Holster Modification Question

[Crestliner]

I have a lined Bianchi 5HBL OWB holster for a 4" bbl. revolver. What I would like to do is cut it down to fit my 2" bbl. SP101. Here's what it looks like now:



My question is whether or not this is a feasible consideration? Or should I just buy a new holster? I'm pretty sure I can cut off the bottom to accommodate the shorter barrel, but it's the lining and stitching that I'm worried about. The SP fits perfectly in the cylinder area. Suggestions?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[falcon1]

Personally, I'd buy a new holster (especially if you're planning to use it for CC--that exposed-trigger design for CC concerns me a bit) rather than cut up an existing one, but YMMV.

[rocky]

I agree with Falcon1. The exposed trigger, along with the stitching that would fall apart unless you did some restitching , a new holster would be a better way to go.

[the_fallguy]

When all is said and done, you will likely buy another holster anyhow. I would skip all the work in between and do that first. It would be a real pain to stitch the end of the holster so it doesn't separate or let the lining roll in. Also, how far down does the stitching on the tunnel loop go? Will you have to cut across that too? Between that and the exposed trigger, I would opt for a new holster. Your decision, though.

[QKShooter]

Well, if you get a "Rapid Rivet" or the right size Cutlery Rivet - you can drill or punch a small hole right next to the stitch where you want to cut the holster.

Then set that rivet tight making certain that the rivet head covers the stitches and then cut below that.
That will keep the machine stitching for coming undone.

Or if you search "Saddle Stitching" instructions on the Internet - you can saddle stitch up (using the same stitching holes) from where you want to cut.
Hand Saddle Stitch up about 5 or 6 holes (AKA start a "back-stitch") using a lock stitch and then you can cut right below where you started...no problem.

[wmhawth]

I'm guessing that 5HBL isn't an exact fit for your SP101 anyway so I would not do any cutting which, IMO, would ruin it for the gun that it does fit and at best give you a less than perfect fit for your SP101.

[jarhead79]

That looks like a holster made for a Single Action revolver. Absolutely not intended for a Double Action gun.

[the_fallguy]

Believe it or not, this is a current production Bianchi holster offered for several double action revolvers. I am sort of surprised that they still sell these, though it wasn't that long ago that you saw 1911 holsters with exposed triggers too. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.

[MNBurl]

Get a different holster that covers the trigger and dumps the thumb break. If you cut down the bottom the stitching may unravel.