Bianchi #5BH Thumb break.

[jhnttrpp]

I ran across this Bianchi #5BH holster today. It's marked S&W 44. I just thought I would share it. I am curious as to which gun this might have been designed for. I am hoping to buy a new Model 69 but in the 2.75 barrel length. This holster is no where near right for that and I'm sure not going to butcher it up for that. It was given to me for that possibility. I still like it though.

 

[Alk8944]

It is for an N-Frame, specifically Model 29/629, but is fine for any N-Frame.

 

[sodacan]

I have owned several of them over the years. They are great holsters, especially the earlier ones. I believe new production is made in Mexico, so I now look at American made sources. There are a lot of really good ones out there.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Great holster ........ looks like N-frame with 8" barrel

Those older ones are better than the newer ones made in Mexico..... IMHO

 

[loeman]

I have owned several of them over the years. They are great holsters, especially the earlier ones. I believe new production is made in Mexico, so I now look at American made sources. There are a lot of really good ones out there.

These are my exact sentiments too. I have a bunch of older Bianchi holsters that I really love. Some I bought new back in the day and some rescued from the used leather rack at the LGS. I even buy them when I don't even have a gun to put in them.

 

[jhnttrpp]

Well this is awful. This holster was given to me and I don't have a gun to go with it. So, maybe It's time to go shopping.

 

[Iggy]

Well Duh!!

LOL, You need to be shopping for the appropriate gun.

Git to it!!

 

[jhnttrpp]

I did a little more measuring and the longest possible barrel would be a 6 incher. I would think that maybe the Model 69 in a 4.25 inch barrel would be an ok fit. Since it has a thumb break I don't think it will fall out.

 

[Shark Bait]

I did a little more measuring and the longest possible barrel would be a 6 incher. I would think that maybe the Model 69 in a 4.25 inch barrel would be an ok fit. Since it has a thumb break I don't think it will fall out.

It's going to be loose in that holster. You want a K/L frame holster.

 

[scattershot]

Don't you know that an empty holster is a CRIME? Go shopping immediately and don't waste that holster.

 

[30-30remchester]

I have a number of this model for different model revolvers. These are a great design. They are especially good woods carry leather. They have a closed toe almost mandatory for hard outdoor use. It protects fragile adjustable rear sight and covers most of the firearm yet has almost instant access for a fast retrieval when needed. The only thing that this design is lacking for the perfect outdoor rig is a complete flap. Great holsters.

 

[jmclfrsh]

Those are great holsters. That Bianchi is an earlier model, and I wonder if that one might be for a Model 29 Classic, with the fully-lugged barrel?

The new ones, made in Mexico, are poor reproductions of that one. The one you have uses the original yellow thread, which will not scratch up your gun.

The newer ones utilize brown nylon thread, and it is so sharp in places - especially where the stitching that holds the belt clip on protrudes into the holster itself - that there is no way I'd stick a valuable N-Frame Smith anything in one of those.

Go find a gun that fits it, like the proverbial glass slipper!

 

[rednichols]

Your 5BH is from the end of Bianchi's USA production, late '80s/early '90s. Covered with quality indicators for this, including the imprint, the welt stitching and the Bianchi markings on the snap button.

In my day we indeed used the Smith M29 in 8-3/8" for the 'large frame' marked holsters, because of the bull barrel vs an M27. I recall we began the switch to the Redhawk in the late '80s -- and that extra 'lump' in the moulding on the backside, at the main fold near the tip of the belt loop, could be the hunting Redhawk:



I am speculating now, realising that the barrel lengths are different between Ruger and Smith; not that we were above creating a hybrid mould so the same holster would fit both.

 

[jhnttrpp]

Your 5BH is from the end of Bianchi's USA production, late '80s/early '90s. Covered with quality indicators for this, including the imprint, the welt stitching and the Bianchi markings on the snap button.

In my day we indeed used the Smith M29 in 8-3/8" for the 'large frame' marked holsters, because of the bull barrel vs an M27. I recall we began the switch to the Redhawk in the late '80s -- and that extra 'lump' in the moulding on the backside, at the main fold near the tip of the belt loop, could be the hunting Redhawk:

View attachment 309542

I am speculating now, realising that the barrel lengths are different between Ruger and Smith; not that we were above creating a hybrid mould so the same holster would fit both.

Thanks Red,
I can tell by the shape that this was not a full lug gun and the barrel cannot be more than 6 inches. The lug could be at best 2.75 inches. There is a bump or lump in the area you mentioned. It is a nice holster and has lots of use. I'll just have to carry it around looking for a gun to fit.

 

[-db-]

...not that we were above creating a hybrid mould so the same holster would fit both.

Red, this reminds me of something I recently commented on. See my mini rant here: Sold: RH Bianchi 5BH Holster for 686 Mountain Gun

Why was this done? A decision J. Bianchi made? I know you know better...

 

[jhnttrpp]

Red, this reminds me of something I recently commented on. See my mini rant here: Sold: RH Bianchi 5BH Holster for 686 Mountain Gun

Why was this done? A decision J. Bianchi made? I know you know better...

I looked at your link and this holster is marked for a 44 mag. It is definitely for a six inch barrel with not quite a half length lug. Whatever was carried in it was tight. The cylinder really dug into the inside of the holster.
Thanks for the help.