S&W N-Frame & the Dirty Harry Shoulder Holster

Anthony · April 11, 2009, 11:17 PM

Hello Everyone,

Lawman Leather Goods has resumed production of the classic Dirty Harry Shoulder Holster and I have been considering one for toting my trust Smith & Wesson N-frame .41 Magnum.

Has anyone actually used this design?

If yes, is the holster and/or the offside required to be tied down to a belt to function correctly?

Also, is the holster a simple pouch style or does it used a band of spring steel to capture the gun something like the Bianchi X-15?

Thank you for your input.

- Anthony

zenner22 · April 13, 2009, 11:16 AM

I owned a Lawman Leather Dirty Harry shoulder holster in the 80s. I had one for a 6 inch Dan Wesson 15-2VH in 357. I really liked the holster it was very well made. The retention system is spring based. There is no elastic in the shoulder straps, it is all leather so it is necessary to tie it down to the belt on the other side.

I called Bianchi and found out (to my surprise!) they don't make the X15 shoulder holster for a 4" Model 29 anymore. I really like the style and had one about 15 yrs ago. While wondering what I was going to do I ran across an ad for Lawman Leather and decided it was fate. I'll be ordering one for my Model 29 next week.

It's a nice holster.

salvadore · April 13, 2009, 02:04 PM

I have an X-2100 Bianchi that is made for a 4" N-frame. Got it on E-Bay, don't know if it is still marketed.

zenner22 · April 13, 2009, 02:15 PM

I don't believe the X2100 is made for any model anymore. I have one for my 6" 629. It was the step up from the X15 back when they made both.

I've been looking for a nice used X2100 or X15 for the 4" N Frame, but no luck so far. Guess there's not that many putting 4" N Frames in shoulder holsters these days.

Anthony · April 13, 2009, 10:54 PM

I am not familiar with the newer Bianchi model.

What is it like?

- Anthony

zenner22 · April 14, 2009, 06:40 AM

Not sure exactly in what order they were introduced but back in the 80s and 90s at least, Bianchi offered the X15 and X2100 shoulder holsters for just about every kind of handgun available. They both shared the same harness system and looked very similar.

The X2100 was considered their top of the line shoulder rig and came with a suede lining. Not sure exactly when they stopped but Bianchi is not making the X2100 anymore.

The X15 is unlined. It is still availabe for many different pistols and revolvers but is currently not available for a 4" N Frame.

**4V50 Gary** · April 14, 2009, 06:46 AM

This thread certainly brings backs memories. I had a X2100 for a 6" Ruger I carried. I also had a Hoyt shoulder rig for my 8 3/8" Model 29. That gun was supposed to be for bear country.

April 11, 2009, 11:17 PM	#1
Anthony Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 1998 Location: Dallas, Texas (United States) Posts: 416	S&W N-Frame & the Dirty Harry Shoulder Holster Hello Everyone, Lawman Leather Goods has resumed production of the classic Dirty Harry Shoulder Holster and I have been considering one for toting my trust Smith & Wesson N-frame .41 Magnum. Has anyone actually used this design? If yes, is the holster and/or the offside required to be tied down to a belt to function correctly? Also, is the holster a simple pouch style or does it used a band of spring steel to capture the gun something like the Bianchi X-15? Thank you for your input. - Anthony

April 14, 2009, 06:46 AM	#7
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,849	This thread certainly brings backs memories. I had a X2100 for a 6" Ruger I carried. I also had a Hoyt shoulder rig for my 8 3/8" Model 29. That gun was supposed to be for bear country. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

April 13, 2009, 11:16 AM	#2
zenner22 Senior Member Join Date: July 30, 2006 Posts: 229	I owned a Lawman Leather Dirty Harry shoulder holster in the 80s. I had one for a 6 inch Dan Wesson 15-2VH in 357. I really liked the holster it was very well made. The retention system is spring based. There is no elastic in the shoulder straps, it is all leather so it is necessary to tie it down to the belt on the other side. I called Bianchi and found out (to my surprise!) they don't make the X15 shoulder holster for a 4" Model 29 anymore. I really like the style and had one about 15 yrs ago. While wondering what I was going to do I ran across an ad for Lawman Leather and decided it was fate. I'll be ordering one for my Model 29 next week. It's a nice holster.

April 13, 2009, 02:04 PM	#3
salvadore Junior member Join Date: January 1, 2007 Location: Idaho Posts: 2,282	I have an X-2100 Bianchi that is made for a 4" N-frame. Got it on E-Bay, don't know if it is still marketed.

April 13, 2009, 02:15 PM	#4
zenner22 Senior Member Join Date: July 30, 2006 Posts: 229	I don't believe the X2100 is made for any model anymore. I have one for my 6" 629. It was the step up from the X15 back when they made both. I've been looking for a nice used X2100 or X15 for the 4" N Frame, but no luck so far. Guess there's not that many putting 4" N Frames in shoulder holsters these days.

April 13, 2009, 10:54 PM	#5
Anthony Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 1998 Location: Dallas, Texas (United States) Posts: 416	I am not familiar with the newer Bianchi model. What is it like? - Anthony

April 14, 2009, 06:40 AM	#6
zenner22 Senior Member Join Date: July 30, 2006 Posts: 229	Not sure exactly in what order they were introduced but back in the 80s and 90s at least, Bianchi offered the X15 and X2100 shoulder holsters for just about every kind of handgun available. They both shared the same harness system and looked very similar. The X2100 was considered their top of the line shoulder rig and came with a suede lining. Not sure exactly when they stopped but Bianchi is not making the X2100 anymore. The X15 is unlined. It is still availabe for many different pistols and revolvers but is currently not available for a 4" N Frame.