Our new President elect, after promsing time and time again on the campaign trail that he supported our Second Amendment rights, and after listening to his running mate say “he better not try to take my Beretta”… well, with only 72 hours gone since the election, how do we see them “supporting your second amendment rights?”

Check out this link to see the REAL change that they believe in: http://change.gov/agenda/urbanpolicy/

*** By the way, see the note at the bottom of this post.

Don’t want to wade through all the drivel? Do a pattern search for “Address Gun Violence in Cities” in the “Crime and Law Enforcement” section. Here are some high points:

“As president, Barack Obama would repeal the Tiahrt Amendment, which restricts the ability of local law enforcement to access important gun trace information, and give police officers across the nation the tools they need to solve gun crimes and fight the illegal arms trade.”

Huh. The last time I heard, the Tiahrt Amendment only prevented creepizoids like NY Mayors from fishing through there to look for gun dealers to harass. Actual law enforcement agencies still had full access.

“Obama and Biden also favor commonsense measures that respect the Second Amendment rights of gun owners, while keeping guns away from children and from criminals who shouldn’t have them.”

Nice doublespeak there. Since they obviously don’t believe current laws are doing that (last time I checked, neither criminals nor children could legally own guns), it’s obviously time for a whole rack of new, burdensome laws! Oh flipping joy….

“They support closing the gun show loophole and making guns in this country childproof.”

Wow. One simple sentence, two amazingly breathtaking statements. The so-called “gun show loophole” is the ability of one person to sell or transfer their legally owned property to another person who can legally own said property. The only way to truly “close this loophole” would be to criminalize all firearms transfers and transactions that do not go through an FFL dealer… in other words, it would be illegal for a father to pass down a rifle to his adult son or daughter… unless they took it to an FFL dealer, turned it over to them, and then went through all the paperwork of a new firearms purchase, including paying transfer fees, on each and every such gun transferred.

Wow, that’s such a threat to society there….

Next, the statement of “making guns in this country childproof“… does this administration know of some technology that magically can accomplish this? Science doesn’t have one that still allows them to fulfill their stated function. Lock up the guns in big, expensive safes? Perhaps, for those that can afford them and can have them in their domiciles… but all locks and safes really do is make it impossible for you to actually use those guns when you really need them.

Oh… wait… that’s precisely what our new Prez has voted for in the past. Silly me, why didn’t I remember that? (geez…)

And here’s the kicker….. the moment you have all been waiting for….

“They also support making the expired federal Assault Weapons Ban permanent, as such weapons belong on foreign battlefields and not on our streets.”

Yup. There it is, plain as day, in black and white. Our new administration does not believe that what they would classify as “assault weapons” belongs in our hands. Hopefully, I don’t even have to explain the stupidity of that statement to you.

I read somewhere, that supposedly 1/3 of the gun owning public that voted, voted for our new administration. If you are one of those 1/3 that supposedly did, I hope you are getting a good look at this, and kicking yourself in the butt, hard. Really hard. Because if this is what we see just three days after the voting is over… what are we going to be facing after they take office?

I’m making sure to renew my NRA membership this month. I suggest that you make sure that you membership is active, and if you aren’t a member, become one, quick… it’s gonna be a fun filled four years…

*** The note at the bottom of this post: Not even 24 hours after I wrote this post, I was told that the page that I had linked to was replaced with a “page not available right now” message… I guess it was change they didn’t want us to know about. However, in addition to several mirror sites that already grabbed a copy and have it online, it seems that they missed one copy: http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/issues/UrbanFactSheet.pdf

I wonder how long it will take for this one to disappear…

1229 East 8th Street North, Valley Center KS 67147-8701

Click here for directions.

Want to see what our booth looks like? Click Here!

November 22nd and 23rd, 2008 (11/22/2008 & 11/23/2008): US Weapons Collectors and RK Shows will be hosting a gun show at this venue. Typically, the hours are 9:00am through 5:00pm on Saturday, 9:00am through 3:00pm on Sunday. I will be in attendance at this show.

