If you’re like me, getting dressed in the morning means that you naturally put on a belt. I guess my short stint in the Army did that to me, but, it stuck. Now it’s very rare you won’t find me wearing a belt. However, we all tend to buy things that fit us. When you get your concealed carry permit, there are several wardrobe choices you have to sort out to fit your new lifestyle. One of those things is a decent belt.
One of the best options for the purpose of a gun rig is made by Disse Outdoor Gear. They make the Amerihide belt right here in the good ole’ US of A. Best of all, it’s handmade, not just stamped out by a machine. I’m sure most of you feel the same way I do, if I can buy something made in the USA, I will. So, I got online and scoped out their offerings. Their belts are offered in a variety of textures, buckle combinations and widths. They have great guidelines for measuring so you’ll get a belt that not only fits, but allows enough room for your rig of choice. I selected an inch and three quarter model. Their website makes it pretty easy to sort out what size belt to order. They have a fair amount of information that will help you make an informed decision that works for you.
So, why do you need a gun belt versus a fashion belt? There are a number of reasons. A good gun belt is made so that it won’t droop under the load of your rig. It also will keep your rig from canting outward if you wear on OWB holster, causing it to print on your outer garment. You also want it to help with retention of your gun. Most fashion leather belts will stretch when worn, which will allow your rig to drop, or cant out, or flop out completely. So, you’ve invested money in your gun, you’ve purchased a holster, now spend that last little bit on a purpose built gun belt. You won’t regret it.
Now, for the Amerihide belt itself, this thing is made to last. It is made up of two layers of leather. The inner layer is tan in color. My dad is an old leather worker. Not having the inside of the belt colored prevents it from bleeding when worn in hot/humid climates. The outer layer is dyed the color you select when having the belt made. Your choices for the outer layer of leather are either black or brown. These two layers make the belt very sturdy. It’s a little thicker than your run-of-the-mill fashion belt. I was really impressed with this in particular, I think you will be, too. Here’s a quick and easy check for you. Grab your gun and holster and attach it to the belt you use now. See it lean to or away or from you? That means your belt is only good for holding up your pants. Besides letting your rig lean/droop, sooner or later the belt will split under the weight of your gun rig. You don’t want that on the day you need to draw your weapon.
For those of you in law enforcement, this thing will handle your radio, gun rig, and just about anything else you want to attach to it. If Batman were real, he’d be using this belt. I attached my FNX 45 with a full mag and attached a laser/light just for some added weight and had no drooping issues at all.
The nice thing about these Amerihide belts is that they look nice. Mine is just as at home on a pair of jeans as it is with dress pants. So, in my opinion, that’ll save you some money over buying two different fashion belts. My preference is the plain black belt with the roller buckle. They also have some pretty nice designs I’m thinking about buying, just for those days I want something different.
So, overall, these belts are tough, good looking and sturdy. They are custom made for you when you order them and they’re made right here in America. To me that’s a pretty good sell. Oh, and they do a pretty fair job of holding your pants up, too.
To view the Amerihide product line, visit Disse Outdoor Gear.