Holsters can be as subjective as the guns that go in them. You might try five different holsters for your preferred pistol before finding one that is just right. I’ve been playing with holsters a lot lately, and today I wanted to share another one with you. Todays subject is the Gritr Gear Omni Holster.
Gritr makes a variety of different holster options in different configurations for various popular pistols. They also make additional support gear like range bags, weapon lights and even their own Red Dot Sights. Much of their lineup is available at affordable prices direct from Amazon.
The Gritr Gear Omni Holster
The Gritr Gear Omni Holster is a simple Kydex design, optimized to be configured however best fits your needs. It can be used as an IWB holster, or an OWB holster. It can be configured right or left handed, and is available for most popular handguns with or without optics cut.
For my purposes I figured a Glock pattern would be optimal, as I have various Glock 17 and Glock 19 clones that would allow some evaluation. You can order the Omni holster to accept popular weapon light options like the SF X-300 or SL TLR-7. The Omni holster also came with a belt mount, allowing you to attach it directly to your belt and adjust the angle as well.
The Omni comes with a concealment strut on one side that rides under your belt to help keep your pistol tucked when concealing. It is both reversible and removeable for different carry styles, but I saw no reason to take it off.
the adjustable belt attachment
Configuring the Gritr Omni Holster
I would end up using the Omni in various configurations because I can. Both inside the waist belt (IWB) and outside the waist belt (OWB). The single belt-clip can be adjusted for ride height, so you can customize where your pistol sits. It can also be swapped to the opposing side should you need a wrong-handed draw. The clip has a nice retaining lip to prevent you from pulling the holster out when drawing the gun.
note belt-clip and concealment strut
There are also tension screws that allow you to adjust the squeeze of the holster to increase retention as needed. There is no secondary retention, just the friction of the holster’s squeeze. We found that this was adequate for keeping pistols secure in the holster. During testing we tried various G17 and G19 sized pistols with great results.
We also tested the Omni on a typical gun belt, using a Safariland QLS fork for attachment. This was a great option as it allowed quick removal and install from various belts.
Shooting From the Omni Holster
Drawing a handgun from the Omni holster was slick, just as its designed to be. The holster give generous space for sights to avoid any occlusions, and the Kydex covers all the important parts. Drawing the pistols from the holster had very little resistance, making it quick to get on target. Especially from the OWB configuration, as I am used to retention holsters and having to grip a release. This was much faster, simply pulling the pistol out an presenting on target.
As typical, there is a touch more to consider when drawing from the IWB position. Lifting clothing and avoiding snags requires a little more diligence. I do like how the Omni covers up everything; trigger, ejection port and more are covered by the Kydex “ears” that come up the side of the slide. It also protects you skin from slide serrations and other parts of the pistol that might cause discomfort.
All the pistols I tested in the holster were G17 or G19 clones, and they had a similar feel. Only the differences in slide cuts seemed to change the resistance when drawing the pistol.
The ability to configure this holster makes it and easy choice. I could even see getting a couple of them for various purposes due to their low cost. Whether you want to mount them to your belt, or just tuck them under your shirt it is pretty straight forward. The various mounting holes also allow you easy alternative mounting solutions. Overall, the Gritr Gear Omni Holster offers an inexpensive option that can be applied easily to just about any carrying need. And getting one drop shipped to your door using your prime account makes it that much easier.
As my love affair with pistols has matured, it has been commensurate that holsters have become a bigger and bigger part of my inventory. There are so many different options out there it can often be hard to choose. I’ve become a bit of a fan of Safariland holsters, the style and quality fit my taste and needs. Perhaps knowing I am a fan, Safariland sent me one of their new Gravity holsters. Today I aim to share with you my experience with it.
The Gravity holster is a paddle style holster, using a polymer paddle as an anchor point underneath your belt. Like other paddle holsters, the Gravity can be put into place or removed without the need to remove or even loosen your belt.
There is a flexible hook feature to keep the holster affixed to your waistline during the draw. Removing the holster requires flexing the holster away from the paddle to allow the retension hook to pass the belt.