January 3rd and 4th, 2009 (01/03/2009 & 01/04/2009): US Weapons Collectors and RK Shows will be hosting a gun show at this venue. Typically, the hours are 9:00am through 5:00pm on Saturday, 9:00am through 3:00pm on Sunday. I will be in attendance at this show.

March 7th and 8th, 2009 (03/07/2009 & 03/08/2009): The Chisholm Trail Antique Gun Association is holding their twice a year gun show on this date. I WILL be in attendance for this show. This is usually the largest show in Kansas, and it’s not an event to miss. The show is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm Saturday, 9:00am to 4:00pm Sunday.

November 22nd and 23rd, 2008: Wichita Kansas with RK Shows.

November 29th and 30th, 2008: Des Moines IA.

December 6th and 7th, 2008: Kansas City MO 3 Trails with RK Shows.

December 13th and 14th, 2008: Springfield Missouri with RK Shows.

December 20th and 21st, 2008: Topeka Kansas with RK Shows.

December 27th and 28th, 2008: KCI Expo Center with RK Shows.

January 3rd and 4th, 2009: Wichita KS with RK Shows.

January 10th and 11th, 2009: Kansas City Missouri with Missouri Valley Arms Collectors.

January 17th and 18th, 2009: Wichita Kansas, Cessna Activity Center with RK Shows.

January 24th and 25th, 2009: Topeka Kansas with RK Shows.

Of course, as per usual, these shows are subject to change… so check here early and often!

4145 E. 21st Street, Tulsa OK 74114

Click here for directions.

Want to know what we look like at a gun show? Then click here!

November 8th and 9th, 2008 (11/08/2008 & 11/09/2008): This is the Wanenmacher Tulsa Arms show, billed as the largest gun show on earth, and at 11 acres all under one room, I’m not arguing it. This is held at the Expo Building (the big one) at the Expo Square, and parking is something that you should consult the website and plan around, as it’s the better part of insane. We WILL be attending this show, our tables can be found on the upper level, end cap at 32A, tables 1, 2, 3, 17 and 18.

December 6th and 7th, 2008 (12/06/2008 & 12/07/2008): Diener Sooner Gun shows will be holding a gun show at the Upper Level Expo Building on this date. At the current time, we have no firm plans to attend this show, but it’s looking like a good possibility.

December 27th and 28th, 2008 (12/27/2008 & 12/28/2008): Metcalf Productions is planning a gun show in this location on this date, at Central Park at the fairgrounds. We will not be attending this event, as it conflicts with a closer to home show in Kansas City.

11730 NW Ambassador Drive

Kansas City MO 64153

I would like to their website for directions and more info, but they apparently didn’t pay their domain renewal, and the domain is headed to a SE spam page now… (sigh)…

In the meantime, here’s driving directions from

December 27th and 28th, 2008 (12/27/2008 & 12/28/2008): RK Shows will be putting on a gun show at the KCI Expo Center. I am currently planning on attending this show. You can click here to get a $1.00 off coupon for this show. Typically, show hours are 9:00am through 5:00pm Saturday, and 9:00am through 3:00pm Sunday.

January 10th and 11th, 2009 (01/10/2009 & 01/11/2009): Missouri Valley Arms Collectors Association is presenting the Annual Kansas City National Winter Arms Show. I will be in attendance for this show.

July 24th, 25th, and 26th, 2009 (07/24/2009, 07/25/2009 & 07/26/2009): Missouri Valley Arms Collectors Association is presenting the Annual Kansas City National Summer Arms Show. I will be in attendance for this show.

January 9th and 10th, 2010 (01/09/2010 & 01/10/2010): Missouri Valley Arms Collectors Association is presenting the Annual Kansas City National Winter Arms Show. I will be in attendance for this show.

July 23th, 24th, and 25th, 2010 (07/23/2010, 07/24/2010 & 07/25/2010): Missouri Valley Arms Collectors Association is presenting the Annual Kansas City National Summer Arms Show. I will be in attendance for this show.

