Current Bianchi 5BHL Review

[brokenprism]

Just bought a new Bianchi 5BHL for my 4" 629-1. They no longer list this model in their catalog, so I have a feeling it's going to disappear, after all these years. I thought it would be worth it to mention some changes they made to this venerable model before dropping it from their catalog.

A hard-to-miss feature is that it says MADE IN MEXICO on the back. That's a new one to me after 35 years of buying this model. The assembly quality is there -- it looks as nice as it ever did. Still takes work to stretch the strap over the N frame target hammer, but it's doable.

The real difference, and one that surprised me, is that the lining -- the reason you buy a 5BHL instead of a 5BH -- is not sueded leather anymore. It's just a leather lining, pressed hard like... particle board. Like a Triple K, or a Hunter, or any number of cheaper holsters.

I mention this because if you wanted a 'soft' suede lining to pamper a nice blued N gun, you might seek an older 5BHL. My 629 will be OK, I'm sure, because stainless is forgiving, but I'm a finish freak, and if I had bought this for a blued -2, I'd be unhappy.

With all that said, the cheapest price I found was at Planet Optics ($65 shipped) and as I mentioned, this model -- at least for this barrel length -- is apparently now discontinued.

 

[snw19_357]

A hard-to-miss feature is that it says MADE IN MEXICO on the back. That's a new one to me after 35 years of buying this model.

Used to be Temecula,CA....

With all that said, the cheapest price I found was at Planet Optics ($65 shipped)...

For the quality they used to have, I never had a problem with the price. All of my holsters are Bianchi.

 

[brokenprism]

I miss the old tan. Real tan. For years it's been kind of a dark nut color.

The quality is still there, but I expected an interior finish that was predictable, and that isn't there anymore. There are sound debates about how much a sueded finish protects a gun anyway, and whether wear will result regardless of the interior texture, but I was surprised by what I got, that's all.

 

[george minze]

Sueded isn't the answer it was thought to be. They tend to retain moisture, and grit. You weigh the good against the bad and live with your decision I guess....Good Luck Ask Lobo he is a member here, he will give you the scoop I'm sure.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

I am truly sorry that I read this post. I used Bianchi products throughout my career in law enforcement and have always thought very highly of Bianchi quality. I also had the pleasure of meeting John Bianchi briefly many years ago and have always held a high opinion of the gentleman.

Made in Mexico? I never thought I would see the day! My little shop is on the south bank of the Arkansas River, so that ground used to be part of Mexico (prior to the Louisiana Purchase, about 170 years ago).

Well, it has been "Bianchi International" for some time now. Business decisions are business decisions, I suppose. I won't presume to criticize a company that has the reputation that John Bianchi built.

Thoughts on tan color and linings:

The classic oiled tan is achieved using nothing more than neatsfoot oil to finish the leather. Each hide absorbs the neatsfoot oil differently, and there will be variations in color from one hide to the next. Making matching sets can be challenging. I think that Bianchi's people must have decided that consistency in the product line was an important factor.

Suede linings have been popular for many years as a means of protecting the finish of polished and blued handguns. However, the open and porous surface of suede leather is much more susceptible to moisture absorption and retention than smooth leather. Also, suede leather is produced using chemical tanning processes, many of which leave chemical salt residues in the leather; some of those chemical salts can be highly corrosive. Finally, suede leather is more prone to collecting dust and grit, which can become embedded in the suede and cause abrasion. Vegetable-tanned leather is preferable for use around fine firearms.

 

[amd6547]

I have always been a fan of Bianchi. Ebay is a great source for older Bianchi holsters...I recently won an auction for a holster for my Beretta 92FS...$15 shipped for a temecula marked Bianchi 17 showing only the slightest signs of use.
Bianchi is owned by Safariland now.
I dont mind Bianchi being made in Mexico, but I do mind paying the same high price they were when they were made in USA.

 

[ENGINE18]

Mexico? No more for me!

 

[brokenprism]

Well, as I said, Planet Optics lists them for $65. There are lots of Alpha Hotels out there trying to sell the same thing for $85 and up. They never show the back of the holster in their ads. ; )

 

[Dave Nash]

Just bought a new Bianchi 5BHL for my 4" 629-1. They no longer list this model in their catalog, so I have a feeling it's going to disappear, after all these years. I thought it would be worth it to mention some changes they made to this venerable model before dropping it from their catalog.

