Modular Shotgun Belt

JD Alan · January 10, 2011, 08:30:02 PM

Someone here on the forum was working on a modular shotgun belt a while back, but I don't remember who. The idea was to build the shell holder, then attach it to pieces on each side holding the buckle and strap.

I've put together my first ever shotgun belt in this manner, and now I'm wondering what the best way would be to attach the pieces to my modular monster. Right now I'm thinking of either rivets or Chicago screws, like 4 in an X pattern.

Any thoughts?

Slowhand Bob · January 10, 2011, 11:18:11 PM

JD, I attached seperate billet and chape pieces to the ends of a wider blank to create a somewhat modular prairie style belt using two Chicago screws on each end. I sent several of these out to friends for testing and the consensus was that all preferred the traditional one piece belt design for their tapered gun belts. One problem is the tight fit I use for belt to holster and the transition created by a separate billet attachment. I should be replacing these belts pretty soon. I have seen where a couple of makers are marketing similar belts so it is possible that some people do like the modular idea???

Looking at your photo, I think you are referring to adding a pre-made ammo strip to the belt. I would recommend doing this by sewing the strap to the main belt. When attached at the ends by Chicago screws only, the weight of the cartridge strip will quickly cause it to sag away from the main belt and look sloppy. This was my results with five round .45 ammo strips do I can immagine that multiple 12 guage round versions would be much worse.

JD Alan · January 10, 2011, 11:40:51 PM

Robby, I sure appreciate your experience in this area. Paret of the challenge was trying out different ways to make loops, but not having a specific belt length in mind. Did you use a Concho shaped like the end of a shotgun shell and some point? I seem to remember seeing something like that on the modular type belt I was thinlking of.

When I know for sure what belt length I am shooting I will sew the the piceces together.

Thanks again

Johnny McCrae · January 11, 2011, 07:20:24 AM

Howdy JD,

I don't if this will help but here are a few pictures of a Rig with an adjustable Belt that I made for a fellow Shooter. The Belt adjusts from 40" to 50" by unscrewing the Concho's and moving the buckle to a different set of holes. I believe he has used this rig now for several seasons now.

Also here is a picture of how the Shotgun Slide I currently use is attached to my Belt. Using the three straps spaced apart allows the slide to conform to my Belt and body shape. At my age I do not have to worry about "six pack abs". When I use this set-up, the buckle is at my back.

Slowhand Bob · January 11, 2011, 08:37:10 AM

JD, yes that sounds like something I posted awhile back. Though I see some positives for a modular system there was a dark evil capitalist purpose as well. Anytime you can use a couple or several smaller parts to replace one larger one it conserves leather and waste. Sometimes my hair brain stuff works and sometimes not. I really do like the fold over piece for the buckle attachment though and this is copied straight off a new Tandy item. It saves a couple of inches of leather at the chape and saves me from needing to thin the fold at the buckle.

knucklehead · January 12, 2011, 07:51:00 AM

JD,

if you are looking for a adjustable shotgun belt i suggest you speak with COG if he still does cowboy shootin.
he made a adjustable shotgun belt where you can change out the buckle ends.

i do have pics of his shotgun belt i can send pics if needed.

Slowhand Bob · January 12, 2011, 09:09:54 AM

JD, these are not the ones with the shot shell conchos but they do show my attempts at doing some modular belts and modular holsters were to follow. This was somewhat a prototype, the first one, but I still use it with short barl SAAs. Notice the billet/chape units are easily removable and/or interchangeable, as are all other components of both belts. Though very usable I found the detachable components to pucker (see photo) away from the belt and look cheesy in use.

Massive · February 29, 2012, 03:29:18 AM

http://www.jscustomleather.com/Shotgun-Belt.html

outrider · February 29, 2012, 06:54:23 AM

JD, About a year or two ago I made an adjustable shotgun belt for a youngster that was growing leaps and bounds. What I did was attached a belt buckle at both ends of the belt with a replaceable center piece (with adjustable holes). That way as he grew all we had to do was replace the center peice.

Boothill Bob · February 29, 2012, 04:01:00 PM

Howdy JD.
I use rivets to fasten cape and billet. But I'm thinking of Chicago screws, that way I can make a bunch of belts and different sizes on billets to bring on matches. "one size fits all"

KidTerico · February 29, 2012, 05:54:14 PM

Thanks to all of you, Some very good ideas all around. KT

Red Cent · February 29, 2012, 09:01:59 PM

Another suggestion. Make the loops out of very thin leather. When we go for two, three, or four, thick leather will not allow the hulls to come loose easily. The thick leather loops causes the rounds to squeeze the leather and is a bear to get loose..

knucklehead · February 29, 2012, 11:32:59 PM

Nice idea JD.

is COG still shootin at tri county gun club?

he did a similar belt setup. he used the button studs and to secure the belt ends and weaved the straps through 2 loops.
i will check my files to see if i still have the pic of his belt idea. it was a slick idea.

Slowhand Bob · March 01, 2012, 10:35:39 AM

I am the worlds biggest copy cat so please, please!

LoneRider · March 02, 2012, 05:23:35 AM

You mean like this? I've been making these for 8 years!

Slowhand Bob · March 02, 2012, 07:23:25 AM

Looks good Jack, I saw one recently, perhaps yours??, but it had a second CS at each slot. The second screw was on the outside of the slot to make the billet lay flatter on the belt body. I made several a few years back that I copied from Raymond at http://www.bunkhousetools.com/ but a check shows that it is not shown on the home page any longer. It was similar in the billet design BUT was done as a Buscadero and had the two drop panels with a third strap connecting them in the back. The local guys did not care for the design, they considered it to light weight, and Buscadero is not popular enough here to spend a lot of effort on anyway.

Massive · March 03, 2012, 12:34:00 AM

Loneriders design shows another advantage of modular, the ability to fit contours without the need to take a big smile out of a hide.

Lone Rider's is also an example of the pocket design I was referring to. I was really liking it for field use. It is a good amount of coverage but still easy to pull. I guess it would not suit those wanting to pull 4 shells or more. Maybe the big shell grab is the reason for elasticized loops on CS's belts. They wouldn't bind, and they would be close together.

Lone Rider, on those pockets, is the tuck just pushed in place by hand, and it stays put, or is sewn or riveted somehow?