A solution for printing concerns

[gunmansion]

I added an XD-45 to my carry roster over the summer. Great gun, but the size of the gun created some printing concerns because I don't like having to wear larger t-shirts or button down shirts to conceal.

Around the same time, I coincidentally decided to upgrade my already reliable 5.11 TDU belt to the mega sturdy 5.11 Operator belt. I was immediately surprised to discover that I no longer had printing issues. The Operator belt held the gun so securely and tight to my body that there wasn't even a hint of printing. Even with fitted style shirts. Yes, the Operator belt is a bit heavier than your average belt, but I got used to the difference after a couple of days. Additional perk is the quick and easy industrial strength velcro instead of having to buckle.

[spc-5]

personally I carry aiwb and a hawaiian shirt un-tucked the pattern on the shirt breaks up any outline plus my carry is a glock 26 a small gun to begin with
steve

[71MUSTY]

Good belt makes all the difference

[Doheny]

So now your gun doesn't print but your buckle does, OP?

[Jersey67]

[QUOTE=gunmansion;18992631]I added an XD-45 to my carry roster over the summer. Great gun, but the size of the gun created some printing concerns because I don't like having to wear larger t-shirts or button down shirts to conceal.

Around the same time, I coincidentally decided to upgrade my already reliable 5.11 TDU belt to the mega sturdy 5.11 Operator belt. I was immediately surprised to discover that I no longer had printing issues. The Operator belt held the gun so securely and tight to my body that there wasn't even a hint of printing. Even with fitted style shirts. Yes, the Operator belt is a bit heavier than your average belt, but I got used to the difference after a couple of days. Additional perk is the quick and easy industrial strength velcro instead of having to buckle.

[/QUOT

Yes. I would imagine that's a huge difference. I really like a lot of the 5.11 stuff, but those TDU belts are fairly useless for carrying a gun. I have 2 of the Instructor belts and they are my favorites. It's just the 1.5" version of what you have. It's the perfect width and fits all my pants and holster clips. It also gives better adjustment than leather belts being either too loose or too tight. I'd really like to see them offer a 1.5" with a stiffener like the Wilderness has. I wear loose fitting cover shirts, so I don't have any problems with the buckle printing either. For the money, they are hard to beat. I occasionally use 1.5" leather gun belts. They do support larger guns better and look nicer when I occasionally tuck shirt in around the holster. But I carry a Shield most of the time, so the Instructor belt works great for that gun and all of my holsters.

[GlockN'Roll]

Eliminating printing is often a side benefit to wearing a real gun belt...

Like new holsters, new gun belts are often an improvement over the prior option.

However, many are still a compromise when compared with a real gun belt.


Depending on the pistol you carry and where you carry, many substandard belts are an upgrade over a simple dress belt and even many "tactical" belts without stiffeners.

Wear the best belt you can afford and can wear comfortably with your style of dress.


Practice your draw with your current carry gun (with an empty pistol please) and you will quickly identify any remaining weaknesses.

Your holster should neither rise significantly with the pistol when drawing, nor sag down or out when carrying or re-holstering.

Reducing printing is often a side benefit to wearing a real gun belt...

[L84CABO]

What position do you carry in and what holster do you use?

[SoCalPI]

Wilderness Tactical Instructor Belt. Sturdy and last a hell of a long time.