A hard-to-miss feature is that it says MADE IN MEXICO on the back. That's a new one to me after 35 years of buying this model. The assembly quality is there -- it looks as nice as it ever did. Still takes work to stretch the strap over the N frame target hammer, but it's doable.

The real difference, and one that surprised me, is that the lining -- the reason you buy a 5BHL instead of a 5BH -- is not sueded leather anymore. It's just a leather lining, pressed hard like... particle board. Like a Triple K, or a Hunter, or any number of cheaper holsters.

I mention this because if you wanted a 'soft' suede lining to pamper a nice blued N gun, you might seek an older 5BHL. My 629 will be OK, I'm sure, because stainless is forgiving, but I'm a finish freak, and if I had bought this for a blued -2, I'd be unhappy.

With all that said, the cheapest price I found was at Planet Optics ($65 shipped) and as I mentioned, this model -- at least for this barrel length -- is apparently now discontinued.

brokenprism:

Not doubting you in the least bit, but looking on line at the Bianchi Catalog, I saw the following things.

“Bianchi is now part of Safariland…”
“Copyright © 2010 Safariland, LLC. All rights reserved”

“Features:
· Integral thumb snap provides enhanced retention
· Carries gun close to body for added comfort
· Closed muzzle
· Suede lined
· Hand boning provides a precise, contoured fit
· High ride
· 2" - 3" holsters have 1.75" (45mm) belt slot
· 4" and larger holsters have both 1.75" (45mm) and 2.25" (58mm) belt slots”

Now having had something of a working and personal relationship with the people at both of these companies for the last thirty years, I would say that the description hasn’t changed much (if at all) for almost that entire period of time. (I think that the belt slot changes were probably introduced in the 1980’s but I am not sure.)

But knowing how sometimes catalogs aren’t well proofed and websites are often worse, who knows if that “Suede Lined” bullet is either a mistake or failure to update things. If indeed, you have an “L” model (and I’m not doubting that either) and it has changed but such a modification was not announced or made known, I am sure that the people at Safariland would be willing to help you out. For this would not be a matter of you “misunderstanding” but one of them (not just their end seller) “misrepresenting” (or perhaps mismarking) the product.

The possible fly in the ointment here (other than it possibly being some sort of non “L” version that you actually have) is that Optics Planet (a firm I am only casually familiar with) might have been handling this as a closeout or an overrun of some sort that might have had a conventional leather, rather than a suede leather, interior. Then the complaint (if any), might lie more properly with them.

Still, if you haven’t used it, I would consider contacting the factory and seeing what they are willing to do. Be prepared to read them not only the Model Number but also any SKU number(s) that might be stamped on both the holster and the factory packaging.

As to the use of a suede lining in general, as stated by two of the previous comment-posters to this thread, it is something that has, in many circles, seen its day. I can’t tell you how many Bianchi, Safariland, Roy Baker and other holsters I have with suede linings from earlier times. It was the “thing to have” well into the 1990’s. In fact, a friend of mine who is still designing holsters and other gear on a national level will argue with me to this day that it still is. And he believes this for all the reasons that people have touted it over the years; with most of them revolving around the protection of the gun finish.

A long time ago (before I got more seriously involved in the business), I felt that way too. However, by the late 1980’s and certainly by the early 1990’s, I moved away from suede and looked at it in the manner others have stated here already: it is moisture retaining, it is grime and grit retaining, it has problematic chemical contents, etc. You might want to consider doing the same.

And even if you doubt me (for you should as you don’t know me), just look at some of the old line (but not living-in-the-past) holster makers who never made the move to suede even “back in the day” for they always believed that a cowhide lining (especially a polished or otherwise slicked-up, smooth one) was not only more rugged than (and possibly not as problematic for the reasons given as) suede but that it might have also been faster in regard to the draw of the weapon from the holster.

If the holster isn’t badly made, I might actually look at the lack of a suede lining as something of a blessing in disguise.

That said, I might still counsel you away from the 5BH and 5BHL family in general. Not because of the lack of a suede lining but because of its design. I have similar Bianchi, Safariland, Don Hume, Tom Threeperson (type) holsters and more that all employ the kind of open triggerguard as seen in the one you have. Those days are over!!! In all good conscience, I can no longer recommend or support any holster that allows the trigger of the gun it carries to be exposed. You should really think seriously about this point as well.

Hope this helps.

 

[cp1969]

Dave Nash, you make a lot of sense. As I was considering buying a 5BHL, what would you recommend instead?

