Will the same Bianchi 111 Cyclone holster fit both my Model 36 and my Model 442? According to the Bianchi catalog it will. I have a Cyclone holster for my Ruger Speed Six. Like it just fine. I'm not concerned about deep concealment. That's what pockets are for. I like the option of using a holster for both strong side and cross draw.

The holster for the Model 36 will fit any J-Frame with the same or shorter barrel. Why would you doubt the manufacturer? The 111 for the 36, 442, and 640 all carry te same SKU!

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Gunsmithing since 1961

I don't doubt the manufacturer. I was wondering about the actual fit of the thumb snap closure on the exposed hammer Model 36 vs. the internal hammer Model 442.

You didn't specify that until now.

I have a Cyclone for my M686, and the retention strap relies on the hammer spur to "work." I doubt the M442 would be able to be securely retained by the strap, but you can give it a try. Worst case is that you can only use it with your M36.

Now, if you're "old school" and use only round or square butt service panels on your J-frames, you can give their "Lightnin'" model a try. The catch is you can't have anything between the trigger guard and the front of the grip frame, so no boot grips or Tyler T-Grip adapters.

As the Cyclone's designer I can tell you that it will fit the hammered J frames but not the so-called hammerless ones (the hammer's inside). We did do a 'finger snap' side draw that I believe Bianchi-made-in-Mexico-for-Safariland still offers. So you'll get a fit, but not a crossdraw. The late-model 9R "Lightnin'"s are a shoulder holster that can be worn as a belt holster and are cut to accomodate T-grips that were recently out of style then and the Pachmayr's that were IN style then.

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Red Nichols The Holstorian

Ah, so the Lightnin' will accommodate T-Grip adapters.

You learn something new every day. Thanks, rednichols!

I have a Cyclone for the J frame and the thumb snap does depend on
the hammer spur for retention as mentioned. My dehorned J frames
fit in the holster but can be drawn without unsnapping the strap.

Thanks for the responses. I may just buy a Cyclone holster for my Model 36. I really like a holster that can be used both strong side and cross draw. I bought my Model 42 for pocket carry. Might as well use it that way.

Red, on the Bianchi web site it shows that it will fit the 640 hammerless, but not a a 340. Is it possible they altered the design or something else? If it's n.g. for hammerless do they make a cross draw for for hammerless models like the 640, 340, etc. ?

I've had to look up pics of the 640 and 340; at first glance they both appear to be the old Centennial around the hammer area. So I'd say it's not possible that they've come up with a thumbsnap that works on that frame , when the holster seam stops at the front of the guard. Perhaps on a holster where the main seam comes up behind the trigger guard; at which point it wouldn't be a 111 but a different model.

Instead, have they used a fingersnap over the back of the trigger guard? Then I'd have expected them to show a pic. Call 'em and ask, I'd like to know, too :-)

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Red Nichols The Holstorian

Too bad it won't work for the centennial models. It looks like a good, comfortable design for driving and having easier access then my usual carry method behind the hip strong side. I could get it for my model 19 but I think that a K frame snub might be a bit large to conceal under a t shirt cross draw. I'm going to give Bianchi a call and get a little more info as far as the centennials. Thanks Red.

I'm pretty sure the cyclone 111 holster is made to fit a wide variety of handguns from small semis to revolvers. I missed a cyclone for a Walther PPK on an auction site and have been kicking myself ever since. Sooner or later one will turn up. They usually list the fitment on the back of the holster.

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Back to back World War Champs.

I like the idea for a crossdraw holster when wearing a slung rifle on the right shoulder. The M-111 looks good for that role, and I like its versatility.

It also covers the gun well, so it won't get scratched in brush.

Looks like Red Nichols did a good job on that one. I'm glad to see him on this board.

I have a Cyclone I use for my M 36 with hammer. I never even tried it with my 642 till I saw this. So Just this minute I tried it and it does fit and, if you twist, or move the thumb strap forward , more in front than over the area where the hammer would be, it will also snap and secure the gun. I have been yanking on it trying to get it to come out from under the strap and it will not. The strap must be un-done for the gun to come out

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A Snider squibbed n the Jungle

That's interesting. I have a Bianchi 3S pistol pocket holster for a Colt D.S. Thumb strap goes behind the hammer spur. The holster also fits my S&W Centenials. The strap goes around further up like you tried with your Cylone. Holds perfect.

I called Bianchi. I was told by the customer service rep that she was 96% sure a size 1, Cyclone holster should fit either my 640 or 340. She said the thumb snap should fit and operate if you put it across the back of the frame(like poor devil described above). She wouldn't guarantee it though. I have a different holster, a 3S pistol pocket that's for a Colt D.S. The 340 fits in it just right and I'm able to use the thumb break by pulling the strap over the back of the frame. So Red what do you think?

I bought new Cyclone & Belt couple years ago. For 8 3/8" N frame. None of my 29-25-57s will let you snap retaining strap.
629 will, if holster is not on cartridge belt. The target hammers
stop the strap short. I have messed up the finish on holster
Trying to stretch it with water/ weights. Before I did this contacted Bianchi, they didn't reply. I have several Bianchi holsters that I've had for years. No problems, nice holsters. They
ain't cheap, after this deal I won't buy from them again. Just
like others, when they get big they don't respond well in the
customer service dept.

When I got the 3S pistol pocket the thumb break strap was way too tight. I finally got the Colt in after working the strap for about a half hour. I put it in a bag and would take the gun out and then put it back in and resnap it. After a couple of days the strap loosened up. It said on the package it fits j frames and it does. Just have to pull the strap across the back of the frame.

Got some advice from Ray the retired Lobo Leather guy a year or so back.

Soak the strap in hot water for a minute....pull it and hold it for 30sec to a min... you should get 1/4 inch..... with some plastic wrap over the hammer..... snap it in place and let it dry overnight........

solved my problem with a Browning HP Mk III in a 111 Cyclone..