Bianchi holster/GP100...snap will not close

This is why I would never by a holster at a gunshop, or Cabelas. Spend the extra and get something decent.

I know many of you have had okay experiences with these things, but I have not, and niether is the OP. Now we'll wait for people to tell him he needs to stretch it and break it in.

Also, a thumb break is a bad idea. If the holster has acceptable retention it is unecessary and dangerous.

But it is a brand commenly stocked at gunshops. Presumably because they are cheap. You seem offended. Fine. It wasn't my intent. I have had junk holsters and learned by wasting my money that you get what you pay for. I am new to revolvers and do not own a revolver holster yet. I will assume that the same principles of quality apply. From what I've been able to gather I would probably get a pancake holster.

I have exactly the same holster for my S&W Model 681 and had the same problem initially with the thumb break not snapping. It took me a while, but I was finally able to get it snapped. The "problem" is that leather stretches, and Bianchi apparently builds their holsters with this in mind so the thumb break, even after the natural stretching of the leather, will secure the revolver. I would just keep working on it.

ECS

Elm Creek is correct. A lot of new leather holsters are tight, but will break in as the leather does stretch. I've had the exact same issue with Bianchi and Desantis leather holsters with the thumb break. You can help speed up the process by inserting the gun in a thin sock, insert into the holster and if you can get the snap in place, leave it overnight. This will help a lot. Desantis actually recommends this with their instructions that come with their thumb break holsters. I'm pretty active and also believe in thumb break holsters, I've used thumb breaks regularly for years.

When I've come across this situation, I've always been able to carefully and forcefully press the male snap side of leather up and around the hammer sharply, not allowing any rounding of the leather to occur. It should go straight up the hammer, angle over the top then angle straight down towards the female side of things. Picture the bottom 1/2 of a capital "A" as it goes over the hammer.

Then, press the female side up tightly, catching the lip of the one-way snap first, while continuing to press upward. Once snapped, leave it!

I've never been skunked doing it this way.

This presumes, of course, your holster isn't mismarked. Does it say anything on the holster itself?

Time to contact Bianchi....

From what I can see, everything on your end is right. That is the correct holster for that GP.
I would venture to say that the strap portion was just cut short. I also would bet that a "K" frame Smith would fit that holster perfect.
The tag on the box says that it should also fit "L" frames+GP-100's, but as you said, that's not the case.
Do you have access to a K frame 4" to check?
FWIW, I just bought a used Safariland 4" lined holster that fits my K,L frames, my GP-100, and my Colt Lawman. The difference in mine+yours is that the thumb snap tab is on an adjustable slot--loosen a Phillips screw and move to fit..Works GREAT..
I know this post is no help for your problem--Contact Bianchi...Bill..

Warp said:

I have two other holsters that are almost identical. Same price point, same availability, same design, same material, everything. They look like they were separated at birth. The two I have work PERFECTLY and are EXACTLY what I wanted. (Galco COP 3 slot). There is no reason to believe a $40 Bianchi holster is cheap junk simply because gun shops often carry their products.



What pancake holster? Be specific.

Click to expand...

Not to dispute you or whatever, but the quality stuff like Milt Sparks, Alessi, and Mitch Rosen ARE better. They really are.

Galco and Bianchi make a LOT of holsters. With that kind of production, bad ones are bound to get out. Try swapping it out. With Milt Sparks, each one is hand made, and they only have 6 guys.

I wasted money on holsters in the past, enough to buy a decent piece. Now I just go straight with Milt, they have the best stuff for the best price. They really are just a little more than Galco but WAAAY better. I love my VMII's, I have two for my G29 and G27 and will probably get another for a G21.

Sorry about your troubles, but I've seen it before with those two big makers, Galco and Bianchi. They make good stuff, when it fits. Besides having this issue, they sometimes are too tight or too loose. Never had these problems with the custom makers.

What you have is a holster that is supposed to fit what appears to be many mid frame revolvers. It's basicly a generic holster that should fit anything form a K frame to an L frame or Ruger GP-100. You'll notice a GP-100 is a good bit bigger than a K frame.

If you want good results from a holster, I'd suggest getting one that is made specifically for a GP-100, not some multi-fit job (prob. designed around the ubiquitous, and smaller K frame)

I'd suggest companies like.

Simply Rugged
High Noon
Bell CHarter Oak
El Passo Saddlery
etc.. etc. etc.

Yes, they will cost a bit more, and you'll have to wait for it to be made, but you WILL have a holster that fits your specific gun correctly.

Going with a Bianchi generic type holster, you might get lucky or you might not. I'm sure you can see the trigger guard doesn't really fit all that well either. Sure looks like it would fit a K frame though.

Here ya go.

Pick one you like.

They offer thumb breaks as an option, along with a bunch of other options... just like any decent custom makers are going to offer.

Tell 'em what you want, and they'll likely make it for you.

http://tuckergunleather.com/beltholsters1.html

Here's another option for you

http://www.lobogunleather.com/3_model_1_pancake_style_holster


Personally, I like Simply Rugged Holsters, but I don't see a thumb break option any more, although I know Rob used to build one called the "Tribute"
You could give him a shout as well, and see if he'll whip one up for you.
Super guy to work with.

Desperete measure; soak the Bianchi in hot water till there are no air bubbles, then put the Ruger in a plastic bag, shove that gun in the holster and try to snap it, if it snaps keep it in there till the leather dries.Oil the leather after drying.

http://www.simplyrugged.com/sourdough-pancake/

Everyone i know that has one of these loves them. I know i do for my revolvers.

For my Glocks, XD's and 1911 this is what i like.
http://tennesseeholstercompany.com

There's no need to wet the entire holster......just hold that strap under hot running water for just a couple seconds, then stretch it over and snap it, let it cool/dry.
You don't have to soak it, just get it hot.....steam works too.
When it's dry, apply your favorite leather conditioner.
You haven't hurt anything.

Looks like the ruger is not going all the way in the holster from the op's pic. I had the same problem with my ruger in the same holster. If you will keep working it you will be able to get the gun all the way in the holster and all should be well.