I'm looking to upgrade my setup for my 226. Recommendations for belt (manufacturer/width, etc.) as well as holster (IWB) would be appreciated. Pics even better - thanks.

A good belt will be a bit more important in my opinion than a holster. I carry my P226 on occasion in a holster I'm not too fond of, but the belt keeps it tight and doesn't let the holster "flop" around. My belt is a beltman (www.thebeltman.net), and it has not disappointed me in any way

As far as holsters, do you like leather or kydex? I'm not much of a kydex guy, so all I can recommend is leather. For that try TT Gunleather (www.ttgunleather.com).

Good luck.

I recently did the exact same thing. I started off carrying my P226 in a Don Hume single clip IWB holster with a regular leather belt. The weight of the gun really caused the belt to sag, and the single clip on the Hume didn't keep the gun from rotating and sliding around.

To address the weight issue, I bought a Wilderness Tactical Instructor's Belt and used it with the Hume for a while. I noticed a big improvement in the long term carrying comfort, but the holster still didn't secure the gun to the belt like I'd hoped it would. That may be a function of the 1 3/4" clips Hume uses on a 1 1/2" belt, but, regardless, a gun the weight of a P226 really needs two points of attachment to the belt.

My most recent upgrade was a Crossbreed Supertuck holster. MUCH better than the Hume. Secure on the belt, comfortable all day, perfect retention, easy draw, etc. I'm kind of kicking myself for waiting so long to order it. The combination of the Supertuck and the Wilderness belt has allowed me to reach CCW nirvana. It's really a night and day difference from how I started.

I can whole-heartedly recommend both the Wilderness belt and the Supertuck, but I'm sure a quality leather belt and holster would work well too. It's hard to say what's more important to comfort, the belt or the holster. They really have to work together as a system.

I'll try and post pics of my carry setup this evening.

Preferred material? Budget?

There are tons of choices for belts and holsters of all sizes and materials. I would recommend a 1.5" belt, and as has been said, with the same size clips/loops on the holster.

Countryboy makes custom holsters and sells them on this forum, and also carries a P226R. I've heard nothing but good things, and have been eyeing his "City Slicker" IWB holster. He makes belts too.

I agree that the belt is the number 1 thing of importance. It makes a world of difference. A Rafter or the Beltman are probably the top two leather belts.

Holster's? I am a big fan of Milt Sparks and that is all I use anymore after going through a boat load of holsters. For IWB, I use the VM2. For OWB, I use the 55BN with the FBI Cant (both Milt Sparks).

If you are going to carry, make it easy on yourself and buy quality don't short cut.

I have a Beltman belt. wear it everyday and I am 100% satisfied.

I had Jim out the velcro on it so I have that option if I need it.

I am 5'8" and 160-165 (depending on how good the Thai is) so an ill fitting belt would be very obvious.

I also have the High Noon "Split Decision" for my P245 and I can wear it all day and while driving, and walking for long periods of time.

Works for me.

Comp-Tac M.T.A.C. with a Filson Double 1 1/2" belt. Great rig up for any CCW set up.

I have my 226 in my Milt Sparks Watch Six IWB on my Rafter Gunleather 11/4" belt as I write this and barely know its there. Great, stable and comfortable rig that conceals well under an untucked shirt, sweatshirt or sweater.

http://www.miltsparks.com

http://www.raftersgunleather.com/index.htm

This message has been edited. Last edited by: 239IWB,

Pics of my carry rig.













With the old Hume holster for comparison:

I carry a P226R at work in plain clothes on occasion. When I do so, I prefer OWB carry in a leather holster with a quality thick belt. I'm required to use a thumb break holster, so I have a Galco FLETCH holster. It's a good holster for the money. I plan to order a High Noon Sky High which is also a great holster. I High Noon holster with a non-rail P226 and it worked excellent. I had to sell it when I was issued a P226R.

A quality leather holster with a quality, thick belt will conceal well under an untucked shirt and its relatively comfortable.

Any of the above belts are good here is my holster a Bianchi # 82 with retention

I appreciate the feedback and the pics. I am leaning towards the VM2. Is there an advantage to kydex that I should consider? Is the beltman the absolute way to go or is rafter ect, similar?
Thanks.

quote:

Originally posted by fau:
I appreciate the feedback and the pics. I am leaning towards the VM2. Is there an advantage to kydex that I should consider? Is the beltman the absolute way to go or is rafter ect, similar?
Thanks.

I use a VM 2 for my 239, anything from Milt Sparks is well made. Also there are a number of good belts available but you would not be disappointed with one from Rafter.

quote:

Originally posted by fau:
I appreciate the feedback and the pics. I am leaning towards the VM2. Is there an advantage to kydex that I should consider? Is the beltman the absolute way to go or is rafter ect, similar?
Thanks.

One advantage I've found with kydex (or half kydex in my case) is that it's rigidity allows an easy draw even with the belt cinched tight. A leather holster will really grab hold of the gun if you crank down on the belt. That Hume holster is difficult to draw from without pulling the entire holster out of my pants.

Kydex is also a bit thinner than leather, which certainly aids comfort on a big gun. For me, it seemed to be more functional than leather. I'll be the first to admit, though, that I prefer the looks of a quality leather holster to a kydex one.

Good luck on your search, it sounds like you're taking the right path in seeking out a quality rig. Be sure to post pics and let us know how it works for you.