Like most Safariland holster, the Gravity is made from a polymer blend molded to fit your pistol. In this case a Glock 19 pattern that will fit a variety of my handguns. The holster pocket can be adjusted for tension by a clamping screw backed by a rubber stopper. Inside the pocket, you will find a suede liner to protect your pistol from rubbing on the steel fasteners. And on the exterior you will find the traditional Safariland Cordura wrapping, in whatever pattern you choose.
Wearing the Safariland Gravity Holster
The Gravity holster rides outside your belt, meaning you are either open carrying or covering it with a shirt or jacket. Due to my daily program I often carry openly, or at least with no concern for concealment. This allowed me to put the Gravity through vigorous daily use; driving in the truck, sitting in my office, walking around a busy shop, etc.
For the most part I used my Ruger RXM for the daily carry in the Safariland Gravity holster. The fit was perfect, and allowed excellent draw access which I often practice during my day. While you can carry the Gravity holster in various locations, the most obvious and comfortable for me was at the back of my right hip.
Adjusting the cant of the holster to best fit my draw angle was easy, using the provided Allen wrench. I had ordered the Gravity cut for pistol optics because that how I roll now. My RXM and several other G19 pattern clones fit and functioned great. There is no mechanical retention other than the squeeze of the polymer and tension screw, so keep that in mind.
Safariland Gravity Holster Features
Adjustable Cant
Fully covered trigger guard
Adjustable tension allows for customized draw resistance
Front sight clearance 13/32” (0.406”)
Accommodates any Safariland 3-hole pattern holster mount
Fits belt widths up to 1.75” (45mm)
IDPA and USPSA approved
Pros and Cons
I carried my pistols for the better part of two months using the Gravity, and have come up with what i think are some fair assessments. Having the ability to quickly put on and take off the holster was one of my favorite features. I did find that I frequently did have a bit of a challenge getting the hook over my belt and pants. While this might make for comedic gold when watched from a safe hearing distance, it was a touch irritating. However I would much rather it be secure and solid when attached with a little effort to remove, than to have it come off too easy. I also noticed that when wearing a shirt, there is the classic problem of getting shirt jammed into the holster when re-holstering. This is simply a part of concealed carry, and something you need to be aware of.
OWB holsters are far more prone to printing, which this one certainly could be depending on my fashion sense any particular day. But again, these are things you just deal with as a CCW enthusiast. It appears at printing that the Gravity is only available for right-hand draw, and I didn’t see a weaponlight option either.
Carrying a concealed weapon can involve a lot of compromises, and I think the Gravity Holster does a fine job of giving folks options. I’m a member of the clean plate guild, which means IWB holsters are often uncomfortable. The Gravity gives a very secure alternative that doesn’t require wearing a Mu’umu’u. It keeps my pistol right where I expect it to be, and has the adjustability to customize. It can even be mounted using the Safariland QLS system which I am also a big fan. All this in a holster that looks sharp and comes from a company with great service history.
Conclusion
I have enjoyed using the Gravity Holster the past few months, and I expect I will continue to enjoy it for years to come. Handguns and their holsters have become to me like my wife’s shoes. I often select a holster and firearm based on the days activities and wardrobe, having the Gravity holster is another excellent tool to have on my belt when carrying.
Leather has a long history with regard to firearms. And though there have been many advancements with materials, leather still seems to maintain its spot next to to firearms. Today’s subject is about a leather product that continues that intimate relationship, and we’ll go into why after hundreds of years, gun-leather continues to be a commonly used word. 1791 Gunleather manufactures high-quality leather products for both guns and other tools. And today we are taking a look at the 1791 Gunleather Ultra Custom Holster.
1791 Gunleather
According to their website, 1791 manufactures high quality leather products with an angle towards gun carrying and other waist mounted tools. Holsters, belts and other tool carrying leather products all made from American steerhide.
I’ve used one of their products previously which came in handy when I couldn’t use a holster. You can read about my experience with their EDC tool-carrier here, and after using that for some time I figured I would try one of their award winning Ultra Custom holsters.
1791 Gunleather Ultra Custom Holster
Since I’ve been carrying concealed pistols for several decades now, I thought it would be proper to better familiarize myself with good CCW holsters. The Ultra Custom holster from 1791 is an IWB holster that uses the natural qualities of leather for a secure and safe carry experience.
