TexasCHLforum.com

my CHL came in yesterday but tonight was the first time i had a chance to carry in public (short trip to the grocery store, i'll do a full Wally Walk this weekend sometime). i'm using a Crossbreed-style holster made by Shielded Holsters and just used a regular leather belt. i can tell right away that i'm in need of a good gun belt, i had to readjust myself a few times and didn't feel like my belt supported the weight of the gun and holster very well.

my main question is this: how do i pick the right size gun belt?

i fit comfortably in size 34 jeans, i even fit my holster inside a looser pair of them tonight (going to buy a couple pair of size 36 this weekend specifically for when i carry). i noticed that a used gun belt has been making its rounds among different forum members recently due to sizing issues. since i'll be wearing size 36 jeans with my holster, should i order a size 36 gun belt, or will i be in need of a size 38 or higher?

also, any recommendations on particular brands or vendors that offer good deals? how much should i be looking to pay for a quality belt?

Since you live in Houston you should consider stopping at Top Brass.
They carry the 5.11 brand and you can actually try it on for fit....just a thought.

5.11 leather belts retail for $35 U.S.

Check Crossbreed's site. They sell gun belts and offer advice on how to measure and fit.

Crossbreed Holsters/Gun Belts
http://www.crossbreedholsters.com/GunBe ... roductName

Get a string, old belt, or best - a flexible measuring tape (like the one Tommy Lasorda used to use in all those SlimFast commercials )

Put your gun/holster rig on and anything else you plan to carry inside the waistband (an IWB magazine holster?), then thread the string or measuring tape through your belt loops and over your holster etc. Pull TIGHT. Mark the string/tape. This is the approximate lenght of belt you'll need (perhaps even an inch larger just in case.

Various custom belt makers have their own similar instructions. Follow each manufacturers instructions when ordering their belt.

Recommendations:

USA1 is right to try a police supply store like Top Brass and pick out a 5.11 (or similar brand) "off-duty" or "concealed carry" belt that you can try on in the store. Buy it, wear it for a while, see how you like it. This may be all you ever need.

If you find yourself wanting more and/or better, then I highly recommend these two companies:

http://www.thebeltman.net" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; - simply the finest leather concealed carry gun belt made. Period. Only belt I've ever used withOUT a plastic liner that is still stiff enough to hold up my handgun/holster rig all day

http://www.thewilderness.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; - best military-style "web belt" I've tried so far. The "easy-fit" version really makes sizing much simpler. If you've got a bit of spare tire like me (OK, a spare tire holding up a water balloon ), I highly recommend the polymer-lined insert.

http://www.thewilderness.com/storepinna ... t=142&pg=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Sizing -- as previously stated, each manufacturer has a little different guideline, though generally speaking, it has nothing to do with your pant size. Most I've looked into have you use an old belt and measure from a spot on the buckle to the hole...should be the same as string, just easier with a belt I guess.

As for specific manufacturers -- I'll throw in a nod for A&G Custom Gunleather... They're out of Georgia, but Al is a great, great guy. I've talked with Al several times and I hope he know's he's got a customer for LIFE. Totally blown away with his service.

I picked up a 1.5" bullhide belt and it ran $70 plus shipping. Beautifully made. I didn't know how much of a difference a "gun" belt would make, but I wouldn't be without it now.

CompTac has good instructions on sizing your belt. Theirs are kydex reinforced I got one it works well. Haven't gone out with it yet but have worn it plenty around my house. I called and if you are between sizes go to the next size up.

Check them out here:

http://www.comp-tac.com/product_info.php?products_id=43

Sizing charts and instructions are available from the belts' manufacturers. Each may be a little different.
Two comments- get a wide belt 1.25 or 1.5 minimum. I use 1.5" belts myself. A thick leather belt might work out, but my suggestion is to get a belt with added stiffining material, made for carrying a holster. This feature is worth the extra $$

warhorse10_9 wrote:CompTac has good instructions on sizing your belt. Theirs are kydex reinforced I got one it works well. Haven't gone out with it yet but have worn it plenty around my house. I called and if you are between sizes go to the next size up.

