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Cross draw holster help

4

4330Inroute

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Shoulder and back problems are making holster use at 3:30 to 4:30 more difficult to use. I have been looking at cross draw holsters and have found the older Bianchi clamshell cross draw appealing. The problem is I don't know what holster fits what. I have seen holsters numbered 111, 112, 123, 124, 127 etc. with no indication as to what they fit. Does anyone have a chart or catalog that spells what holster fits what gun. Your help would greatly be appreciated.
 
Thank you for the prompt replies.

The holsters are much older from the time when John Bianchi owned the company. These holsters look like an eyeglass case with a slit on one side. There are several for sale on ebay now.
 
Marine24 said:
You can also use their Holster Finder to determine what holsters fit your particular firearm.

Home Page
Click to expand...

That is a terrible link!! Tough to navigate around in and impossible to back out of and try something else!!!
 
Thorshammercustomleather did mine. Comfortable enough to wear all day while driving or at the desk.
2014_05010012_zps06a86468.jpg
 
perado said:
Thorshammercustomleather did mine. Comfortable enough to wear all day while driving or at the desk.
2014_05010012_zps06a86468.jpg
Click to expand...

Now I like that combo! For some reason, I'm really fond of that particular style of border stamping, and open toe holsters (especially for semi-autos) are my favorite. And what I really like about it is that it hasn't been boned to death where every little curve of the gun shows up in relief on the outside.

I looked at that guy's website, by the way. He does beautiful work, and I like his business philosophy. He's expensive, but looks like he's worth it. I bookmarked his site. Thanks for pointing him out.
 
From the 1982 Bianchi catalog.

The 111 Cyclone had a thumbsnap, a cross draw version of the 5BH/L model. It was made for small, medium, and large revolvers; single actions; small, medium, and large semi autos.

The CD123/124/125 had no retention device and were offered for small-medium revolvers and Walther PP size semi autos.

The CD126 had a retaining strap and was made for Colt Commander/BHP/S&W 39 & 59 semi autos.

The CD127/128 was for 4" medium revolvers & Govt. model 1911's. Large frame 5"-6" revolvers. No photo, I can not comment on a retention style, if any.

The CD129 was for 6"+ long barrel S&W, Colt, and Ruger SA revolvers. Photo shows a retaining strap. There is a notation that some models have removable retaining straps.
 
ColbyBruce said:
The CD123/124/125 had no retention device and were offered for small-medium revolvers and Walther PP size semi autos.

The CD126 had a retaining strap and was made for Colt Commander/BHP/S&W 39 & 59 semi autos.

The CD127/128 was for 4" medium revolvers & Govt. model 1911's. Large frame 5"-6" revolvers. No photo, I can not comment on a retention style, if any.

The CD129 was for 6"+ long barrel S&W, Colt, and Ruger SA revolvers. Photo shows a retaining strap. There is a notation that some models have removable retaining straps.
Click to expand...

Thank you very much! This was what I was hoping for in the way of information. I was looking at this design because it resembles an eye glass case without the firearm. I just had no idea what type of hand gun fit which numbered holster.
Thanks again
 
I had one exactly as you describe for a 2" J frame, my brother has it now. The retention is very good on it, even though it must be 25 years old. I will email him and ask for photos of it.
 
I have not heard back from my brother, but

My Bianchi Cyclone 111 and S&W 625-3.
holsters_0031.JPG


Cyclone 111 spec sheet.
holsters_006.JPG

holsters_005.JPG


Other crossdraw models and spec sheet.
holsters_008.JPG

holsters_007.JPG


Photos taken from a 1982 Bianchi products catalog. There was also a competition crossdraw for 1911's, the Chapman 50, IIRC.
 
WATCHDOG said:
Now I like that combo! For some reason, I'm really fond of that particular style of border stamping, and open toe holsters (especially for semi-autos) are my favorite. And what I really like about it is that it hasn't been boned to death where every little curve of the gun shows up in relief on the outside.

I looked at that guy's website, by the way. He does beautiful work, and I like his business philosophy. He's expensive, but looks like he's worth it. I bookmarked his site. Thanks for pointing him out.
Click to expand...

Thanks. Sorry for the delay in responding.
While he certainly isn't cheap, everything he makes is done by hand specifically for whichever piece and with whatever design points that you want. He uses no machinery other than mallets, punches, and needles. I think my next purchase will be a matching holster and sheath. I'll post pictures when it's done.
 
Look at Mernickle Holsters

Check out Bob Mernickle's line of holsters. He just made me a cross draw (PS10DA) for my 4" N-frame, and it's beautiful. I had him do a full floral carve and add a hammer thong. Lots of options, but great work and a great fit.
 
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