629-6 6.5 Inch Holster

[sjs]

Just bought a 6 1/2 inch 629-6 and need a holster. I want a leather OWB, strong side holster and I am looking at the:
1. Galco DAO Outdoorsman for about $83, and
2. Bianchi 5BHL for about $68

There is also a much cheaper Triple K holster, but I know nothing about them.

Any comments on either or both of these holsters?

Any other suggestions?

[30-30remchester]

Getting a single holster for every situation is like one vehicle for every need. You didn't specify what your uses for the handgun will be. I have had the Bianchi BHL for various handguns for decades now. It is a good middle of the road holster. The Galco is an open toe design, not a favorite of mine. None of my handguns have an open toe holster. For hardy outdoor use, nothing beats a full flap holster, just look at about every military holster and they are full flap and closed toe for a reason. Not the ideal holster for fast action though. If it were for me I would buy the Bianchi for everyday use as they are about the fastest for a snap retention holster and would find a full flap if I was to venture into the woods for anything other than a trail hike.

[ispcapt]

Call Ed. Rodek Leather Works, Inc. - Holsters
His website just shows his most commonly requested models. Tell him what you're looking for and he can make one for a lot less than the commercial makers. You pick the style, color and finish.
Ed does it as a hobby and has been doing it for at least 30+ years. He uses very heavy leather that retains its shape for years and wears like iron. Note the stitching on his website. It will be perfect or Ed won't ship it. Delivery time is about 1 week unless you want some specially built custom job he has never done. His price is 1/2 to 1/3 what some custom makers charge because it is a hobby. He isn't doing it to make a living. He works out of his basement so he doesn't have the overhead of paying business space and other employees. You won't be disappointed.

[Goblin]

I can only talk about the Milt Sparks 200AW that I have for my 629. It's a great holster, but more expensive, and there's a wait because it's a custom order. The good news is you can order exactly what you want.

[BillyMagg]

Originally Posted by ispcapt

Call Ed. Rodek Leather Works, Inc. - Holsters
His website just shows his most commonly requested models. Tell him what you're looking for and he can make one for a lot less than the commercial makers. You pick the style, color and finish.
Ed does it as a hobby and has been doing it for at least 30+ years. He uses very heavy leather that retains its shape for years and wears like iron. Note the stitching on his website. It will be perfect or Ed won't ship it. Delivery time is about 1 week unless you want some specially built custom job he has never done. His price is 1/2 to 1/3 what some custom makers charge because it is a hobby. He isn't doing it to make a living. He works out of his basement so he doesn't have the overhead of paying business space and other employees. You won't be disappointed.

How R U doing CapN,,, I haven't run into you here on the forum in a while, and I too found your holster advice helpful.

Are you in the Springfield area, and do we have anybody locally that you would recommend to fit a bolt stop??

[DocB]

Bianchi is the best. Hold out for an older one in opposition to one of the new ones. They come up on EBAY frequently. I like the 5B because it is not lined. The lining creates a cumbersome holster.

[JH1951]

I am quite pleased with a Bianchi 5BHL for my 29-2. I like the lining where others do not. Suggestion: Search for a lightly used 'older' Bianchi. Some of the newer ones I have seen just do not seem to match the quality/workmanship of the older ones. A tip off to age may be where it was made. USA manufacturing is I think older, and Mexico is newer from what I can tell - I have been wrong, so others may chime in.....