[Fathead00]

Why are all the gun belts so expensive? That's why I bought a Walmart belt. Would love to buy a real gun belt, but I'm not spending $40 and up for a belt. Also, what makes a gun belt different from a Walmart belt?

[gr8wapiti]

I'm kinda picky when it comes to my belt. I've always had them custom made by leather makers that way they fit right cause you get measured for the belt. Also for CCW they'll customize the belt to take the holster of your choice. Now custom belts aren't cheap, usually $200 each, but you choose the hide and the design for your belt and i've got a couple of them that are over 20 years old. You get what you pay for in leather craft.

[Dillinger]

Originally Posted by Fathead00

Why are all the gun belts so expensive? That's why I bought a Walmart belt. Would love to buy a real gun belt, but I'm not spending $40 and up for a belt. Also, what makes a gun belt different from a Walmart belt?

I don't know about a Wal*mart belt. But I had a Levi's belt that was about 1 1/4" wide and made of leather. Cost about $30 or so.

After a few months of carrying (1911, full sized) the belt began to show serious sag right at the point of the right hip where the holster would ride. It never felt like there was anything wrong, but it just seemed like there was extra weight on my hip.

When I got my Milt Sparks belt there was a significant difference in how the pistol rode on the belt and how the belt rode on my hips.

It's like the difference between using a couple of flimsy jack stands or using a hydraulic floor jack. One will get the job done, the other one was designed for the work you are doing.

JD

[Fathead00]

Originally Posted by Dillinger

I don't know about a Wal*mart belt. But I had a Levi's belt that was about 1 1/4" wide and made of leather. Cost about $30 or so.

After a few months of carrying (1911, full sized) the belt began to show serious sag right at the point of the right hip where the holster would ride. It never felt like there was anything wrong, but it just seemed like there was extra weight on my hip.

When I got my Milt Sparks belt there was a significant difference in how the pistol rode on the belt and how the belt rode on my hips.

It's like the difference between using a couple of flimsy jack stands or using a hydraulic floor jack. One will get the job done, the other one was designed for the work you are doing.

JD

Which Milt Sparks belt did you get and how much if you don't mind me asking?

[Dillinger]

Originally Posted by Fathead00

Which Milt Sparks belt did you get and how much if you don't mind me asking?

I didn't get anything fancy, no sharkskin or elaborate stitching or anything. I got a double thick (which I believe is his standard) black belt with silver buckle and it was like $90 when I placed my order.

The backlog was about 6-7 months. When it was at the head of the cue, they called to confirm I hadn't gained any weight and if the measurements were still accurate (I thought that was cool). Then called again and said it's on it's way and we are charging your card.

Showed up a couple of days later and it was just as good, or better, than I had expected.

It's been over 2 years, going on 3, and I don't wear anything else, so I am working on $30 a year for a belt.

The math works for me. YMMV.

JD

[fupuk]

I bought a galco carry belt and ive had it about six months and no complaints. Sturdy and hopfully will last forever. Cost me $100 but there products should last a lifetime...... I hope.

[JohnJak]

Here's one of the best out there today.
http://www.rgleather.freehomepage.com/

Cheap belts stretch a lot. Buy a good belt that will last for years.

[gollygee]

Originally Posted by Fathead00

Why are all the gun belts so expensive? That's why I bought a Walmart belt. Would love to buy a real gun belt, but I'm not spending $40 and up for a belt. Also, what makes a gun belt different from a Walmart belt?

Generally they are thicker & stiffer than what you'll find at Walmart. Usually double layered & some have stiffeners between the layers. Really depends on size & weight of the pistol. If a belt twists easily, the pistol's grip will try to cant outwards away from you body. It may not actually do it because the muzzle is up tight against you, but that pressure from the muzzle can become uncomfortable over time.

I have an old western style belt from many years ago & another belt which is double layered, bought from a 'Farm & Ranch' store several years ago. Both were under $15 & they do a decent job of holding my lightest pistols okay, but still not good enough for the larger ones, so I don't use either very much.

Don Hume makes some decent double layered gun belts that won't break the bank, but I don't know if they offer them with stiffeners. I think I paid $40 each for mine from Midway USA. You may be able to find them cheaper elsewhere, but I already had an account there & had other stuff I was ordering.

[Fathead00]

Originally Posted by gollygee

Generally they are thicker & stiffer than what you'll find at Walmart. Usually double layered & some have stiffeners between the layers. Really depends on size & weight of the pistol. If a belt twists easily, the pistol's grip will try to cant outwards away from you body. It may not actually do it because the muzzle is up tight against you, but that pressure from the muzzle can become uncomfortable over time.

I have an old western style belt from many years ago & another belt which is double layered, bought from a 'Farm & Ranch' store several years ago. Both were under $15 & they do a decent job of holding my lightest pistols okay, but still not good enough for the larger ones, so I don't use either very much.

Don Hume makes some decent double layered gun belts that won't break the bank, but I don't know if they offer them with stiffeners. I think I paid $40 each for mine from Midway USA. You may be able to find them cheaper elsewhere, but I already had an account there & had other stuff I was ordering.

Thanks for all the info. That's really what stopping me on some of these belt prices. I look at it as why would I pay over $100 for a belt. I'll have to start looking around for a gun belt.

[mudpupp]

Originally Posted by Fathead00

Thanks for all the info. That's really what stopping me on some of these belt prices. I look at it as why would I pay over $100 for a belt. I'll have to start looking around for a gun belt.

Optics planet and eBay both sell the 5.11 Tactical Casual Leather Belts in Brown and Black for under $40