Bianchi X-15 shoulder holster

Papaw · #1 03-06-2017, 06:50 PM

I recently found this Bianchi X-15 in a pawn shop for 20 bucks. It looks unused. My question is it doesn't have the snap strap to secure the gun. When did Bianchi add the strap?
Thanks,
Papaw

rednichols · #2 03-06-2017, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Papaw

I recently found this Bianchi X-15 in a pawn shop for 20 bucks. It looks unused. My question is it doesn't have the snap strap to secure the gun. When did Bianchi add the strap?
Thanks,
Papaw

We (I was their chief of design 1970-90) added the strap in the mid-70s. We added straps to all holsters eventually, the price of being a big products liability target. Yours is recent enough (indicated by the lack of a second row of stitching for the spring, and the harness attachment) that it has the cutout for the mag button on your 1911; so all good if your spring still has its 'pop' :-).

Papaw · #3 03-06-2017, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rednichols

We (I was their chief of design 1970-90) added the strap in the mid-70s. We added straps to all holsters eventually, the price of being a big products liability target. Yours is recent enough (indicated by the lack of a second row of stitching for the spring, and the harness attachment) that it has the cutout for the mag button on your 1911; so all good if your spring still has its 'pop' :-).

Red,
great info! The spring still has plenty of pop. Would you date this holster from the early 70s? Thanks again.

rednichols · #4 03-06-2017, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Papaw

Red,
great info! The spring still has plenty of pop. Would you date this holster from the early 70s? Thanks again.

You made me look, now I have to change my testimony :-). The harness change, from a review of the catalogues, was late '70s, and the addition of the strap was in the mid '80s. So: yours is in between. From the pic it appears to be in handsome condition, so well, done to Bianchi and your holster's previous owners :-).

Papaw · #5 03-06-2017, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rednichols

You made me look, now I have to change my testimony :-). The harness change, from a review of the catalogues, was late '70s, and the addition of the strap was in the mid '80s. So: yours is in between. From the pic it appears to be in handsome condition, so well, done to Bianchi and your holster's previous owners :-).

Thanks again Red.
It looks like it was never used. It wound up in the junk box at a pawn shop so I had to rescue it.
Papaw

rednichols · #6 03-07-2017, 05:10 PM

The 'original' X15 (I put the word in quotes because there was a prior holster that was not much more than a Model 2 suspended from its mouth by a harness):

bianchi (4).jpg

VaTom · #7 03-07-2017, 06:23 PM

Nice buy. Real bargain at that price. I bought one in 1976 and carried model 64 2" in it off duty. It did not have the strap. Sold it in early 1980's and wish I had it back! Always on lookout for a good used one at gun shows. Still have the model 64!

Papaw · #8 03-08-2017, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VaTom

Nice buy. Real bargain at that price. I bought one in 1976 and carried model 64 2" in it off duty. It did not have the strap. Sold it in early 1980's and wish I had it back! Always on lookout for a good used one at gun shows. Still have the model 64!

I have a 3 inch 64 which fits great. Also other medium size revolvers like a Charter Arms Bulldog and a 4 inch Colt Police Positive also fit very well.

BAM-BAM · #9 03-08-2017, 05:20 PM

I've got a couple ........ my favorite is a "small" with the retention strap that is a perfect fit for my 3" Model 60-10........ micro 686.