Bianchi UM84-1 Universal Military Holster Large Frame Semi-Automatic 5" Barrel Nylon

I have read many reviews and I like these flap holsters. You can also use a snap to make it tactical but I own two. I use this one when not tactical, and use a Blackhawk! tactical when I need that style holster. Word to the wise about those that may want to modify it to a drop leg. Drop leg systems look cool, but most combat vets prefer the pistol at their chest as it is easier to access, easier to sit with it and spending on what is going on around you, rarely gets stuck. So keep that in mind. What looks good doesn't always mean it works best. But over all, this holster has excellent construction.

I'm not military wanna-be and I'm not into the 'concealed carry/home defense/apocalypse/off-the-grid/zombie hunter' scene. Which seems like the market all gun related stuff is targeted at now days. (yes, I'm old) All I WANTED was a durable holster that would give the pistol some protection from the elements and brush and WOULD NOT scream "Hey! Look at this big, giant GUN strapped to my waist!"Anyway, I finally got off my butt and decided to replace my old trail sidearm and my choice was a slightly modified 45 ACP. After spending a lot of time surfing I ended up with a very, VERY short list of holsters. I guess 'four' still makes a list. :( The original leather 45 holster, the - I presume - canvas looking Vietnam era hostler, this and another brand. I really wanted something with a flap to protect the gun from brush, branches, and random moisture. I also wanted a good closure that wouldn't unsnap every time it snagged on a random willow branch. Couple that with a durable covering, some internal padding and one that would be relatively maintenance free-ish.I like the old vintage 45 holsters, but that was just too much like advertising for me. I just didn't want something that screams 'GUN'. Especially something that screams 'possibly EXPENSIVE GUN'.My fourth choice was decent, and covered all the bases except no flap. I've been fishing and tromping through willows and brush for decades and I learned early on from my grandfather that anything exposed is going to get the crud beat out of it. So, ...I kept looking and found this Bianchi. I understand this is or is a close clone of the military issued holster for the 45 Government now. Is or whatever, it's built like something for the military. The holster is light, but made very, very well, and covered every one of my requirements.Heavy ballistic nylon looking outer shell that I have no doubt will withstand brush. Nice padded inside. Trigger protector. And, it comes with a nifty rod for emergency cleaning. :) The closure is interesting. No Velcro and no snaps. The black D ring on the front in the picture is actually attached to a (what looks like stainless) wire 'tang' and heavy elastic. To open the cover, you just pull down on the D ring and out. The 'tang' slides into a heavy hard nylon 'catch'. The tang is about 1.5" or so long. Originally, I thought this was a really strange setup and wasn't sure if I liked it, but since I have decided this is a REALLY slick setup. Its super easy to just pop the flap and grab the grips, but I can't see any way that it'll open accidentally if you catch it on something and it sure won't happen without your noticing. This has to be by far the most secure closure I've ever seen. And, unlike snaps and Velcro especially it's noiseless.Once the flap is open, the pistol is still almost entirely enclosed in the holster. I like this as it all but guarantees that even on the 1 in a million chance the flap comes open or your forget to close it, it makes it very unlikely the gun is going to just "fall out" while trying to climb over a log. The downside to this is - I will not be doing any 'quick draw' stunts. And, before someone counters with how that's totally unacceptable that is, and you should just be ready at a moments notice - I've hear it all before. I have 40+ years in the lower 48 outdoors and I have NEVER had justification to draw and fire in a few seconds nor has anyone I know.With the flap closed only about 1 3/4" of the handle are exposed and that's all that's exposed. With the shape almost a rectangle and no obvious barrel shape and black ebony checkered grips its a very discrete package. Ok, well, as discrete as a 45 Government can be. :) As I understand things, with the trigger guard as well as the way the flap covers everything, there should be no worries about carrying in Condition 1, either. I don't, and probably won't, because there's too much chance for me of having a sidearm striped by brush and branches and I don't want it bouncing off rocks with one in the chamber, safetys or no. We'll see how I feel in a year with this holster.The only thing I was really concerned about when buying this with a flap closure was that my DE 45 has the extended beaver tail. That turned out to not be a problem - at least not for a while, I think. It may eventually wear a hole in the interior of the flap, but that'll be years and years down the road. Or, maybe never probably, since the flap is pretty flexible. It may just conform to the shape and everything will be fine.Like old leather holsters, everything is stiff and way too snug when new. Its slowly breaking in and is starting to fit quite nicely now. A couple more weeks and everything should fit like they were made for each other.As they say this is ambidextrous. I'm right handed so there was no need to change anything. Its obvious there's all kinds of ways to attach this to a belt or harness. A standard belt will work. I have a 1.5" black nylon military something or other I found that works very well and doesn't loosen up with the weight of a 45, a couple clips and a hunting knife, so I use that.I guess the cleaning rod is kind of a nice perk although since I'm not in the habit of dumping my guns in the mud (knock on wood) and since the gun is enclosed in this type holster, it doesn't seem real useful. But, you never know. I carry a tiny cleaning kit since I have once or twice nose dived my hunting rifle into the snow when I've slipped and really wished I had a long rod on me at the time. :) Maybe some day this will come in handy.Overall, I'm very impressed with this holster - as you can probably tell. It's not flashy and its not suited to concealed carry (I think), but it is eminently functional. Nothing extra, no frills and no gimmicks. Bianchi in general impresses me. I purchased a two clip carrier (#2) for my 8 round clips from them also to round out the package and the quality is the same as the holster. Very well made and very well designed. I expect these will give years and years of service.Now, the question is whether I'll regret getting black when it's 105 out and the sun is hitting it .... :)

Good quality nylon holster.The ordering specs are not too explanatory... although it will fit 1911's, it is not designed for a full-size 1911 with a rail. Also, it states that it will fit Sig p229/226's, but it doesn't support Elite models with beavertail grips... can't close the flap!I wish Bianchi offered more sizes/models as it is a great holster for carry in the rain, etc, since it provides great protection for your pistol.

As advertised.

The first shipment accidentally contained the wrong holster -- one designed for a 9 mm pistol. The second holster holds my Para P-14 .45 ACP but the flip will not close due to the pistol's size. It should work great for smaller pistols.

Superb quality for severe conditions.

Price is excellent.Use it for a Beretta 92fs.Also for a full size 1911.Will most likely fit other large frame automatics.Love the different mounting positions.Material is very good quality.Also purchased the separate thumb strap.

The real deal. Thicker stiffer and better quality than non Bianchi.