Difference between a "Gun Belt" and a Dickies belt from Wal-Mart - Page 3

samuse · 10-12-2012, 13:14

I've had my belts made by saddle makers ever since I can remember.

Always two layers of good leather, 1 3/4", double stiched.

I wouldn't wear a store bought belt if someone gave it to me. Just like I won't drink gas station beer, eat hot dogs or smoke machine rolled cigars.

When I carry a handgun I use a Wilderness 1 3/4" CSM.

Some people just don't recognize or appreciate higher quality and functionality, and that's fine. That's why Wal-Mart exists.

NEOH212 · 10-13-2012, 20:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrangler_dave9

I am wondering what the differences are of an actual Gun Belt vs. a Dickies belt off the shelf at Wal-Mart. Are they thicker? made of a different material internally? Any note worthy differences in width? What makes it so much better to have a gun belt for IWB or OWB carry?

What's the difference?

Night and day.

As different as a pillow and cement.

Get yourself a good one and you won't ever want anything else. Furthermore, you won't be able to understand how you carried a gun without a good belt.

Yes, there is that much of a difference. Especially if you carry a heavy gun.

BigAlE · 10-17-2012, 08:48

I will be buying a gun belt soon not only for holster reasons, but because I've heard they will last a long time. I've had enough dress belts that were costly but fell apart after a year of use.

4Rules · 10-17-2012, 09:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by samuse

I've had my belts made by saddle makers ever since I can remember.

Always two layers of good leather, 1 3/4", double stiched.

I wouldn't wear a store bought belt if someone gave it to me. Just like I won't drink gas station beer, eat hot dogs or smoke machine rolled cigars.

When I carry a handgun I use a Wilderness 1 3/4" CSM.

Some people just don't recognize or appreciate higher quality and functionality, and that's fine. That's why Wal-Mart exists.

Bill Lumberg · 11-17-2012, 16:37

The difference is night and day. Proper gunbelts support localized weight and torsion far better. This results in a lot more comfort and stability. No comparison.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrangler_dave9

I am wondering what the differences are of an actual Gun Belt vs. a Dickies belt off the shelf at Wal-Mart. Are they thicker? made of a different material internally? Any note worthy differences in width? What makes it so much better to have a gun belt for IWB or OWB carry?

unit1069 · 11-17-2012, 18:26

I picked up a leather double hole belt at Wal-Mart for $10 about five years ago and it secures my sub-compact pistol very well. No complaints.

But for my heavier, higher quality pistols I was fortunate to discover that there's a store in the state capitol where prisoner-made products are for sale to the public. Some of these products are made for LEO and I was able to pick up a stiff nylon duty belt for $11 that I use for CCW. Sure beats the hell out of paying the big bucks for a duty belt and maybe your state also has these products available, eh?

SCmasterblaster · 11-18-2012, 12:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by unit1069

I picked up a leather double hole belt at Wal-Mart for $10 about five years ago and it secures my sub-compact pistol very well. No complaints.

But for my heavier, higher quality pistols I was fortunate to discover that there's a store in the state capitol where prisoner-made products are for sale to the public. Some of these products are made for LEO and I was able to pick up a stiff nylon duty belt for $11 that I use for CCW. Sure beats the hell out of paying the big bucks for a duty belt and maybe your state also has these products available, eh?

What an odd coincidence, prisoner-made belts for your holster!

Deye76 · 11-19-2012, 15:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by steveksux

Guess which one is wearing a gun belt...

Randy

What happened to their hats........turned sideways.

Louisville Glocker · 11-20-2012, 10:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by janice6

The gun belts are constructed with an internal reinforcement the prevents the belt from rolling over when you try to bend it edgewise (in the plane of the belt) thus it distributes the gun weight over a much greater distance around your waist.

Difference of "night and day".

Exactly what I was going to say. Night and Day. When you look outside at night, do you notice a difference? You'll notice a similar amount of difference with a gun belt.

They work. Get one.

Cabela's still sells their double duty belts for under forty bucks. Sometimes on sale too. That's the best price I know of for a serious duty belt.

Really, if you carry daily, then it is an absolute no-brainer. Why would you not be willing to spend a few extra bucks on something that lasts for years and makes your everyday life better? A belt isn't just another accessory. It is something you use constantly, day in and day out. If it lasts five years, you're talking 1825 days. Forty bucks means that for two cents a day you're more comfortable and have a gun that stays in the proper place. Yeah, some people are too cheap to spend two cents I guess.

Leigh · 11-20-2012, 15:02

As mentioned, the thickness counts, not the width.
I've been carrying (OWB) for 12+ years with the same 1.25 inch dress belt (FIST Holster Co.) to include a Glock 21, 22, and 23 with zero issues.

MeanAction · 11-20-2012, 20:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bren

Gun belts are usually thicker and stiffer and some have stitching or liners that help stiffen them, so they don't sag with the gun.

Personally, I never buy "gun belts" even for competition. I look for a thick, leather single-layer belt (even some "gun belts" are crappy stitched layers that afll apart). I can get one at Tractor Supply that will work better than a high dollar belt from Galco or Bianchi.

I agree with you. I have a Columbia belt from Sears that is more stiff than any gunbelt. I've found if the belt is too stiff my OWB leather holster won't ride right due to the belt being to stiff to form to the body.