Bianchi or Bianchi

[alwslate]

I have both the Cyclone and the 5BH and they are two very different
holsters in my opinion. The 5BH is very high ride with the forward tilt
and was designed for police carry while seated in a vehicle I believe.
The Cyclone is far and away the better and more comfortable holster
for outdoor carry.

 

[rednichols]

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.

As the Cyclone's designer, I can confirm that the 111 is and was always open muzzle. And as the company's quality control manager 1970 to 1990, I can also confirm that the recent examples aren't the equal of those made in USA. That's not a measure of where they're made, but what a series of new owners has forgotten about how a first quality Bianchi holster was made. That was always an intangible that eluded copyists of our work then and now.

 

[Bahamaroot]

Well the Cyclone just showed up at the door and I have to say.....this is one bad *** holster for $60!! Fit my 686 like a custom made. Very well made with a very good leather, I'm impressed!

 

[mikeruns]

As the Cyclone's designer, I can confirm that the 111 is and was always open muzzle. And as the company's quality control manager 1970 to 1990, I can also confirm that the recent examples aren't the equal of those made in USA. That's not a measure of where they're made, but what a series of new owners has forgotten about how a first quality Bianchi holster was made. That was always an intangible that eluded copyists of our work then and now.

I stand corrected...but would've swore that my k frame cyclone was certainly closed.....long gone that was in the 80's, and we have since acquired an N frame USA made version that is open and it puzzled me or my memory in reference to my earlier k frame cyclone. The recent L frame example rec'vd couple weeks ago concerned me only a little because the mold around the trigger guard didn't line up to the revolver but fits snug and pulls clean with some resistance...stitching and leather appears sturdy. The mexico mark bothers me some as I am in some regards a bit of a USA pride in ownership snob type with no apologies .... but the holster is acceptable for my use yet true, it doesn't show the careful attn to details the other bianchis' in our possession to date....cheers

 

[Doug M.]

I would really prefer that the rear sight be covered, for a lot of good reasons, but the flexibility of these holsters is very valuable. Anyone know of a similar holster made with the rear sight (and trigger) covered?

 

[gwpercle]

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.

That's funny, I have always preferred the open muzzle. My thought was it gives the rainwater a place to drain out of, then I got to thinking.....I don't hunt or shoot in the rain, if it's raining I stay inside. I have some Biannchi's with closed muzzle ends and I don't remember them ever collecting anything in there. So...looks like my reasoning doesn't hold water , does it !
I'll take them either way...still a good holster for the $$$.
Last week I received a new model 1L Lawman I had ordered ...alas, it is stamped made in Mexico....at least it's not China ! I will give it a honest trail before saying any discouraging words....it looks nice. Getting my revolver back from my son today and will test fit.
Gary

 

[gwpercle]

I went and checked my 8 Bianchi holsters, every one except two were open muzzle. The two that were closed muzzle were black and came with two revolvers I purchased from the Baton Rouge Police Department....trade in's . When I asked why the guns came with a holster, I was told because they had no use for them, they wouldn't fit the new S&W semi-auto's they were going to. But those are the only two closed muzzle's I have. I wonder if it's the B.R.P.D. connection ? Any thought's ?
Gary