Today's topic is about the Pistol Belt, also known as: battle belt, duty belt, tac belt, bat belt, first line, belt kit, etc. Whatever you may call it, basically it is described as a belt that is worn around the waist, over top of a standard pants belt, and outside of the pants belt loops. It is designed to carry a light amount of gear for emergency cases.
Working from the left, around the back, to the right (opposite direction for lefties) here is average pistol belt:
Two Pistol Reloads
Flashlight
Multi-tool (optional)
Rifle Reload (optional)
Dump Pouch (optional)
Small First Aid Kit (optional)
Small Survival Kit (optional)
Pistol Holster
Knife
Of course the above order & items can be modified based on your tastes, but typically a pistol belt is setup that way for several reasons.
For example, below the placement of the knife and multi-tool are swapped:
Example of a police duty belt:
Notice the pistol and magazine placement is nearly identical.
The pistol is placed closest to the dominant/strong hand. Spare ammo is placed closed to the center/gig line, but on the weak-side. This allows for a quick draw and fast reloads, hence the location of these items. Likewise, having a readily accessible flashlight is important too. A few holsters and many pistols also allow for mounting a "weapon" light directly on the pistol frame. While this is extremely convenient, it may not be ideal. You may want to shine a flashlight at a friend to help, but they would be rather upset with you pointing a gun at them as well. Just something to keep in mind when deciding on flashlights.* The last important item is a good knife.* Depending on your style of holster should determine the placement of your knife. Suggested placement is either in front or behind the pistol holster. What you want to check for is that you can both draw, and holster your pistol without the knife interfering with or snagging the pistol.
I'd like to briefly mention drop-leg panels/holsters, aka sub-loads. Personally, I think they're more trouble than the extra "real estate" they provide. I do not advocate using them because they're bulky, twist around your leg, snag on everything, and just generally a nusience... to me. If you like them and use them, that's great. If you don't know if they're right for you, you'll only find out by testing. With that said, they do allow you to carry more... (...to slow you down.)
Once you have a few items attached to your belt, it's time to test it. First, while standing make sure that the belt and pouches are comfortable. The belt should be adjusted to fit firmly at your waist. If your belt is sagging, do not make it uncomfortable tight, instead reduce the weight you're carrying on it. Many belts allow for suspenders/harness to be attached, allowing for more weight. If your pistol belt is the only way you have to carry gear, then invest in a good set of shoulder straps. However, like I said earlier, this belt is for a light (minimum) amount of items. Ideally, you build upon your pistol belt with chest rigs, plate carriers, messenger bags, back packs, etc.*
Next try sitting down in a chair, couch, car, etc. and make sure nothing gets in the way or is unnecessarily uncomfortable. Again try positions like kneeling, crouching, prone, crawling, etc. Try wearing a jacket, or back pack while using the belt, make sure things are comfortable and snag free. Test to make sure that the items on your belt do not slide out of position. If they do move around, invest in some belt keepers, and put them on either or both sides of the item to help it stay in place. Don't be afraid to move/add/subtract things around until it feels right.
When you're done, you might have something that looks like this:
*Topics Coming Soon to Tactical Tuesday.
