I've been shopping for a leather holster IWB for a model 65, 4 inch and prefer brown. Not a big selection from what I see online, plenty of black. Anyway I have narrowed it down to Bianchi and Blackhawk. I would like to hear from any experienced owners if one or the other is the better choice.
Thanks

My opinion is that all IWB holsters are judged by the leader in this style, Milt Sparks Summer Special.

It does come in tan.

First time I've seen that, surprised my searches haven't turned up that site. I made an error saying IWB, I am looking for Outside.
Milt Sparks Summer Special is good looking stuff.
Thanks

I have purchased a couple of OWB holsters from Ray's Holsters. Quality is very good, especially for the price.

Holsters | Ray's Holsters & Gun Bags | Holsters, Products, Gun, Leather, Nyl

629 in Shado


For my CCW needs I use Andrew's Custom Leather

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Memory of Randy Freas-Rimfired

Check out Kramer horsehide holsters. I use their IWB #2 for all my concealed carry needs, and they do come in tan.

I see lots of neat pictures of OWB holsters, but no pictures of IWB???

Check Galco Summer Comfort, and Royal Guard. Not sure how much is available in Brown, but the price and available is good, and I have several of the Summer Comfort. Good holsters and carry well.

Sorry no pics from me.

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the world is round everywhere

I think you changed your need to outside waistband? I'd opt for the Bianchi Model 5BHL. If they don't make it in brown now, go to El Paso Saddlery or Lobo Leather. The latter maker is a forum member. Name's Ray Something. His pics show good work!

If you tell him that you want what amounts to a brown Bianchi 5BHL, I think he can make it. Quality will probably exceed Bianchi's. And I like older Bianchi products; wore a black 5BHL for years, on my duty belt.

NOTE: the BHL version is lined, with basketweave stamping.

I didn't change, I made a mistake in the first post. Sorry about the confusion, I wish I would have spelled it out instead of using the initials.
Thanks for all the great suggestions.

Also check out Mitch Rosen. Excellent quality.

Another vote for Andrew's leather, for IWB he makes the MacDaniel II. If you are looking for a tuckable option I'd recommend R. Grizzle leather he has a couple different options.

Conrad,

Since you asked for recommendation between those two, I'd go with the Bianchi, I had several of their holsters over the years and they were pretty good for factory made.

If you are still looking, check out Desantis Gunleather.They used to do a nice horsehide pancake.

Can definitely recommend the Milt Sparks IWB holsters. I have had a Summer Special for at least 15 years and have used it regularly. Great quality and a 1911 conceals very well in it and a bonus is the re-enforcement around the top that keeps the mouth of the holster open for easy one-handed re- holstering. There is usually a 2-3 month wait to get
one but it is well worth it. (Oops! just noticed you have decided on OWB). +1 on the Lobo Gunleather. They are really nice.

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Lost in the 50s

I started making my own holsters because I could never fined one made formy weapon. I can make a holster that fits my gun and me. I have made two inside the wastebang holsters and a couple on the belt. It's not hard you get to make all the decisions.

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Carpriver.