BIANCHIModel 56 Serpent Belt Slide Holster, Right Hand

First, let me state that I'm very qualified to do this review because I own many holsters of different types and they're all very good and I use them all. I carry all the time and everywhere. I own Desantis, Alienware, Myholster, custom molded kydex and several others. They all work. If they didn't, I would have sent them back for a refund. Here's the point. I have never seen such a quality holster since receiving this Bianchi for my 1911. No other holster I have even compares despite how good they are. The leather is thicker and stronger. The finish is beautiful. The design uses only the leather that's required to encapsulate the pistol and no more. No waste. No bulk. I prefer the forward cant so I don't care for the holsters with the belt loops that allow a straight up orientation. To me, it's a waste. Is this holster tight? Oh yea but, pleasingly so. I manipulated it for a few minutes and in almost no time, it was sliding in and out with ease. You want it tight and this fits like a glove. It's as if it was vacuum wrapped. My kind of holster. I don't like sloppy. If you think it's too tight, you might want to pay a visit to the gym and work on your aggressive alpha male draw stoke.For those of you who are nervous about carrying cocked and locked with a round in the tube, I recommend you avoid this holster at all costs until you truly understand how safe a 1911 really is. The packaging for this holster say's right on the outside "For Cocked and Locked Carry only". Cocked and locked with a round in the tube and ready to rock is the only way to carry a 1911. If you don't understand that concept, this holster is not for you. If you do, this holster is the best you'll find and for the money, nothing else comes close.Take a look at the photos and how the leather is literally pressed and sculpted with distinct lines. I've seen many holsters where the molding seems almost "half hearted". The 1911 safety recess on this holster even has a serious contour that goes around the lever to ensure it stays on safe.I've included photos so you can see for yourself. By the way, this is a Rock Island 52009 which is a 10mm double stack 1911. It fits like a dream because the frame all the way back to the hammer is all standard 1911. The only thing that's different on this gun is the wider handle which allows this 1911 to handle double stack mags that hold 17 rounds. I love 1911's but, I've never been happy with the capacity. They're still an American classic and an Icon but, I want what I consider to be the updated version and Rock Island gets the job done.I'm really happy with this combination. If you own a standard 1911, don't worry, this holster is an excellent choice. You will not be disappointed.

Beautifully made to last with Bianchi quality.Beyond its functionally, comfort and purpose, it really is a form of art in a way.I used a large, zip lock freezer bag to place my full size 1911 into holster, snapping the hammer strap closed for the break in.One day did the trick, with the plastic bag expanding the leather enough for pulling and pushing the weapon into and out of the holster so it felt really good and had become functional and safe to use. Each additional day wearing the weapon and holster will provide that much more break in and increased comfort.This Bianchi fits my 5 inch Government model .45 like a custom made holster.All areas where the gun could potentially rub are covered by the holster, which extends just beyond the barrel, guards any rubbing from the hammer area with a nicely contoured thumb snap area. Nothing is over or under built as every part of the holster serves a function.Although the model 56 is an outside the waistband holster, it is built and fits the wearer so well, it crosses the line as a concealed holster too. The holster and thus weapon ride high enough and fit close enough to the body, that weapon profile is kept to a minimum, under shirt or coat. The brown was my first choice, but I choice black to match my weapon. This I feel is the best combo if the user is seeking maximum concealment.Again this is a holster made for strictly carrying a weapon in Condition One; a loaded magazine, a round in the chamber, the hammer cocked, and the thumb safety engaged. This carry method is used by most people, including police officers, as a defensive carry arrangement.In order to fire the pistol, the holster thumb strap needs to be unsnapped, the thumb safety and grip safety have to be depressed and the trigger pressed. This holster actually adds a fourth safety to the normal cocked and locked carry.I expect this holster to last my lifetime. I have no interest in trying any other.Be safe and honor our Second Amendment.

I read all the negative reviews about the holster being too tight. Ordered and received this yesterday. The holster was too tight to get the gun in far enough to snap. I followed some others' suggestions and avoided using oil. I followed another reviewer's instructions by wrapping the gun in plastic freezer bags and then forcing it into the holster by pressing it on the floor, muzzle down (don't be that guy, unload the gun!). I started with inserting the gun into one bag, forcing it into the holster, forcing the snap closed, and left it for a couple hours. I then removed it, added a second bag, and repeated, leaving it for a couple hours. I made sure the bags wrapped over the rear of the slide to help stretch the leather around the snap area. I added a third bag and repeated for another couple hours. I worked the gun in and out several times between adding bags, and I worked the snap quite a bit. After removing all the bags, the holster now has the normal wear markings inside along the leather and it works smooth inserting and removing. The snap is easy to work and it still holds the gun tight.As for fit, the holster is cut to fully cover the full size M&P. My compact M&P fits great, but has a little extra room below the muzzle, like every other holster I've seen. When on the belt, the gun sits high on the hip and very comfortable. The belt slots are perfect for detective dress belts, but are tight for typical 1.5" tactical trainer belts. I may leave it as is for dress wear. But it would be easy to Dremmel tool the slots slightly if the tight fit bothers you. Bottom line is this is a great leather holster. I've had Bianchi leather gear for years and its lasts!