Grail holster

[K Frame Keith]

I see a lot of forum members, including myself, searching for a grail gun. How about a thread about the equally important search for the grail holster?
In 1984 I was sent to the uniform store with a copy of the rules and regulations to purchase my uniforms and leather. Sent to guide me was a Senior Officer who was something of a "gun nut". Official issue was a Jordan style holster. He advised I purchase the then state of the art Bianchi Model #350 Hurricane, a semi-break front security holster.
Years later I sold the holster when we transitioned to the HK P7M8. I immediately regretted the decision and as a southpaw, spent years locating a replacement. Now the search is over. I'll wear this holster while cutting firewood; this one won't be sold, my son (also a lefty) will get it in good time. Lets see your grail holsters!

 

[fisco]

I'm also a lefty. When I find a left handed Roy Baker pancake holster, I'll buy it. The last one was listed for a auto and was marked #29. My 657 Mt. gun fits in it.The downside is Roy's holsters have become harder to find after his death in the 80's. I also like Bianchi 111 cyclone for cross draw carry. Finding a good holster that works for you is a lot of trail and error. For CCW I like Blade-Tech both OWB and IWB. They have a mag pouch with a Tec-Lok for very easy on and off-good stuff.

 

[K Frame Keith]

I agree about the trial and error process in finding the perfect holster; bought and sold more than I care to remember in the pursuit. I spent my entire career comparing duty holsters with my first Bianchi hurricane. It just feels right. I share your preference for the Cyclone for cross draw carry.

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

This about does it for me,Late 50's Lawrence Leather Buscadero rig for a 5" N frame with 30 .44 Caliber ammo loops.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

My left-handed Roy says Roy's Leather Goods, Magnolia, Ark.
Patented, then lower down- 36.
It's pretty well used, but I was glad to get it.

 

[DoubleAdobe]

[QUOaTE=05CarbonDRZ;137791537]This about does it for me,Late 50's Lawrence Leather Buscadero rig for a 5" N frame with 30 .44 Caliber ammo loops.

[/QUOTE]

As a leather man myself, that is extremely fine. No doubt about it, the man that put that together was world class, fear not.

 

[bigmoose]

Safariland belt with 12 .38 loops and a Bianchi thumb break for a 4" K frame. The belt is elk hide lined.

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

This about does it for me,Late 50's Lawrence Leather Buscadero rig for a 5" N frame with 30 .44 Caliber ammo loops.

He was the Man that custom ordered this 5" pre model 24.The Holster was made specifically for this Gun:

 

[snubbyfan]

I like these kinda threads. I enjoy seeing some quality leather.
Seems to me that my grail holster is always the next one I'm gonna make.

 

[Sgt 127]

I searched for one of these for a long time. Safety Speed clamshell.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

Good post as I'm a holster junky myself! I prefer older Bianchi and Safariland holsters. Lucked out last year when I found two Roy Baker pancake holsters. One for a six inch N frame and one for a four inch K frame, both like new in basket weave but in black unfortunately as I prefer russet brown.

 

[brucev]

Guess I'm not a holster aficionado. However, years ago I owned a Bianchi 10L that was home to my six inch 28-2. Alas, one day it and the holster went away. I was young. I was foolish. My brother gave me a six inch 28-2 back about 2000. I finally bought a El Paso Saddlery Tom Threepersons holster for it as finding a Bianchi 10L proved just about impossible.

My brother had a four inch 28-2 and a 10L holster. Before his death he let the 28 and holster go. Do so much wish he'd have called me. I've now got a four inch 28-2. I was able to find a Bianchi model 10 holster... just wish it'd been a 10L.

Recently I was able to find a Lawrence holster from the early 1950's that was originally designed for the S&W 1917. It perfectly fits my 625-2. It is ideal for general carry in the woods and fields. Recently I tried it out for fast draw in a upcoming competition. Believe it or not, that 625-2 comes out of it as fast as lightening! You just have to first release the snap. The gun fits tightly enough in the holster that there is absolutely no possibility it can fall/jar out. I dropped my six inch 686 into it. Yep! It works! Heaven help the boys at the match!

Some day... one day... when my proverbial ship comes in, I will order a nice carved holster and belt for my beloved 18-3. Until then, it will have to get along in a Bianchi 5BHL. I would have preferred it in russet. But black is right for so many occasions. And it does polish up so nicely!

If... and I don't mean I'll just think about it, if I ever see a nice 10L for a four or six inch N-frame, I will hope to be able to buy it. I guess it makes no sense. But there are some things long gone that I'd really like to get back.

 

[BobR1]

My local dealer had a Shoulder Holster for a scoped handgun with The Colt Logo, and on the back it said Custom Made by Bianchi for Colt Python Hunter mixed in with his trade in leather.
Well I did a little research and found out that a Python Hunter was about as rare as chicken lips. The Python Hunter could be ordered With OR Without the holster.
The Python Hunter Package was a Python with around a 7 Inch barrel, with a Leupold Handgun scope with a Tall Target Elevation Knob.

I did some searching and found a dealer in Colt Collectables who had a Python Hunter and contacted him. The Colt Collector said he had only seen ONE ever in his years of dealing in Colt Collectables. I sold it to him.

I never had a Bianchi Breakfront, but I still have my Right Hand 4 Inch N Frame Tex Shoemaker Semi-Breakfront Security Holster. I carryed a 610 in it for most of my 15 years as a Reserve Deputy, and a couple years as Police Chief.

Bob

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

How much did you get for the Python Hunter Holster?

 

[S&W Fan]

My favorite holster is the El Paso Threepersons for any medium/large revolver I'm not concerned about carrying concealed. Screams "pure classic", need to get one for my 686.

 

[sac-gunslinger]

My favorite is Bianchi's 5BL, their high ride holster from the 70's. It features a belt loop formed from the body of the holster so it mounts very nicely on even very thick belts (the current 5BH/5BHL series uses a cost-saving patch sewn on the back of the holster for belt retention, holds gun about 1" higher). I am a leather junkie and used to buy lots of different holsters but I always came back to the 5BL.

Although out of production for several decades you can still find excellent examples on eBay from time to time. I have even found a couple that were "new-in-bag." I still keep looking for a plain tan K-2 1/2" example and a 5BL 4" with a 1 3/4" belt loop!

 

[BobR1]

05Carbon DRZ

It has been a while. It seems like around $150 Shipped.
I did the research, and I had my local custom saddle maker hand repair some stitching at the muzzle end of the holster.

I made a little on the deal.

Bob