Bianchi 111 Cyclone Belt Holster

This year I decided to hunt with my 4" GP100. As such I needed a holster that would be comfortable to wear while sitting in my tree stand and while riding my ATV. I also wanted something that looked good and would not break the bank. After a month or so of research I finally decided to take a chance on the Bianchi 111 Cyclone. I'm glad I did. The Cyclone is aesthetically pleasing and fits my 4" GP100 like a glove. When holstering and un-holstering the pistol I noticed a light resistance. Not enough to impede you from executing a smooth draw but just enough to let you know the pistol is secure. For added security there is a thumb retention strap. I will admit that securing the retention strap with the pistol holstered initially took a bit of effort. However, once secured I allowed the leather to stretch/mold to the hammer overnight. The next morning I was able to secure the retention strap with little effort. The ability to carry strong side or cross draw was an added bonus. For my hunting applications cross draw carry is the method of choice. While riding my ATV or sitting in my tree stand the holster securely carries my pistol and keeps it out of the way. Trust me, my ribs and appendix appreciate it. Even though this is not a custom holster, the quality of the leather, stitching and finishing is definitely on par with them. However, like every product we consume there is room to improve. For the Cyclone I would like to see protection for the rear sight and the muzzle end of the holster closed. The only other thing to note is the actual color of the holster. The product image appears to have a mahogany finish. However, the product received had more of a tannish (is this a word) orange tint to it. The finish looks more natural so it works. If you're thinking about purchasing this holster follow your instinct. For the quality, fit, form and finish it will be money well spent.

If you have a Python 6” bbl, be aware that when this holster arrives, the thumb snap will probably not easily be engaged. At least, that was my experience, and that of several others posting reviews. Some reviews say they trimmed the leather to fit between the trigger and frame. I don't advise this, as it could create a snag point when drawing the weapon. I want the leather over the hammer spur. This both ensures no snagging the spur on something, or having the snap snag between hammer and frame. This solution is fairly easy without altering the leather, and thus leaving the thumb retainer covering the spur, instead of sliding between it and the frame. Unload and double check your Python, you are about to manhandle it. Cut a square out of a freezer bag, just big enough to cover the hammer. You could also just lube the hammer. The idea is to prevent any moisture from affecting the hammer. Slightly moisten the leather strap, inside and outside, where it curves over the hammer. Holster the Python, press it down hard into the holster, insulate the hammer from moisture. Using both hands, stretch and force the snap to snap. It will appear impossible at first, keep trying, press the Python hard and deep into the holster, force the snaps together. After about a minute of struggling, I finally got the snap to snap. Don't use pliers or tools, you might damage the leather or scratch the beautiful finish of the Phthon! Leave it alone for a day or two. Unsnap and try to re-snap it. It will be easier. If it is not easy enough, do the same process again, but fold a piece of paper a few times and use it to add thickness between the hammer spur and leather strap. Repeat the snap-and-wait process. The second time was the charm for me. The Python fits perfectly, the snap strap covers the spur and holds with zero movement, and.. I can snap and unsnap with just my thumb. Pain in the rear? Yes, but worth it. It's a great, lined holster, and now fits perfectly.

It took me along time to decide if this was the holster for my GP 141 S/S revolver, but patience produced a perfect fit for the Ruger GP100 4-inch series revolver. The holster is a rock-solid example of Bianchi quality. It is heavily stitched throughout and the dye is uniformly applied. When you first slide the gun into the holster, press down on the gun just a tad and you will feel the cylinder fall right into its detent in the holster. It will take very little effort to roll the hammer strap into position for snapping into the robust thumb snap, which is mounted in a substantial piece of holster real estate. One feature that a thumb-break holster must have (for me) is a rigid thumb snap and the Bianchi 111 Cyclone excels in that area. The holster exhibits two pathways for strapping this holster onto your belt; strong side through the obvious belt loops and weak-side, cross-draw through a slot that separate from the two primary slots. The cross-draw position is nearly perfect for sitting and rides butt-forward for easy retrieval of the revolver. I prefer the cross-draw position, because shoot long guns on my left side although I am right handed; the cross-draw position provides a smooth transition from rifle to handgun without my having to change shooting positions. My right hand (strong side) simply falls down from the forearm of the rifle to the butt of the handgun. It can't get any simpler than that. Some complain about an open-bottom holster but I have no problem with them. The front sight is well protected, although there is not rear sight flap over the sight. I believe the 5BHL has a sight flap but the trigger is exposed. You would have to hit the rear sight directly to damage it in this holster. One thing that I demand in an OWB holster is trigger protection and the Bianchi 111 Cyclone holster does that very well; the trigger finger simply slides over the leather and is pushed out of the way of the trigger - as it should be. The holster is fashioned in a way to present the lowest profile possible with this style of holster. Only a pancake holster style could do it better. With a little ingenuity, I could make this holster a "chesty" rig, if need be. If you are looking for an excellent holster to house that 4" GP100 series handgun, this would do it for you. I will attest to its fit with the GP100/GP141 revolver and it should do well with the S&W 586/686.

First new Bianchi cyclone in 40 years, and the quality is still as good as it gets. fit and finish is perfect. Zero weapon movement in holster. Holster snap covered with a layer of suede leather to protect weapon.

Fits GP100 and S&W686+ perfectly!

Nearly perfect fit for a 6" Colt Python. Very stiff so like all leathers I'm guessing some breaking in is necessary. I really had to push down firmly to seat the python and snap the strap. Retrieving the weapon wasn't easy either...didn't want to leave the holster without some effort. Again, maybe a break-in period needed.

Excellent quality. As described and fits all "k" frames.

This holster is designed to fit the Ruger GP100 Six Inch Barrel .357 Magnum Revolver. It fits the revolver very snugly, and the strap over the hammer holds the weapon securely in the holster. This is a beautiful piece of leather workmanship like all Bianchi holsters. One of this holster's best features is that it allows the piece to be worn either on the right hip as a service revolver, or on the left hip for cross-draw. (There is a left-hand version as well.) This gives flexibility, as some pistol ranges do not allow cross-draw for safety reasons. Some have criticized this holster for not having a safety strap over the rear sight of the GP100. This is a valid point, although this would only come into play if the user were negotiating difficult scrub brush or the like. In such a case I would probably opt for a fully covered holster. While most users won't miss the safety strap over the rear sight, the lack of same is a valid criticism and this holster would have been better had Bianchi added one. Thus, while I awarded this one 5 stars for its workmanship, appearance, and flexible design, it is not perfect. It will, however, meet the needs of most users perfectly, in my opinion. This holster is worthy of the fine Ruger GP100 for which it is designed. This fine holster will last the user for the life of the revolver, which is to say that my grandchildren will probably be using it someday. I have Bianchi holsters that are like new despite being 30 years old. Highly recommended. RJB.

I just Love this holster, well made great quality holster. Break in with oil for a great draw. I wish they made them for my 6in Colt .44 Anaconda...

Holster de ceinture de très bonne qualité. Excellente finition du cuir et des coutures. Solide. Expédition rapide. Prix raisonnable pour la qualité.

Good quality

Conforme, mais rabattant trop petit pour un s&w 586/686

Purchased for a UMAREX Legends S&W M29 replica air gun with 8 3/8" barrel. Fits perfectly!