectors at the border would have a field day if I add another purchase to my order.


Take Care

Bob

[paraord]

Well if I had not seen it I would never have believed it. Paraord use is da man!

After reading Murphy's post I am just going to order that chest rig for my GP-100. Beter wait until the Model 10 holster arrives. The tax collectors at the border would have a field day if I add another purchase to my order.


Take Care

Bob


Thank you sir! In this holster it carries very well too. I think the only reason that one picture had a mall bit of puffing out was because one of the belt loops was a little goofy.

100 percent agree with Murphy and Jrayborn with the quality of simply rugged, I dont have the chest rig from him yet but I have to believe its just as great quality as this holster. I only have the one holster from them but have this sneaking suspicion that my 686 and 92FS will be getting some new leather as well. And as for customer service Rob got right back to me on the 4th of July weekend when I got my holster in. It came in a bit too long and he is getting me all squared away, but seriously, he got back to me via email on the Saturday before the 4th of July. Try getting that from one of the commercial cats. This is why I love to support small businesses, these people do what they love and it shows in their product and service.

[DerekP Houston]

As promised heres some pictures of my simply rugged running IWB with my redhawk. This is about as light as I dress normally. It can be 110 degrees and Im likely still in pants. Ive gotten poisin Ivy every year since I was a kid, this is the only thing that deters it (and even then I found a little blister spot on my elbow this morning so I must have been walking through some pretty tall stuff).

Wife gave me a good look over and said you cant tell one bit. She is generally the voice of what prints terribly and what looks good.

http://i823.photobucket.com/albums/zz154/paraord1911/Mobile%20Uploads/20160710_092552_zpss52kb8aw.jpg (http://s823.photobucket.com/user/paraord1911/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160710_092552_zpss52kb8aw.jpg.html)

http://i823.photobucket.com/albums/zz154/paraord1911/Mobile%20Uploads/20160710_092556_zpsjrpewxw4.jpg (http://s823.photobucket.com/user/paraord1911/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160710_092556_zpsjrpewxw4.jpg.html)

http://i823.photobucket.com/albums/zz154/paraord1911/Mobile%20Uploads/20160710_092559_zps2l594bfy.jpg (http://s823.photobucket.com/user/paraord1911/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160710_092559_zps2l594bfy.jpg.html)

http://i823.photobucket.com/albums/zz154/paraord1911/Mobile%20Uploads/20160710_092611_zps2nj6idle.jpg (http://s823.photobucket.com/user/paraord1911/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160710_092611_zps2nj6idle.jpg.html)

And Ive worked hard for this here spare tire! Never know when Im gonna need it.:mrgreen:

Dang nice! I have added their website to my bookmarks for my next purchase, still making my mind up. As a free gesture of good faith, my neighbors son is making holsters from 2a holster on facebook. Not sure quality wise compared to the above but I'm considering buying a molon labe belt just to support him.

[W.R.Buchanan]

Paraord,, That doesn't look nearly as obvious as mine does. There is definitely a difference between IWB and OWB.

Since you are a Redhead you are a magnet for Poison Ivy. The stuff loves fair skin.

Randy

[Para82]

Another +1 for Simply Rugged and Rob Leahy. Have bought holsters from him since he was in Alaska. Have three holsters and all have been great. Can't recommend him enough.

[1911sw45]

I recommend a double horse hide belt from. Daltechforce at https://www.daltechforce.com I carry a full size 1911 .45. Horse hide is the only hide to get. Very strong stiff and it won't soak up sweat like bull hide does. They at Daltechforce are great people. And you will
have your belt in about a week. And you won't go broke getting one from them.

[Any Cal.]

That Redhawk slips away pretty good!

It was a Redhawk and the demise of a really good belt that got me into gunbelts. I had a webbing/leather laminated belt that was EXCELLENT, but no longer availiable. I called abetterbelt to ask about options, and he hooked me up with a horsehide inner liner for stiffness without bulk. I was trying to get a belt less than 1/4" thick so it fit some holsters and pants better.

I like the idea of the steel or kydex liners, but wonder about the added thickness. Seems like getting one in horsehide inner and horsehide or exotic outer might be the ticket. Might even be able to squeeze a liner in there without it getting too thick? Not real sure about how a liner would/wouldn't break in, might be a factor.

[robertbank]

Well my 1.5" belt and holster for my Model 10 arrived to day's mail. The belt has the same quality as my 1.75" from then and why not? LOL The holster will do very well. It is a simple pancake design that really covers the trigger guard area well and it is well made.

In time I will pick up their chest rig and a holster for my GP-100 as well. Service was great. Delivery via our two post offices was excellent. I paid $32cdn GST, special thanks goes out to Canadian Border Services when it arrived. They do such a great job in keeping our Liberal Federal Gov't in cash. In any event it is what it is and they do a better job of keeping the BG's and illegals from entering Canada so I have no complaints. We gotta pay taxes if we want the services.

Thanks go out to Rugged Holsters and Rob & Janet for the great service and quality product.

Take Care

Bob