What kind of belt should I make

[Pappy Hayes]

I am finally getting started on finishing my own holsters and belt. I am working on a pair of slim jims for my Richards Type II conversions. One is done, I need to get started on the other one but wanted to get the belt done since it won't take as long. I want to be period correct. So do I make it 1 1/2 inch or 1 3/4 inch wide? What kind of belt buckle would be period correct? From Tandy's there are not a lot of choices in 1 3/4 and that was my first thought on width. I was not thinking of tapering the ends. I am not planning on belt loops. I like to the looks of the belt used in Last Stand at Sabre River that Tom Seleck wore but is it period correct and how wide was it? My camera is not working right now so I cannot post any pictures right now. I have a picture of the first holster on my I-Phone but do not how to down load it to my computer.

[Mean Bob Mean]

So do I make it 1 1/2 inch or 1 3/4 inch wide?

Hmmmm . . . I thought you could go a tad wider, say 2.5, and still be within accuracy for the period.  Seeing as how some guys made their own or every saddle maker made stuff to order, I am betting "period correct" meant a wide range of belt widths.  You see some pretty "authentic" guys making 3" cartridge belts, I am betting there is a reason for that. 

[Slowhand Bob]

Since the time period would place your revolver after 1870 I would think that by then almost anything reasonable might be possible.  I do not like cartridge belts for cowboy action shooting but still like two inch belts for most of my guns, even the full size 36s and 44s.  Less might be historically accurate in many instances but I always bow to practicality first and in a pistol belt I want stability.

[Skeeter Lewis]

Either 1.5" or 1.75" is fine. Wider belts are generally money belts.
Tandy do a clipped corner California buckle which would be okay.

A lot of it depends on whether you want you're going for historical accuracy or the fantasy element. Nothing wrong with either.

[dwight55]

As a leather worker, . . . the tongue and billet, if made from 1 1/2 inch wide leather is about the best of all worlds.

It is sincerely strong enough to support any rig most of us would wear, . . . comes in a serious variety of metals, styles, colors, etc, . . . and is yet supple enough to give a good comfortable fit.

Some of the period belts had attached billets and tongues, . . . others were tapered down in the front for the buckle and tongue.

Take a look at any copy of Clint Eastwood's spaghetti western rough out rig for the outline of the tapered belt.  AND, . . . that one is quick and easy to make.

May God bless,
Dwight

[Camano Ridge]

Check with David Carrico, he had some buckles made he calls California, they look period correct and I think he is selling them for under $7.00.

[Red Cent]

"Take a look at any copy of Clint Eastwood's spaghetti western rough out rig for the outline of the tapered belt."

Blasphemy!

[Lucky R. K.]

Here is a picture of my Frontiersman rig.  The Slim Jim Holsters work for both my Pietta '58's and Ruger Old Armies.  The belt is 1-7/8" wide to accommodate the Calvary belt buckle.



Lucky  

[Trailrider]

If you are planning to use a M1851 Enlisted Eagle Belt Plate, like the one shown above, then 1-7/8" is the correct size. If you are making a "ranger" style belt, with separate tongue and buckle billet, then I generally recommend a 2-inch wide belt for most straight Western style belts. The 1-1/4" wide clipped-corner California buckle that can be found at Tandy's and other places will be just a bit narrower than the belt body of a 2-inch belt.  For a plain, straight belt you will be better off with a 1-3/4" belt, which will fit more buckles, though you might find some roller buckles that will accept 2-inch belts.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

For another example, the belt on this rig is 1 3/4" wide with a 1 1/4" buckle. You could make it wider if it suits your needs.

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

Me, I like money belts, they are comfortable to wear all day and and form to your body.


tEN wOLVES 

[Pappy Hayes]

Hey Lucky where do you find the calvary buckle? Thanks for all your comments. I am trying to stay period correct for the time period for my Richards conversions. Would the belt be straight or have a taper at the buckle end and the tongue? I am wanting to go with 1 3/4. If I can go straight what style of buckle would be correct? Tandy's does not have a very large selection of 1 3/4 buckles. I like the one Chisolms leather used on the belt used in Last Stand but theirs are expensive.

[Camano Ridge]

Pappy, I get that style of buckle from Blockade Runners, several other suttlers carry them and you can even find them on ebay. However I ahve compared several and I thing that the wording and defenition of the Eagle are the cleanest on the ones that Blockade Runner uses. Yes it would be period correct. There are pictures of Wild Bill Hickock with a similar Buckle as well as Frank James and others. The pictures i have seen Packing Iron and other references Either style of belt would be appropriate.

[Pappy Hayes]

I decided to go with brass center bar 1 3/4 buckle from Tandy's. I prefer antique brass but it only comes in the econo buckles. The brass one seems to be made better. Once I get my camera working or figure out how to down load pictures from my I-Phone I will get some pictures out here.

[Pappy Hayes]

Here are the pictures. I still need to make one more holster for the cross draw. The one pictured is a strong side just angled to simulate cross draw.  I am getting an internal error trying to down load the pictures

[Camano Ridge]

Pappy, nice looking rig. Well done, I think any of us would be happy to wear that rig.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Looks good, Pappy. That's a fine looking rig.

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

Nice work Pappy, you've come a long ways in your craft, thanks for sharing...

tEN wOLVES 

[Skeeter Lewis]

How does that Eagle buckle work? Is there just a tang on the back to fit in a hole in the belt?

[Mean Bob Mean]

Pappy that is beautiful