Is it Scorpio or Scorpion? (Bianchi 13)

sceva · Oct 24, 2023

I have seen the Bianchi 13 series (13A, C, etc) called and marked both Scorpio and Scorpion. I assume Bianchi started out calling it one name which changed over time? I came across one that I couldn't turn down at 30.00 shipped. The Holster says 13A Scorpion for a .45 auto, the mag pouch is 13C Scorpion for .45 auto or Mod 39, and the Harness says 13A Scorpio. I seldom use a shoulder rig and wasn't looking for one but I figured at $30.00 I won't lose anything and there are times ( long car trip out of state - especially in cold weather) that it is an option. Even then once I get where I'm going I'll likely change over to my Lobo pancake.

It has some scuffs and a snap has lost it's cap but the price was right.

BAM-BAM · Oct 24, 2023

Serpico is for a Browning HP!

rednichols · Oct 24, 2023

Shoulder holster carry is unsuited to the big pistols no matter how good the harness (which the No. 13 harness is, if I do say so myself; made in several sizes unlike the multifit harnesses of such as the X-15). So by all means use a pancake instead!

The word changed from Scorpion to Scorpio when the trademark holder of the former complained to JB. Fair enough but all JB had to do was have the 'n' removed from the stamping plate and the set became 'Scorpio' which fit the holster even better.

So you're looking at two closely linked producton eras, when you simultanesously hold a component marked 'Scorpion' and 'Scorpio' by Bianchi, We were equally alert to trademark infringements by other holster makers, of course we changed ours (his).

sceva · Oct 25, 2023

rednichols said:
Shoulder holster carry is unsuited to the big pistols no matter how good the harness (which the No. 13 harness is, if I do say so myself; made in several sizes unlike the multifit harnesses of such as the X-15). So by all means use a pancake instead!

The word changed from Scorpion to Scorpio when the trademark holder of the former complained to JB. Fair enough but all JB had to do was have the 'n' removed from the stamping plate and the set became 'Scorpio' which fit the holster even better.

So you're looking at two closely linked producton eras, when you simultanesously hold a component marked 'Scorpion' and 'Scorpio' by Bianchi, We were equally alert to trademark infringements by other holster makers, of course we changed ours (his).

I agree about large pistols and shoulder rigs. I tried an X2100 with a 6" n-Frame; not a good combination. My 2 3/4" Ruger Speed Six works pretty well in a shoulder rig but I use an IWB a lot more. When I previously had a .45 Auto I used either a 19L, and IWB or a Famous Jackass rig. The horizontal Jackass rig wasn't terrible but it still was not my go to holster. We'll see how this Scorpio is but it will get cleaned up, tried and likely used on a limited basis.

stansdds · Oct 25, 2023

I have tried OWB, IWB, vertical shoulder, and horizontal shoulder holsters. I have found that OWB works great, but not always easy to conceal. IWB falls second in carry options. Shoulder holsters work best if you spend the majority of your time in a seated position, but otherwise are not as versatile, at least for me, as IWB carry.

dmar · Oct 25, 2023

That’s a really nice holster, and you got a great deal…

I carry a Glock 19 in a branchi horizontal shoulder holster. It really works well when I’m riding my motorcycle and also for long trips in the car. Super comfortable way to carry. The holster also fits my G17, so there’s some versatility on what I can carry with it.

357larry · Oct 25, 2023

I Have shoulder holsters for most of my guns. I prefer them over belt carry any day. The Bianchi 13 Harness is my favorite. The cross piece in the back takes most of the "swing" out of your components. Unfortunately I have gone from needing a large size to an extra large. Don't come across those very often.

My shoulder holsters now are all Galco or preferrably, old Jackass rigs. I keep my eyes open for Bianchi Model 13 harnesses though.

sceva · Oct 26, 2023

I think my 1911 holster needs are almost covered. I have the Lobo pancake as a main holster; it will be used most of the time. The Shoulder rig "(probably, I'll see how it fits and feels when I get it)" for the rare occasions it is a better choice. and I will probably keep an eye out for an older Bianchi 111 Cyclone (cross draw only). I had a Cyclone many years ago for an N-Frame 6" and it was a surprisingly usable holster. If I recall they also worked well in a car.

stansdds · Oct 26, 2023

sceva said:
I think my 1911 holster needs are almost covered. I have the Lobo pancake as a main holster; it will be used most of the time. The Shoulder rig "(probably, I'll see how it fits and feels when I get it)" for the rare occasions it is a better choice. and I will probably keep an eye out for an older Bianchi 111 Cyclone (cross draw only). I had a Cyclone many years ago for an N-Frame 6" and it was a surprisingly usable holster. If I recall they also worked well in a car.

Cross draw, unless the barrel is really long, can work very well from a seated position.

sceva · Oct 28, 2023

The Scorpio / Scorpion rig arrived today. Much better shape and condition than the bad photos showed. A minor cleaning this evening and a blackrock treatment and it is good to go. It required very little adjustment for me.
I see what Red Nichols meant about the harness, It's very well designed, nice and comfortable and carries the weight well. About the only real flaw other than some honest wear is a missing button cover. The snap is still tight though. I only have two minor issues with it. As the holster is made to be minimal and work for most 1911's from Commander ( or officers?) to Full size the muzzle end sticks out the back. Time will tell if i get any interference in drawing from the front (fiber optic) sight on my Springfield 1911. I believe a ramp or rounded front sight would be a little better in this type of holster. As for the magazine carrier; the magazines are inserted and removed from the top. In a rig like this it seems that inserting / removing from the bottom would be better but perhaps there would be issues with them falling out with no retaining straps. All in all it's pretty nice and every bit as good as the Jackass rig I had years ago. It sure won't replace my Lobo Pancake but I'll try it for a while for the rare times when a strong side belt holster isn't practical. If I find it doesn't work like I think it will I'll trade it off for a crossdraw (Bianchi 111) to try although I have a feeling that my growing belly would cause issues with using a cross draw. (hence the shoulder rig)

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Is it Scorpio or Scorpion? (Bianchi 13)

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