The Ultra Custom holster comes in various sizes to accommodate for your choice in handguns. Since I have a variety of similar handguns, I selected one for a Glock 19 sized pistol. One of the features of the Ultra Custom is its memory lock technology, which I assume is some kind of process they use on the leather to make it moldable by the end user. It also comes with two belt clips (1″ and 1.5″) that secure the holster to your belt while allowing you to tuck your shirt if your that kind of guy. Securing the clip is done with some very solid screws that attach to a threaded nut-plate under the leather.
The 1791 Ultra Custom holster with its included manipulation tools for custom fitting
Custom fitting the holster to your firearm is done using heat. The holster comes with a thick zip-seal plastic bag that you use to submerge the holster in 165* water for five minutes. After which you insert your pistol and allow it to cool, as the holster cools it seems to shrink to fit your pistol. Several tools are included to help you custom mold the holster to fit your needs.
pulling the heated holster from the bag after a hot water bath
The process was pretty straight forward, and if reading isn’t your strong-suit there’s a QR code on the box to take you to a video to walk you through it.
Carrying the Ultra Custom holster
Once I had the holster fit and assembled, it was time to put it to use. I’ve always been more of a OWB holster kind of guy, but this was a good place to start. A good belt is always recommended when carrying a pistol, whether you use one from 1791 or somewhere else, get you a good one.
Comfort
One of the first things I noticed while carrying this holster is that its smaller than others. A smaller footprint is definitely a plus when carrying, both for comfort and printing. I also noticed it was a touch thicker than I expected.
carrying the holster up front was comfortable and convenient
Tucking the holster in my normal carry position at the back of my right hip was a little less than ideal. It wasn’t as comfortable, and it also printed more than I would like. I ended up carrying the holster either in the small of my back, or appendix. It was far more comfortable there and was easily concealed.
Sitting in cars and other places I was pleased with how comfortable the soft leather felt. The back-strap of the holster covers the slide nicely, preventing it from rubbing against your skin.
Drawing my Dagger pistol from the holster was easy and smooth
Draw
Drawing from the holster was clean, even when drawing from positions I typically don’t carry. The fit of the 1791 holster to my pistol kept it snug and in place, despite not having any specific retention feature. It was also easy to re-holster the pistol after drawing.
Security
The single belt-clip on this holster seemed to be sufficient in keeping it in place. The friction of the soft leather also seems to add to the foundation of the holster in your belt. The custom fit feature definitely matches up well to my pistol, and at no time did I feel like the gun would have come out. I think it would take some aggressive motorcycle riding or roller coaster rides to risk a pistol coming out of this holster. And even then it’s very doubtful.
the holster was easy to clip in and out of your waistband
Getting the holster in and out of your waistband was relatively easy. Making the holster good if your the kind of guy who is always switching it up.
Pros and Cons
As if the smell of American steer hide wasn’t enough, the handsome finish of the leather gives a very high quality feel and look. And the thick leather will surely protect your pistol from whatever it might contact. I also mentioned how comfortable the holster was, and how I appreciate its smaller footprint. It does have a good balance between covering the pistol, and not being oversized.
If I had to come up with some downsides the the 1791 Ultra Custom holster it would be this; There is not quite enough coverage to protect the magazine release, which could cause the magazine to be dropped inadvertently. It would take some very specific stabbing actions to happen, so I think it is a very low priority but something you should know. I also wish there was a way to make the holster just a little bit thinner, to make it even more comfortable and concealable. But we could say that about any other holster as well.
Whether you are a big fan of gun leather, or you just like to keep the comfort of what has worked for hundreds of years, the 1791 Gunleather Ultra Custom holster is a good option. It’s ability to mold to better fit your pistol is a nice feature, and it fits nicely into most waistbands. It’s a great way to ensure your pistol is always where you need it, and ready for use.
For a guy who has carried concealed firearms for decades, I seem to have gotten a late start on holsters. I would have never guessed how big of a holster nerd I would become, and how holsters have greatly effected my pistol use entirely. In today’s review, I bring you something I am admittedly a little green on; a field test of the Hidden Hybrid IWB holster.