 

[Dave Nash]

Dave Nash, you make a lot of sense. As I was considering buying a 5BHL, what would you recommend instead?

cp1969:
It all depends on the situation.

· First, what kind of gun will you be carrying?
o Make, model and barrel length
· What is the purpose for which it will be carried?
· Will you be sitting, standing, or walking around most of the time? Driving?
· Will it be covered or carried openly?
o If covered, must it be carried covertly or will it be covered merely for convenience?
· And without wanting to sound too forward, are you male or female and how are you constructed?
o Tall, average height, short? Thin, thick? Any physical issues?

If you can, let me know and if we're not thought to be hijacking this thread, I’d be happy to give you a few options to at least think about.

 

[cp1969]

OK, here goes:
S&W 586, 6"
Field
All except driving
Carried openly
n/a
Male, average, thick. No physical issues.

 

[Dave Nash]

OK, here goes:
S&W 586, 6"
Field
All except driving
Carried openly
n/a
Male, average, thick. No physical issues.

cp1969:
Once again, not wanting to be seen as hijacking this thread, and as a starting point only, here are a few things to consider and why…

1) If you want to stay with leather and you want to stick with a high volume manufacturer, you might want to look at Galco’s closed triggerguard “DAO”.
a. It can be employed as either a strong side carry (like the 5BH-series holster you were considering) OR a crossdraw.
b. By design, you are not sacrificing anything for this duality and it is something to consider.
i. Not because I would ever recommend switching back and forth on a regular basis (I am a big fan of doing what you can to stick with one method of carrying the gun if at all possible) BUT depending on your activities with the gun (not the sitting/standing/walking you mentioned but what it is that you’ll be doing as you perform those actions), you might find that carrying a 6” DA Revolver in a conventional hip holster can be problematic for a number of reasons that a crossdraw might eliminate.
1. That is, if you are indeed going to be using the crossdraw for “field” applications and are not going to be standing toe-to-toe with possible adversaries who can otherwise just reach forward and take a gun carried in this manner away from you.
c. Interestingly enough, they make this leather holster in a camo-pattern as well as in a conventional brown finish.

2) Galco also offers another more conventionally styled, dual-position holster called (amusingly enough) the “Dual Position Phoenix”.
a. It utilizes a more typically shaped thumb break/retention strap (rather than the safety strap alone as seen in the “DAO”) and a silicone suede lining.
b. Here you need to look at your own personal preferences.
i. You already know my feeling about suede linings; especially in regard to a gun that might be carried in the field.
ii. And while in today’s world, I would certainly insist on a thumb break/retention strap over a retention (safety) strap alone on a duty or concealment holster, I don’t think it is that much of a benefit in a field holster where a properly designed retention (safety) strap is probably fine for most applications.

3) If you want to stay with leather but you are willing to look at a lower volume manufacturer, there are a number of options available in regard to design and who’s doing it.
a. The Milt Sparks operation has gone thru a number of incarnations over the years but looking at the “more-work-than-we-can-handle status” they often find themselves in these days, I have to think that they are still making first-rate versions of well thought-out designs.
i. Their Model 200AW is a bit pricey but as a strong-side belt holster, it offers a shroud over the hammer spur and rear sight and can be ordered with a number of options in regard to color, carrying angle and lining (a cowhide lining!). It does use a tensioning screw for retention and not a strap of any kind over the top of the gun so you need to measure that against your activities.
ii. Their HSR is something of an offshoot of the 200AW in that it lacks the shroud but can be ordered as a crossdraw. It too is an open top design.
b. Still sticking with leather, still sticking with a belt-type design, and still sticking with either a strongside or crossdraw configuration, El Paso Saddlery makes a Flap Holster (their Model 2000) that could be a very good choice for you depending on what it is you’ll be doing while walking, standing or sitting in the field, what the “field” is like in regard to terrain, and finally, what the weather might be like while you are out there.
i. Some people scoff at flap holsters because of their appearance and (sometimes) their bulk. But properly designed and used in applications where immediate access to, and production of, the firearm isn’t necessary, they can not only do obvious things (like keeping rain and snow out of the holster as well as grit and grime out of the gun) but they can also keep your grips in one piece instead of having them get scarred up, worn down (or worse) by the surrounding rocks and vegetation.
c. Kramer Leather makes a rather plain looking Flap Holster in both cowhide and horsehide versions.
i. They’re not much to look at but like everything he makes, it is more than serviceable.
d. I have no first-hand field experience with any of the products from Lobo Gun Leather but some of their conventional belt holsters, crossdraw models and flap holsters look well thought out and exhibit the kind of features we have been discussing here.