More shows will be posted as information becomes available.

Want to see what we look like at a gun show? Then Click Here!

At it’s heart, the Concealment-T T-shirt holster is exactly what it sounds like… a regular, normal, ordinary t-shirt that just happens to conceal a firearm. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, here’s, 4k at you:

Morgan in a Concealment-T T-Shirt

Morgan in a Concealment-T T-shirt, image 2

Morgan in a Concealment-T T-Shirt, image 3

Morgan in a Concealment-T T-Shirt, image 4

Before we go too much farther, let me explain that Morgan is wearing a womens size small t-shirt, the smallest one in the line. Other sizes are considerably longer, and the Men’s T-Shirts in particular have lower holsters, so don’t worry about having a gun in your armpit unless you are Morgan’s size or smaller.

Lets answer a few common questions about the Concealment-T t-shirt holster:

*****

[Q] Are they all sleeveless as shown above, or are there sleeved versions?

[A] All existing ones that I’m aware of are sleeveless.

*****

[Q] What colors are they available in?

[A] Black and White only.

*****

[Q] Are there multiple holster types?

[A] Yes, there are two. Concealment-T calls them “large” and “small”, I tend to call them “Thick” and “thin”.

*****

[Q] What guns fit in a “Small” or “Thin” holster?

[A] In general, single column mag guns with rounded trigger guards and no real protrusions. Also, interestingly enough, J-Frame revolvers fit in the small/thin holster. 1911’s, Kahrs, some Kel-Tecs, and lots of others. I’m working on a list for both holster types.

*****

[Q] What fits in the “Large” or “Thick” holster?

[A] Well, the short answer is “if it didn’t fit in a thin, here you go”… but that’s not quite right. In general, Single or Double column mag autos, including those with square trigger guards, but NOT including ANY revolver no matter what the size.

*****

[Q] I have a revolver that I would like to use that’s not a J-Frame, will it work?

[A] Probably not. I have yet to fit a Colt Detective Special or a Ruger SP101 to be sure, but anything K-Frame or larger is a definite no-go… the frame/cylinder/trigger circumference is just too great to fit in the holsters. So, no, if you want to carry your N-Frame or X-Frame, you will need to find a different way, I’m afraid.

*****

[Q] Is there a weight limit on the gun?

[A] Yes, the gun and ammo cannot weight more than 41 ounces. When it comes to concealed carry weapons, though, that’s a whole lot of gun. I’ve tested this with a fully loaded Smith M&P MP40 full sized pistol without any trouble, and I’ve also tried it with a fully loaded Glock 35 (tricked out with all sorts of stuff, including tru-glow night sights), and had no trouble hiding either. At gun shows, I’ve fitted guns up to and including a HK USP .45 pistol successfully. When in double, bring your gun with you to the gun show, and lets give it a fit!

*****

[Q] Will this wear out eventually?

[A] This is a piece of clothing, and eventually, it will wear out. When, I can’t tell you, but I can tell you that I’ve used the same shirt for over a year now without any significant wear on it, and I’m using it at a minimum twice a week (at the shows), plus occasionally in my real life. In fact, I was wearing it today with my para-ord when I had some errands to do, so this one shirt, with a years use and 50+ washings on it, is still working fine for me.

*****

[Q] Do I have to wear an overshirt with this?

[A] Only if you want to hide the gun. (yes, I get this question). Seriously, you don’t need a really baggy shirt, just don’t go for skintight. A regular comfortable fit will usually work just fine, unless you are hauling a particularly hard to hide weapon, and then, your milage may vary. Always consult a mirror and a trusted friend to make sure that you have a good drape on the weapon before exposing yourself to unfriendly scrutiny.

*****

[Q] Does the shirt need to be tight on me?

