Safariland 101 vs Bianchi X15

M

mtice

Member
Joined
Dec 17, 2007
Messages
129
Reaction score
31
Does anyone have any experience and advise on how the Safariland 101 shoulder holster stacks up against the Bianchi X15 shoulder holster (2 very similar designs). Looking to narrow it down to one of these two for woods carry my 6.5” Model 29 or 6” Model 19. Thanks in advance 👍🏻
 
Register to hide this ad
Many years ago I used both. The Bianchi had a metal spring that eventually wore through the leather and scratched my SBH. Other than that I don’t remember a nickels worth of difference in them.
Tom
 
I've tried the Safariland and a DeSantis as well as a black Nylon one (don't remember the brand) but could not warm up to any of them as they were uncomfortable on my neck and always required a cover garment. Got rid of them all - sorry I am no help here. :o
 
The Bianchi X-15 was more of a universal design, a compromise to carry revolvers or semi-autos. The X-2000 was for semi-autos and the X-2100 was for revolvers. The X-2100 had a cut-out inside to enclose the cylinder for a more secure fit. Later versions had thumb snaps.

The Safariland had a thick elastic band for extra security.

The first photo is the Bianchi X-15 and X-2000. The second photo is the Safariland 101 and Bianchi X-2100.
 

Attachments

  • FAC1CB17-D6BA-4199-A751-1FA1FE5188D7.jpg
    FAC1CB17-D6BA-4199-A751-1FA1FE5188D7.jpg
    39.1 KB · Views: 44
  • F494FADE-097C-425E-B96D-94E05B3BDCB6.jpg
    F494FADE-097C-425E-B96D-94E05B3BDCB6.jpg
    40.8 KB · Views: 48
Last edited:
Inside of the Safariland 101 and the Bianchi X-2100, and a group photo. The fourth from the left is a Triple K.
 

Attachments

  • 01199627-98C8-4380-BD60-E78AD4E69180.jpg
    01199627-98C8-4380-BD60-E78AD4E69180.jpg
    83.5 KB · Views: 37
  • F3805498-7A60-4AE9-A54A-53F98C52ECD2.jpg
    F3805498-7A60-4AE9-A54A-53F98C52ECD2.jpg
    110.4 KB · Views: 35
  • 9235C1FD-3AE2-45FD-9196-4BCAEDD4EF25.jpg
    9235C1FD-3AE2-45FD-9196-4BCAEDD4EF25.jpg
    150.5 KB · Views: 35
chief38 said:
I've tried the Safariland and a DeSantis as well as a black Nylon one (don't remember the brand) but could not warm up to any of them as they were uncomfortable on my neck and always required a cover garment. Got rid of them all - sorry I am no help here. :o
Click to expand...
I found the elastic strap to be uncomfortable around the back of my neck and under my armpit. Personally, I think the Galco "spider" harness is about the most comfortable system for a shoulder holster. 1 inch wide straps for those with narrow shoulders, 2.75 inch straps for those with wide shoulders, 1.5 inch straps for those in between.
 
Carried both K/L frames and Colt 1911s in a Bianchi X15 Medium for years. Never had a problem. Still have it actually, and I occasionally use it during winter months or while camping.

IIRC, acquired around 1982 or thereabouts. So it's a durable design imo.
 
Last edited:
I have various shoulder holsters and my very early SAFARILAND (1970s) 101 for 4" Revolvers is the only one that I have had any problem in that Sight Track has over the years cracked and actually the top 1"+ has disintegrated leaving only the stiches to hold that part of the holster together. According to R.E.D Nichols that material was changed early on. I do not have any problem with the several Safariland sight track holsters that I own.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

lwestatbus
Anyone Use a Bianchi X15 with M69 4.25"
Replies
13
Views
2K
WR Moore
W
Old Corp
Beretta M96 .40 S&W
Replies
7
Views
465
BE Mike
BE Mike
M
Longhorn X15 Style Shoulder Holster
Replies
1
Views
623
mtice
M
M
Longhorn X15 Style Shoulder Holster
Replies
0
Views
587
mtice
M
M
Laced Bianchi X15 Shoulder Holster
Replies
3
Views
638
.357magger
3

Latest posts

Back
Top