[Henry Bowman]

I'm looking for a style of vertical (muzzle down) shoulder holster rig that I haven't seen in years. It is a metal reinforced leather (or could be kydex) that is open along the front edge, but grips the gun. To unholster, you pull down and forward on the grip of the gun, rather than up and out of the holster.

Anybody seen this lately?

[Monkeyleg]

I have a Safariland shoulder rig for a S&W 586 that's as you describe, although I wouldn't recommend it for carrying longer than maybe an hour. Without some sort of weak-side balance, it tends to move around a lot. And elastic straps work for bras, but not holsters.

One problem with the vertical rigs is the butt protrudes forward so much that it's a problem (at least for me) to keep it hidden.

In searching for shoulder rigs for my 1911, I came across some vertical rigs from other manufacturers. I'm sure someone will post their favorites.

[Walosi]

The Bianchi X15 sounds much like what you have described. It is open down the front, with a leather-enclosed steel spring for a "pull through" draw. It has been in production for years and years - only change is a removeable snap strap. It has been made for everything from J frame Smiths to 8 3/8" N frames, and most everything in between.

http://www.bianchi-intl.com/images/large/X15%20Front.jpg

[Airfix]

Fist Holster has something you described in leather, they also have the kydex version.

[444]

I have a Bianchi X15 for a 1911. I have never actually worn it, someone gave it to me.
Shoulder holsters arn't a good option here in the desert. I might wear a coat a couple days a year.

[C.R.Sam]

Wore the Bianchi rig for years, suit or uniform.
I am small and it worked well with 1911.

Sam

[Hypnogator]

Bianchi still makes their X-15 shoulder rig. It's been around for a long time, and is still one of the best designs for longer-barrelled weapons.

[Coronach]

I have a bianchi X-15 (small) I don't use. PM me if you're inetersted.

Mike

[Henry Bowman]

Thanks, that's it.

PM sent to Coronach.

[Mike Irwin]

I've got one of the X-15s, or something similar, for my N-frame S&Ws.

I didn't realize that you were supposed to draw THROUGH the clamshell opening!

You know how tough it is to draw from one of those by pulling up on the gun? :o :D

[impulse caper]

Hi there:

I recently purchased a Bianchi X15 vertical rig for my 1911. I ordered it online-- and I suppose I should've investigated into it more-- but the belt loop which is shown in the pictures to attach to the belt for support is way too high up on my torso. The loop is right below the gun! I have adjusted the straps to be as long as possible and the loop is still about five inches above my belt line!! I'm not that tall either-- only 6'0. I don't know whats going on here- but wondering if anyone has had this problem or knows of a tie-down that I can use to extend its reach and tie down on my belt. I looked around and nothing is made specifically for this model to extend the tie down-- Can anyone help out?

Thanks alot.