[A] Some degree of snugness is desirable, not only because it helps to keep the gun where you want it at, but it also helps when you go to draw the weapon. You don’t need “I can’t breath” tightness, but you certainly don’t want to have the shirt loose on you, because if the shirt is loose, the gun is loose, and you will NOT like that feeling, trust me on this. If the gun is constantly shifting position, it will quickly drive you nuts. When it stays in it’s proper place, this holster is a dream… but wearing one too big will soon turn your dream into a serious annoyance.

*****

[Q] Why is this holster so comfortable to wear?

[A] Well, keeping in mind the “get the right size” rule, this is very comfortable to wear for one big reason… it stores a gun on a portion of your body that just doesn’t bend. Think about it… when was the last time you bent your ribcage when moving? Unless you are a contortionist (and even then, I have my doubts), you never have. That part of your body just doesn’t move around. Everything -around- it moves around.. but it doesn’t. Planting a gun here insures that said gun never has to find it’s way into a soft and tender part of your body at an inopportune time.

*****

[Q] How easy is this holster for others to spot?

[A] It’s amazingly difficult. Most people can tell you are carrying a weapon because either you are wearing something that gives away that you are carrying (say, unseasonable clothing), or because you bend over or move in such a way as to expose the weapon (very common with waist-based systems, shirts LOVE to ride up), or because the wind just didn’t want to help you keep your secret. The Concealment-T T-shirt holster looks just like any other run-of-the mill t-shirt (avoiding the look of “shoot me first” clothing), you can’t bend in such a way as to reveal the gun (because the gun is at a non-bending spot), and assuming you aren’t wearing a completely unbuttoned over shirt, the wind shouldn’t be able to expose you.

*****

[Q] Is this shirt hot to wear?

[A] It’s no better or worse than any other 100 percent cotton pre-shrunk t-shirt. If you wear a t-shirt normally, this will already be second nature. If you aren’t in that habit (and I’m not), then the t-shirt will be a bit warmer than being t-shirtless, but it’s really not that bad overall. It’s definitely sometime that needs to be considered.

*****

[Q] I have a friend that tried a T-Shirt Holster and didn’t like it…

[A] If he/she had a Concealment T-Shirt, it could have been that they got the wrong size, that’s the most common issue with most people. Getting the right size makes all the difference in the world. If it wasn’t a Concealment-T t-shirt, then don’t apply their experience to this product, please. There are other manufacturers making a similar product, but with different materials, such as mesh, or a thick “compression” material, and they have radically different handling characteristic’s compared to the Concealment-T T-shirt holster.

*****

[Q] The photos show a holster on the left hand side, can I get one on the right hand side?

[A] All Concealment-T T-shirts are “cross draw” style holsters. A right handed persons gun will be on the left hand side, a left handed person’s gun will be on the right hand side. Both styles are usually kept in stock. Note that this holster was NOT designed to be drawn “same side”, only crossdraw, and in fact, even if you are flexible enough to pull it off, I don’t recommend it because it will make it far harder to hide the weapon (the stock is facing the wrong way).

*****

[Q] Can I get a Concealment-T T-shirt with two gun holsters (left and right hand), or one gun holster and 1-2 magazine pouches on the other side?

[A] Yes, Concealment-T does make such shirts, but we do not stock them, and it would be a special order type of item. Please talk to me at a show for more details.

*****

OK, here’s a list of guns, and what holsters they fit in:

AMT Backup .380 - large and small holster

Armalite AR-24 - large holster

Beretta 1934 .380 - small or large holster

Beretta 84 - large holster

Beretta 92/96 - large holster

Beretta Cougar - large holster

Beretta PX4 - large holster

Beretta Tomcat .32 - large or small holster, small preferred.

Bersa Thunder - large holster

Bersa Thunder Ultra Compact 45 - large holster

Browning BDA - large holster

Browning High Power - large or small holster

Charter Arms Pathfinder or Undercover - small holster only

Colt 1903 - small or large holster, small preferred

Colt Combat Commander - large or small holster

Colt Defender - large or small holster

Colt Government .380, Mustang, Pony - large or small holster, small preferred.