For the most part I have used OWB holsters, but I’ve needed an IWB holster for some time. So this is a combination of a familiarity piece and a review of the holster itself. If you’re greener than I am, lets clarify something up front; IWB means inside the waist-band, and OWB means outside the waist-band. We’ll reference this and other holster jargon throughout, so keep up.
Why Hidden Hybrid?
Lets start out with Hidden Hybrid. The hidden part should be obvious since we’re talking about concealing a gun, the Hybrid part is where it gets a little more curious. These holsters are a medley of old world and new, using plush Amish leather and modern polymers to secure your pistol. Hidden Hybrid holsters use a tough leather backing, paired with a custom molded Kydex holster to both protect and secure your handgun.
Since I was a bit new to IWB holsters, I was surprised how quickly this made sense to me. It took only a few moments of exploration to figure out why the holster was made this way. Leather has always been a friend to pistols, its durable yet soft surface is ideal for protecting your gun. And at the same time it can protect your skin from your abrasive gun, as in our case today. Not only that, the suede back of the Hidden Hybrid holster has a grippy texture against your under clothes. This helps keep the holster in place while you move, and especially when you draw the pistol from it. While the slippery Kydex exterior allows both pistol and clothing to slide free.
The Kydex holster portion is attached by screws and threaded nut-plates embossed in the leather. Rubber grommets between them help keep the whole assembly somewhat pliable and help grip your handgun. The holster is secured to you using belt clips that go outside your pants and around your belt.
Configuration
Hidden Hybrids IWB holsters can be configured with a variety of accessories. You can choose between different belt loop sizes and use one or two loops. There is also a concealment-claw option that bolts to one side, the claw pushes against the inside of your belt to keep the grip of your pistol close and tight. This helps prevent your pistol hanging up on things in your day to day activities, as well as keeping it tucked and avoiding the dreaded pistol printing while you carry.
There are various different colors and patterns you can select to customize your holster. And there is a great variety of compatible holsters for most popular pistol models. You can also specify weapon lights and optics when ordering your Hidden Hybrid, and they’ll mold it to fit. I would be using Glock 19 clones so thats what you’ll see here today.
Shooting from Concealment
Drawing my pistols from the Hidden Hybrid holster took a minute to get used to. Which is normal regardless of what kind of holster you use. I found I could put the holster in a couple different places, and still draw from it well. IWB holsters are always going to be a little more labor intensive because you need to lift clothing to allow the draw. The combination of learning another draw pattern while mitigating clothes is just part of CCW training.
With some practice, it wasn’t long until I felt much more comfortable. Which allowed me to better understand the positive aspects of the Hidden Hybrid holster. Placing the holster in the small of my back, or appendix carry was both comfortable and also allowed very clean draw from the holster. It did seem both the holster and pistol were slightly less secure though, mainly because of the reduced tension on the belt in that location. Carrying the combination just behind my right hip, where I’ve always carried was much more secure. Having the holster ride on a high spot where your belt can apply more and even pressure is much more secure. And again, the suede backing of the holster with some pressure is incredibly grabby against your underclothing.
This makes the holster stay put when you jerk your pistol, and the smooth side of the leather inside the holster allows the pistol to slip out smoothly. The top edge of the leather also protects your skin from the back end of your slide, with just enough extra to help protect you while you draw it out.
Fit and Compatibility
The gun I had planned this holster for was my ZRO Delta FKS9. Its probably one of my most commonly carried CCW pistols, fitted with a Streamlight TLR8 light/laser combo. I’d actually order it for a larger light which would allow me to use other weapon lights too. My Surefire X300 Turbo would also fit snugly in the holster. The ZRO FKS was definitely the best fit for the holster, but I also used my PSA Dagger. The Dagger is another popular clone that fits into the Glock pattered holster, though not quite as snug as the former pistol. Again, the flexibility of the Hidden Hybrid holster allowed for more than one design to fit. Also just for fun, I holstered my Taurus TX22 Compact. It also fit well, though it wouldn’t be my first choice for carry.
The leather backing of the holster has a fascinating feature; it bows with the gun design. So if the pistol is a little narrow, and would fit loosely in an all Kydex holster, the bow of the leather takes up the space and holds the pistol tight with friction. Additionally, in the event you should become active while carrying, the bow of the leather grips tighter. So should you bend over or some other action that might extricate your pistol from the holster, the very action adds additional tension to the holster, gripping your pistol.
