I recently changed-out my Walther PPS M2 for a Springfield 1911 EMP 3. Both 9mm.

My Walther PPS M2 carried nicely in this PJ Holsters Kydex IWB holster:



My EMP 3, being about the same dimensions and only 8 oz. heavier, I figured would carry as comfortably in the same model holster.

Nope

In fact: The PPS M2 carried more comfortably with a much thinner belt than does the EMP 3 with a thicker, somewhat stiffer belt.

It's not the additional weight, per se. Well, it is, but I think it's because the weight is supported at only one point on the belt. When using a Galco Combat Master OWB holster (belt slide/pancake/Baker), both my EMP 3 and my Colt Defender carry comfortably all day and all night long.

Part that, of course, is the Galco is an OWB holster. But I think part of it is also that the Galco holster spreads the load across more of the belt, so there's less sag.

Now, traditionally, the problem with gun belts is finding that ideal amount of stiffness such that things won't sag, but the gun belt isn't more uncomfortable to wear than need be.

That got me to thinking: I wonder if it would work to have a gun belt custom-designed to add an internal stiffener just between, say, 3 o'clock and about 5 o'clock (for righties) or 7 o'clock and 9 o'clock (for lefties), thus increasing stiffness where the load would be, but allowing the rest of the belt to be more conforming to waist and hips?

Thoughts?

That's definitely an interesting idea. My daily wear is a Beltman with the internal stiffener all the way around, and I find it to be very comfortable, but I can see how it could be an issue for some in different circumstances or environments. I wonder if you contacted a beltmaker and pitched the idea to them if they'd make one up for you to try out?

quote:

Originally posted by 92fstech:
That's definitely an interesting idea.

Thanks

quote:

Originally posted by 92fstech:
I wonder if you contacted a beltmaker and pitched the idea to them if they'd make one up for you to try out?

I've thought about that, but not certain which one to approach.

I have a Beltman belt, I like it, and, historically, I've generally preferred leather. But belts with notches, for a gun belt... I tend to prefer infinitely-adjustable belts these days.

Plus some of the CC stuff I'm using now, like the holster pictured above, is clip-on. A leather belt's finish would soon be trashed by repeatedly dragging clip-on Kydex and other "plastic" clips on and off it.

Have you given these guys a look? I've never actually tried their belt, but I occasionally listen to a podcast by the guy that runs it, and it kinda seems like they are using a variation of your idea...I don't know as there's a stiffener, but the belt is thicker and uses heavier material in the areas where the gun typically rides, and thinner in other areas to allow for greater flexibility. It's also nylon and infinitely adjustable, so it checks that box as well. Actually, now that I've read more about it I kind of want to order one for myself, lol.

https://edcbeltco.com/

From his podcast personality, anyway, he seems like a decent guy, and would probably be open to talking to you about your idea if you wanted to pitch it to him.

Thanks for the lead, 92fstech! That looks like a definite possibility.

Though, if I had my druthers, it'd be reinforced only on my carry side

I agree. If you end of talking with him about it, be sure to post back on how it goes. I'd be interested in something like that myself. It honestly looks like it could do double-duty as a pants belt under a duty belt, too.

I may just go ahead and order from their stock items and see how that goes before pestering them

ETA: Or maybe not. "Available on back-order." So maybe another day. Ah, why not? I went ahead and placed an order.

Toughest part was admitting to myself I needed to order size 38

Cool, let me know how it is when you get it. Hopefully it doesn't suck or I'll feel bad!

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Originally posted by 92fstech:
Cool, let me know how it is when you get it.

Naturally.

quote:

Originally posted by 92fstech:
Hopefully it doesn't suck or I'll feel bad!

And well you should, because I will blame you!



More seriously: It may work out and may not. The only way one can know if a gun, holster, or belt will work for them is to do their homework, make an educated guess, try it, and find out. It was a good lead, 92fstech, either way. There'll be nothing on you if it doesn't work out, and kudos if it does

Well, I hope it does, because I think it's a great idea, and I want one! My wife just asked me the other day what I wanted for Christmas...

Well, if you're size 36 or 38, I wouldn't bet on this for Christmas. They're both on back-order and they give no hint as to when mine will ship.

Well that's unfortunate. I'm a 36.

I've just sent them a message inquiring as to back-order lead time. I was curious, anyway. I'll let you know.

There is such a belt like what you described, flexible with a hardened reinforced section to support the weight of the holster.
Designed with AIWB in mind, but with the way the belt is constructed, you can orient the stiffened side to any position you like to.

https://vdevgru.com/products/m...eal-carry-belt-ver-4
Sorry, don't have any experience with these. I use a super stiff Kore belt.

Another good option for a not too stiff belt is Mastermind. I've used these for a couple years.
https://www.mastermindtactics.com/shop/specialist-pro

92fstech: Response from EDC Belt Company:

quote:

Thank you for reaching out to us. Unfortunately, it will probably be another 1-2 weeks before we get more belts from the manufacturer. If your friend were to place his order today, it might get there by Christmas but it will be really close.

Nismo: Thanks for the leads. The first one would require the belt buckle being in an odd location. Not interesting to me. The second one doesn't look much different from what I'm currently using.

I'll see how the EDC Belt Co. belt works and go from there.

Thanks for the update. At least they were responsive. Maybe I'll order one and see what happens. I'm working Christmas Eve and Christmas Day anyway this year, so it's not like it matters if it gets here on a specific day.

92fstech:

quote:

EDC Belt CO
Thanks for shopping with us

Hi [ensigmatic],

We have finished processing your order.
Tracking Information
Provider Tracking Number Date ...

Sweet! Wife and I are doing our online Christmas shopping tonight. I'm gonna order one.

Update: Ordered! Showed in stock, so hopefully shipping soon.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: 92fstech,

quote:

Originally posted by 92fstech:
Sweet! Wife and I are doing our online Christmas shopping tonight. I'm gonna order one.

Update: Ordered! Showed in stock, so hopefully shipping soon.

You should be ok.

Mine shipped on the 13th. It was supposed to have arrived Saturday, the 18th, but USPS sent it to Chicago, rather than Detroit, so it got delayed. I just got it out of the mailbox minutes ago.

I'm probably just going to hand it off to my wife to become one of my Christmas presents at this point. I'm confined due to my Wu Flu infection, so it's not like I can use it right now, anyway.

Well, I hope you weather the wuflu ok...haven't had it yet myself, but it's been pretty rampant around here lately. Rest up and get better!

Belt came the other day, but I haven't gotten to see it yet. Should get to unbox it tomorrow.