BianchiX15 Shoulder Holster - Tan

This holster is fairly comfortable for its size and the weight of the gun, in my case a 6in Colt Python. You will need to break in the spring retention a bit and possibly change out the gun retaining strap, I ended up using the longer strap on its smaller setting. Additionally it is very important to note that you must do the belt strap the correct way, it has to be snapped bottom to top. If you try to snap it from the top first it will give you a false snap and quickly come undone from normal body movement. Snapping it the correct way results in a very solid and secure snap that holds up to movement perfectly. That said if you prefer to wear it without securing it to your belt that is a viable option due to the weight of the gun, if you use a lighter gun or a smaller sized version YMMV.

I don't use shoulder holsters often but this is the exception. It may feel bulky at first but it aligns with your torso and hides under a coat easily. Plus if you buy one sized for a 1911, it will safely fit almost all mid to full sized semi auto pistols.

Beautiful quality, looks great, so cool looking!

The website for sizing was really complicated. I looked at revolvers that were closest in length and shape. The Ruger New Vaquero looked like the closest match. I ordered the size 4 (which is also called the Large)It fits my 1873 Cattleman with 5.5" barrel perfectly after breaking it in. The overall length of my revolver is 11"The holster looks and feels high quality. When it arrived, it was an extremely tight fit. To break it in I opened the clam shell style holster (opening towards the ground) and pressed my knee into the spine to "flatten" it. There's a strong metal spring under the leather I had to wrestle with. After about 10 minutes of manipulation, I placed a small bottle inside the holster to let it relax around the girth.Actually wearing this Large holster, I found it to be very comfortable. It hugged pretty close to my side and didn't get in the way of my arm as I walked around. For concealment, the holster is really long and hangs a little low. It would poke out while wearing a coat.Overall, I love it.

I really wanted to like this holster. What isn't to like? A well constructed leather holster, old school holster that will last essentially forever. I found the sizing for the pistols to be a bit challenging when purchasing due to the many variations offered, but in the end the sizing for the pistol worked and I was able to fit multiple pistols in this holster. Many said it was too tight, all that had to be done was stretch it out from the middle a bit and fitment was snug but it worked.With that being said the fitment of the holster on a person is abysmal. The snap for the belt simply does not work as it will not reach. If you undo the leather straps to the very last notch of the shoulder rig it just barely reaches but then if you move the strap comes undone at the top. It's a catch 22, allow the holster to fit securely around your shoulder so the holster flops around or loosen it to the point it comes loose if the bottom is snapped to your belt.A choice should not have to be made in this scenario, it should be able to do both which this holster does not. I know I could have added a snap or a leather cord to my belt loop to hold the holster in place, but at the price that was paid, I shouldn't have to. I am an average size of 6' tall and a problem like this should not occur. I tried to make it work but it just wouldn't. It's a shame as the construction is outstanding but the design is flawed, I guess that is why Bianchi stopped making them.

The reason it is not a 5 star is because it was very difficult to find the correct size for my 1911 Commander. At some sights the sizes are numbered 1----; other sights sizes are small, medium, large etc.. Optic Planet web site does have a size chart which is helpful to a point. The key to the proper size seems to be linked to the Bianchi Manufacturer's P/N. After some frustration and lengthy searching , I through the dart and chose this particular one, hoping I had chosen one that would fit. Fortunately, by chance, I selected the correct one. When it arrived, the Mfrs. P/N on the packening was 12361, which turned out to be the correct P/N and size. I recommend that the Mfrs. P/N be added to all the different sized available so that Amazon as a provider and other providers of the product may be matched up with the Mfrs. P/N(s) shown on the size chart provided by Optic Planet Web site. BTW - my l911 has a streamlight TLR-6 light/laser mounted on it and it fits perfect in this holster. With the "open front" on this rig, any weapon with a light and/or laser "no wider that the slide" would fit well with or without a rail on the frame. I'm very pleased with the rig and looking forward to years of service from it.

The large size is an excellent fit for my both 6" Stainless Colt Python and S&W 686. Great craftmanship made leather holster. Very comfortable. No exaggerated bulk as on synthetic shoulder holsters. More pricey yes but worth it plenty.

The spring is way to tight.the holster as delivered would take the bluing of the pistol in no time!

It is well built but I thought it would be more comfortable Then it is