Carrying my pistol with the Hidden Hybrid holster all day for days on end has given me a pretty good feel for how it will fit into daily life. Getting in and out of cars, sitting at a desk, going up and down stairs and such all give a good experience on how this holster will do. Aside from the typical CCW discomforts, I’ve found few things to pick at with this holster.
Pros and Cons
This holster does a really good job of holding onto your pistol. The hybrid design of Kydex and leather is a nice combination using the benefits of both materials. I suppose if I had to come up with a few negative things about the holster it would be these;
The stickiness of the suede does make it a little more challenging to get the holster tucked. That is both a good and bad thing I guess, because you want it to stay put. So just keep in mind its not a holster your going to want to put on and take off quickly. For example, some full Kydex holsters are quick to tuck in and out of your pants. You can do as you get in and out of your truck. While you could do that with the Hidden Hybrid, its not going to be as fast or easy. It also has a little bigger footprint than other holster options, so keep that in mind.
I also felt suddenly stupid every time I tried to re-holster the pistol. I’m sure it just going to take more practice, but it’s taking me longer than expected to get the angle right. This wasn’t a problem when I used the holster in the appendix position, which I rarely use unless its a 10-inch plus barrel (we don’t take no chances round here).
Having mentioned those things, I really like the way the holster works. IWB holsters are always gonna be somewhat invasive, especially for a tubby old guy like me. So its just something to get used to. My pistol is carried very well, and is surprisingly easy to draw.
The strong components of the Hidden Hybrid are holding up nicely, the fasteners and other components are well-built and robust enough to sit on and lean against for a long time.
Conclusion
I’ve needed a good IWB holster for some time, the days of cholo-carry are gone. The Hidden Hybrid has been a nice introduction to IWB holsters after carrying otherwise for more than twenty years.
I will say that holsters are almost as subjective as handguns themselves, which makes it almost necessary to try a variety of options before deciding on one. I’ve played with a few over the years, so I think my pick of the Hidden Hybrid model was right on target for my needs. If you find yourself looking for a good holster, give their website a look and I’ll bet you find something you’ll like as I have.
When I started a gun-belt project some time ago, I didn’t realize how far down the velcro-lined hole I would get. I also never anticipated spending so much money on holsters, but necessity makes permissible things that otherwise might be forbidden.
When I say I spent a lot of money on holsters, I don’t mean that in a bad way. I guess I may have become just a bit of an addict to Safariland’s ALS holster lineup, and today I am going to share some of my sickness with you.
I have long wanted a good gun-belt, and for it to be proper I was going to need a good pistol holster. To that end I found myself endlessly scrolling through Safariland’s website trying to decide on which one I liked the best. That was three holsters ago, and there are no signs of stopping.
The Safariland ALS holster uses their level 1 retention system, using a thumb lever to release the pistol from the polymer holster. There are also other levels of retention that require multiple release movements by the user to get the pistol from its holster. I also have a level 2 retention holster, and believe it or not, it’s still very quick to get out and on target.
Professional grade products like the ALS line of holsters are more likely to be seen on a duty belt than tucked under your rhinestone studded cowboy shirt and jeans. There are various models, but the ones you’ll see here today are not for CCW users, but more for sport or duty.
This model doesn’t feature the optics hood that flips open as you draw, but I still like it.
Safariland ALS holster Review
The ALS system uses a polymer block that hinges inside the holster to lock onto the slide of your pistol. The block is attached to a thumb lever perfectly placed on the side of the holster to release as you draw the pistol. The tight fit, and required retention demand that the holsters be custom fit for each pistol model or family.
One of the pistols I have shown here today is a Shadow Systems DR920, which is a Glock 17clone. So I ordered a Glock 17 holster design which fit my pistol perfectly. In addition to ordering the holster custom sized to your pistol, you’ll also need to specify if said pistol will carry a red dot or not, as well as a weapon light if applicable. And of course there are many different red dots, and weapons lights, and as you can imagine the plethora of different models that Safariland has to model. To their credit it seems like they have achieved a good system to order holsters from their website by selecting popular models of pistols, sights, lights, and other options. Both right and left handed models are available, and add to the mix the dozens of different colors and wrap patterns they offer and the whole thing becomes overly impressive.
