Mills Belt

[Crossdrawnj]

Where can I obtain a quality reproduction Span Am period blue mills belt?

[Drydock]

http://www.ssfirearms.com/proddetail.asp?prod=L54

[Pay Dirt Norvelle]

You might look on ebay.  I was lucky and found an original in great shape for $69.00.  Of course I was very fortunate, otherwise the S & S firearms are nice looking.

[Crossdrawnj]

Thank you. I saw the belt on S&S. I remember another vender who has them, but I lost the site. Does anyone have an experience with ushist.com?

[Drydock]

Yes!  Avoid them like the plague itself.

[Drydock]

Another good vendor.
http://www.cooncreekoldwest.com/coon_html/Double_Loop_C.html

[Crossdrawnj]

Thanks Drydock. I have heard that on other forums regarding ushist. I am confused by the pics on the cooncreek site. What are the tan straps? Are they suspenders or part of the belt?  coon river offers great products. I have several CW uniforms made by them.

[Drydock]

Those have nothing to do with the belt, I don't know why they are in the picture.  Ignore them.

[Pitspitr]

Yes!  Avoid them like the plague itself.

+1
And Drydock suggested Coon CREEK not River. Coon River might be very good but our experience with Coon Creek has been outstanding

[Crossdrawnj]

 Thanks for your advice. My next question will be: what would be appropriate for Span Am: with the buckle or with the "C" attachments?

[Drydock]

You want the "C".  Theoretically the buckle could be clipped on for dress occasions, but I've never seen evidence of it.

[Crossdrawnj]

I ordered the blue Mills belt from Cooncreek.  Even got one for my son.  So, does anyone know of a Span Am reenactment group in the northeast (NJ area)? We did civil war reenactment for 15+ years. WWll as well. Looking for something different.

[cpt dan blodgett]

coon creek does indeed have suspenders for the double loop belt.  If fully loaded with 45/70 it is a bit on the heavy side and the suspenders help a lot.  Krag rounds only weigh about half as much.

The belt itself has wire loops riveted on the upper edge in 4 places to attach the suspenders.
I brought both that belt and suspenders to the muster.  I only used my single loop belt.  Also carried a Dyer pouch, much easier to load from than pulling from loops.  Not that any of that helped my times.

[Crossdrawnj]

Go my Mills belt today. Coon Creek is very fast. Here's a pic with my Krag carbine.





Now I just have to figure out how to adjust it.

[Crossdrawnj]

Go my Mills belt today. Coon Creek is very fast. Here's a pic with my Krag carbine.





Now I just have to figure out how to adjust it.

[Drydock]

You use the c clips on the very ends of the belt to adjust the length of the end loops.  You squeeze the belt out of them and move as desired.  If needed, they can be placed between the cartridge loops to further shorten as needed.

[Crossdrawnj]

Thanks Drydock.

[Jake C]

I gotta say, that is a beautiful Krag! Let us know how the belt treats you.

[Crossdrawnj]

Thanks Jake.  Its a 1898 carbine in the 126,38* serial number range. I picked it up at Heritage Guild, Easton, Pa. a few years ago. It shoots great. I was never a bolt action gun guy, but this is the slickest action I have ever worked! I think I got a great deal for $795.00.

[Jake C]

I can believe that. I stopped in my LGS today and saw a Krag. I worked the action and I'd have to agree with you. Absolutely butter smooth. If I had the spare money and no big financial commitments coming up then I would've put a down payment on it today. Great great action. I'm happy you were able to get yours at such a nice price.