Bianchi X-2000 Introduction Year

[mtice]

I am hoping someone, possibly Red Nichols, could tell me when the Bianchi X-2000 was introduced? Was this one of Red’s designs? From what I have read this may be one of the best shoulder holsters for the 1911 Govt Model that Bianchi produced. Thoughts? Thanks everyone in advance for the input and insight.

 

[Thin Man]

Definitely my favorite vertical shoulder holsters. I use the 2000 for my Browning Hi Power and 1911, and a 2100 for 4-inch K and L frame revolvers.
Both of mine are obviously in the "vintage" category but still are used regularly.
I too would be interested in knowing when they were first introduced!

 

[rednichols]

I can tell you. I'm loathe to admit I designed the X2000/X2100 including its unique spring (too much muzzle drag in the X15 because of its spring) because every on I've ever sighted on eBay has the holster contorted from the spring turning around inside it.

So: 1977 including a feature article by Skeeter of a double set I assembled for him in that year.

 

[mtice]

Thank you Red. I fortunately have one that was bareky used if at all. It does not have the twisting of the leather opening sides that occurs with use as you described. Mine is marked BIANCHI #X-2000 .45 AUTO. However, I see some marked the same way but with the word “Phantom” included. Can you tell me difference in the X-200 “Phantom” shoulder holsters and the plain X-2000?

 

[rednichols]

Thank you Red. I fortunately have one that was bareky used if at all. It does not have the twisting of the leather opening sides that occurs with use as you described. Mine is marked BIANCHI #X-2000 .45 AUTO. However, I see some marked the same way but with the word “Phantom” included. Can you tell me difference in the X-200 “Phantom” shoulder holsters and the plain X-2000?

They were always called the Phantom. My expectation -- let's not call it a 'guess' -- is that when we switched to embossing the holster face with stitchlines and so included the Bianchi star, we also added the name at no cost to us (all done by creating a printing plate called a photoengraving, that is then pressed onto the leather instead of printing ink on paper).

Then there is the 'final' version of the X2000 that has an integrated 'thumbsnap' located naturally where the thumb falls when grasping the pistol. I've no images of it.

 

[ColbyBruce]

I believe these are all Bianchi holsters; however, I own a Triple K that is nearly an exact copy.

 

[Ballenxj]

I have had this holster kicking around in my junk drawer for quite a while. I'm thinking it might work well for my M&P9?

 

[Rick Sanborn]

They were always called the Phantom. My expectation -- let's not call it a 'guess' -- is that when we switched to embossing the holster face with stitchlines and so included the Bianchi star, we also added the name at no cost to us (all done by creating a printing plate called a photoengraving, that is then pressed onto the leather instead of printing ink on paper).

Then there is the 'final' version of the X2000 that has an integrated 'thumbsnap' located naturally where the thumb falls when grasping the pistol. I've no images of it.

I recall back in around 1980 +/- when I lived in Sitka, AK. I had my 8 3/8” nickel M57 in a Bianchi shoulder holster while fishing. It fell out mainly because of my own stupidity. I wrote Bianchi saying I thought the holster could use a removable thumb strap to prevent that from happening. I drew up my ideas and sent them to Bianchi in California. To my surprise a couple months later, a box shows up from Bianchi. It had a shoulder holster for an 8” revolver with a thumb strap added. There was also a letter thanking me for not being an *** and giving them a constructive idea. I’ve always appreciated that, even 40+ years later. I’m pretty sure I saw that same holster as regular production item in the next catalog.

 

[rednichols]

I recall back in around 1980 +/- when I lived in Sitka, AK. I had my 8 3/8” nickel M57 in a Bianchi shoulder holster while fishing. It fell out mainly because of my own stupidity. I wrote Bianchi saying I thought the holster could use a removable thumb strap to prevent that from happening. I drew up my ideas and sent them to Bianchi in California. To my surprise a couple months later, a box shows up from Bianchi. It had a shoulder holster for an 8” revolver with a thumb strap added. There was also a letter thanking me for not being an *** and giving them a constructive idea. I’ve always appreciated that, even 40+ years later. I’m pretty sure I saw that same holster as regular production item in the next catalog.

A 'like' from the man who added that strap to the X2100, which I also created, along with a pic from its first appearance in Bianchi's 1984 catalogue (so created 1983). I have an as-new X2000 in my personal collection (or it was until I removed its spring for a blog post) that eventually I'll send to a friend in Canada.

 

[Rick Sanborn]

Thats pretty neat. I recall that the holster they sent me had a strap that was retained by a snap on the outside plus the release snap, so the strap could be removed if desired. I think I’ve still got that holster in a box of stuff out in the barn. I’ll have to see if I can find it.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

I can tell you. I'm loathe to admit I designed the X2000/X2100 including its unique spring (too much muzzle drag in the X15 because of its spring) because every on I've ever sighted on eBay has the holster contorted from the spring turning around inside it.

So: 1977 including a feature article by Skeeter of a double set I assembled for him in that year.

... and then I bought one in 1978 for my S&W Model 19 four inch.