My first holster came in, and I’ll admit I was a bit unprepared, and I’d neglected to order the appropriate Safariland accessories needed to properly position and mount the holster to my belt. Safariland offers a wide variety of positioning pieces and connecting hardware to fit almost any purpose.
Later I purchased the Quick Locking System (QLS) which utilizes a rapid snap-on system to attach and remove the holster from the belt. This was an absolute must have, mainly because I have multiple belts for multiple purposes, and having the ability to swap from one holster to another is extremely convenient. The QLS system is robust and easily operated by a single hand.
This is starting to sound like some really nice gear right? Well I for sure think so, but let me warn you about the dangers of becoming an addict like me. All this equipment is very handy and definitely will help improve your high-speed operation (whatever that might be). But it won’t take long before you are signing your paychecks over to Safariland if you aren’t careful.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Very high quality product
Adaptable to your needs
Very modular products
Great selection of styles and colors
If it doesn’t improve your game, you’ll at least look good
Cons
Not inexpensive
Can be a little intimidating to pick right
Can you believe Safariland is based in California? The irony.
Every Safariland product I’ve bought has come with extra fasteners, tools, washers, etc. This is very handy as you try to configure your equipment. There are also several sets of fasteners with different lengths, to allow you to mount in different configurations.
There are also detailed instruction pamphlets that come with them to help guide you in your installation. I of course threw those out like most guys, and figured it out on my own. Purchasing a couple extra QLS forks to attach multiple holsters to my different belts, is something I would strongly recommend. The quality of these products speak for themselves, that said I am quite sure that someone who is far more tactical than myself will step in to say they aren’t durable enough for his needs.
I’m sure there are plenty of folks who have managed to break this gear, which is no surprise. I mean c’mon it is only plastic, and it weathers with use and sunlight so it won’t surprise me if someday something snaps. I’m just glad that it is unlikely I’ll be hanging off the side of a helicopter when it does. But Safariland products come with a two-year limited warranty if such a thing happens.
Features
ALS retention system
Safariland’s ALS holster system does a fantastic job of keeping your pistol secured in the holster. You can run, jump, roll around on the ground, bail in and out of vehicles and your pistol will stay safely on your side.
Notice the optics cover folded out of the way as the pistol is drawn
It’s also extremely easy to get your pistol out when you need it, with just a quick swipe of your thumb, the pistol slides smoothly into action.
Polymer housing
Built from the polymer housing , the holster makes a soft touch that won’t damage the finish of your pistol. But I can tell you after much use, you will still start to see some rubbing evidence. But the holster does a great job protecting your pistol, muzzle, red dotand weapon light safe. The holster is closed at the end to keep dirt and debris from getting into your muzzle. At the top of the holster there is a winged hood to protect your red dot, it also has a flip up cover to keep your red dot window from collecting Cheeto dust between shots.
Tucked neatly behind the holster and out of the way, there is a tension screw that you can adjust with an allen key to increase or reduce the tension against your pistol inside the holster. There is a soft pad on the inside that is progressively pressed against the pistol frame as the screw is tightened. This allows you to customize the feel of your draw, as well as reduce rattling of the pistol as you run back and forth at the range.
Safariland’s QLS system is awesome for swapping one holster to another on your belt. The fork attaches to the holster, and the receiver mounts to your belt. You can slide the holster into place making the same motion you would to holster your pistol itself. Then the locking lugs at the end of the fork engage the receiver securing the holster to your belt. I found this feature a must have if you are getting in and out of vehicles. While you certainly can wear the holster as you drive, it is much more comfortable to pop it off for longer drives.
the QLS system allows easy removal and installation
Cordura Wrap
I love the fit of the ALS holster, and the tiger stripe wrap
As an aspiring mall-ninja, I love the fact that most any Safariland holster can be ordered with any of their Cordura wrapping patterns. So if you are a multicam nerd, there are almost too many different options to choose from, like multicam tropical, or my favorite Tiger Stripe.
Read more about this and other great products at GunMade.com
Conclusion
If you do much pistol shooting, you are probably going to love the Safariland ALS holster, the same way I have. They give professional grade performance to anyone willing to buy them. I absolutely feel like it has helped me get better and faster at drawing my pistols, and I love how they function.
