Jan 26, 2024 5 min read

By Dave Bates

For the Observer-Reporter

A group of friends were gathered for breakfast and talk turned to concealed carry. A gentleman that I know well begins asking questions related to suppressors, armor-piercing rounds and other elements of the tactical rainbow. I admit to him and the group that I know relatively nothing about silencers. We talk for a moment about kevlar vests and armor-defeating materials and other cop work-related accouterments and then, without missing a beat, my acquaintance says, “I thought you were a gun writer?”

I correct his semantics and offer that I am an outdoors columnist (which pays way less) and carries none of the clout nor prestige.

Then, like the pack of wolves they are, my friends set upon me asking questions to further expose my lack of gun knowledge. We finally make our way back around to conceal carry when the conversation settles into a more civil tone. The question is broached: “What is the most underrated aspect of concealed carry?”

“That’s easy,” I say… “Belts.”

Eyes begin to roll.

They are mistaken if they think we are about to play another round of humiliate the gun writer imposter. Like Bo Jackson, Bates knows belts.

Unless you are carrying an elastic belly band or leg holster or purse, you are most likely wearing a belt. Rarely, however, do we give much thought to the oft-neglected belt, possibly one of our most important EDC or everyday carry components. The belt is the foundation for our weapon’s platform.

Carrying a large-frame weapon will require a bigger (see “torsionally stiffer”) belt. A good belt can keep the butt or grip of one’s weapon from printing or pressing into the fabric of the cover garment by holding the weapon snugly against the body. If you carry for long periods of time, a belt can be key in all-day-carry comfort. Good belts allow the concealed carrier to hang other items from the platform like spare magazine(s), flashlight, knife, etc.

Belts come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, colors, styles and materials. There are nylon tactical belts, thick leather belts, even belts lined with stiffeners of plastic and metal that add rigidity to the waist-support column. Some are carved and stamped with leather work and metal conchos that rival museum-grade art.

Bling is unimportant, unless your belt fits you. Individual fit and comfort is sort of like the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Some belts are too stiff for comfort, some are too flimsy to support and some are just right. How do you know what’s right for you? Try them on with your weapon, holster and magazine carrier. Walk around, sit down, drive a vehicle. Then you’ll know.

Common sizes for gun belt width are 1.25″, 1.5″, 1.75″ and 2.0″ which is usually reserved for military and police-grade equipment. The 1.5″ is generally considered standard. It is important to measure your holster loops to ensure that your belt will fit. Also, measure the belt loops of your pants as well. While a soft, gooshy, flexible belt will add some forgiveness to a tight-fitting belt loop and some overall comfort, it will do precious little to support your weapon properly. Some belts are overly stiff and therefore, not comfortable to wear for long periods of time. Others, possibly due to their construction, thickness, pliability of the materials incorporated or style of sewing can be more comfortable in which to move about.

Whatever you choose in a belt, make sure it fits properly, offers the most support you can wear comfortably and secures your pistol in your holster. Without switching gears and beginning a discussion on holsters, don’t overlook that last line. … Does your weapon stay put even if you go to the ground? Think fight. How about inverted? Think car wreck with seat belt secured, hanging upside down.

While holster fit is the primary means by which a weapon is secured, a good belt goes a long way to assisting. Could you do a summersault and not lose your side arm? Can you sprint in your rig, hands free? You might need to do this and more.

Good luck as you move forward in your search for the proper gun belt. If I can be of any assistance in answering questions regarding belt selection, holsters or all things concealed carry, please contact me at my email below.

If you are looking for a top-notch leather belt, try Hanks Leather Goods. The website is hanksbelts.com and they offer the most comprehensive selection of belts I have ever seen. Their products are of superior quality and are unbelievably durable. Even better, they are American made. The Gunner 1.5″ in Oakwood brown is my personal favorite. While I would not exactly call shelling out $79.99 cheap for a belt, I do not mind putting up good money for something that lasts as long as a Hank’s belt. I bought my first Hank’s, seven or eight years ago and it has many years of life left in it. Some of their belts come with a 100-year warranty. There is nothing flimsy about a Hank’s Belt, that is for certain. Use this code: BELT152024 (good until March 1st) for a 15 percent discount and see for yourself what a quality belt is all about.

Dave Bates writes a weekly outdoors column for the Observer-Reporter. He can be reached at alphaomegashootingsolutions@gmail.com