Well, this should give you some things to think about while still staying in the same ballpark in regard to materials and holster types.

Pancake holsters are available for your gun but while there are advantages to carrying a gun high and tight against the body, they might not be needed here. In fact, they might actually work against you here depending on all of the variables (as seen in both my lists) involved in your particular application. You (not me) have to think this through.

Vertical shoulder holsters are also a way to carry a gun as big as this while in the field. But once again, there is a lot to consider in regard to (at a minimum) torso height, range of motion, clothing, and activity. Non-concealing shoulder rigs also offer some degree of design options (generally revolving around how the gun is carried/positioned on the body: that is, under the arm or across the chest) so once more, you would need to consider a holster like this in a big-picture way to see if it might be right for you (and what you are doing while carrying the gun).

Finally, and without wanting to sound like a heretic, you might also want to consider some of the synthetic designs that are out there. I would recommend that you stick with the soft-bodied, molded ones (like Uncle Mikes, BLACKHAWK!, etc.) for they will keep their shape, carry the gun more like a traditional leather model, resist moisture and abrasion, and protect the weapon from some levels of shock and impact, while remaining quiet in the field. To be honest, for some rough and tumble field applications, these materials might actually be a better choice.

As I said, this is just a start and I hope that it helps you in your decision making process. But remember, it is all up to you and your expected needs. No one else can make the choice for you. Just try to lay out all the variables so you can work thru them like a checklist. It will make things simpler in the long run.

You should also see if they’ll actually let you safely try things on at your local dealer. “Test driving” a given design even indoors in a safe manner, can go a long way to eliminate something that you might otherwise have to purchase before you find out it is the wrong product for your needs.

Anyway, you take care and remember that no matter how much you think this thru, the design itself must always be safe and you must always be capable of employing it in a safe manner.

 

[cp1969]

Thank you.

 

[Larry from Bend]

You know, I've heard the knocks on suede-lined holsters for a few years, now. I suggest you try one and make your own decision. Pictured below is a Bianchi 5BHL (lined) that has carried that blued model 34 thousands of miles since the late 70s on Elk hunts on foot, on horseback working cattle, on farm tractors and on 4 wheelers. It and the 34 have been dusty, dirty, soaked by rain, full of snow and covered in mud. I periodically clean the outside of the Bianchi and blow it out with compressed air. Had this been an unlined holster (I've used them with other blued guns) the high points on the bluing would definitely show lots of wear.

 

[amd6547]

Here is a Temecula CA made Bianchi 5BHL I bought off EBAY last year. I originally bought it for a Model15-3...while it worked, it was slightly loose...when I got my 686-1, I found out why...it fit the L-frame perfectly.
I understand why some are leery of the exposed trigger guard...It IS something to be aware of. But, it is an excellent holster which carries very well, and is very fast to draw from. By the way, I think I paid $25 shipped for this example.

 

[GyMac]

I have two of these holsters for S&W K Frames and I really like them. Mine are unlined, however, as Skeeter Skelton many years ago pointed out that all holsters will wear the finish on your gun and lined holsters are only going to retain grime that act as an abrasive. Plus, they cost more.
Chris

 

[george minze]

Very informative discourse. Thanks to all that forwarded a opinion. I just have to add. No matter what your likes and dislikes one thing has surfaced that was somewhat non-existent in the days of the border patrol type holster...i.e Open trigger.....LIABILITY....It is real! especially for LE administrators, and gun retention has become a real issue. Both for officer survival and possible litigation. The legal question can be argued, officer survival can't..New times create new needs.....Just a thought from someone that began his career in the 60s, a different time and more important a different attitude from the public...I remember the cross draw, see any now in LE. I haven't but maybe some somewhere. the only ones I see now are designed for special protection officers that also drive the vehicle, this for access to sidearm.

 

[Dave Nash]

brokenprism:

...That said, I might still counsel you away from the 5BH and 5BHL family in general. Not because of the lack of a suede lining but because of its design. I have similar Bianchi, Safariland, Don Hume, Tom Threeperson (type) holsters and more that all employ the kind of open triggerguard as seen in the one you have. Those days are over!!! In all good conscience, I can no longer recommend or support any holster that allows the trigger of the gun it carries to be exposed. You should really think seriously about this point as well.