Check them out here:

http://www.comp-tac.com/product_info.php?products_id=43

Comptac, Contoured, Kydex reinforced, with Velcro

I have two of them. 1.5" no taper.

You might like this thread to see why that brand and why Velcro viewtopic.php?f=23&t=42864" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

size 36 jeans with my holster, should i order a size 36 gun belt, or will i be in need of a size 38 or higher?

I wear a 34-36 jeans, and 36-38 jeans with my holster, a size 40 belt fits the "middle hole" allowing for weight gain/loss when it's pumpkin pie season. You might get away with a 38, but see their instructions. I'd bet you need a 40 because of the way they measure, 38 might work, see their instructions.

CompTac is in Spring Texas, just North of Houston.
Made in Texas

(A couple times a year they run a "scratch and dent" sale where they are half price or less, but I have two and they are worth the money. Full price on the first and I got one "scratch and dent" where they sneezed while sewing and 3 stitches weren't perfectly straight ... I had to really really look to find that appearance problem no one will ever notice, the guy is a perfectionist)

Note: I bought a 5.11 belt online (cheap clearance item), but I can't use it because it's considerably smaller than the stated size. The last hole on a 34" belt is at about 33 1/2", making it just barely wearable, but uncomfortable.

RPB wrote:
CompTac is in Spring Texas, just North of Houston.
Made in Texas

Defensive & Concealed Guns in West Houston is also an authorized retailer of CompTac gear. They have a few belts available at their retail location at 14520 Memorial Dr.

http://www.defensiveandconcealedgunsinc.com/page4.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Might be worth checking out if you don't want to make a trip all the way out to Spring, or pay to have something shipped out to you.

sss wrote:

RPB wrote:
CompTac is in Spring Texas, just North of Houston.
Made in Texas

Defensive & Concealed Guns in West Houston is also an authorized retailer of CompTac gear. They have a few belts available at their retail location at 14520 Memorial Dr.

http://www.defensiveandconcealedgunsinc.com/page4.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Might be worth checking out if you don't want to make a trip all the way out to Spring, or pay to have something shipped out to you.

That's a good way to be sure you get the correct size.
And if they don't have one in stock already with Velcro, and you want Velcro sewn in, you'll know exactly what size to order from them on their website.

I second: A&G Custom Gunleather

I have two of his very well made gun belts.

Why two?

Because I didn't take the necessary time to properly measure the first one / now my wife has a nice gun belt... (it's way too small for me) and if I ever lose a lot of weight, she said she might let me use it!

A&G double layer is good, Comp-Tac double layer + kydex reinforced is even stiffer, more support, and Velcro option.
Just shop a bit for what suits your needs.

sss wrote:

RPB wrote:
CompTac is in Spring Texas, just North of Houston.
Made in Texas

Defensive & Concealed Guns in West Houston is also an authorized retailer of CompTac gear. They have a few belts available at their retail location at 14520 Memorial Dr.

http://www.defensiveandconcealedgunsinc.com/page4.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Might be worth checking out if you don't want to make a trip all the way out to Spring, or pay to have something shipped out to you.

that happens to be right down the road from where i live, i'll definitely go check them out.

thanks everyone for the advice. i've seen the sizing charts from various manufacturers but figured some "real world" advice from people who've worn the belts would be much more valuable, so thanks for everyone's input. i'll probably look into the CompTac gun belt since they're local (to me) and i prefer to support local companies when possible, unless they make an inferior product.

i'd seen all this talk about "gun belts" before and never really understood the need for one.. until i tried my regular leather belt. when i took it off, the belt had a big "dip" where my holster was. heck i might even get a smaller gun belt for every day wear, i hate how leather belts bend so easy (i usually have to flip them around every other time i wear them).

I originally chose Comp-Tac because it was the only double layer offering both Velcro and kydex reinforcement on a double layer belt.
As far as I know, they still are.
I love V-clips for not showing a clip on my belt, so even LEOs and CHLs don't see my concealed belt clips..
The kydex reinforcement makes it stiffer/more supportive than most plain double layer gun belts over time as leather stretches or wears.