Reviews & Ratings for Bianchi 5BHL Thumbsnap Suede Lined Belt Holster — 128 reviews — Page 1

The specific holster I was hunting for on every website and holster specialists said the Bianchi 5BH for a 2 inch Colt Detective Special was no longer being produced and everywhere I checked it was no longer in stock. I have had this holster from Bianchi for the past 40 years and it is still holding up and serviceable but I wanted a new one but everywhere I turned from Amazon to Ebay to Etsy etc. etc had zero, zip, nothing! They were all trying to push the 4 inch version in leather! I do not like Kydex...I do not like polymer...I do not like plastic or whatever wonder cloth these places are pushing now days. I am old school and I want my firearms carried in LEATHER! And i do not want to hear all the propaganda about "well synthetics are better for your firearm's finish and care and maintenance and synthetics are lighter and look prettier blah blah blah" I have been carrying my handguns in leather holsters for over 50 years and they all look and operate just fine and have the character of well cared for and functional firearms that I still carry and depend on. In any case...Optics Planet had the so called out of production no longer available exact holster I was hunting for and I could not believe it when I saw it listed as for sale in brand new condition! I was skeptical at first cause the shipping took a while longer than I thought it would but when that package came and I opened it up I could not believe my eyes as I thought maybe they would send me a close substitute but l...
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Beautiful workmanship and fit. A perfect match for the blue steel and wood grips of the weapon.

I'm going to try breaking in the leather but to be realistic, I think there's a problem.
So, here's what I'm dealing with.
The Code:BZ-HT5-5BHL-10237 Leather holster I received does not allow the S&W model 19 to be secured with the Thumb-snap. It needs over an inch of stretch on the leather and it does not look like it will do that.
I'm overly concerned that I might have gotten the wrong item. But every time I use OP's selector it turns out the same numbers.

I'm usually very happy with the brand and with leather holsters in general.

Product is awesome. I highly recommend it. Holster works great. It does take time to break in, which is no problem. Day 3, i was able to snap the button closed. It holds my revolver tight and secured. I would highly recommend this product in the future to anyone looking for a leather hokster to meet an professional needs.

BIANCHI MAKES A GREAT HOLSTER, I CAN FULLY RECOMMEND THESE HOLSTERS. THE QUALITY IS AND WAS TOP NOTCH. *HOWEVER, THE NEW 2020 PYTHON HAS 1/4" LONGER BARREL, WHICH MAKES IT A TIGHT SQUEEZE. HARD/ NEAR IMPOSSIBLE TO DRAW OUT. YOU CAN EITHER STRETCH IT OUT THROUGH USING IT, OR I RECOMMEND STEPPING UP TO THE N FRAME / ANACONDA SIZED 5BHL, IT WORKS JUST THE SAME, JUST A TINY LITTLE WIGGLE ROOM BUT STILL A SECURE FIT.

I needed a holster for a newly acquired model 17 smith. This Bianchi was reasonably priced so I ordered it. When I first received it my impression was this holster is stiff, really stiff. Fortunately it molded to the revolver well and is breaking in nicely. It protects the pistol while allowing a smooth draw without catching on the front sight.

My colt trooper mark 3 fits well after break tight at first of course. I had been concerned about the exposed trigger but didn’t realize the strap holds the trigger down tight so the hammer simply can’t move.

If prefer a leather holster and you carry your revolver when hiking steep and brushy terrain and you want the extra security of a hammer strap, I highly recommend this holster. The suede lining adds protection to your revolver finish, however, the suede does trap and hold onto small pine needles and grit. I use an old tooth brush to wipe out the debris that accumulates in the holster after each outing. For a little less money, you can buy the unlined leather holster from Bianchi. Much higher quality stitching and finish than the Triple K brand. However, you pay significantly more for the Bianchi. If you want a quality holster that you can pass on to someone, spend the extra money and buy the Bianchi. If you want a cheaper holster that gets the job done, saves you some money, but will not likely stand up to hard use for your lifetime, search out the Triple K line of leather holsters.

People like their kydex or nylon holsters. Me,I'm a fan of leather and nothing says "holster" like Bianchi. Now I'll admit that since Safariland bought them, the quality isn't quite the same, but it's still a darn good holster. Like most Bianchis, it starts out tight but will loosen with use and any of the many "tricks" that can be found on the internet. The suede lining isn't soft anymore (I have one from the 80s that is still soft and doesn't wear the bluing). The jury is still out on whether that is still the case. That being said, this is still a 5 star holster.
Optics Planet has so far been the best place to order Bianchi Holsters. The prices have been good and the selection has been right on as far as I’m concerned.

I Recently purchased a Smith & Wesson model 627c 4.125 barrel. While researching my revolver I found information regarding holsters for the model 27/327/ and 527 from Bianchi. While I was researching the holster options, I read a review from another owner who said the Bianchi 5BHL thumbsnap holsterworked well with the revolver.