Colt Government MK IV - large or small holster

Colt or any other 1911 with round trigger guard - large or small holster

Colt Officers Model - large or small holster

CZ 40B - large holster

CZ 75B - large holster

CZ 82 - large holster

EA Witness Series P, PS, PC, P Comp - large holster

FN Forty-Nine, FN9, FN40 - large holster

FN FNP 45 - large holster

Glock 17, 22, 31 - large holster

Glock 19, 23, 32, 36 - large holster

Glock 20, 21, 37 - large holster

Glock 26, 27, 33 - large holster

Glock 29, 30 - large holster

Highpoint .380, 9mm, .40SW, .45 - large holster

H&K P7, P7M8, P7M13 - large holster

H&K USP (any caliber) - large holster

H&K USP compact (any caliber) - large holster

H&K P2000 (any caliber) - large holster

Helwan Brigadier - small or large holster

Herstal 5.7 - large holster only, check to make sure sight clears holster before use

IMI Desert Eagle “Baby Eagle” - large holster

Kahr (any model, any caliber) - small or large holster, small preferred

Kel-Tec P11 - large holster

Kel-Tec P32 - small or large holster, small preferred

Kel-Tec P3AT - small or large holster, small preferred

Kel-Tec PF9 - small or large holster

Kimber (any 1911) - small or large holster

Kimber Ultra Carry - small or large holster

Llama .380 - small or large holster

Llama .45 - small or large holster

Makarov - large holster

NAA .22 Revolver - too small for these holsters, sorry.

NAA Guardian .32 / .380 - small or large holster, small preferred

Rossi R351 - small holster only

Ruger LCP - large or small holster, small preferred

Ruger P345 - large holster

Ruger P85, P89, P89DC - large holster

Ruger P90, P90DC, P91 - large holster

Ruger P93, P95, P94, P97 - large holster

Ruger SR9 - large holster

S&W J-Frame (any) - small holster only

S&W Chiefs Special, 317, airlite, 36, 37, 49, 442-1, 60, 638-2, 640, 649, 642-1 Lady Smith, 650, 940, Airweight, Bodyguard - small holster only

S&W 1006, 4506, 645 - large holster

S&W 1026, 1076, 4576 - large holster

S&W 1086, 4586 - large holster

S&W 39, 59, 439, 459, 639, 659, 3904, 5904, 5906 - large holster

S&W SC Commander - small or large holster

S&W 1911 - small or large holster

S&W 3913 round trigger and LadySmith - small or large holster

S&W 3913 Square Trigger, 6904 6906 square trigger - large holster

S&W 3913 TSW - large holster

S&W 3953, 6904, 6906 round trigger - large holster

S&W 4006, 4026, 4043, 4046, 410, 411, 5943, 5946 round trigger, 909, 910, 915 - large holster

S&W 4006 Bobbed, 5926 - large holster

S&W 4006 TSW, 5906 TSW - large holster

S&W 4013 TSW, 4013 - large holster

S&W 4516-1, 457 - large holster

S&W 4056 TSW, 4053 TSW - large holster

S&W 4513 TSW, 4553 TSW - large holster

S&W 4556 - large holster

S&W 4563 TSW - large holster

S&W 4566 round trigger - large holster

S&W 469, 669, square trigger - large holster

S&W 5944, 5946 square trigger - large holster

S&W 908 - large holster

S&W 99, 99-45, compact - large holster

S&W CS9, CS40, CS45 - small or large holster

S&W M&P9, M&P40, M&P45, M&P9C, M&P40C - large holster

S&W Sigma .380 - small or large holster

S&W Sigma 9F, 40F, SW9M - large holster

S&W Sigma Compact 40C, 40V, 9C, 9V - large holster

Seecamp - Small holster

Sig Sauer GSR 1911 - large holster

Sig Sauer 2340 - large holster

Sig Sauer 239 - large holster

Sig Sauer 220, 226, 226R, 220R - large holster

Sig Sauer 225, 228, 229, 229R, 226R DAK, 226R DAK - large holster

Sig Sauer 230, 232 - small or large holster

Sig Sauer P245 - large holster

Springfield Armory XD, XD 40-4, XD 40-5, 45-4, 45-5, XD-M, Sub Compact - large holster