I typically wear one or another of these on a daily basis, if only to get more practice in. On any given day I draw my pistol from one of these holsters no less than many dozen times. If you are looking into a retention holster, I can strongly recommend the holsters from Safariland.
Depending on your profession, you might call it a battle belt, gun belt, or some other belt variation. Today we are going into the detail of putting together a battle belt, something I recently finished.
As I navigated through all the different options, I figured this might be something others would do, so I documented the process in the hopes of saving you time and money.
Shooting has become part of my profession. While you may or may not need a gun belt for your daily work, I hope that by the time I’m done sharing my experience, you will have a good idea of how you would do it yourself.
Unless you do any professional soldiering, law enforcement, or security, a gun belt will likely be recreational for the most part. It will likely be another part of your equipment when shooting at the range or in competitive events like two or three-gun matches.
I am by no means a competition pistol shooter, but I do enjoy practicing the skill. A proper gun belt is extremely useful for becoming proficient in shooting pistols and any kind of tactical discipline.
WHY USE A BATTLE BELT?
Battle belts are designed to help carry the weight and force of waist-bound shooting equipment. Not only do they carry the weight, but they also help distribute it with a degree of comfort.
A good belt also helps keep vital and life-saving equipment where you want it to be. Besides just your pistol, battle belts also have room for extra ammunition, knives, and other tools you may need depending on the task before you.
A good belt is customizable to fit the accessories and tools you need in the places that best fit your practice. With practice and time, you will likely change and adjust it until it perfectly fits your needs.
FIRST THING: THE ALL-IMPORTANT PISTOL & HOLSTER
Find a quality holster that properly fits your pistol. There are many good options from companies like Safariland or Blackhawk.
Remember, these are not CCW holsters; they are for retaining your pistol under heavy movement and activity.
Good retention holsters are not exactly cheap, nor are they particularly compact. But they are well worth their cost and come in various styles and retention designs to keep your pistol safely at your side.
SELECT A BELT
There are a great many good choices to be had for a gun belt. Safariland and Blackhawk make belts for their holsters, but there are plenty of others like Blue Force Gear or Crye Precision.
With so many options, you may want to handle a couple before choosing one. After looking around, I decided to go with a 1.75-inch belt from the guys at Lead Devil.
There are two-layered and single-layered belts. I went with a two layered belt. They work by using a velcro under the belt that goes through your belt loops on your pants. The outer belt then attaches outside your belt loops by velcro to the inner belt and buckle in the front. It is a very robust system.
The outer belt has molle loops around the circumference to install whatever accessories or gear to the belt and the inner belt keeps your pants up and serves as a foundation for the load-bearing outer belt.
When selecting a belt, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on measuring yourself. A proper fit is vital to both function and comfort. Remember the size of your belt when selecting accessories. You can’t put 1.5-inch accessories on a 1.75-inch belt. The belt should fit fairly snug to keep your pistol and other gear from flopping around as you move.
Note: wearing a gun belt properly may be all the inspiration you need to get in better shape. They fit and work better when your “middle area” is trimmed.
Obviously, the first priority should be your holster. Find a comfortable position on your belt that fits your draw location and attach the holster, either threading the belt through it or using the molle attachments.
I found it took some time to ensure I had my holster placed properly.
My pistol is a Sig Sauer P320 X5 Legion, and I bought the Safariland 7304RDS holster for it. The holster accepts both the pistol and the Surefire X300 weapon light in front, but after using the holster for a few days, I realized I needed a lower ride height.
I added a Safariland Cantable belt loop that added a few inches of drop, and I also added to it the Safariland Quick Locking System that allows the holster to detach from its base. I’ve come to find this very convenient.
The whole pistol and holster are easily removed from the belt. This also allows you to swap multiple holsters for different firearms to and from your belt. I adjusted the thigh strap that came with my holster for a better fit and to keep the holster as secure as possible.
Believe it or not, I actually wore the belt like this eight hours a day for over a month, making little adjustments here and there until I felt I had a perfect fit. I was constantly drawing my pistol to see what would make a smoother draw and holstering.
