How to Choose the Right Gun Belt for Your Needs

Introduction

Time to read: 10 minutes

Date: June 8, 2023

As a firearm owner, the importance of a reliable and sturdy gun belt cannot be stressed enough. Not only does it support the weight of the firearm and holster, but it also helps to maintain the security and accessibility of your weapon. Whether you’re an avid shooter or a law enforcement officer, choosing the right gun belt is a vital part of your firearm equipment. 

It can be overwhelming to choose among these well-known brands, but it’s essential to ensure that you’re selecting the belt that suits your specific requirements. From carrying a pistol for security purposes to sporting activities, the type of holster and firearm you use will determine the type of gun belt that’s right for you. So, let’s dive into the essential details of choosing the perfect gun belt to elevate your shooting experience.

Types of Gun Belt Materials 

When choosing a gun belt, the material is a crucial factor to consider. The right material can make all the difference in terms of comfort, durability, and functionality. Here are three popular materials used for gun belts:

Nylon belts

It is such a popular choice for gun belts because it is lightweight and very durable. Nylon belts are affordable, easy to maintain, and usually machine-washable. However, the downside is that nylon belts are not as rigid as other materials, which may cause the firearm to shift and bounce around on the belt.

CR Speed Belts

This type of belt is specifically designed for competitive shooting, with features like a rigid inner core for better stability and a hook-and-loop closure for easy adjustment. If you’re serious about shooting sports, a CR Speed belt could be the right choice for you.

Other materials

Kydex-like materials or thick polymers are often used in belts made specifically for competitive shooting and law enforcement use, such as the CR Speed Belts. These materials are durable and can withstand intense use, making them ideal for the rigors of competition or daily use.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Gun Belt

Belt width

When choosing a gun belt, consider the width of the belt. A wider belt will offer better support and distribute the weight of your firearm more evenly, making it more comfortable to wear for more extended periods of time. Arbor Arms and Propper both offer sturdy, wide gun belts.

Materials

Leather belts are a classic choice because they last a long time and look good, but belts made of synthetic materials like nylon or polymer can be more robust and last longer. TruSpec is a favored brand of tough nylon belts.

Some gun belts, like the famous CR Speed belt, even have internal stiffeners to make them more rigid and stop them from sagging. But keep in mind that a belt that is too stiff may not be as comfortable to wear.

Personal needs and preferences

If you plan on carrying concealed, you may want a belt with a low-profile buckle that won’t draw attention. Or, if you have a larger body frame, a belt with adjustable sizing options might be more comfortable.

Ultimately, choosing the right gun belt is a matter of finding the right combination of support, comfort, and practicality for your specific needs and firearm setup.

Popular Brands of Gun Belts

Blade-Tech

Blade-Tech offers the following belt categories: ultimate carry belt, competition belt, instructor belt, and EDC belt. Today we are highlighting the Velocity Gun Belt.

• The Velocity gun belt has a number of features that make it an excellent choice for users. 

• It is highly durable, with a tensile strength of 4,000 pounds, and industrial-grade VELCRO. 

• The belt comes in a range of sizes, from 32” to 52”. 

• It is designed as a two-piece system, allowing users to wear the inner belt and attach the outer belt when they are ready to go. 

• The Velocity gun belt is also compatible with all of Blade-Tech attachments and has a width of 1.5”.

Versacarry

Located in Texas, Justin Sitz created Versacarry to combat all of the downfalls he found with other brand products. The brand offers essential, premium, casual, and deluxe carry belts.  Today we are highlighting the Comfort Carry Belt 12 oz.

The Comfort Carry Belt is made from high-quality vegetable-tanned water buffalo leather that has been carefully selected for its superior quality. The belts are crafted in Texas with great attention to detail, ensuring that each one meets our strict quality standards.

• Durable double-ply construction

• English point belt tip

• Seven adjustment holes

• Removable belt buckle

• Available in lengths from 36″ to 44″, with a width of 1.5″ 

• The hardware is made of metal snaps and a nickel buckle, and the stitching is done with industrial-grade bonded nylon thread 

If you are looking for an affordable gun belt that is both high-quality and durable, the Comfort Carry Belt is the perfect choice.

Galco Gun Leather

Based in Chicago, Galco has a very strong following. Featured in movies like Face Off, Die Hard, The Expendables 2, Golden Eye, Tomorrow Never Dies, Total Recall, Ms. Congeniality, Lethal Weapon, Men in Black, Rush Hour… the list seriously goes on. 

On top of the several movie cameos, Galco has an extensive selection of gun belt categories:

• Casual
• Dress
• Fancy stitched
• Cop holster
• Contoured/tapered
• Instructors holster belt
• Cobra tactical
• Adjustable shell
• 7-hole shell pouch
• “Bear Paw” flat back
• Western cartridge
• Wrangler cartridge

The belts are even made with a vast range of different materials:

• Usual leather and nylon 
• Premium Center Cut Steerhide
• Alligator
• Ostrich
• Stingray
• Shark

These materials will bring your belt price closer to $600. But today, we are showcasing the EDC Holster Belt.