Hope this helps.

cp1969:

...1. That is, if you are indeed going to be using the crossdraw for “field” applications and are not going to be standing toe-to-toe with possible adversaries who can otherwise just reach forward and take a gun carried in this manner away from you...

Very informative discourse. Thanks to all that forwarded a opinion. I just have to add. No matter what your likes and dislikes one thing has surfaced that was somewhat non-existent in the days of the border patrol type holster...i.e Open trigger.....LIABILITY....It is real! especially for LE administrators, and gun retention has become a real issue. Both for officer survival and possible litigation. The legal question can be argued, officer survival can't..New times create new needs.....Just a thought from someone that began his career in the 60s, a different time and more important a different attitude from the public...I remember the cross draw, see any now in LE. I haven't but maybe some somewhere. the only ones I see now are designed for special protection officers that also drive the vehicle, this for access to sidearm.

Mr. Minze:

I couldn’t agree with you more.

For Law Enforcement, Personal Defense or Sporting applications (that is for “Any” application) an exposed triggerguard in any style holster that’s intended for a anything but a Single Action Revolver carried hammer down on an empty chamber (or a Single Action Revolver of the type where it can be carried safely when fully loaded) should be looked upon as a thing of the past. And even for the Single Action Revolvers, unless there is an overriding need for either period or Hollywoodesque authenticity (they are two different things), I would still probably stay away them.

As to Crossdraw designs, I think that if they are designed correctly, they do have their place in certain (limited) applications.

Like you, I remember formal flap and non-flap crossdraws used to carry the primary weapons worn by many (often state) agencies throughout the Midwest at least until the 1960’s or 70’s. And I remember how common it was to see second guns carried in crossdraws of all types in cities like Chicago well into the late 1980’s.

(Unfortunately, I also remember how certain spring-mouthed crossdraw designs sold by various uniform houses in those days were also misused as conventional strong side holsters by some people who knew no better or were just looking to save a few bucks. But as you said, it was a “different time” and as attacks on police were less common, most of those wearers never had to learn how easy it was to have someone strip their gun from behind.)

Today, however, except for the driving example you gave and one or two more that I can think of, the issue of presenting the butt of the carried weapon to anyone standing in front of you far outweighs any advantages such a position might have to offer. The same thing would obviously be true for most personal defense applications. There are also issues (primarily for those less well-trained or practiced) of speed, fluidity of movement during the draw and muzzle direction. These are all things that can be overcome but unfortunately not by everybody who chooses such a design.

Keeping those last points in mind, I do think that for certain true sporting applications (non-defensive uses where the possibility of a take-away attempt are nil); especially those involving large and or long-barreled handguns and where one’s activities and modes of dress can be problematic, crossdraw holsters do have some value.

In cases where a chest or bandolier-type holster is unwarranted or disliked, a belt-mounted crossdraw might prove very helpful when one finds themselves seated a lot (on horseback, an ATV, or around a campsite), when one needs to carry the gun under a covering garment, perhaps when the gun is worn in conjunction with certain type backpacks, or when the wearer is hiking or riding thru certain types of brush, where leading with (or carrying it in front of) the weak hip and protecting the gun grip with the hand or forearm could keep it from hanging up or being abraded more successfully than having it exposed in a conventional position on the strong side.

Thank you for your insight and open-mindedness in regard to what you’ve seen firsthand and are willing to recognize and discuss in an ever-changing world.

 

[george minze]

As in all things. Change is inevitable. Some good some bad. Law enforcement is no exception. I remember well the advent of PPC training. Cross draw was scary at best dangerous or deadly at worst. Police agencies are like any form of government, adverse to change. finally when no one wanted us on their range somebody woke up. Cincinnati was one, St. Louis had the worst of both worlds, flapped cross draw. It looked good in dress blues with Sam Brown belt and shoulder strap. Useless equipment. However a hold out in a second hand cuff case worked pretty good. Un-regulation as all get out...but....if it saved your life who's to complain...Thanks for you insight into this age old discussion, I would have thought it was put to bed years ago. Policing in the so-called old days was easier but equipment was not as good as it is today. Call boxes, Tunic wool coats, no vests, Gee I wonder how most of us made it. the one thing I doubt is any better was the trusty Mod. 10 revolver....Hard to beat and that coming from a 1911 and BHP lover..Thanks again most of us old guys remember those Good old days?????