• Update – 12:30 PM EST
    Attachments are now working, and all members can once again upload files.
    We are currently testing URL redirects and other miscellaneous features across the site.
    Thank you for your continued patience and support during this migration.

    Prefer a darker look? You can switch between light and dark modes in your account settings:
    smith-wessonforum.com/account/preferences

Question about L frame holster

M

MJFlores

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 19, 2014
Messages
408
Reaction score
571
Location
New Hampshire
Hi Everyone, I have a gorgeous 581 no dash that needs a holster. None of the manufacturers have a listing for a 581, but when I do a search for L frame holsters I see listings for a 586. Will my L frame 581 fit in a holster made for a 586? I assume so but wanted to check first. I'm looking at a Galco because I have a Galco for my 629 and like it a lot. Any recommendations on a belt holster for a beautiful 581 would be appreciated.

Here's a very quick cell phone video of my 581, trying some of my hand loads for the first time. I really like this fixed site revolver!

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ozq0CZNJQ5Y[/ame]
 
A 586/686 holster, even a molded one, should fit your 581 fine. ;)
 
BAM-BAM said:
I use the same holsters for my 4" 686 and 681..... for general utility use I like the Bianchi Cyclone 111.....cross-draw.
Click to expand...
+1
I like the 111 and as for a somewhat similar model by the big-name makers, the galco phoenix is a close follower.
ETA and just FYI:
As you may know, there are some forum members/sponsors here that aint too shabby on making their version of a similar holster.
 
Last edited:
Just a note: Any holster that is built for the Colt Python will fit the L-frame. I am working on a magazine article about this and a couple of months ago I snapped photos to demonstrate it.
 
Are the new lined Bianchi holsters as good a quality as they used to be? For those who like the Cyclone holster, is yours fairly new or is it an older model?
 
I like to pair up my vintage guns with the appropriate vintage leather. Ebay is a good place to look for bargains on holsters, in particular one seller Ginnyscolts seems to have an endless supply of cool old leather. I found a nice basket weave S&W brand holster to fit my model 581-2 perfectly at half the cost of a new holster.
 
I use a Milt Sparks for my 586L comp.

20151012_105616_zps5emx0irz.jpg
 
MJFlores said:
Are the new lined Bianchi holsters as good a quality as they used to be? For those who like the Cyclone holster, is yours fairly new or is it an older model?
Click to expand...

Mine are older...... 80s.......IIRC the new ones are made in Mexico.... and in my opinion are..... nice ....but not as nice as the ones from 30 years ago..... but what is!!!!!!....unless you go the custom route....... like a Milt Sparks.
 
Dave Workman said:
Just a note: Any holster that is built for the Colt Python will fit the L-frame. I am working on a magazine article about this and a couple of months ago I snapped photos to demonstrate it.
Click to expand...

Dave: The S&W L-frame is very similar in profile and overall dimensions to the Colt Python, as well as the Ruger GP100, however they are not identical. A number of differences will be found upon close examination and measuring.

Many manufactured holsters made for these revolvers will accept them all interchangeably. Hand-made holsters that are closely formed for one model may not provide the same result. In any event, those small differences can manifest themselves in differing performance and greater tendencies to cause holster wear to the revolver finish.

The most common problem that seems to rear its head is the differences in hammers, particularly with holsters featuring thumb-break retention. A thumb-break made to fit the L-frame hammer will not work at all with the Colt Python's long target hammer. A thumb-break holster made for the Colt Python's hammer, when used with the L-frame (or GP100) will allow considerable movement of the revolver within the holster, and the thumb-break may not be entirely reliable in function.

When the L-frame revolvers were first introduced (about 1980 as I recall) there simply were no holsters made specifically for it, and the new owners found that holsters made for the Colt Python provided a ready option.

For those pursuing the best possible fit and function a holster formed specifically for the intended revolver is the best choice. For those willing to accept something less than perfect a holster made for any one of these may provide some level of utility with all the others.
 
BAM-BAM said:
Mine are older...... 80s.......IIRC the new ones are made in Mexico.... and in my opinion are..... nice ....but not as nice as the ones from 30 years ago..... but what is!!!!!!....unless you go the custom route....... like a Milt Sparks.
Click to expand...

I agree with the above ^^^. I have a modern, made in Mexico Bianchi thumbreak that fit and quality seems fine. I use it as a field holster for my 686 and my 681. However, the color is not near as nice as the vintage Bianchi holsters that I also own. For something nicer looking and still not that expensive, I'd look at LoboLeather and El Paso Saddlery.

And, you are really going to love your 581. My 681 is my favorite shooter revolver.
 
Last edited:
LoboGunLeather said:
When the L-frame revolvers were first introduced (about 1980 as I recall) there simply were no holsters made specifically for it, and the new owners found that holsters made for the Colt Python provided a ready option.
Click to expand...

Ray is absolutely correct. I purchased a new 4" 686 when they first came out, and ordered a Model #111 Cyclone holster for it directly from the Bianchi catalog. I still have both, and the holster is marked "Patent Pending" and "Colt & DW .357" on the back. The DW is for Dan Wesson, of course, the Model 15 had a full lug barrel like the Python and the L Frames.
 
To anyone with a newer Bianchi Cyclone 111 holster, I read some reviews and a few were talking about the thumb snap scratching some revolvers? Is this an isolated reviewers or a design issue with this holster? Hopefully just a particular model?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Back
Top