Bianchi or Bianchi

[Bahamaroot]

I'm wanting an affordable holster to carry my 686 6" when walking the farm. Have been looking at the Bianchi 111 Cyclone and the Bianchi 5Bh.
I like the that the Cyclone covers more of the gun and has an open muzzle but I like the sight guard on the 5BH.
Have also considered the Galco Outdoorsman but it's $20 more. Is worth it?

Opinions or other suggestions?

 

[ColbyBruce]

I own both models

I have a Cyclone for 4" N frames, used to have one for K frames.

I have several 5BH & 5BHL models for N, K, and J frames.

I like them equally, but will say the Cyclone, worn cross-draw, is easier to access when I am on my four-wheeler. I believe the 5BH/5BHL holsters are less expensive.

 

[Texas Star]

Galco used to make a holster very like the Bianchi M-19 (sort of the M-5 for autos) and I love mine, bought used, but nearly new.

But I certainly don't think it's better than vintage M-5's from Bianchi. I own several, most with basketweave work and lining, so M-5BHL, I think.

Safariland also used to make a Model 29 that's similar and excellent. El Paso Saddlery's Model 2 is VERY similar. Look for good used ones at shows.

I think I may get a Model 111 largely to carry a revolver crossdraw when armed with a rifle.

But I'm baffled at some of the OP's comments. The Model 111 does not have an open bottom, from what I see in pics. And its thumbsnap closure is about the same as that of the Model 5. THe main advantage is a covered trigger guard, more protective to the gun.

 

[WPWarhawk]

My two favorite holsters, with the nod going to the cyclone.

 

[brucev]

Have by experience concluded that the Bianchi 111 cyclone is just about ideal for carrying a revolver while out and about in the woods, especially when riding in a car or on a four wheeler. Have not found the lack of a sight guard to be an issue.

Another suggestion is to look for a Bianchi 10L. This is not current production, but if you can find one it will give you very good service. A Tom Threepersons holster as produced by El-Paso is an extremely excellent holster. I have one that fits my six inch 28-2. It will also work with my five inch 625-2. It is a tremendous holster. A final suggestion is to look for one of the Challenger series holsters put out by Lawrence. It is a traditional strong side holster w/ a snap closure. The rear sight is protected and the muzzle is open. HTH. Sincerely. bruce.

 

[Bahamaroot]

But I'm baffled at some of the OP's comments. The Model 111 does not have an open bottom, from what I see in pics. And its thumbsnap closure is about the same as that of the Model 5. THe main advantage is a covered trigger guard, more protective to the gun.

Says it's open here....
Model 111 Cyclone

And thanks everyone, you've been a big help as usual!

 

[ColbyBruce]

My N frame Cyclone holster is open. My K frame Cyclone was closed; however, I recently saw it and upon examination (wearing magnifiers) it appears to have been shortened and re-stitched as the thread does not match. There was a thread about this design a few months ago and I stated my holster in the photo above was closed, but it is open.

 

[BAM-BAM]

My two favorite holsters, with the nod going to the cyclone.

Been using both since the 80s...... for 6inch barrels ..... the Cyclone.....

For on "the farm"..... using a tractor ATV or SXS...... the Cyclone

for sitting ....... the Cyclone

for "discreet" but not true concealed carry of a 4" or less k or L frame the Model 5bh.......

 

[PMRet]

I like the 111 Cyclone because it can be worn both strong side and cross draw. By the way, every one I've ever owned or seen has been open muzzle...

 

[BigMoneyGrip]

Have you looked at the Galco Dual Position Phoenix? I really like mine.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

I like the 111 Cyclone because it can be worn both strong side and cross draw. By the way, every one I've ever owned or seen has been open muzzle...

Some people look at photos and see the stitching at the muzzle end, which can cause some confusion. The stitching secures the holster lining, it does not close the holster bottom.

 

[woodsltc]

Like was said above I like/use the cyclone for the cross-draw option...which is how I carry most of the time when hunting, hiking or just knocking about outside.

Don

 

[LimaCharlie]

I own left-hand and right-hand Bianchi model 5 Black Widow holsters in two sizes. I can carry all of my Colt, Ruger, and S&W revolvers in L/K frame size and all of my N frame size with barrels from 2 1/2" to 8 3/8" in the two sizes.

 

[BAM-BAM]

I own left-hand and right-hand Bianchi model 5 Black Widow holsters in two sizes. I can carry all of my Colt, Ruger, and S&W revolvers in L/K frame size and all of my N frame size with barrels from 2 1/2" to 8 3/8" in the two sizes.

Great holster..... I've got a couple for "utility use" at the cabin for just the reasons you stated revolver or 3rd Gen auto....... but I'd like more barrel protection for daily open carry on a farm.....or at the cabin.

 

[gwpercle]

I have noticed that all my favorite holster are Bianchi , I have them for a 1911 AMT Hardballer , S&W J, K, N framed revolvers, Ruger Blackhawk and Ruger MKI and Ruger MKII. I have tried others , all the rest are not used, given away or thrown in the trash. I do not have any experience with Galco.
The Bianci's are keepers, well made and well designed.
I believe them to be a good value for the money. Some of these holsters are 40 years old and they do last
Gary

 

[Bahamaroot]

Since I will be using this gun and holster mostly for beating around the farm I took the leap and ordered the Cyclone. I think the cross draw feature will come in handy, as mentioned many times above, because I will be on a 4-wheeler or maybe tractor at times.

Thanks again for all the replies and opinions!

 

[ISCS Yoda]

If you're trying to save money that's not bad. I paid a little more for my holster for a 646 4" gun, but not a lot more:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/member...ellany-picture13704-dave-workman-686-gun.html

Dave Workman is on this Forum.

 

[mikeruns]

The 11 cyclone is open an open muzzle now, but years ago I believe they were all closed like the 5bl. I prefer closed muzzle, but my most recent one for an L frame is open muzzle. Made in mexico but a very nice holster still.

 

[Ronin2]

I have a 15 year old Cyclone for an "N" frame and one purchased new two months ago for "K" frame and both are open muzzle. I also own a 5B holster for an N frame. I prefer the Cyclone for outdoors open carry use.

 

[S&W Fan]

Have you looked at the Galco Dual Position Phoenix? I really like mine.

This +. The current production Bianchi holsters are not nearly as nice as the older models made here in the USA. I bought one for my 4" 629, very disappointed, sold it and got the Galco. Yeah it was more expensive but the quality is head and shoulders over the Bianchi.

I still have the Cyclone my dad bought for his 686 in 1981 that he wore almost daily. He was lefty, I'm a righty otherwise I'd use that one for that same 686 that I now have. The quality of that holster is again far superior to the current holsters.