I thought I'd ask the experts about this.

I was in my local toy store today and I ran across a holster that just screamed "buy me!"

This little feller is made of black leather and is of the pancake, thumb break, open end variety. It is embossed with the S&W logo on the back as well as on the nickel snap. Also embossed underneath the S&W shield is BY BIANCHI and a series of numbers - #S1300 and below that is #33. Like I said, it is of the open end design, meaning ALL barrel lengths will fit.

The front of the holster is a standard piece of unlined cowhide, boned and molded very nicely. The back side is double thickness, with the smooth side out on both the inside of the holster as well as the backside. The backside also sticks down past the bottom of the holster's front approx. 1.75" at it's farthest point. My 3 inch K frame model 13-3 fits it very nicely, with the muzzle going almost to the end of the lowered protective piece. I'm not sure if it is designed for a K frame or perhaps an L frame. My model 13-3 fits it "nicely" but not "snugly" so it might be for an L frame, or it could be for an adjustable sighted K frame. It also sports an exposed trigger that rides well above the fore and aft belt slots. All seams are double sewn and all in all, it's a very attractive scabbard.

In the 20 something years I've been buying/selling/trading guns and gear, I've never seen one quite like this one. I wish I had a camera.

Anyway...I own it now and here's a CLOSE replica of it, but the backside below the opening is extended about another 1.75 inches.



I know, I know...this pic is of an auto holster. Trust me - the holster I picked up today is for a revolver. The more I look at it, it appears as though a 3 inch model 66 may have been carried in it, because I can make out an indention in the leather protective piece that's protruding past the bottom, that resembles the ejector rod shroud of a model 66. It would HAVE to be a 3 incher, because the ejector shround indention lines up perfectly with the muzzle of my model 13.

So...anybody have any info about this gorgeous holster? To be quite honest, the main reason I bought it is because of the S&W shield on the back that measures almost just not quite an inch in diameter. I'm guessing because of that, it's probably from the early 80's or so.

I have never seen one but I do have a brocure from 1991. The Model S1300 is a Belt Slide Holster and is part of their Sportsman/Off Duty line(you'd think it would work for PC duty too but what do I know). As you've noted, it has a thumb break and the extended back panel is to protect from wear on clothing. #33 is the Gun Code for S&W 2" or 3" K frames like the 10, 12, 13, 15, 64 and 65, Colt 2" Lawman and Ruger 2 3/4" Security Six, Speed Six and Service Six.

The brochure is from Bianchi so my WAG is that this was a licensing agreement only and S&W had no hands on involvement. In passing, it looks like a pretty nice line of leather products but you sure don't see them today.

Bob

Has nothing to do with your holster, but Triple K makes one almost identical called the "Secret Service". I use one for most of my n-frame carry.

Thanks for the info Bob. I was a little off in my guess. I figured it was a late 70s/early 80s product. Oh well. I didn't think it was a rare beast or anything...but it's a good carry rig nonetheless.

Yeah, seems like I had one "back in the day" for my Glock that was made by the now defunct "Safety Speed" holster company. I really appreciate the extended bottom...helps keep wear off my britches as well as wear (and possible rust) off the muzzle of my model 13.

Thanks for the responses guys! Anybody else know anything about it - sound off!

Is it like the one on the top left.If it is I have no info other than it's one of my favorites.

Hey Glockemdown,
Your picture looked so much like a Bianchi I have I had to double check.
Except for being brown your description is almost the same.
Mine doesnt have any S&W markings though,
Says Bianchi #5 "Black Widow" S&W / Ruger .38/.357

Its perfect for my snub model 66.


It definately wont fit any of my N frames.
For them I use a Bianchi #5BHL S&W 44 holster...

I find its my favorite snub K frame holster.
Here is a picture of it with my Model 66

and model 12.

Here's the holster we're talking about. Wish the text was easier to read but my scanning abilities leave much to be desired.



Bob

DING! DING! DING! We have a winner!

That is PRECISELY the holster - only mine is black!

Thanks Bob! You da man!!!

Wow..
Thats especially nice for guns with longer than 2" barrels.
Keeps the barrel from rubbing.
Ive never seen one before.