Belt slots and cant angle

[propellerhead]

I've looked at several holsters and the slots for the belt are usually 1 3/4". If my belt is only 1 1/2" will that be a problem? Will that cause the holster to twist thus changing the angle? Is it necessary to get a 1 3/4" belt or a holster with 1 1/2" belt slots?

Thanks.

[Old School]

If the belt is smaller than the slots, there is a good chance the holster will move and change cant, depends on the holster. If you are going to carry, the belt is as important as the holster. Get a belt and holster that pair well.

[Boricua]

As stated it makes a big difference, match it up with the right size.

[propellerhead]

Is a "gun belt" necessary? I understand they are harder so they retain their original shape better, whereas regular belts tend to take a new shape as they are used.

[Old School]

If you are going to carry, invest in a good belt. Gun belts are lined in order to carry the weight of the gun and retain their shape. A cheap leather belt will belt and the gun will flop around.

OS

[propellerhead]

Thanks. This info should save me some time and money.

[Rob Longenecker]

Originally Posted by propellerhead

I've looked at several holsters and the slots for the belt are usually 1 3/4". If my belt is only 1 1/2" will that be a problem? Will that cause the holster to twist thus changing the angle? Is it necessary to get a 1 3/4" belt or a holster with 1 1/2" belt slots?

Thanks.

When you order from Tucker Gunleather you specify which belt width you want, 1-1/4", 1-1/2", 1-3/4", etc.

Keep in mind that belts are made 1/16" narrower than the nominal width of the belt in order to fit readily available buckles.

That means that a 1-1/2" belt is actually 1-7/16". I've actually had one or two customers call after receiving their belt and fuss about the 1/16" inch. I just tell them that it's the same with all the makers I know of.
Now you know.

The belt slot should be slightly oversize to allow for belt insertion. It does not cause a problem with holster stability with our holsters.

[Rob Longenecker]

Originally Posted by propellerhead

Is a "gun belt" necessary? I understand they are harder so they retain their original shape better, whereas regular belts tend to take a new shape as they are used.

"Do I really need a real gunbelt?" That’s one of the frequent questions on gun forums on the internet. The answer is yes, you do need a good gunbelt, not a belt made with only a single strap of leather.

The reason you want a true gunbelt is the lamination of two strips of leather, bonded and sewn together, which prevents twisting and sagging.

Wouldn't you rather feel your gun is a natural part of you when you move instead of something heavy you have to put up with all day?

A good gunbelt spreads the weight of the gun over a large area on your waist instead of just where your holster is riding.

Why should you care? Comfort, number one. You don't have to wear your belt so tight to hold the gun securely. Secondly, you aren't constantly pulling at your holster to hike it up or reposition it, which calls attention to the fact you are carrying.

[jeff221]

A good place to start is here:

http://www.thebeltman.net/

He can make whatever style, size, shape, etc belt you want...

[GaryTx]

Here is something taken from the Frequently Asked Questions section at the web page of High Noon Holsters.

Q. How important is it that the holster slots match the belt width?

Our slots are made 1-3/4 to fit a 1-1/2 belt perfect. Common sense tells you that if the holster slots are 1-1/2 and the belt is 1-1/2 you will tear up the top and bottom of your belt because of the friction when you put the holster on and off the belt. It's not critical at all to use a 1-1/2 belt with 1-1/2 slots. The belt slots on the holster has to be a minimum ¼" over sized. A difference of ¼" between the width of the belt and that of a concealment holster's belt slot is not generally significant. You need that extra ¼" so the holster goes on the belt without friction points. It will rarely move once the belt is tightened. The tighter the belt the less movement you will have.
If you use a narrower belt then 1-1/2 and want to lock it in place better, you can run the belt through a holster slot and then under your belt loop on the pants before you run it back out the other holster slot. We do this when using a dress belt 1-1/4 and it makes the whole thing more secure.

Do not be fooled by other makers claims that you have to match the belt width with the holsters slots. This is untrue and the friction caused by this setup will prematurely wear out your expensive gun belt.