Springfield Armory 1911 GI 4″, 1911 GI 5″, Micro Compact GI 3″ - small or large holster

Springfield Armory 1911 Rails “Operator” - large holster

Star Firestar - large holster

Taurus 24/7 - large holster

Taurus 85 - small holster only

Taurus PT908, PT945, PT99, PT100, PT101 - large holster

Taurus PT111, PT145, Millennium Pro - large holster

TZ 75 - large holster

Walther PPK, PPK/s - Small or large holster

Walther PPS - large holster

Walther P99 - large holster

Walther P22 - large holster

Kansas Expocentre

One Expocentre Drive

Topeka KS 66612-1442

Driving Directions can be found here:

Dollar Off Coupon for all RK shows can be found here.

Topeka is my hometown and base of operations, so as a general rule, I don’t miss a major Topeka gunshow. I even skip major market shows such as the Indianapolis show to hit this one, so be sure to turn out and come to the show, and help us grow the new combined RK/USWC shows to attract more vendors!

December 20th and 21st, 2008 (12/20/2008 & 12/21/2008): RK Shows is hosting a gun show at this venue, and I will be in attendance.

January 24th and 25th, 2009 (01/24/2009 & 01/25/2009): RK Shows is hosting a gun show at this venue, and I will be in attendance.

More shows will be posted as they become available.

Want to know what we look like at a gun show? Then click here!

3001 General Pershing Blvd., Oklahoma City OK 73107

Click here for Directions.

Click here to see what our booth looks like at a gun show.

November 1st and 2nd, 2008 (11/01/2008 & 11/02/2008): Metcalf Productions will be holding a show in this location on this date. At the current time, we do not plan on attending, as this conflicts with an Kansas City show far closer to home.

November 29th and 30th, 2008 (11/29/2008 & 11/30/2008): Metcalf Productions will be holding a show in this location on this date. At the current time, we do not plan on attending.

December 13th and 14th, 2008 (12/13/2008 & 12/14/2008): RK Shows will be holding a show at the TNT Building on this date. Posted hours are from 9:00am through 5:00pm Saturday, 9:00am through 4:00pm Sunday. Click here for a $1.00 off coupon from RK. Attendance at this show has yet to be determined, as it conflicts with another RK show that we regularly attend in Springfield Missouri.

December 20th and 21st, 2008 (12/20/2008 & 12/21/2008): Claude Hall Gun Shows will be holding a show at this venue on this date. At the current time, we have no plans to attend this venue, due to attending a show in our home town of Topeka Kansas.

First, smaller guns are easier to hide.  File that under “no duh?”, right?  You would be surprised by the number of people that I meet who want to hide a massive weapon for one reason or another.  It doesn’t matter to me what the reason might be, or what the perceived need is for that hand cannon… the bigger it is, the harder it hides, it’s as simple as that.  If you pick on a smaller weapon, you are going to have more concealment options.

Next, sharp angles and pointy things HURT.  Oh, and they hurt YOU.  Anytime you have an odd or pointy shape pointed against your body, you are asking for pain.  If you got to carry a gun with such features, there are ways to help, such as switching to Outside the waistband holsters, or using something that gets it away from being pressed against your body (belly band, concealment T-shirt), but it is something that needs to be considered.

Your best bet for a convenient concealment gun is going to be one that’s as rustproof as possible.  If you get a finely blued gun, sooner or later, you are probably going to be cleaning surface rust (or worse) from it.  Pick a stainless, a hard chromed, a nickel plated gun, or a duracoated gun (or just one with a really nice hard finish), and you will spend a lot less time worrying about the metallurgical state of your weapon.

