Bianchi Holster M19 Snub

[DocB]

EBAY paid off again. Nice leather holsters for snubs are about the hardest thing in the world to find (for me). Bianchi holsters are always my favorite. The older the better. Searching EBAY for a Bianchi holster is near impossible since it seems like there are thousands of listings. I just stumbled upon this one for fifty bucks and was glad to pay it. It appears to be from the 1960's judging by the early markings on the back. Actually made to fit a M19 with a 2 and 1/2 inch barrel. The fit is tight and perfect. I'm not likely to carry this gun due to the high grade, but it is always good to have a holster just in case.

 

[crazyphil]

Nice find, nice holster, and nice gun.

 

[crazyphil]

DocB several years ago I read a little article that said, among other things,
that around 1976 the FBI issued duty revolver was S&W Model 10-6
with round butt and 2.5" barrel. Hip holsters with thumb snap and belts
to carry the holsters were provided by John Bianchi. I asked John about
the holster. Here was his reply: "5B High Ride, thumb snap style -
has been in continuous production for 40 yrs, currently in Bianchi Int.
'08 catalog! Best Wishes John B."
I had the revolver, so I found and bought the holster. You have the same
holster. I love the historical aspect of these treasures.

 

[fat tom]

it is always good to have a holster just in case.

Or two,or three.
f.t.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Been using that Bianchi style holster since my first 4" Model 10 in 1980!!!

Have more than a couple in the "Big Box-O-Holsters"!!!!!!!!


New one's are OK......the old ones are great and after 30 years most are still GTG..................

 

[tops]

Thirty some years ago I bought a 2 1/2 in. M19 and a Bianchi holster like yours. Later I bought a 4 in. M19 so I cut the welt out of the bottom and the holster works for both pistols. A couple of years ago I had to have the belt loop restitched but the original snap still works. The holster was money well spent. Larry

 

[DocB]

This one is marked BIANCHI Monrovia Calif S&W K #5B. The leather used on these old ones is so pretty. The new Mexico ones are still good, but I don't know if the leather will ever age to make them look really good.

 

[woodsltc]

Nice find on the Bianchi 5B for your snub.

I'm a Bianchi leather holster fan also....particularly the Cyclone 111 Crossdraw model.

I never really felt I needed to buy "new"... and several years ago I began watching eBay for well maintained "used" Cyclone 111's and eventually got one for all my J,K,L & N frame S&W's in various barrel lengths (several holsters in other words).

I've always found them to be well made for the price....most of mine are US made, but I do have a couple that are more recent that were made in Mexico....and the quality was still good.

Don

 

[DocB]

If I'm not mistaken the Cyclone holster is the one with the open front and the heavy spring embedded in the leather to hold the gun in. A strap with two snaps goes across the top. This is the Bianchi holster I bought in 1973 for the Walther WWII P38 I had just picked up. It was likely not made for the gun but held it good. I still have the holster and it has got to be one of the first they made in the style. This was back in the day when you could go into your LGS and buy a good holster. . .can't do that anymore.

 

[BAM-BAM]

If I'm not mistaken the Cyclone holster is the one with the open front and the heavy spring embedded in the leather to hold the gun in. A strap with two snaps goes across the top. This is the Bianchi holster I bought in 1973 for the Walther WWII P38 I had just picked up. It was likely not made for the gun but held it good. I still have the holster and it has got to be one of the first they made in the style. This was back in the day when you could go into your LGS and buy a good holster. . .can't do that anymore.

The 111 Cyclone is a thumb break cross draw...... that has extra slots to carry highride strong side.....................

The X-15 shoulder holster is like you described..... there was a similar belt holster forget the # I've got a couple of small ones!

 

[Mblhopo]

I like the well worn, been there done that look as well. We never have enough holsters and grips....!!Let's see now where did I stash that set uh coke grips and my old Heiser.!!............................M*

 

[bsg]

very nice, and your example well exemplifies the OldSchool Bianchi gunleather that deservedly continues to stand out from the crowd.
my tan basketweave #5B for the "Chief Sp" is a monrovia offering that could not have been improved upon. it's fitting to a S&W Model 36 is simply marvelous and it's appearance has been enhanced in a manner that only time can provide.