Bianchi 5BHL Thumbsnap Holster - S&W 629 N 5-Inch (Tan

This is a great holster in every way, but with a catch. Out of the box the holster fit my S&W .44 beautifully. BUT, the securing strap appeared to be way too short to reach the snap (about 3/4" too short). I was ready to return the holster to Amazon, but decided to first check Amazon reviews to see if others had the same problem. Thankfully, one reviewer did -- he said the holster needs breaking in before the securing strap would be long enough to reach the snap to secure the gun in the holster. HE WAS RIGHT -- he said not to return the holster before breaking it in. Instead, he said to leave the gun in the holster for 3 days for holster break in and the securing strap would then be long enough to reach the snap. I tried an experiment in hopes of shortening the break in process. This is what I did. First day: Be sure to remove any ammo before starting. I put my gun in the holster as far as it would go. I placed the holster and gun about 18" in front of a small ceramic heater for a couple hours. The heated leather softened and the securing strap grew longer, but was still not long enough to allow it to snap shut. A few more 1-2 hours stents in front of the heater allowed me to make the strap snap shut, but with considerable effort, and the snap closure was not secure. I allowed the gun & holster to set over night without heat. Second day: A couple more bouts in front of the ceramic heater, and the strap now snaps easily to secure the gun in the holster. It now works just like seen in the videos. Many thanks to the reviewer who kept me from returning the holster. I hope recounting my experience in "breaking in" the holster will help someone else from making the same mistake I almost made by returning the holster.

Soaked the new holster in a mixture of 50/50 Lexol and water for 30 minutes. There are many other good or better leather conditioners out there. I just happened to have Lexol on hand. After removing from the soak dried the excess inside with paper towel wrapped gun in plastic and it slid right into the holster with both top and bottom rails attached. It actually fit better then dry out of package with no rails.Will let it sit for a couple days for good measure and expect it will form to the new fit. If it holds it gives you the choice of attaching rails or not. But attaching rails and leaving is preferable for me versus putting on and taking off and and re-locking lighting screws.With rails attached it is easy enough to attach a red dot and or flashlight with quick releases. I will be using different configurations depending what and where I am. So this was important to me.For example, I intend on purchasing a Speed Beez holster for the gun and use a red dot for target shooting and flashlight for night with the speed Beez holster. Would rather use a quick release to pop a red dot and light on & off. Again preferable to putting on and taking rails on and off.I have a Triple K chest holster for my performance center 44 mag hunter model which accommodates a scope or red dot. Great holster. However for anyone who might care, I really like the way the Bianchi snap works. Brilliant! The way it is designed allows you in one motion to pop the snap with a finger (I use my thumb) while pulling the gun from the holster.Because of my business, I may look at ways to have the holster modified to accommodate a red dot. If what I think can be done will work, it will make this holster that much more versatile and valuable. And even a better value. If and when I do will let you all know.

I just got my holster the other day. It fits my S&W 686 Plus 3-5-7 5 inch perfectly. The leather is very sturdy and high quality. Couldn't ask for a better made holster. I looked in vain for a good quality holster that would fit my 5 inch barrel. After finding an obscure reference on a forum that said the 629 and the 686 would fit the same I took a chance. Glad I did. Even Bianchi, when I called didn't give me this advice. Shipped fast. Can't wait to have my pistol with me in the woods when deer season starts.

Love this holster! I bought it for a .44 Rem Mag S &W 629 -6 Classic 5" bbl with a full lug underneath. According to the label, the holster was made in Mexico. It is really fine quality and half the price of comparable holsters of that quality. Yes, expect it to be stiff when you get it, but like another reviewer said, when you first get it slide your handgun in and out of the holster a few times, then after reholstering it, snap the strap over the hammer and let gun stay in the holster for about 3 days. Note, at first, the snap will seem to short, but it isn't -it is just stiff, so don't give up and return it. You have to work the snap over the hammer a few times until you are able to snap it. It will get easier day by day, but know that this fine holster has a break in period. Mine is almost through with the break in period. Don't give up! Your reward is one fine holster for your firearm!

I had my doubts about this great holster, but the moment I had it in my hand I knew it was a perfect fit for my S&W 629 V-Comp, with or without the compensator.The strap over the hammer is just right tight, enough to keep the revolver secured but not tight enough so it compromises a fast draw when s*** hits the fan.As other reviwers pointed, this holster makes your revolver sits high on your waist, I'm lefty, so I chose the left hand version of the 5BHL.So, I would strongly recomend this great piece of leather, it is a great investment for your loved hand cannon.

Good, well made and reasonably priced holster for "5" inch full lug 629 S&W. Fit & finish is good for the price. I used some good, clear, leather paste wax on it followed by a good hand buffing with a soft cotton cloth for added protection of the leather. Left revolver in the holster for several days and then run the revolver in/out of the holster to help it "wear in". Offers good protection for the gun & has a good thumb strap. I would recomend it to a friend and would buy again myself.

High quality, premium leather holster for your S&W Model 629. It took some stretching of the thumb snap for breakin but not fits perfectly. Another great Bianchi product. Highly recommended!

Looks good. Fits great. Holds the gun nice and secure.Thumbstrap is tight. Left the gun in it in the safe for a week now the button snaps perfectly. Definately recommend it.

Very fast shipping and grate quality stud!!!!