I was actually going to write an article about DoubleTap and Buffalo Bore ammo but I was pleased to see that Jeff Quinn of GunBlast.com has just (Jan 2012) written an article on the same topic complete with his on chrono #'s from a variety of platforms! This is awesome since it is the rainy season here and because of the overcast can never seem to get my Chrony to work.

The 10mm PISTOL by Jeff Quinn via GunBlast.com

Anyway it is a great article with up to date ammo info for fans of full power 10mm ammo.

I am a big proponent for using a quality belt  (meaning durable, well-stitched and stiff) for CCW. In fact, I think that belt selection comes second to only the pistol itself (assuming proper, proficient, and safe usage). A holster and a pistol will tear up cheap belts and a non-stiff belt will not hold and distribute the weight of a pistol. It doesn't matter if it is a generic belt from Wal-Mart or a Kenneth Cole from Macy's -- for CCW you need a "gun" belt.

I would rather have a good belt and a $20 holster than a $20 belt with a $200 custom holster.

Traditionally, to me, this has meant a good thick 1.5" width leather belt. There are several good brands and Galco is a personal favorite because of quality, durability  and immediate availability to me locally. I have had the same one worn daily for over 10 years! A little spendy at about $75 but after going through countless "dress" belts, well worth the money.

More recently folks seem to be recommending "instructor belts" made originally and famous by Wilderness. Recently, at a Armorers' Course I felt like a fish out of water being 1 (or 2) there NOT wearing one. That reminds me I need to order some tactical pants too..

I chose a Wilderness because they are reputed high quality (I have seen no complaints about their stitching), they offer exact sizing, and they are made in the U.S.. There are several other brands but they were not any less expensive. I chose 5-stitch since the 3-stitch doesn't seem stiff enough for a pistol. They offer an even stiffer "CSM" model which adds a layer of polycarbon in between the belt layers. I own a similar leather/carbon hybrid belt. It is VERY stiff. I think this has disadvantages too (see # 4 below).

It is basically a nylon-web belt that is double-layered except for the end portion that goes through buckle. This model has 5-stitches that run along the length of the belt to add stiffness. One side has a metal buckle finished in RoGuard  black. The buckle is pointed so that a carabiner can be attached if using with a rappelling rig. The loops through the buckle and back through a "floating lock bar" that is inside the buckle. That lock bar basically pivots back and forth and has one size with teeth so that it grab onto the the belt locking it in place. This allows the belt to be cinched down at any point. The extra belt (after going through the buckle) goes to the side and attaches to the belt via velcro. No more flopping around! (disadvantage below) I didn't do any picture because there a million of them on the web and mine looks like every other one.

To me there are some other advantages to this type of belt:

1. Price: they are available for about $40
2. More impervious to wet weather (hello, Seattle!) and also dry quickly (vs. leather)
3. Incredibly thin and lightweight
4. Stiff (5-stitch) but still able to be rolled up compactly for transport (like in a pack)
5. Buckle design allows infinite adjustment! no more having to choose between the belt hole that is either loose or too tight. This is great for carrying different loads, switching from no CCW to OWB or IWB. You could also use it in a pinch as a cinching strap.
6. Slim buckle with RoGuard finish. You can also use it with a rappelling harness (I haven't done that in years)

I immediately put fullsize S&W M&P pistol in a BladeTech belt holster onto the belt. The pistol hung without any problem and was comfortable.

I then put on one of my heaviest pistols on it to see how it fared -- a S&W 1006 (about 42oz)  also in a Hume OWB leather holster holster. There was noticeable drag in the holster from the heavier pistol (duh). I cinched it tighter to mitigate the extra weight. It carried well although slightly snug. Usable but not a comfortable as a good leather belt. My opinion is that if you are going to carry something heavy a lot you should get the CSM option (or a leather belt).

I had heard that looping the belt through holsters because of its double-thickness might be a problem. Not so. In fact, it was easier to thread through than my super-buff thick Galco belt.

One thing that is odd, at least to leather belt wearers, is that for most people the extra length of belt goes towards your strong side. Depending where you wear your holster this means that the length may run into your holster. In the couple of holsters I tried this was not an issue but I don't carry 3 o'clock. If you do, you will want to get a belt that is measured exactly (each manufacturer has instructions on how to do this) so that you don't get a belt with excessive length. Wilderness offers them in your exact size while others offer them in even sizes and some only S-M-L, etc.

Disadvantages? Not many and questionable importance, but..

1. Slower to put on and take off, and noisy due to velcro
2. I did notice that  if you have a lot of pet hair in your hose it does also seem that the velcro on the belt attracts it.
3. It is not very dressy, I couldn't get away with it at my work, although I am going to try.
4. Extra belt length goes to the strong size
5. Seems like they are "tacti-cool." Function over form for me, but not low key. You can wear a thick leather belt and no one will think anything of it.
6. Thinness makes it harder to do the "one handed pistol rack" if that is desired. It is actually doable with the 5-stitch depending on the pistol but I suspect the CSM is better, but it is hard to beat a good thick leather belt for this.

I will see how well it holds up, but great quality and usability for the price!

ETA 2/19: added post on IWB carry available: HERE