What Fits - Bianchi 5BL Small Revolver ??

[Bekeart]

What Fits - Bianchi 5BL Small Revolver ??

Bought a Bianchi 5BL Small Revolver.
Thought it would fit Model 63 - WRONG!
The holster is for revolver with a a smaller cylinder.
It is just another item for show table ...

Searched for a Bianchi listing of model numbers that fit revolvers.
Thought I would work backwards. Have not found such a listing.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/access...e-nice-holsters.html?highlight=small+revolver

Bekeart

 

[old tanker]

I have a 5BL marked small revolver and it fits both my Colt Police Positive Special and an early Charter Arms Bulldog. Three inch barrels, no underlug, on both. Not sure how old the Bianchi is but still has the "star" on the snap.

 

[Drm50]

Don't feel bad I bough a Lawrence for my kit gun. Holster is brand new
It's for a 43 31/2" barrel. I also bought brand new Bianchi for 22 auto on
one line, kicker its left handed.

 

[rednichols]

Barrel length means everything -- as to what pistol it was molded to, that is. The 2" was in two versions; one Colt Det. and the other the Smith Chief. Marked accordingly. The 3" was initially molded to the 3" Colt Det and later to the Charter Arms 3" Bulldog; usually marked 'small revolver'.

Now -- don't confuse the 5B and the 5BH or you'll get info that is at odds. For example, one poster has something with the star on the snap; then that's a 5BH not a 5B. The marked snaps appeared in the mid-1980s, the 5B itself in the mid1960s, the 5BH in the mid'1970s. The belt loops are so different that the holsters ride at different heights on the belts; the 'H' in 5BH is for 'high ride' and the revolver also is pulled closer to the body. JB had me convinced we'd done something new there but Neale as Safariland had beat him to the punch by a whole decade.

 

[crazyphil]

I read an article back about 10 years ago that said Federal Narcotic Agents
leaving the training academy are issued the S&W M&P (Model 10 2") along
with a Bianchi thumb snap holster and belt.

I sent an email to Mr. Bianchi and asked what holster it was.
He replied: "Model 5B High Ride, Thumbsnap style - Has been in continuous
production for 40 years, currently in Bianchi Int. '08 catalog".

I had to have one, so here it is. It is stamped 5BHL and MADE IN MEXICO
Also stamped .38/.357.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Strange my 4" 63 rides in a Bianchi 5BHL holster.

Newer Mexican made and stamped "Kit gun" below the model # on the back.

Quick check on Optics Planet.com ..... 5BHL for the S&W 34 is holster size 4 ...... $54.

 

[VaTom]

Strange my 4" 63 rides in a Bianchi 5BHL holster.

Newer Mexican made and stamped "Kit gun" below the model # on the back.

Quick check on Optics Planet.com ..... 5BHL for the S&W 34 is holster size 4 ...... $54.

Sure about the size 4?

I have one like new in box for my 63. It is marked for M34 Kit Gun. 5BHL Size 1. Part # 14096. Bought it before finding a vintage S&W holster I like better at a yard sale. Don't use and sits in holster drawer. See picture. Also picture of the Model 63 in vintage S&W leather holster.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Sure about the size 4?

I have one like new in box for my 63. It is marked for M34 Kit Gun. 5BHL Size 1. Part # 14096. Bought it before finding a vintage S&W holster I like better at a yard sale. Don't use and sits in holster drawer. See picture. Also picture of the Model 63 in vintage S&W leather holster.

That was from the OP website..... I'd place more trust in your packaging !!!!

Not marked on my Holster and the package is long gone.

 

[Bekeart]

Drm50 - I almost bought a left-handed holster long ago. After negotiation but before counting out the cash I noticed it being left handed. Both I and the seller had a good laugh.

I believe the 5BL is a series/design/style designation.

I thought the "Small Revolver" was a frame/cylinder size designation.

Barrel length would be obvious without being marked.
Even on my worst day I can tell a 2 inch holster from a 4 inch holster.

Thanks to all for the input.

Bekeart

 

[rednichols]

Drm50 - I almost bought a left-handed holster long ago. After negotiation but before counting out the cash I noticed it being left handed. Both I and the seller had a good laugh.

I believe the 5BL is a series/design/style designation.

I thought the "Small Revolver" was a frame/cylinder size designation.

Barrel length would be obvious without being marked.
Even on my worst day I can tell a 2 inch holster from a 4 inch holster.

Thanks to all for the input.

Bekeart

My comment about barrel length wasn't about your visual acuity . It is about how we at the factory, decided which casting to use! The 2" Chief and Colt had their own fitments and so also markings; in the 3" we used the Charter Bulldog for both it and the Chief and Colt; in the 4" we likely used the Colt PP to suit it and the Kit Gun (which size then would've had the rear sight protector). Really early Kit Gun holsters by the company were simply K frame holsters cut down for the tiny frame of the KG; a bit awkward looking.