Safety features of the gun in question:  Make sure that you are are comfortable with the safety features on your weapon, that there are enough for you to be comfortable, and that you practice until the muscle memory takes over and you don’t have to think about pulling down the safeties when you need the gun.  If you aren’t familiar with what “muscle memory” is, it’s the phenomena where you are so used to doing something, that you automatically do it without having to think about the steps involved.  Think “buttoning up your shirt” or “tying your shoelaces”…  you just do it without thinking “this goes here, and I push on that”…

The thinner, the better… usually.  Automatics tend to be thin already, but some of them are still quite thick.  A thinner gun is simply easier to hide than a thick one.  Single stack mag weapons (guns with magazines that hold one round on top of the other, not “staggered” to put more rounds on it) tend to have the thinnest outlines, because they dont’ have to accomodate a double stacked magazine well.  However, there are some double stacked guns out there with pretty thin outlines, so again, choose carefully.

Price comes up again, not only because you need to be able to afford to buy the gun (because even if it’s perfect for you, if you can’t afford it, it doesn’t help), but because you need to actually be willing to CARRY the weapon.  Time and time again, I’ve heard people talk about their perfect carry weapon… that they don’t have on them.  Why?  Because if they carried it, it might get rusty, scratched, dinged, or otherwise depreciated.  I understand that (I have a “safe queen” or two myself), but that doesn’t help out when you need a weapon.  Sometimes, picking on an ugly and relatively cheap weapon as your day to day carry makes perfect sense, especially if you actually carry it day to day, rather than leave it in the safe at home.  The gun you have with you is far more effective than the gun that you left at home.

Of course, reliability of the weapon is a key concern, and that should be obvious to anyone.  Reliability not only affects wether it goes “boom” when you want it to, it also affects wether or not it goes “boom” when you DON’T want it to.  Make sure that the weapon that you choose is reliable enough to satisfy you in both of these regards.

Bear in mind, that there is no one perfect gun, otherwise, that’s the only one that would ever be made.  Every weapon has a mix of features and benefits (and liabilities), that you are going to have to weigh to find out what works for you in the situations that you find yourself in.  Just be sure to think about the options carefully, and in time, you will find youself a good option or two.

Why is this?  Well, it’s not too hard to figure out… guns have a good amount of mass and weight, even the smallish ones.  The more mass and weight you hang on your pants, the more problematic they are going to be to control.  A good belt not only helps to distribute that mass and weight around a bit more, but it helps to prevent unwanted movement, both of the holster and weapon, and of of the pants…

When I speak of a good, strong belt here,  I’m not necessarily talking about specialty belts such as kydex reinforced belts, or specialized duty belts, although both are excellent for the job (although the duty belt might be a bit obvious).  Good quality belts can be had elsewhere… I’ve got one that came from a local mens wear store that only cost me $25.00, and it has plenty of stiffness to do the job.  What you want to find, is one that doesn’t easily flex “up and down”, but will still wrap around you properly.  Take a belt in your hand… place your thumb and index finger on the top edge and bottom edge of the belt, and try to push them together.  If you can do this easily, this probably won’t make a good holster belt for you.  If you can’t push them togehter easily, you probably will do OK.

Now, don’t rule out specialty belts such as kydex reinforced ones… those actually have some excellent points to them.  The problem is, they may be more expensive than what you are willing to pay, and you may be able to get the same functionality out of a more traditional mens belt with a little shopping.

Be sure to apply the “squeeze test” liberally, though… my experience has been that most  belts are more about fashion appeal than practical use now, and many of them are just not strong enough to actually help out in this situation.

Bear in mind, that these tips at most helpful when you are carrying waistline or below… IWB (Inside the waist), OWB (outside the waist), pocket holster (Yeah, it helps a little), and even ankle holster (keeps your pants in the right place).  If you are carrying above the waist, such as a belly band, concealment t-shirt, shoulder holster, or necklace holster, then a strong belt system isn’t important for your carry ability, although it’s still not a bad idea in general.