Most on this Forum know that I like Smith K Frame snubs. . .think I now have six. Also, a preference for Bianchi holsters with the 5BH always at the top of my list. My holster collection is almost too big to store, with all the top makers represented over the past century. I still prefer Bianchi for carry, and the one on the right just arrived today. EBAY, of course. They are really hard to find for me. The newer one is lined, which is meaningless to me since it's lined in leather. The one on the left is much older (1970's) and unlined. . .FBI style and the "perfect" holster. Since I have to carry when in the church I pastor, a good holster is kind of important. Very pleased with the one received today, since now I don't have to wear out the nicer old one. Same old gun from 1977 that I always picture since it's always right here at my hand. . .picture ready. I always wind up paying around $50 for these older ones.

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Dr. B

Hi DocB Back many moons ago I was reading a little article that said
in the 1970s FBI Agents were issued S&W Model 10-6 .38 Spl. with
2" barrel. It went on to say they were issued hip holsters with thumb
snap and belts to carry the holsters on. Holsters and belts provided
by John Bianchi.
As it happened, I had a S&W 10-6 with 2" barrel, because that's what
plain clothes Boise PD also used and I had accumulated one. So, I
sent John Bianchi a FAX (that's how long ago it was) and asked him
which holster it was and if they were still available. He answered promptly
(by FAX), and said "it was Model 5B high ride, thumbsnap
style-has been in continuous production for 40 years, currently in
Bianchi Int. '08 catalog. Best Wishes, John B." So I got the information
I wanted and the great man's autograph.
Here is a photo.

P.S. At the time (2008?) it was 50 bucks new from Optics Planet.

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In Omnia Paratus

I've had a 5BH for a 2 1/2 M19 for ages. It's getting about wore out so the other day I ordered a new one from Optics Planet. Going by the tracking # it should be here tomorrow. I hope it as good as the old one. Larry

Whit Collins, Guns & Ammo, 1973 on firearms training for the then BNDD - Federal
Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs - now DEA.

"Dressed in the same blue fatigue uniform that basic agent trainees wear, I
paddled to the firing line in borrowed sneakers. I had been provided with a
brand-new Smith & Wesson Model 10 2-inch, equipped with grip adaptor, and
Bianchi thumb-break holster and trouser-type belt."

I own a Model 5 for a Chiefs Special and several Model 5BHL's for K and L frame guns. I think I have one for an N-frame. The one for an L-frame fits the Ruger GP-100, too.


I do prefer the lined ones, and think they scuff the gun's finish less.


The Bianchi Model 5BHL is one of the best standard holsters that one can often find.


I've usually paid from $10-15 at gun shows, maybe $25 for one. And all are in excellent to new condition. I did use dye and Kiwi polish to restore one.


Many gun show dealers and shops do not know holsters well and sell them cheaply. But this seems less common now.


Buy on e-bay and you'll find sharpies trying to get top dollar. Online sales sites have greatly inflated prices for all merchandise.

Kiwi polish is great. It's what I use with a bit of Ren Wax to top it off. The new holsters are made in Mexico. They are pretty good. I've had to buy a couple. You don't really know how good a holster is until you break it in. That's why I like to buy the old ones. Less work on my part.

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Dr. B

I have these 2 for my M60.
Dick

I like this one. carry it almost everyday. Easy to draw from, easy to re holster.
Peace,
gordon

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better have that checked

Bianchi has made some fine holsters.
Like this #8 Shadow...still beautiful after 33 years!

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Stay protected my friends.

Neither of those Bianchi holsters is lined, leather or otherwise, such as the 5BH on the right nor the 5B on the left, its predecessor. The hand creasing 'round the edge demonstrates this -- vrichard's 5BL is lined, note the stitching at the edges. I recall we had been able to do away with hand creasing on unlined holsters by the end of the '70s, doing it instead in a die. The 'L' indicates lining, the 'H' indicates 'high ride', so there are 5B, 5BL; then the 5BH and the 5BHL. (The strapless Heiser style for short revolvers was the 5, the Myres-style 380 auto was the 5A).

Say, maybe I should advertise for the issuance of a Certificate of Authenticity of Bianchi holsters, a la Smith & Wesson's Roy Jinks :-). They are quite dateable based on their stamps and their construction details. The Made in Mexico is a dead giveaway for the post 1990 ones (will Trump be able to change that, I wonder). I've sent off for my first COA from Roy, ever, though we've met over the years. See what he turns up for me.

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Red Nichols The Holstorian

I too love a good, Bianchi holster. In most instances I'd rather pack OWB with one of their beautiful leather holsters on a stiff gun belt. Just something about that rich, brown leather and white stitching.

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