I need a good gun belt (and holster)

[XDM45]

All,

I'm in need of a good, custom-made gun belt for my larger frame. and I'd like some good advice.

Currently, I'm looking at this belt http://thebeltman.net/bh112.htm with the following configuration: 1 1/2" thick with the internal stiffner and the black round buckle, non-tapered end. $109.00 total-out-the-door-cost.

I openly carry a Springfield XDm .45ACP with the 4.5" barrel and 2 14-round high-capacity magazines. One in the gun (obviously) and the other in a case on my now-defunct-belt which wasn't cut out for the job. So there's some weight going on there. It's a big gun. Not quite a Desert Eagle, but it's not exactly an LCP either.

The belt I posted above will do the job I believe, but my questions are:

1) Any suggestions on what to look for in a belt?
2) Have you ever used this company and/or their products? If so, can and do you recommend them? If not, why not?
3) Do you know of a local business offering the same or greater quality of work? (I prefer to buy American made and local whenever I can.)

Secondly, and still related...

A better holster is my next purchase right after the belt, so I'm looking for advice on it as well.

Right now I'm using a cheaper nylon holster because it has a strap on it to help secure the gun, but I'd prefer a form-fitting retention holster instead. As for what kind of retention, I don't know. I'm not sure what the various options or what the best options are when it comes to a good retention holster. I do know that I like the strap on it (and yes, I know the arguments for and against straps, but I'm not dead-set for or against them right now...so show me a better way and explain WHY it's better.) My main pro for the strap is extra security, but that also has the con side of it where it makes the gun harder and slower to access for me, not just a gun-grab.

I know many people go through quite a few belts and holsters, and I'm trying to save the cost and hassle of buying what DOESN'T work and going for what DOES, right away. Idealistic, I know, but I have to give it a go anyway.

So, what do you say?

[Ranger01]

If you'd like to stay local I'd recommend taking a look at Side Guard Holsters: http://sideguardholsters.com/

Is OWB a necessity? Carrying IWB has a few benefits than just concealability. (Also a good IWB holster is more comfortable than a cheap OWB holster any day of the week)

Carrying IWB allows your body to help hold the gun up rather than your belt doing it all. I know when I switched from carrying my 1911 in an OWB slide holster to an IWB I noticed that I was pulling my pants up quite a bit less. Another benefit is that it helps in retention by helping to keep your firearm closer to your body.

I will say belts with kydex stiffeners in them can be somewhat uncomfortable after a while (especially with the weight of a firearm and mag(s)) if you have more than a couple extra pounds on ya. (absolute lack of flex makes them dig into yer sides)

[XDM45]

If you'd like to stay local I'd recommend taking a look at Side Guard Holsters: http://sideguardholsters.com/

Is OWB a necessity? Carrying IWB has a few benefits than just concealability. (Also a good IWB holster is more comfortable than a cheap OWB holster any day of the week)

Carrying IWB allows your body to help hold the gun up rather than your belt doing it all. I know when I switched from carrying my 1911 in an OWB slide holster to an IWB I noticed that I was pulling my pants up quite a bit less. Another benefit is that it helps in retention by helping to keep your firearm closer to your body.

I will say belts with kydex stiffeners in them can be somewhat uncomfortable after a while (especially with the weight of a firearm and mag(s)) if you have more than a couple extra pounds on ya. (absolute lack of flex makes them dig into yer sides)

Ah good to know about the kydex stiffners... yeah, that would be problematic. I do see the pros and cons for IWB and OWB, but for me, I prefer OWB. I did look into SFH, sent him several emails, my last one was a few weeks ago and I haven't heard back. I left it at that since the belt is first.

[Ranger01]

Yea, I mean the kydex isn't a dealbreaker for some, but it is irritating. I wear my 5.11 Operator's Belt daily even when not carrying (work mainly), but it can be irritating (then again I tighten my belt more than I probably should haha).

Another good place (not local though) is El Passo Saddlery. They've been making holsters for over a century and for some pretty well known people. http://www.epsaddlery.com/default.aspx

I'm actually ordering one of their "#5 Patton" or "Tom Threepersons" rigs for my Smith 27 one of these days... Still need to decide haha.

[XDM45]

Yea, I mean the kydex isn't a dealbreaker for some, but it is irritating. I wear my 5.11 Operator's Belt daily even when not carrying (work mainly), but it can be irritating (then again I tighten my belt more than I probably should haha).

Another good place (not local though) is El Passo Saddlery. They've been making holsters for over a century and for some pretty well known people. http://www.epsaddlery.com/default.aspx

I'm actually ordering one of their "#5 Patton" or "Tom Threepersons" rigs for my Smith 27 one of these days... Still need to decide haha.

Thanks. I'll check that out later today.

[Ivan45]

+1 for Side Guard Holsters. I have a double layer belt that is the best belt I've ever worn, the extra support of the two layers really makes a difference. A switch guard holster for my XD45c on my right, leatherman and spare mag on the left makes for a nice balance. One thing to think about is how big your belt loops are, you'd be a surprised how much room is needed for a double thick belt, but even if you need new pants with bigger loops, it's still worth it.

Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

[rugersol]

some info, here ... http://www.mnguntalk.com/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=18356

I have a couple belts from Mernickle, but they're not carry belts ... but I expect he does a good job on them, as well!

My carry belt is a Tucker ... http://www.tuckergunleather.com/tucker-gun-belts/ ... took like a year to get it, and a holster ... that was several years ago, though! ... could be better, could be worse, now?! I'd order another ... but mine shows zero wear ... and I've worn it to work, every day, for several years! Actually, I should order 'nother, jest on principle!

