Cartridge & Money Belts Experiences

[Bisley Joe]

Hello everybody.

I'm looking to get back into making cartridge belts and holsters, and would like to hear your opinion.

Do any of you have experience or opinions on cartridge belts that were made pre-curved versus cut straight?

I have heard some people say that the ones made with the curve already on them fit better and are more comfortable and then some people say it doesn't make a difference. Obviously, everyone is different and has their preferences on fit, but I'd like to hear your opinion.

Another thing is money-cartridge belts versus the regular lined cartridge belts. I've heard some people have issues with money-belts; saying that they rolled up on them, but others say that style works well.  I'm just looking into what you may have experienced that works better, or doesn’t, to not reinvent the wheel.

Thanks.

 

Here are a few I've made...

[Rance - SASS # 54090]

The cartridge belt.. (I am assuming shotgun belt) as per SASS rules..

“Must fit the contour of the body..”

Hence.. I have a stomach sticking out.. so a curved contour would work for me..

 

Someone that’s skinny and a flat stomach wearing one would be a false fit..

and tip the belt out and would  be an advantage for grabbing shells..

and could be declared illegal if someone wanted to push it..

 

Money belt??  I don’t think I would ever need one during a match..

What little money I have is stuffed in my pockets 

[Erasmus]

Shooting frontiersman I just use a 2 inch wide latigo strap I put a buckle on to hold my pistols, screw knife, real knife, and belt purse. Over the last couple of years it's taken on its own curve. 

 

For team shoots I use a money belt style belt and find it very comfortable. I don't find it rolling up, and the rough out leather helps everything stay in place. It is a bit fiddly to get on, however, having to tuck one end under the buckle (and in this case through a loop) and then threading the (billet I think it is) through the buckle. 

[Abilene, SASS # 27489]

Hi Joe, nice holsters!  I don't have any money belts, just several regular lined and unlined, ranger and one-piece, all straight.  But as to curved versus straight, I've often heard that the curved belts are especially popular with the ladies.

[Rip Snorter]

Haven't made a curved one, but if you go in that direction, Tandy Leather has a bunch or Al Stohlman patterns and pamphlets that are well worth the price.

[Dapper Dave]

Beautiful work sir, wish this forum had a "heart" button. 🙂 I have zero experience with any of these belts yet, so completely unqualified to say anything except, very nice work!

[Go West]

I prefer belts without cartridge loops. My wife has a money belt with no loops and says it is real comfortable. I use several stiff straight belts and have resorted to using spenders keeping them up. I have no butt and my rig will slide to the ground without help. I marvel at the folks who can wear their belts low without danger.

[Captain Bill Burt]

That curve in the holster mouth that comes back and partly covers the front and bottom of the trigger guard...it's not an issue when drawing strong side, but when drawing with your off hand you can't get your index finger on the front of the trigger guard to facilitate an open grip for transfer to your strong side.

[Grass Range]

I have looked for a money belt but could not find anyone who would make one. It would have to hold a couple thousand to be any good.

[Bisley Joe]

Interesting input so far.

 

 

[Sedalia Dave]

You need to ask the ladies.

[Jefro, SASS#69420]

I prefer a rough-out money belt. Use with an 8 round SG slide.

[El Sobrante Kid]

On 8/15/2024 at 7:28 AM, Grass Range said:

I have looked for a money belt but could not find anyone who would make one. It would have to hold a couple thousand to be any good.

Nowadays one $20 Liberty Gold Eagle, or a couple of $10 Liberty Gold Eagles, would more than take care of that requirement. I'm sure there is enough room in a money belt for as many of those as you want to carry.

[Grass Range]

On 8/16/2024 at 9:41 AM, El Sobrante Kid said:

Nowadays one $20 Liberty Gold Eagle, or a couple of $10 Liberty Gold Eagles, would more than take care of that requirement. I'm sure there is enough room in a money belt for as many of those as you want to carry.

Gold coins are for keeping ; not spending

[Springfield Slim SASS #24733]

Curved belts are mostly for women as they (usually) have more of a curve to their hips than most men, so the curved belt fits better.

As for money belts, I prefer them for me personally as I have somewhat bony hips and they are more comfortable.

     As for rolling up, if they are made from properly thick leather this isn't a problem. I have made quite e few and have never had reports of any problems. And, you don't have to put the billet through the hole near the buckle if you don't want to, it is just there to retain the money inside.

[Dapper Dave]

12 hours ago, Grass Range said:

Gold coins are for keeping ; not spending

And rock candy isn't for eatin', just for lookin' through. 

Seriously, someday I'll get a nice money belt, but I doubt I would ever be able to afford gold coins to put In it! Maybe some of the chocolate "gold" coins...

[Griff]

Let's see... I've been wearing same money belt for over 30 years, IIRC, it's 2-¾" wide and maybe it has a slight roll... 

Maybe not.  Comfortable as all get out.  Stewart Historic Saddlery ©1990