MAGAZINE POUCHES
A good battle belt will surely carry extra magazines for your pistol. I bought a couple of different options to try. The first was a pair of Tacos from High Speed Gear. I liked them, but I ended up swapping them out for a one-piece double mag pouch from Esstac. The HSG Tacos seemed to have more catch points and were easier to snag on things during movement. The Esstac pouches were smoother and had a nice exterior.
Position your mag pouches where they best fit your draw. This is another reason I like the Lead Devil belt. The molle allowed robust attachment of my accessories without sacrificing velcro engagement with the inner belt. Reducing the velcro engagement between the belt layers reduces the rigidity of the whole system and induces flopping.
If you incorporate a rifle mag pouch or two on your belt, you can attach it the same way via molle in whatever position you see fit. I run my rifle mags on my plate carrier, so I didn’t add any to my gun belt.
SHARP EDGES
Many guys put knives on their gun belts, whether for cutting tasks or when they run outta magazines. I actually run two knives on my belt; the main one is aCold Steel Mini Tac.
The second one is just a cheap Gerber folder hooked into the molle behind my holster for things like digging sardines out of the can. I like the idea of having both options, one blade is kept in pristine razor sharp condition while the other is a day to day cutter.
Both are kept in convenient locations on the belt for quick and easy access, they also attach to the molle of the Lead Devil outer belt.
FLASHLIGHT
Besides the X300 on my pistol, I also keep a good flashlight on my belt. The Cloud Defensive MCH 2.0 Micro goes in a small 5.11 carry pouch behind my right kidney. I don’t often shoot in the dark, but if I need to, I sure want to have the tools to see what I’m shooting.
TOURNIQUET
A tourniquet is a must-have if you do any shooting. We’ve all seen how fast things can get ugly. Plate carriers and battle belts are often kitted out with tourniquets; the main reason is that they are typically used by folks who shoot and may get shot at.
Having a tourniquet immediately available can be the difference between life and death. Many professional soldiers getting shot at have multiple TQs on their kit, and they have them close.
I have one in my IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit) on my plate carrier, and I keep another one attached to my gun belt just in front of my holster. This way, it is very close should I need to use it on myself or some other unfortunate person.
It’s kept neat and tucked away by a 5.11 TQ pouch.
DROP POUCH
Drop pouchesare also a common accessory to run on gun belts. They are typically used as a catch-all for things you need out of your hands quickly but don’t want to lose. Empty magazines, batteries, or Twinkie wrappers can all get tossed in to be policed later.
I personally don’t run a drop pouch on my belt because I have one on my plate carrier. The one I have is a roll-up velcro type to stay out of the way until you need it.
TETHER
Lastly, I have a 550 cord braided tether on my left side. It has a snap hook convenient for gloves, keys, or anything else you want to keep handy. It also can be unwoven and used as cordage in an emergency.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
DOES A BATTLE BELT GO THROUGH BELT LOOPS?
Some battle belts go through belt loops, and others go outside the belt loops. I prefer the two-layered outside-the-belt loop type with an inner strap that goes through the belt loops.
HOW TIGHT SHOULD A BATTLE BELT BE?
A belt should be tight enough to keep your equipment secure and close without being uncomfortably tight. The better shape you are in, the more comfortable they seem to fit. I do find that the wider belt seems more comfortable for guys like me who are a little round in the middle.
HOW MUCH WEIGHT DOES A BATTLE BELT HOLD?
That can depend on how you set it up. Some belts come wide, and with padded load-bearing surfaces, a good belt is undoubtedly strong enough that you could be picked up by it.
CONCLUSION
If you’re a gear queer like me, you will likely enjoy the process of putting all this together. I hope what I have done has shed some light or given you ideas for your own belt build.
I would strongly recommend doing what I did if you can; for the better part of two months, I wore my gun belt every day to work. This allowed me to make adjustments for comfort and practical use, adjusting the angle of my holster, and so on. The familiarity I gained from wearing the belt for such a long time made me very comfortable using the system at the range.
Don’t be afraid to try different belt accessories to find the one that fits your needs best, and if you have any questions about the subject, feel free to drop them in the comment section.
Make sure you share your battle belt build with us when you finish it, and share this with your gun buddies!
