Made from quality leather with a semi-rigid polymer base, the Tejas Gun Belt “El Pistolero” by Magpul offers the quality blends a dress belt for work or leisure, and the rigidity of a functional belt for every day carry, or on the range.
With a 1.5” wide outer layer made from 100% high quality bullhide leather, the Tejas also employs a matching polymer base material for added “sag free” strength and rigidity. The high-tech polymer base is like other legacy Magpul products that endure an excessive level of abuse and moisture resistance. The eight sizing holes are spaced ¾” apart to maximize adjustability over standard belts.
The belt buckle and “tool free” custom Magpul hardware are removable, thus allowing the user to interchange the factory buckle with any standard buckle desired.
Specifications:
- Bullhide cut and manufactured in Texas
- Multiple lengths available from 32-46 inches
- See sizing instructions on website
Comes in Light Brown (featured), Black, and Chocolate with a chrome plated belt buckle.
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Good (4/5): With a list price of $54.95, the “El Pistolero” is a belt that uses quality leather, the polymer base level and custom Magpul hardware bring to the belt added quality and performance. The thicker stitching and pattern also adds a level or durability to keep the material together. Similar gun belts on the market run the gambit from $10 nylon belts, to leather, and composites with all manner of hardware so it’s difficult to estimate where exactly the Tejas ranks. Comparable belts include the Western Belt ($79.95) by CrossBreed Holsters, the 14oz. Cowboy Belt ($72.88) by Big Foot Gunbelts, and Vedder Holster’s Polymer Core Leather Gun Belt ($79.99) are all close in size and hardware, but the “El Pistolero” was at the lower end of cost and is a good cost to the consumer considering it.
- Comfort – Excellent (5/5): From a comfort aspect, the “El Pistolero” was very comfortable due in large part to the belt’s larger 1.5” width over other 1” dress belts, and rigidity in the polymer backing. The leather itself was of average flexibility given its tanning, but visually it was very even and universal in tanning/color. The inward-facing side was very tactile and gripped into the fabric of the jeans/slacks/pants and held enough rigidity in its overall form to not sag or droop given the time worn. The result was a consistent and snug fit that not only was good for EDC, but also supported wearing a full-sized OWB holster. There was a little break-in period with both the leather and polymer to gain flexibility so as not to be so stiff while cinching the buckle, but over time and usage this was less an issue. With the eight waist holes at ¾” spacing each, a comfortable fitment was easily found with and without a holster.
- Durability – Average (3/5): Within the evaluation period, the belt showed very little signs of wear, either to the leather or polymer, and in both a daily wear capacity and on the range. There was some creasing/wrinkling of the outer leather at the point of cinching against the buckle and overall length due to manipulating/bending the belt, but that is of average wear to all similar belts as they break in. There was no observable or experienced concern in conflict of clearance between the belt’s hardware and the belt surface, and when feeding the belt through the buckle and loop it flowed easily. Magpul does provide cleaning and care instructions for the bull hide leather.
- Functionality – Good (4/5): As a belt, the “El Pistolero” was of good function and sized-to-fit (that its measured waist was aligned to the center hole of the belt), its strength being the unique blend of traditional materials (i.e. leather) and Magpul’s proprietary polymer. It is strongly recommended that if the end-user intends to use the “El Pistolero” as a gun belt in conjunction with a holster, to size up one size and account for the necessary extra material to thread the belt through/over the holster. The result was a belt that was both at home in the office, on your jeans supporting your CCW, or even on the range holding up various holsters. The removable hardware also allowed the factory buckle to be easily exchanged with various third-party 1.5” wide standard belt buckles (so if you have your Tactical Panda buckles, you are be good to go).
- Weight – Average (3/5): At an evaluated size 40 waist, the “El Pistolero” weighed in at 12.1 ounces, and was nearly twice the average 5.0-ounce weight of a premium leather daily dress belt, so the inclusion of the polymer base layer didn’t add a significant amount of weight. That added weight however, is also what lent the belt its rigidity and structure. The overall length of belt will determine the final weight; however the variance is minimal. In contrast, the Western Belt (16.1 ounces) by CrossBreed Holsters was heavier due to its larger Western-themed buckle. Other belts of similar design will have similar weight, with the difference being the weight to the buckle based on size and design. As such, the Tejas “El Pistolero” belt was at an appropriate (or average) weight for its given material and length.
Overall Rating – Above Average (19/25)
Product Link: https://magpul.com/tejas-gun-belt-el-pistolero.html
I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via High Ground Media, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.
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