4" Model 10 OWB Leather Holster Choices

EricR · #1 10-16-2021, 07:31 AM

Greetings,

One of my Model 10's is a dash 6 with only holster wear. It even has original stocks in excellent condition. Now that I occasionally scrounge for kindling in the woods behind my subdivision home (North GA), this revolver is screaming to be on my belt. After all, there are coyotes..

Have already got a great belt from Hanks and simply want a traditional style leather holster for my 4" Model 10's. I immediately thought of Hunter brand but upon reviewing the models available it looked like they are selling the same model for both 4" and 6" barrels. I don't want the excess length.

Therefore, I would love to hear of any recommendations for manufactures for me to consider. Thank you very much. I'll try to edit and throw in a picture in a little bit.

Rangerone · #2 10-16-2021, 08:08 AM

You will be hard-pressed to find a custom holster today that is markedly better than an excellent condition 70s-80s vintage Bianchi holster.

You can go on to the auction sites and likely find many choices. As an example, a few months ago I was on a mission to find a Bianchi 111 crossdraw holster for a 4 inch K frame and a 4 inch and 6 inch N frame.

A month or so of casual looking netted all three, all of them in superb condition and none of them cost more than $70 shipped. You can spend twice that today for a custom holster, or even the factory offerings, but I do not believe you will get a better quality than what was made by Bianchi in the 80s. The modern ones are made in Mexico, and the few that I have handled are not worth the money.

When looking at vintage holsters, study the photos carefully, especially the belt loops and the snaps and the lining if present. So many of these holsters are sold by individuals who have no idea what true condition is and it will be up to you to judge carefully to make sure you are not getting damaged goods.

Try searching for "Bianchi 5BHL". Just be careful however, some of these will be listed as "for a 38/357", but are actually sized for the Python/GP100: these will fit the 586/686 just fine, but they will be a sloppy fit for a K frame.

DGNY · #3 10-16-2021, 08:19 AM

Hello and Welcome. Very good advice from Rangerone. I think the Hunter model you seek would be an 1100–30. Also, I just did a DuckDuckGo search for hunter holster chart and was presented with numerous relevant hits; you might try the same.

As to the Smith and Wesson brand you might look for 21–64, which would be a good fit. As said, the Bianchi 5BH is another quality choice, especially when marked 38/357 S&W, and if you like the style.

Best of luck for some prowling around shops and online research.

ColbyBruce · #4 10-16-2021, 09:09 AM

I also like the older Bianchi models. You might look at Safariland, Galco, DeSantis models as well. The classifieds here may have what you need or you can place a WTB ad. Don’t forget the custom makers here on the forum.

ColbyBruce · #5 10-16-2021, 09:16 AM

The Bianchi 5BHL and X2100 are always good choices.

BAM-BAM · #6 10-16-2021, 09:33 AM

Since the 1980s for a general utility field holster I gone with either a Bianchi 111 Cyclone crossdraw or a 5BHL ...... both have thumb snap retention.

cmansguns · #7 10-16-2021, 09:47 AM

One of my favorite open carry for hiking/woods walks, camping is a Bianchi #10 for S&W K 4", on a Galco stiff belt. Rides right tight, decent presentation, decent retention during axe chores.

Shown with a Model 66 aboard, and a Model 10 which is most often the gun of choice on outings.

Got this one from another Forum member and love it..my favorite open carry rig!

Seen several on Flea-bay for the $40-$50 range but like said above..can't really see "condition" from E-bay pics, so it may be a **** shoot, but I trust Members here and have never been disappointed.

Xfuzz · #8 10-16-2021, 11:39 AM

Hard to beat a Bianchi or Galco.
This little rig was picked up on a
trip across the boarder many moons ago.
It has held up well...

Frailer · #9 10-16-2021, 01:54 PM

Not a specific holster recommendation, but if you don’t mind scuffs and scratches some real bargains can be found digging through the holster bins at shops and shows. There is often a good leather “civilian” K-frame holster hiding out under all the old duty rigs.

MajorD · #10 10-16-2021, 09:16 PM

For my K’s I use a Don Hume JIT slide, sort of like the Yaqui style for the 1911.
Very secure and comfortable. Mine was a door prize from a shooting match, but I have a few others for different guns. I think they retail around 40 bucks.
Also most any older gun shop you visit unusually has a bucket or bin of cheap used holsters, and a most common find in such circumstances is K frame holster very cheaply