School me on pistol/battle belts

[Drinkthekoolaid]

I'm thinking my next purchase should be something of a battle belt setup similar to something like this




I don't currently have anything like this and think it might be useful and come in handy some day.

Ultimately looking for a belt to hold a pistol mag or 2, rifle mag or 2, ability to support some type of Kydex OWB holster and maybe a med kit.

Nothing too crazy or loaded down. Just think it offers a nice option.

I'm very confused trying to compare belts. Some have inner belts, outer belts, some seem to be just a single belt. Some are MOLLE some are not. Some have clips for suspenders or chest rigs, others do not. Do I want a holster mounted solely to the belt or supported from the belt and a leg drop.

Comparing different options online is confusing the hell out of me. I also see prices can start to add up very quickly, and no stores that I Know of locally have any of this so I can't visualize what I'm looking at. So I don't want to screw this up and waste money.

I'm trying to build a setup for sub 200 (probably will have to add a holster later I'm sure that will go over)

Don't care about color, OD, FDE, woodland, multicam is all fine.

Any ideas or things to consider? What type of belt should I be looking for?

 

[togmaster]

You are going to get lots of opinions on this but what you need to figure out is the type of mag holders and attachment method you like. There are a lot of good belts available and you should look for one that is velcro lined (hook or loop) so you can switch from an inner belt to a pad depending on preference. I've got drawers full of diffrent mag holders and holsters but have been transitioning to G-code the last few years. I like their scorpion mag holders and the RTI hanger system for mounting holsters. It allows me to switch gun and holster in a few seconds. You can buy a complete setup or buy components as you see fit. SCORPION Low Viz Belt

 

[Deplorable Me]

If you load enough gear on you might want to consider suspenders for weight distribution.

 

[MilesTeg]

I went with a G-Codes setup. Their products are top notch and I like that they are very interchangeable. The downside is they are very expensive. I also like the Velcro option so I can remove and put on between rounds easily if I desire or I attach the padded liner and use it like a normal belt.

Belts

Check out the deal on at Edge Works

www.tacticalholsters.com

 

[stokes]

I have nothing to offer, just curious, where would you use something like this?

 

[togmaster]

I have nothing to offer, just curious, where would you use something like this?

Range, classes, competition, SHF. I have two set-ups and I use mine at least once a week

 

[BMF JK]

Here is a solid belt for what you’re looking for . I bought one awhile back and it’s fantastic. The inner belt is perfect for holding up your pants and the outer belt can be quickly strapped on .
Inner outer belt is great for going to a class or just heading to the range . Once at the range I can easily strap on my rig .
Once on the belt stays put .

Tactical Belt | Rigid Dual Layer Duty Belt, Made in the USA

Load-bearing tactical belt with rigid dual layer construction: carries holster, pouches and MOLLE gear without sagging. Made in the USA.

safelifedefense.com

 

[MilesTeg]

I have nothing to offer, just curious, where would you use something like this?

I was shooting weekly in a defensive pistol league that's when I took the plunge. Now since COVID they haven't ran it. Since then I used it for one class and pretty much whenever I go to the backyard range. I like the ease and convenience of it. I could see it used in a SHTF as a rapid grab and go but the really is a tertiary use.

 

[pshift]

The Safelight Defense belt works for me as well. Used it twice before COVID hit the area. I will use it again once range training opens up to it's former glory.

 

[speedkills27]

I have two different set ups.

-Version one is a HSG 1.75 inch corba buckle belt, with HSG triple taco pistol mag pouch, Dark Angel IFAK, and a G-Code pistol holster RTI platform. This is more a range day/light pistol class type setup. I run a cheap set of belt keepers and just throw the gun belt over my leather one, buckle te keepers and away we go
-Version two is HSG padded battle belt with HSG Double Deck Tacos which hold three pistol and three rifle mags with the pistol piggy backed. this belt also has a dump pouch, Dark Angel IFAK, and a G Code RTI platform in a drop configuration. The drop pistol RTI isnt a thigh rig but also sits lower than a standard belt mount. This is more heavy duty platform with a rifle in mind. This would be my go to setup for a possible SHTF scenario.

RTI platforms allow you to order holsters for each gun but pretty easily trade them between belt setups without having to pull the belt apart

 

[Nebowictz]

No expert here but I have a belt that I set up and used for a few Run and Guns (3-5 mile race carrying rifle, pistol, ammo etc with 5-6 shooting stages out). When I set it up I went the el cheapo route for my first race.

inner and outer belt is what you want and as @togmaster said you can swap out the inner for a pad based on preference. And everyone has their preference on pouches and holsters. Pros to the threaded inner is you don’t have the extra pants belt. Pros to the pad is you don’t need belt loops (or pants for that matter) and can throw it on over a jacket if it is nasty out.

