 The Classified holster (model 130) with thumb snap.  The Consent holster (model 125) is an open top holster. Notice the inner shell of synthetic of the holster on the Consent.  The Suppression (model 135) is an IWB holster that is held on with C clips.  The unique idea of the Suppression is the foam/mesh backing with antimicrobial properties. |
By Brian Jensen
Bianchi International
The news from holster giant Bianchi is their latest entry into the concealed carry market. Three new holsters blending old technology with new are their entries for SHOT show 2012.
The Allusion series of holsters, is aimed at the concealed carry market. Allusion holsters blend the advantages and looks of leather (old technology) with the advantages of synthetic materials (new technology). These new holsters have a polymer inner shell that goes around the gun itself, while there is an outside layer of leather.
Bianchi recognizes that there is a certain allure of leather, some like the smell or look. However, there is a certain usefulness of polymer that helps lock in the gun, and allow for easy re-holstering.
There are three new models in this line.
The first, is the Consent Model #125, an open top model for . It is an OWB belt holster that attaches via dual belt snaps. An extra set of snaps can be attached to make the holster an inside the waistband holster. The friction and tension along the pistol’s trigger guard hold the gun securely in place.
The next version is the 130 or the Classified, is similar, but has a thumb break snap for added security. However, it is in all other respects the same as the open top version. Both models come in brown or black.
The final version is the 135 Suppression. This is a dedicated inside the waistband holster similar to other designs with some notable differences. The holster uses a piece of leather as a backing with a synthetic holster that holds the gun. The holster is held to the person’s belt by “C” clips to use up less space. The unique feature is the part that rests against the shooter’s side. Many other holsters use plain leather for the holster backing, but Bianchi uses a foam backing with an anti-microbial mesh sewn on. This is a nice addition since this part of the holster is often right against your skin, and will be more comfortable.
I asked Bianchi’s James Dawson what prompted the new holsters. He said, that after seeing the support of the Safariland’s products (a sister city of Bianchi under BAE) they saw the benefits of synthetic holster products. As a result they created the Allusion holsters. Gun models were not available as of the time of this writing. Dawson did say orders are already coming in for the Allusions as we speak. If you are looking for a leather holster, because for some, there isn’t anything quite like leather, but like the benefits of a synthetic holster, this might just be the ticket for you.