If you carry a gun on your person, specifically IWB or OWB, you ought to be wearing a gun belt. You know the reasons for this: A gun belt provides a stable platform for your gun. And a stable platform means better concealment of your gun since a gun belt can pull it in tighter to your body. Moreover, a stable platform allows for a better draw stroke since it holds the gun/holster rig steady, in the same place, and keeps the holster in place while the gun comes out. The stable platform of a gun belt also provides surer carrying of a reload on your weak side (or wherever you carry it).
But there’s more. You’ll probably strap on a gun belt (or some kind of training belt) when you train with your gun. And once you enjoy the benefits of a stable rig in a training environment, you’ll want to replicate that in real life. Each time I train, I come away with a fresh appreciation for the surety offered by having my gun and reloads virtually locked in place on my hips — same place, super stable, etc.
Not long ago, gun belts tended to be leather monstrosities — black leather, 1.75 inches wide, basket weave with buckle hardware to rival a padlock. Basically, they were police-style, meant to hold up not just a gun and reloads but also handcuffs, radio, baton and more. Nowadays, gun belts literally are more civilized, are offered in multiple colors and can be worn out casually or even with more dressy clothes. I’ve got one or two gun belts measuring only 1.25 inches wide — dress belt size — and they’re perfect for IWB carry of a slim nine. Most of my gun belts, however, are 1.5 inches wide — great for casual dress at the office or around town. They’re various shades of brown and, of course, black and are solid pieces of gear. I couldn’t imagine not wearing one. Here are two I really like…
Bigfoot’s Leather Gun Belt — the 14-ounce edition — retails for $54.88. This is actually a lower-end model in their lineup, the higher-end models having a steel core and heavier-duty leather as well. What I like about the Bigfoot belt is its construction: double-layered English bridle leather, stitched together with military-grade polyester thread and finished with an in-house bevel, burnish and paint. In other words, it is strong, durable, good-looking and feels great. And it holds any holstered gun I’m carrying. Its best use is for IWB carry when dressed casual.
More info at: www.gunbelts.com
DeSantis’s Econobelt retails for $28.99. While that’s an entry-level price, you’ll end up with a high-end gun belt suitable for hard-core training but also casual wear. Originally designed as an under-belt for the NYPD, Econobelt is a very sturdy weapons platform made from bonded leather. Its basic black look goes just about anywhere and functionally it thrives if you prefer carrying OWB — especially when training.
More info at: www.desantisholster.com
Recent years have seen an expansion of gun belt sizes and types, and dozens of makers have gotten into the act. Whether you’ve been carrying concealed for 10 weeks or 20 years, there’s never been greater opportunity to have a gun belt that measures up.
