Bianchi X15 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 ordered this holster by mistake and instead of returning it, I tried using it for my Ruger Max-9. The gun fits in this holster, but the fit is very tight. Since the holster is new and the retention spring is very stiff, I figure it will fit better with time. This set-up is very concealable and quite comfortable to wear especially while sitting down. I'm glad that I purchased this holster and will purchase another one in a larger size for another handgun I own. Anyone ordering the Bianchi X-15 shoulder holsters from Amazon, be aware that this process is a little tricky. It is very easy to order the wrong size or make a left or right-hand orientation mistake.

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 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 purchased this holster recently in size medium for my Colt 1911, Government Model, .45. I am only giving it 3 stars at this time, but hope after using it for a while I will be able to upgrade it to at least a 4 star.The holster looks to be very well made and quite substantial. It seems to fit on my shoulder comfortably. My #1 issue with the holster was finding the correct size for my 1911. The reviews and customer questions and answers seemed to give conflicting responses. There was one review that the author indicted the size medium fit his 1911, so I went with the medium. At first I thought perhaps I had erred. It was difficult to insert the firearm into the holster unless enough force was used that I became concerned with the possible wear on the finish of the gun. I then put the gun into a light weight sock, and wrapped the sock in wax paper and put the whole thing firmly into the holster. I left it there for several days, withdrawing and replacing the wrapped firearm back into the holster and it seems to be doing the trick. I hope to report back in a few months that it is all working out. Because of the way the holster is constructed, with a metal frame encased in leather to hold the firearm, is securely holds the firearm in place, but wonder if tightness will always be an issue.On the positive side, it is a great looking, well made product. Can't imagine it will ever wear out. While I suppose it shouldn't matter, but damn, this holster just looks cool when wearing it with the firearm in it.If you are considering getting this holster for a 1911, the size medium fits. If I had to do it again, I would probably buy the size large however.