A holster I'll never use

[S&W Fan]

In Sept. of 1981 my dad bought a new 686 4". A week later he went back to the same shop and bought a Bianchi Cyclone cross draw holster that he carried that gun in almost 7 days a week or kept it in it while in his vehicle either on his belt or close at hand. He loved the cross draw as it was great for him when on horseback in the deserts in the Tucson area.

I inherited the revolver and holster when he passed in January 1992. He would've been 102 this past January (born and died in the same month a week prior to his birthday). I used this gun to teach my then young sons how to shoot. It will eventually go to my older son as he has three children. Still gets shot regularly, outstanding revolver.

Dad was a lefty, the rest of us are right handed so I put the holster away with a note that it goes with dad's Smith. I take it out now and then just to remember some fun times at the range before I moved away in 1984.

The gun has been shown before but here it is again with all it's accessories, I have the receipt too.


A fresh pic in the holster, it definitely has some stories to tell if only it could talk haha.

 

[Bald1]

Great gun and holster. Great story. I have a model 10-5 4” that my dad carried daily. I was infatuated with that gun growing up. It’s the reason I’m a S&W guy. If I can ask what price is on the receipt from back then?

 

[S&W Fan]

If I can ask what price is on the receipt from back then?

Including tax, a cleaning kit and a box of ammo he paid $281 and change LOL.

 

[BAM-BAM]

The Bianchi 111 Cyclone crossdraw is my favorite field holster........must have 5 or 6.......J,K,L 2,4,6inch

 

[chief38]

I inherited a big box of holsters from my Dad when he passed, some of which I did sell. The half dozen or so he used on a regular basis I will not sell - even though I will never use them except maybe at the Range.

The holsters I kept are old, antiquated and although state of the art back in their day, are not even what I'd call safe these days. IMHO holster design has advanced more than the guns they held over the last 60 years.

 

[Grayfox]

I have a couple of Bianchi 111 Cyclone holsters that fit several of my revolvers. I think its one of the best field holsters ever made.

 

[Bald1]

Including tax, a cleaning kit and a box of ammo he paid $281 and change LOL.

That was a hefty sum in 1981. Almost a weeks take home for a lot of people making $10 hr.

 

[S&W Fan]

He had 4” 66 I thought he traded in on the 686 but that just must’ve been the story he told my mom lol. Never did find out who he sold it to but there’s no mention of it on the receipt.

 

[Inland7-45]

Thank You for sharing your story. On Christmas Eve 1968 I went with my father to our local gun store to pick up a new S&W Model 36 , blue square butt with a 2” barrel. Along with the gun he bought a Hunter holster. The type that has the lower snap that allows you to remove the holster from the belt without undoing the belt.

I still have this gun as my father gave it to me in 1986 , right before he passed away. Unfortunately The box and receipt were lost a long time ago. I think the list price was $76.50. Last year I sent it back to the factory for some minor work and after a long wait I got it back with problems fixed and the best DA pull that I have found on a J frame. I still also have the Hunter holster but never use it. I replaced it with a Bianchi that fits third gun nicely. Given the amount of use this gun has seen over the last 54 years it still looks good.

Like your L Frame this one will stay in the family.