I have come to love the vintage Safariland Model 29 thumbsnap holsters with full coverage and elk suede lining for my S&W revolvers. I have one for my Model 19 and 24 4” guns.
The Bianchi Cyclone that is lined just doesn’t seem to be the same and lining is like sand paper. El Paso’s Thumbsnap holsters are cut out and don’t provide the full coverage over the trigger guard and cylinder.
Do you know of any other makers that are making really nice leather thumbsnap holsters like the Model 29’s?


Thanks
Jeff

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Tough to beat the design and quality of the vintage Safariland leather holsters. Model dependent Bianchi was right up there with Safariland.

No need to find a substitute. They come up frequently on ebay and other sites, often NOS in the package. Sometimes they are quite reasonable.

Fully agree. That’s where I found the two I have for my 19 and 24. But was looking for one for Model 60 3”.

I’m sure others may disagree, but in my opinion, the lined, basketweave Safariland 29s were the Cadillacs of production grade leather in their day. I don’t know of anything you can buy now that is better value and quality, or even as good. Not even close.

I agree. The BW Safariland is my favorite, followed by the older Bianchi Cyclone cross draw. Wish they made them in basketweave.

Per a recommendation from the Colt Forum: I have ordered an El Paso No. 2 Thumbsnap as an option for another gun. Let’s see how it goes.

That is a nice looking holster and you can get it made for a pants belt instead of a duty belt. Let us know how it compares and if there is any sight track.

I used those Safariland high-rides for several years as a duty holster. They took a lot of abuse and a few minutes' worth of shining and they'd look good as new. I haven't seen anything with a similar design, not surprising since the Sight Track was probably patented. Anyway, they were a comfortable carry and I for one swore by them.

No question about the quality, and I wanted to like them. But just couldn't warm up to them
Thr ride and angle were just different enough from Bianchi and Don Hume , they just didn't feel "right" to me .