Bucheimer FBI concealment holster

[stonebuster]

After buying an SP101 snub 2.25" I started going through my stash of old leather holsters and found a couple Bucheimer I liked. Researching online I found this like new Bucheimer B-01-004-42 FBI concealment holster for $34. It was made for a Colt Detective Spl but fits my spurless SP 101 well and the gun rides high and tight. Judging from the condition this holster must have been sitting unused for decades since Bucheimer went out of business in 1979. It's so perfect I almost don't want to wear it. Update: I found another of the Concealer holsters(1977) for the model 10 4" that needed the snap repaired for $18. It holds the model 10 high and tight to your side. I've got a basket weave Concealer for my other model 10 on the way.

 

[crazyphil]

Nice holster find. I had an SP-101 but sold it. Then found that all of
the holsters for the SP-101 fit my Colt's Agent.
Have you worn the holster with your gun in it yet?
Reason I ask is with the cylinder almost completely above
the belt line it may tend to flop outward a bit.
I learned long ago to stop the flop by getting holster
with the cylinder right about at the belt line, such as
this Ken Null RSS shown here.

 

[stonebuster]

I've had it on around the house for an hour or so with a regular heavy leather belt and there is minimal movement and not what I'd call flop. I'm guessing the Colt it was designed for was a good bit lighter than the 26 oz SP. With a good gun belt I don't think it would be noticeable. The higher ride helps keep the holster concealed which is extremely important where I'm living. People have been written up for breach of peace or worse when a concerned citizen has called the law after spotting a gun. Bucheimer made this holster for 4" K frames too. Depending on how I like this holster I might try one for my model 10. I always seem to end up with a lot more holsters and grips than guns.

 

[ldausmc1369]

They work well for a J frame. Had the same holster for years sized for the J frame. Will also fit a Charter 44 Bulldog 3”.

 

[stonebuster]

"Concealer" for model 10 4"

I liked the Concealer for the 2" barrel enough to get one for my model 10-10 4". They really hold the gun high and tight to your body. Yeah, I know it's got the trigger exposed but I don't see it being a safety issue with a concealed gun. This one conceals the 4" as well as any OWB can(IMO). I didn't think I could go wrong for $21.

 

[DevilDog72]

and...

I have the Concealer Mdl for my 1911. It works great.

 

[stonebuster]

I have the Concealer Mdl for my 1911. It works great.

View attachment 373423

That holster looks to be in great condition. I'm surprised there are so many Bucheimers in such good shape since they haven't been made since the late seventies. Thanks for sharing the photo.

 

[DevilDog72]

yes and...

I also have 3 other Bucheimer holsters that I like and use....

 

[rednichols]

That holster looks to be in great condition. I'm surprised there are so many Bucheimers in such good shape since they haven't been made since the late seventies. Thanks for sharing the photo.

Don't try to interchange Bucheimer and Bucheimer-Clark. Different products, made on opposite coasts, different owners, different closing dates, likely even different tanners. In this matter the difference in closing dates is only about a decade but still . . ..

 

[Kiwi cop]

I have the Concealer Mdl for my 1911. It works great.

View attachment 373423

Oh how I wish

 

[DevilDog72]

wut

Oh how I wish

How you wish.... as in you want one... or ?

 

[stonebuster]

Don't try to interchange Bucheimer and Bucheimer-Clark. Different products, made on opposite coasts, different owners, different closing dates, likely even different tanners. In this matter the difference in closing dates is only about a decade but still . . ..

Thanks for the clarification! I did notice when looking on line that the B-C holsters were constructed differently(heavier) than the Bucheimers especially the B-C combat holster which I like. In error, I thought at some time in their history Bucheimer joined forces with Clark or split with them. I've got one Bucheimer-Clark LA California holster with the retention screw which works well to tighten the clam shell. My "Perfect fit" B2 Bucheimer is marked Frederick, Md. The Maryland Co. is the original that started in 1884 as stamped on their snaps. The "Concealer" holsters are Bucheimers.

 

[DevilDog72]

my education continues....

 

[rednichols]

Thanks for the clarification! I did notice when looking on line that the B-C holsters were constructed differently(heavier) than the Bucheimers especially the B-C combat holster which I like. In error, I thought at some time in their history Bucheimer joined forces with Clark or split with them. I've got one Bucheimer-Clark LA California holster with the retention screw which works well to tighten the clam shell. My "Perfect fit" B2 Bucheimer is marked Frederick, Md. The Maryland Co. is the original that started in 1884 as stamped on their snaps. The "Concealer" holsters are Bucheimers.

You're not mistaken that they were joined -- but B-C as a subsidiary and J.M. Bucheimer continued, too. EE Clark's son Earl joined forces with JM Bucheimer's son in '59 to form the B-C corporation; and at some point around '70 it became a Tandy company. JMB continued into the late '80s and the son who turned it into a real holster company died recently, in June of last year.

We even have an early '60s catalog in which both brands appear together; but they are clearly delineated as separate lines and operations.

The 1884 is a puzzle because founder JMB wasn't even born until 1890! Like Lawrence that founding date is likely an original company with a different name and founders, acquired and renamed (Lawrence married a Sherlock then acquired the company and renamed it)(curiously both companies met the same end -- Sherlock fell from a horse at the end of the 19th century and died, Lawrence III fell from a horse at the end of the 20th and became a paraplegic).

 

[Lee Barner]

I have been using Concealers since the mid 70's. I have several for revolvers and autos. love them. lee

 

[chief38]

These days I would consider those old style FBI type holsters dangerous or at least a liability! I know back in the day they were cutting edge, however today's designs are just so far superior for CCW I'd relegate those vintage style holsters for Range trips or picture taking.

Seriously, any holster that solely relies on one snap for retention is bad! IMHO a "proper" holster should cover the trigger, be boned so it retains the gun without the use of straps, snaps, screws, springs, velcro, etc. fit the belt snugly, be made out of stiff leather and be made specifically to a certain model, barrel length, etc.

I have a closet full of vintage holsters and on the very rare occasion I wear one ( only to the Range or on private property when in the Woods ) I actually feel a bit guilty!

For serious EDC CCW, a really good holster design is worth its weight in gold ( OK, maybe Lead ) IMHO!