My el cheapo route for my first RnG was all condor. belt, 2 pistol pouch, 2 rifle pouch, TQ holder. Then a safari land ALS holster. Since then, I upgraded the pouches to esstac ones, which were definitely better. I haven’t upgraded the belt yet though because…well…it worked…. I will upgrade eventually though.

if you have 2 pistol, 2 rifle, TQ, and holster you shouldn’t need suspenders. I did a race with 4 pistol 3 rifle mags, pistol, TQ (std capacity mags fully loaded in a free state) and it wasn’t too heavy. And the condor belt isn’t the stiffest either, getting a better belt will most definitely hold what you want. The padded inner was nice for when it was more heavily loaded but not necessary.

holster height is personal preference. You can always change the mount and drop it later. For Run and Guns my holsters have active retention.

another personal preference was that I don’t like kangaroo style or double pouches that are two mags deep (unless it’s on my backside)

 

[spat]

Why not a vest instead of just a belt ?

Could use a plate carrier, without plates for range day, with plates for SHTF.

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

Why not a vest instead of just a belt ?

Could use a plate carrier, without plates for range day, with plates for SHTF.

Looking for multiple options and solutions.

I don't yet have anything that fills the role of a battle belt.

 

[MilesTeg]

One thing I would like to add for the G-Code pistol shells is they are loud. If you plan on using it in SHTF scenario you will want to cover it with something or buy the one ones with "battle fuzz" on it.

 

[Will556]

One thing I would like to add for the G-Code pistol shells is they are loud. If you plan on using it in SHTF scenario you will want to cover it with something or buy the one ones with "battle fuzz" on it.

The Gcode soft shell scorpions aren’t too loud. Are you talking about other ones that they sell that are solid kydex?

 

[speedkills27]

One thing I would like to add for the G-Code pistol shells is they are loud. If you plan on using it in SHTF scenario you will want to cover it with something or buy the one ones with "battle fuzz" on it.

yea all of mine are fuzzed

 

[dsdmmat]

My gun belts tend to be for play vs combat. My basic combat set up is on a plate carrier with the addition of a drop leg holster or a holster on the belt with a 4 inch drop mount.

 

[OwenP]

These are my new kore battle belts. Love them and they hold weight really well

 

[Will556]

Staying under $200 (obviously without a duty level holster) is going to be pretty difficult if almost impossible if you’re making sure you buy good gear. There are a bunch good solid belts out there that’ll do the job you’re looking for. Spend the money on quality gear and you won’t have to worry about it or feel like you need to switch it out to something else down the road. As mentioned before if you get a good quality inner and outer belt system, you’re not going to need an additional weight bearing help from suspenders or anything, especially if you pick a belt that has a sturdy material like Tegris integrated into it. Here are some to take a look at even if some of the belt are out of your price range, I’m going to mention them anyway in case you change your mind on budget or to give you something else to compare to. GBRS Group Assaulters Belt, Ferro Concepts Bison Belt, Ronin Tactics has a few models, Blue Alpha, Lead Devil…are just a few that are out there. As for mag pouches you won’t go wrong by picking up some Esstac’s or Defensive Mechanisms, but there are plenty others out there that a decent as well. For holsters you want something with active retention, I’m a huge fan of Safariland duty holsters, lots of different models to choose from based on what you’re running. You can get model with just the ALS or the ALS and SLS options, light beating, non-light bearing, running an optic or not. The QLS system is nice too if you want to make it so it can just click in and out and be swapped to another system. Once you get into all the accessories is where you’ll go down the rabbit hole and find yourself spending even more money. I say choose a good quality belt, a Safariland holster, a few mag pouches and run what you can until you save a little bit of money and add to it little by little. Before you know it, you’ll have everything you need.

 

[MilesTeg]

The Gcode soft shell scorpions aren’t too loud. Are you talking about other ones that they sell that are solid kydex?

I was referring to the gun holster shell itself. I carry clipped pocket knife on my right side pocket. That clip hitting the holster is loud, so much so when I wear the belt I usually unclip the knife from the pocket and let it float in the bottom of the pocket. Not a huge issue but if you were planning on using it for SHTF the noise could be a huge liability.

 

[Will556]

Oh okay, I agree! I used to carry my karambit in the pocket on the same side as my holster. Every step I took it would knock into the back of my duty holster…drove me crazy. That didn’t last long and swapped to a different knife.

 

[OwenP]

Any other attachments you roll with?

 

[GTN]

I would like some kind of belt to have next to the safe in case I need more mags for a fight but no idea what to get

 

[holdover]

I like this one for home self defense for its simplicity and speed. just throw it over your shoulder and go, No fucking around .

 

[speedkills27]

I like this one for home self defense for its simplicity and speed. just throw it over your shoulder and go, No fucking around .

these are dope if you can find one. They've been out of stock for some time now

 

[GTN]

I like this one for home self defense for its simplicity and speed. just throw it over your shoulder and go, No fucking around .

I like this but I’d want 3 rifle mags and at least 2 pistol mags

 

[GTN]

these are dope if you can find one. They've been out of stock for some time now

Most of the kits are in stock. Some colors aren’t INVRT Bandoleer - IC13

 

[holdover]

I like this but I’d want 3 rifle mags and at least 2 pistol mags

I think you can swap out that med kit for a mag pouch.

For me 3 mags are plenty , Not what I use for lights out SHTF cant find my dog situation. But for home defense , I think its plenty

 

[GTN]

In the video he said the med kit pouch comes with the kit but it doesn’t

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

Most of the kits are in stock. Some colors aren’t INVRT Bandoleer - IC13

So does this more or less fill the same role as a chest rig?