If or when it gets bad enough to carry a 6-inch .357 revolver like my Model 28, what holster would be best? I have been looking at a Bianchi 5BHL thumb-snap belt holster. A shoulder holster is pretty cool too.

I prefer a covered trigger guard, and I wish Bianchi made a version like that. It is also barely level one, so not really snatch resistant. I have been happy with my Kramer vertical scabbard for a 4" N frame; their MSP paddle for my USP was a good rig too. The 45 USP is a pretty big gun, but it carried and concealed well. I am considering a Milt Sparks 200AW for a couple of my guns.

The 6" N frame a big thing, and would not be my first choice for most carry uses.

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NHI, 10-8.

That Bianchi 58HL has packed a lot of guns over the years. That's a very good start.

You might also look into pancake holsters from our own Lobo.
http://www.lobogunleather.com/3_mode..._style_holster
Another option is Simply Rugged.
http://www.simplyrugged.com/

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Eccentric old coot

It is difficult to beat the Bianchi 5BH. I carried my 6" Colt Python in one when I first got the Python. I carried it that way doing security work for about 2 years. I still have both the Python and the holster and both were bought in 1979. The Bianchi is a great holster.

I am fond of the Safariland holsters, either a Model 25 or 29 mainly because I like the neoprene sight guide that works great for N frames with Patridge front sights. The Patridge sight does not drag leather out of the holster with the sight guide.

Just my opinion. Both make great holsters.

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

I have a couple of Bianchi 5BH holsters and while they are very well
made I seldom use them. The forward cant and very high ride seem
more designed for law enforcement use in a vehicle and uncomfortable
for me. I much prefer their md 10 with strap or their 111 Cyclone design.

If you're going to custom order, IMO you can't do better than Lobo Gunleather for a combination of quality, price, and turnaround time. Ray is a member of this forum and a great guy to deal with. If you're looking at off the shelf, I second the suggestion of the Bianchi Model 111 Cyclone. It covers the trigger guard and can be worn either strongside or crossdraw.

I have used Bianchi holsters since 1980. I have very much enjoyed the 10L, 5BHL and the 111. For a 6" N-Frame, I prefer the Cyclone 111 if I am going to be in heavy brush, etc., or driving a car. For a traditional strong side carry, I have also found the El Paso Tom Threepersons holster to be outstanding.

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<><

I'll echo PMRet above.
ALL of my last 6 or 8 holsters have come from Ray at Lobo Gunleather. Excellent quality and great designs at very fair prices.

I'm a big Lobo fan....

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Ret'd LEO
SWCA #2275

I wonder if anyone has heard of or owns any of these holsters? They are very similar in appearance to the Lobo holsters which I just discovered. Ray, whose last name was Clark, I think, was located in Tampa, FL in the 70s. In any event, Ray is long gone and I have been looking for a similar holster for years. It looks like I found it in the Lobo. Thanks for the tip.

IMHO for a 6 inch N- frame it is hard to beat a Bianchi 111 cyclone. It can be worn strong side or cross draw and covers the trigger.
mike

Look at Cannon Leather.

This. I couldn't agree more.

I love a cross draw when on a 4 wheeler or in my truck. It doesn't get hung up in the seat belt in the truck.

I carried my police revolvers in Safariland M29 holsters for all of my LE career. Bianchi also makes a good holster.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

A few months back I had ordered a Black Hills Leather shoulder holster. I cant emphasize how nice it is and how well it handles the big revolver. I had found about them here on The S & W Forum reading some other threads before I was a member here.

The big gun rides safe and tight and is held firmly in place. I wish I had gotten one sooner, and I am likely to add another.

Their product is truly craftsman work and it was delivered promptly in about 6 or 7 weeks. Mine was a full on custom but I bet the standard is just as good. The whole system is very well made and superbly finished too.

For custom, custom---Black Hills.
Ross leather is a goodun for semi-custom.
Here are examples.
L--R:
Ross with 4: belt
Black Hills Custom rig and holsters.
Black Hlls Bikini shoulder rig--comfortable and sturdy.
Rigs for any sized guns from these two that I use--you tell-em, they will supply.
Blessings

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TEXAS, by GOD

I know this is an old thread but I just got a Galco Phoenix for my model 28 and am very pleased. It covers the trigger guard, has a thumb snap and can be carried strong side or cross draw.

Bianchi with the lining that's all I use.