• The EDC Belt is an updated version of the classic Ranger-style belt. 

• It has a quick-release buckle and an adjustable billet strap. 

• Made from SCUBA webbing, it has a hook-and-loop billet strap that allows for easy adjustment to fit different waist sizes or to accommodate handguns carried inside the waistband. 

• The EDC Belt is very stable and rigid, making it a fantastic choice for both everyday wear and training, even with heavy handguns and accessories. 

• The buckle is made from 7075 aluminum alloy and has stainless steel adjusters, rivets, and components, as well as brass clips. 

• It is CNC machined to ensure precision, reliability, and safety, with no sharp edges. 

• The belt is 1½” wide and comes in black or a flat dark earth color in four sizes. 

• The tension adjustment is on the right side when looped through the pants counter-clockwise. 

An honorable mention for the Galco Casual Pants Belt. Made from a single layer of high-quality Latigo leather, the SB14 belt is paired with a solid-brass buckle that has been nickel-plated. Its width is 1 1/2″, and it features a squared buckle, making it an ideal choice for a casual pants belt. Additionally, it has seven holes for a wide range of adjustments.

Measuring for a Gun Belt

This may seem like a simple task, but it is crucial to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. One of the most important aspects to consider when choosing a gun belt is its ability to support the weight of your firearm and holster without sagging or twisting. This is where precise measurement comes into play.

To measure for a gun belt, start by wearing any pants or clothing that you would typically wear while carrying your firearm. Measure your waist size at the point where you plan to wear the belt, usually around the hip bone or natural waistline. It’s essential to measure accurately and not be tempted to add extra inches to the measurement, as this can result in an ill-fitting belt that won’t provide the necessary support.

Once you have your waist measurement, you’ll also need to consider the width of your holster and any additional accessories you plan to carry on your belt. This will affect the size of the belt you need, as some belt widths may not accommodate specific holster sizes or styles. It’s usually recommended to choose a belt that is at least 1.5 to 2 inches wide to ensure adequate support.

Taking the time to measure a gun belt correctly is vital to ensuring a comfortable and secure fit. Paying attention to your waist size, holster width, and any additional accessories you plan to carry can help you make an informed decision when choosing a gun belt from reputable brands.

Benefits of Wearing a Gun Belt

When it comes to carrying a firearm, safety is key. One of the most essential pieces of equipment for anyone who carries a firearm is a proper gun belt. A high-quality gun belt provides several benefits that can make a significant difference in your carrying experience.

Superior support and stability

This is particularly important for those who carry a pistol or firearm on a daily basis. A good belt will keep your firearm in place for consistent access when you need it. This reduces the risk of the weapon shifting or falling out of the holster, which could prove to be extremely dangerous in certain situations.

Weight distribution

A well-designed gun belt can help distribute the weight of the firearm more evenly, reducing any discomfort or strain on your body. Nobody wants to feel weighed down by their equipment, and a good gun belt can make all the difference in ensuring your comfort throughout the day.

Strength and sturdiness

A gun belt designed for carrying firearms will be made of sturdy material, such as leather or reinforced nylon, that can handle the weight of the firearm and its holster. Brands like Arbor Arms, Propper, and Tru-Spec offer excellent options in terms of durability and strength, ensuring you’re investing in a piece of equipment that will last.

When it comes to carrying a firearm, a properly fitted and sturdy gun belt is a must-have accessory. By offering superior support, weight distribution, and durability, a good gun belt can improve your carrying experience and ensure the safety of yourself and those around you.

Need more information? Check out our article on the best ways to wear a gun belt!

Why can’t I just use my regular belt?

If you are someone who carries a concealed weapon, it is likely that you use a small and easily concealable handgun. Have you ever considered the weight of your gun when it is empty versus when it is fully loaded? Typically, a concealed carry handgun weighs between 25 and 30 ounces, while a full-size pistol can weigh over 40 ounces, depending on factors such as the model, frame material, and caliber. 

It is significant to note that typical belts available at regular retailers or in clothing stores cannot support the weight of guns. Even belts marketed as “heavy-duty” work belts are not suitable for carrying a gun. If you attach a holster and gun to a regular belt, it will sag and become uncomfortable and unsafe. The holster will be loose and unsecured, and there is a risk of the gun falling off. In contrast, gun belts are designed to safely and securely carry the weight of a loaded holster all day.

Conclusion

After hours of research and testing, it is clear that choosing the right gun belt is not a task to be taken lightly. It can truly make or break your experience while carrying a firearm. The variety of options available can be overwhelming, but with a little bit of knowledge and consideration, the perfect belt for your needs can be found.

Ultimately, investing in a high-quality gun belt is an investment in safety and comfort. Don’t take any shortcuts when selecting one for yourself. Take the necessary time and effort to ensure your firearm is secure and accessible when you need it most. Stay secure, stay safe, and choose wisely.

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