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Old 08-09-2016, 08:55 PM
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rednichols rednichols is offline
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Default A rare find

A friend on this forum told me that this rare holster was available and I'm pleased to have it in my collection now. Shown with the better-known Bianchi #19 holster of circa 1970 at left, this is perhaps the rarest Bianchi production holster: the Nelson M&P, which here is marked as a Bianchi #19. It's obviously inspired by Theodore's holsters of the very same year: 1969 (it was out of production by the time I arrived at Bianchi in 1970). Note it even has a sight channel like Paris'. Harder to spot -- only in the right light and not in this pic at al -- is the outline on the back of the thumbtab of the paper clip that's inside to provide stiffness.

IMG_1630.jpg

Thumbsnaps were quite new then for autos. Neither holster will snap up; the Nelson because my model has a dual speed safety (invented by my friend Armand Swenson in the 60s) and the other because it's for a 39 and my 59 model likely has a longer guard.
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Old 08-09-2016, 09:12 PM
crazyphil crazyphil is offline
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Could the 19 be a predecessor to the 111 Cyclone?
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Old 08-10-2016, 08:38 PM
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I sent back my first M&P because the strap would not snap. Too short. The second one was tight, but better.
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Old 08-10-2016, 09:51 PM
muzzleblast muzzleblast is offline
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Congrats, Red. That is quite the score. Thanks for sharing the photo and history.

I just scored an Aker #172 Outback of your design. I guess it could otherwise be named R.E.D.'sSOB. I am very happy to have found one. The cant looks like about 60 degrees and, it carries nicely in the rearward kidney area, side of spine. Perhaps it could be called S.O.S. position.



This is a VERY interesting design. I have studied it intensely and concluded it is functional art. Aker really did a nice job with their production.

Speaking of functional art, I noticed your new website. I am saving my nickels in hopes of obtaining a genuine Nichols. (Maybe I need to start lobbying Mrs. Santa...)

red nichols holsters

MB
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Old 08-11-2016, 12:26 AM
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MB, it's gratifying that this model is still relevant 20 years on, and that perhaps Aker still makes it. I myself just acquired its cousin, the Nichols Avenger, to add to my Avenger Variants collection. And why not SOS for a category name?! I reckon they are rightly called kidney holsters though. Look inside the holster: the sight protector is my patented SightStrip, which I originally invented for fabric holsters (it's still used today by Elite Systems in their fabric range).

My current range is even more in the industrial art category, being built of layered small parts like a glued Lego toy.

CP, indeed the 19 is the basis for the Cyclone for autos, though: the rear loops are quit different in construction, and the revolver version is its own animal because it covers the guard whereas the equivalent 5B did not, and is open muzzle while the 5B was closed.
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Old 08-11-2016, 07:26 PM
muzzleblast muzzleblast is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rednichols View Post
... ...I myself just acquired its cousin, the Nichols Avenger, to add to my Avenger Variants collection... ...Look inside the holster: the sight protector is my patented SightStrip, which I originally invented for fabric holsters...
Yes, I did notice the "sight strip" as one of the unique design elements that stands out. The sight strip, the beefy rubber grommet used in the tension device, and the welt below the trigger guard all add to this holster's functionality.





I am not sure what construction style to call it. Although it has offset rear and forward belt slots, it isn't a "pancake". It isn't an Avenger since it has no rear tunnel loop. It is not really a "flatback" although the front of the pocket is offset 80-ish percent outward. It seems the slot location combined with the semi-flatback construction work together to keep the handgun secure, without binding along the belt, in addition to accessibly presenting the grip.

The "rough out" with smooth inside and smooth reinforcement, as well as the overall styling makes this holster very attractive IMO. This Outback is made for a Glock 19/23/32. I need to find one for my much slimmer S&W 3953. Also, I do I plan to add one of the more readily available Aker Nichols Avengers to my collection as a companion to the Outback.

Kudos.

MB

Last edited by muzzleblast; 08-11-2016 at 07:31 PM.
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Old 08-25-2016, 03:11 PM
BAM-BAM BAM-BAM is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by muzzleblast View Post
Red. DITTOs Thanks for sharing the photo and history. BAM-BAM

I just scored an Aker #172 Outback of your design. I guess it could otherwise be named R.E.D.'sSOB. I am very happy to have found one. The cant looks like about 60 degrees and, it carries nicely in the rearward kidney area, side of spine. Perhaps it could be called S.O.S. position.



This is a VERY interesting design. I have studied it intensely and concluded it is functional art.

MB
I remember seeing pictures and a 'gun-rag" article or two about that holster ......... always thought it would be good holster for a small flat gun like the Walther PPK....or my 3913 "suit gun"......riding over the right kidney not the small of the back/spine.

Never saw one for sale .

Last edited by BAM-BAM; 08-25-2016 at 03:16 PM.
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