Also, I realize ya like yer 4.5 XDM ... but maybe consider trying a 3.8?!

[XDM45]

+1 for Side Guard Holsters. I have a double layer belt that is the best belt I've ever worn, the extra support of the two layers really makes a difference. A switch guard holster for my XD45c on my right, leatherman and spare mag on the left makes for a nice balance. One thing to think about is how big your belt loops are, you'd be a surprised how much room is needed for a double thick belt, but even if you need new pants with bigger loops, it's still worth it.

Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

Good thing to consider with the belt loops... I'll have to measure them ans see if 1 1/2" is too much or not. As for SGH, I'll shoot him another email and see if I get a response.

[XDM45]

some info, here ... http://www.mnguntalk.com/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=18356

I have a couple belts from Mernickle, but they're not carry belts ... but I expect he does a good job on them, as well!

My carry belt is a Tucker ... http://www.tuckergunleather.com/tucker-gun-belts/ ... took like a year to get it, and a holster ... that was several years ago, though! ... could be better, could be worse, now?! I'd order another ... but mine shows zero wear ... and I've worn it to work, every day, for several years! Actually, I should order 'nother, jest on principle!

Also, I realize ya like yer 4.5 XDM ... but maybe consider trying a 3.8?!

I'll check those out, thanks.

As for the 3.8" vs. the 4.5", I see the logic in that, however, I want one gun for home and carry defense so I intimately know how the gun reacts. If you're interested, I've explained "Why" in my philosophy and reasoning in this thread...... viewtopic.php?f=52&t=34578 but the crux of my reasoning is this (from that post):

"I'm not a believer in having one gun that you carry all the time which is different than the one you use for home defense. The best way to know a weapon is to live with your main weapon and use it exclusively so it becomes an extension of yourself. There's no need to get used to one weapon for home defense which is larger and then a different handgun for carry with a shorter barrel if you only use the one weapon for both instances. Corny as it sounds, become one with the weapon. Learn it. Live it. Love it. Become it. Let it become you. To me, a weapon is a tool, nothing more, nothing less. I don't collect them, I don't fawn over them or lust for them. If I want one, I buy it if there is a justifiable need for it, just like any other tool.

Again, comfort is a minor factor in my decision to carry OWB vs. IWB, but the larger factor is that I'm not going to get a special gun just to carry for comfort.

It is also my personal belief that when you qualify to get your PTC, you should qualify with the caliber you are going to shoot / carry - and ideally, with the actual weapon you are going to carry. When I qualified for my PTC, I did both. I'm not a fan of qualifying with a .22LR to get a PTC, but to each their own choice. I won't disparage it, but I don't encourage or agree with it either."

[plblark]

I have a double layer ?bull hide? Beltman belt with Velcro liner on the inside. It has held up well for 6 years or so. I don't own any Srigs (Sideguardholsters) holsters with retention so can't speak to that but I own plenty of his other Slide holsters and like them a lot.

[rugersol]

As for the 3.8" vs. the 4.5", I see the logic in that, however, I want one gun for home and carry defense so I intimately know how the gun reacts.

I hear ya! ... not a bad "philosophy"!

Ya mentioned the "weight" as an issue ... belt/holster can do a LOT to help! ... and I'd still recommend upgrading ... particularly over nylon with a strap! But I see no reason to discount other options, in weight reduction!

I see no point in arguing fer two different guns!

However, another thing to consider would be to use the 3.8 fer home-defense, as well!

Frankly, if it weren't a "short" frame, I'd say that's a perfectly reasonable option! Kind of a shame ... they make the two different length frames fer 9mm 'n .40 ... but not .45?! ... I'd've seriously considered that fer my "bear" gun! I know, I know ... they got the "extended" mag! ... but if it's me shootin' it, rather than focusing on the sights, I'm thinkin' 'bout how much I don't like the half-grip/half-mag, grip!

Put 'nother way, if one weren't hung up on .45, a non-"compact" .40 'er 9mm 3.8 would be a very nice "one-gun" home/carry solution! ... giving up almost nothing, fer either task!

[LS3Miata]

I have two belts fRom the beltman and am very happy with both. I have a 32" waist (35" belt) so I did not order
the belt stiffener.

[sgruenhagen44]

If you'd like to stay local I'd recommend taking a look at Side Guard Holsters: http://sideguardholsters.com/

Is OWB a necessity? Carrying IWB has a few benefits than just concealability. (Also a good IWB holster is more comfortable than a cheap OWB holster any day of the week)

Carrying IWB allows your body to help hold the gun up rather than your belt doing it all. I know when I switched from carrying my 1911 in an OWB slide holster to an IWB I noticed that I was pulling my pants up quite a bit less. Another benefit is that it helps in retention by helping to keep your firearm closer to your body.

I will say belts with kydex stiffeners in them can be somewhat uncomfortable after a while (especially with the weight of a firearm and mag(s)) if you have more than a couple extra pounds on ya. (absolute lack of flex makes them dig into yer sides)

I noticed the same thing when I switched to my Crossbreed IWB instead of my OWB galco. Imo you don't need to spend $109 on a belt. Wilderness and Galco make one around $45 and I love em. I have a wilderness. I was carrying my 9.5 inch barrel super red hawk on it and it was not that bad. And no I was not walking all over the place with it. Just wore it to bills to try to break it in, its still squeakin

[plblark]

I also own a 5.11 instructor belt and love it. It works for business casual but not so much for business shirt and tie.

[sgruenhagen44]

I also own a 5.11 instructor belt and love it. It works for business casual but not so much for business shirt and tie.

Crossbreed makes a nice leather one that can pass as regular belt for business.