Split front cross-draw holster doesn't work

Naphtali · Oct 29, 2016

All of my "carry" holsters are [first choice] Bianchi CD series split front spring cross-draw holsters from the 1970s-1990s, or [second choice] split front spring cross-draw holsters having tension screws.

I have a problem whose cause I cannot identify or solve.

I bought a NEW-OLD-STOCK CD-124 holster for my Ruger SP101 3-inch. The holster was designed for 3-inch barreled revolvers. Off my belt the holster captures the SP-101 perfectly. I cannot shake or easily force revolver from remaining perfectly secure.

When I put holster on my belt, the revolver appears to enter holster correctly and be perfectly secure. After a few minutes of normal movement, revolver "pops up" about .500-.625 inch. While still being held by the CD-124's spring clip, it is no longer secure - that is, it is useless as a holster.

I have compared it with other Bianchi CD series split front spring cross-draw holsters with which I do not have this problem - CD-123 with S&W 640, CD-125 with SP-101 3-inch, CD-127 with SP-101 4.2-nch. The problem does not exist for these revolver-holster combinations. I can detect no difference with the way the other holsters secure their revolver. I have measured where cylinders secure within holsters, but I detect no difference among them.

I am missing something. I have no idea what the "something" is. The CD-124 appears beautifully fitted the the revolver.

I need all the help I can obtain.

jimmyj · Oct 29, 2016

Possible that the holster was not made for your Ruger SP-101 Revolver ?

rednichols · Oct 29, 2016

jimmyj said:
Possible that the holster was not made for your Ruger SP-101 Revolver ?

Indeed the 124 was created well before the SP101 was introduced. The 124 is for the small frames wiith tapered barrels of the era and was shaped primarily around the Walther PP. For this reason the holster is quite slim compared with all of the CD series except the 123, which is simply the shorter version to suit 2" j frames and dick specials.

And the belt passes under the spring, to pull the grip in, as did the Lewis. Yet the Bianchi spring is quite wide by comparison. So I would expect that the muzzle of the holster will cope with the SP's bulky muzzle when it's off the belt, but when worn, the too-small holster is overwhelmed by all the forces exerted on the pocket. And it becomes a "toaster": the pistol is squeezed up.

I reckon only the 125 would do the trick. It's sized around the K and Python frames, which are bigger than the SP, but worth a look when on a belt: a wider holster body.

The CD series is the X15 with the harness ears xhopped off and in more sizes. It was one of the very first projects we embarked on in the shiny new Temecula factory. Mit air conditioning!

Naphtali · Oct 30, 2016

Your explanation of the force on the belted holster appears to be spot on target. I bought the holster, as I bought all of my spring clippers, not knowing what revolvers would function with what holster. I lucked out with my first three - CD-123, CD-125, and CD-127 - fitting my 640, SP101 3-inch, and SP101 4.2-inch respectively. My hope was that the smaller CD-124 would render the smaller SP101 significantly less noticeable. Such has not been the case, but I'll survive the disappointment.

You made excellent holsters in Temecula. Thanks for doing so.

Split front cross-draw holster doesn't work

Naphtali

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jimmyj

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rednichols

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Naphtali

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