Safariland or Bianchi

[StrawHat]

I posted a photo in another section and called this holster a Bianchi 5BH. Of course, I did not look on the back for verification but I used at least one 5BH with that style of revolver. I still have not checked the back for the makers mark (been 5 minutes or so since I read the posts).

Frankly, I was amazed that we have folks who can tell at a glance one holster from another.

Kevin

 

[StrawHat]

Another photo, with a couple other holsters.

Kevin

 

[OFT II]

Looks like a Safariland to me. What's the one on the right?

 

[elpac3]

Definately Safariland. Has the stitching up the front side which secures the sight track inside the holster, which gave the Safariland's the flat profile.

 

[gwpercle]

The Safariland stitching is the givaway . It runs on both sides .
Bianchi aren't constructed with stitching on both sides , the leather is folded and stitched on one side .
Gary

 

[StrawHat]

Looks like a Safariland to me. What's the one on the right?

OFT II,

If you are asking about my Sunday holster, that was made for me by Josh Ashman of Ashman Saddlery. I have a couple of his.

Kevin

 

[rbmac52]

Yes, that holster on the left in the first post is a Safariland. A Model 29, if I am not mistaken. Brown basketweave leather, high ride, forward cant. That particular holster is unlined. Many were lined, and would have stitching around the entire edge, front and back, and up and over the thumb break. Nice holsters. I've owned several, all suede lined, and still have one in black basketweave for a 6-1/2" N-frame.

 

[D Brown]

Definitely a Safariland. I have one just like it, except it's lined.

 

[6GUNSONLY]

I noticed that in your other post, because I have that exact holster for a 4" N-Frame and knew it was Safariland. Actually have a Bianchi 5BL, also.

 

[Muley Gil]

I made the comment on your other post. I have about a half dozen Safariland Model 29 holsters, in different sizes and finishes. I used a 6 1/2" lined black basket weave, a 5 1/2" lined black basket weave and a 4" lined black basket weave for my duty revolvers. I also have a couple of brown, basket weave and plain, for woods carry.

 

[Texas Star]

Young man, I can indeed tell one holster from another. I can also tell a wine, a car, or a woman from similar types.

But as I noted in that other thread, I do think you should have a look at El Paso Saddlery 's Model 2, which might be mistaken for a Safariland Model 29.

You do have a Bianchi Model 5 in this topic. Looks as if it was made for a J-frame with three-inch barrel. See your Post 2, bottom holster.

 

[StrawHat]

I noticed that in your other post, because I have that exact holster for a 4" N-Frame and knew it was Safariland. Actually have a Bianchi 5BL, also.

Would you post a photo of both, at your convenience?

Thank you.

Kevin

 

[StrawHat]

Dug out the holsters. Everyone else is correct, it is a Safariland. Model number is too hard to read but it holds a 4", N frame.

The little holster is a Bianchi for a 3", I or J frame.

The dark one is Nightengale leather for a 1911 CCO.

Kevin

 

[OldChief]

The picture you posted of 3 holsters shows a Bianchi in the middle. Check a thread I just posted showing my 625 in a Bianchi 5BHL. I do believe the holster on the left in your first post is a Bianchi.

 

[GerSan69]

Oh, my. The Safariland high-ride 29 with the "Sight Track" was THE holster back then. (I recall trying one breakfront when it came out, just because it looked cool: The Bianchi Judge High-Ride version. Anyone remember that one?) Overall, Safariland was "my" brand for all my duty belt parts, even speedloaders and those oversized cuff keys.
After my near-death car crash in '84, when my duty rig was so bloodied that it was not salvageable, I used part of the insurance money to get an all-Clarino Safariland setup with a 29 holster. (Sold that after a couple years for what I had in it - they kept their value pretty well back then.) I used other 29s until we switched to semis in '89, and I recall buying whatever the semi equivalent to it was for my new 669 and later for the 6906.
Heck, I still have one for a 6"K in the revolver holster box in the shed. Funny, but besides being well-built, the construction made it very easy to keep polished.... a quick rub with a rag dabbed in a can of black shoe polish, a little back-and-forth with the shoe brush, and you were good to go! No need to "follow the curve" of the leather around the front like other brands.
I didn't stop using their products until I was cleared to use "lightest gear possible" for my back injury, when I switched to nylon with a back brace.
Good times....

 

[Muley Gil]

"I used other 29s until we switched to semis in '89, and I recall buying whatever the semi equivalent to it was for my new 669 and later for the 6906."

Probably a number 2. I have a black BW one for my 1911s. Fits a Browning Hi-Power as well.

I especially liked the sight track. When I had a M27 converted to .44 Special, I used a 6 1/2" Target barrel with the Patridge front sight. Boy that front sight just ate up the inside of a holster! The Safariland was much better; at least the FS just shaved the plastic sight track. I eventually cut the Patridge to resemble a Baughman ramp.

 

[GerSan69]

Thanks, Gil. I believe you're correct. Loved those holsters!

 

[jimgoldth]

I was looking through a group of holsters to buy when I spotted this one and immediately said Safariland as it had stiching all around. But when I looked at the back I read J. K.FISHER ; MAKER RIVERTON, WYO.

 

[Muley Gil]

It looks well made. Was it and did you buy it?

 

[jimgoldth]

It looks well made. Was it and did you buy it?

Yes I did. The price was right. A beautifully lined Black Basket Weave holster that holds my pre model 10 very well. It does not have the famous sight shield of the Safariland holster but the leather welt sewn into the front of the holster works well with the S&W Pre model 10.