Cartridge Belt Width

[Uncle Chan]

All,

I just cut a blank for a cartridge belt to match my slim jims.  After I cut it, I realized that I don't know what the standard width is, if there is one.  I cut mine from 10/11oz leather in a 2" strip.  Does that sound about right?  Hw wide are your belts?

Thanks,
Uncle Chan

[Tommy tornado]

I usually make my belts between 2" and 3 1/2" inches depending on the look I want.

[Slowhand Bob]

I like a 2 too 2 1/2" belt without cartridge loops, prefer slides when necessary.  Based on my observations, most SASS shooters prefer belts of 2 1/2 too 3" for their pistol length cartridges.  A part of the reason for my likeing a bit narrower belts is due to my liking early style leather, Slim Jims on tapered belts.  The 2" version should be able to handle your pistol length cartridges ok.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I also like the earlier look. when I make a cartridge belt for a double rig, I make mine 2 1/4" with the ends narrowed to 1 1/4" or 1 1/2". When I make a double belt rig, I make the belts 1 3/4" with the ends narrowed to 1 1/4".

[Uncle Chan]

Thank you everyone.  With my slim jims, the 2" belts should work just fine.  When done, I'll post the pics.

Much appreciated,
U.C.

[E.R.Beaumont]

Howdy Pards and Pardettes.

Uncle Chen, Pard how are you?  I like to have a wider belt, I am also with Bob on the cartridge loops, slides are starting to look better and better.  Three of my belts are 3" wide and my only money belt is 2 1/2' wide and no bullet loops.  The wider belt helps to distribute the load over a wider area, however if you reduce the load you can reduce the belt width. My money belt is made from 8 oz folded over, it might be even better if it was made from lighter weight leather or a differently taned hide. The money belt is my new favorite, I need to make more of them.

Maybe a pouch would be more in style with Slim Jims, but "Packing Iron" shows many early cartridge belts that are very narrow.  These belts seem to have been converted into cartridgd belts after they were made to be gun belts.  Most that were shown had the loops rivited on.  Many of the early cartridge belts were converted army saber belts, the troops had the post saddler sew on the loops.  If you do not have it a copy of "Packing Iron" is a valuable resource.


In the final analysis the whole question is "Are you happy with it?" if the answer is yes then thats it, if not then make another and use that one to cary conceled with.

That is all I think I know.
Regards, Beaumont

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

My Wranglers like 2 " belts.

[Silver_Rings]

I like wide belts about 3" but with the slim jim holsters I think I would prefer a 2 to 2 1/2" belt.

SR

[Uncle Chan]

Thank you everyone for your replies.  My 2" belt is just about done.  I'll post it with pics probably next week.  Waiting for some accessories from Leather Factory to finish it.

Uncle