Bianchi X-15 Shoulder holster

The X-15 is an old classic shoulder holster from the 1960's.

Instead of the older flat spring that wraps around the cylinder or middle of the gun, the X-15 has a unique long double wire spring in the front opening of the holster.
This goes from the muzzle up around the trigger guard and holds the front of the holster closed.
This is very secure and the gun is less likely to pop out of the holster then the older designs.
In past years, Bianchi Company has been modifying the design to add safety straps to make it even more secure. This slows down the draw rather drastically, but you can simply not use the strap.

Most any good shoulder holster will be available in left hand.

There's one holster I think is even better, and that's the original "Dirty Harry" holster that uses a better harness design and a better spring system.
HOWEVER...... There's been some controversy and apparently some fraud involving one entity of the company. I'm not sure just what the situation really is, and whether the situation has been straightened out or not.

It's a great holster, but do some serious online investigating before you buy, and if you buy, pay with a credit card so if what I heard is true, you can recover your money by telling the card company you were scammed.
Remember that most card companies limit complaints and refunds to 90 days. If you order and are told it'll be longer, or if he doesn't ship within that time, get a refund from the card company.

If this is all true or still true, it's sad, because it really is one of the very best vertical shoulder holsters ever designed.

Magnum Shoulder Holster | Dirty Harry Holster

.455Eley said:

I'm thinking about getting a shoulder holster for my Trooper for this winter. Does anybody use the Bianchi X-15? I'll be wearing it under a heavy Carhartt coat so concealability/bulk isn't really an issue, and I'm not usually accused of being small. Is there something else you would recommend instead? I'm a lefty.

Thanks in advance for the info, Eley.

Click to expand...

As Bianchi's chief designer in the 70s and 80s, I've lots of experience with the X-15 (named after you-know-what). The X-15 went through 4 versions before one arrives at the current configuration, the first of which is unlikely to be in anyone's collection, or the second. The most desireable is the 3rd Model, first offered in 1965 or so, and often available on eBay; but even the versions with safety strap and slotted harness attachment (3rd model is strapless and uses laces, a la Heiser) are good.

This pic from another Forum, shows the 4th model at left, the 3rd model at right. Built for both autos and revolvers, you'll find good news: the cylinder keeps the Trooper in position, and bad news: it (the cylinder) also strongly resists drawing and can rough up the inside of the leather at the spring legs.