A garage seems like an appropriate setting for the birth of a rock band, not a future multi-million dollar company. Yet, like Mattel and Apple Inc., Bianchi International began in 1958 with John Bianchi, a full-time Southern California police officer, simply constructing affordable quality holsters in his garage.
1960 – The year Bianchi’s innovative thumb snap first seen on the Model 5BH/5BHL took the holster market by storm.
$36 million – Bianchi International’s sales in 2004.
4 – Years of research that went into its synthetic universal military system holster design, or M12, which was adopted by the U.S. Army in 1984.
1992 – Bianchi introduced its AccuMold holsters, accessories and belts in this year, and these products continue to be its staple in the gun holster industry.
32 – Years the NRA Bianchi Cup Championship pistol tournament has been scouting the best marksmen in the world.
110,000 – Total amount of square feet in Bianchi International headquarters in Temecula, Calif., and its additional manufacturing facility in Imperial Valley, Calif.
20 million – The estimate of how many belts and holsters John Bianchi designed and manufactured during his career.
1 – Number of books authored by John Bianchi. Bluesteel & Gunleather, his one and only book published in 1978, gives an extensive history of gun holsters and its continuing development.
1983 – Year Bianchi acquired Gregory Mountain Products, an external-frame backpack manufacturer.
$60 million – Amount Armor Holdings Inc. paid for Bianchi International in 2004.
105 – Miles separating GunHolsters.com headquarters and Columbia, Mo., the location of Bianchi’s first pistol-shooting tournament.
40 – Percentage of Bianchi’s business that came from Gregory packs in 1993.
1975 – The year that Bianchi produced its one-millionth holster.
And now it’s time to check out a western-inspired Bianchi holster that was first produced in the 1980s.
Pink guns are nothing new. These pistols painted in girlish hues have been auctioned for breast cancer awareness and criticized as a silly marketing gimmick for years. However, with women like Debbie Ferns proving female-only shooting camps, it’s likely we’ll see even more for-her, rose-colored accessories in 2010.
And while not all females require a pink gun and/or accessories, it’s nice to have some options. Here are 20.
1. Hello Kitty Sig Sauer P226 – According to the maker’s website, customization of this product was halted in May 2008 due to complaints from Sanrio, owners of the Hello Kitty brand. Not including the cost of the gun, this particular custom job was $2,100 with Swarovski Crystal on the grips.
2. Sparkly Grips – Featured on Jim’s Gun Supply as a DuraCoat item, it costs $50 to $85 to color and finish any type of gun accessories like scopes and magazines.
3. Ear Muffs – Touted as light weight and comfortable, this ear protection gear has 28 decibels of noise reduction for $34.99.
4. The Lady Di 460 S&W Magnum – Because of her peaceful nature, something tells us that Princess Diana would not be too happy about this 460 S&W Magnum ($657.95). “The most beautiful woman in the world on the most powerful handgun in the world. How can you go wrong?” asks its creator GlamGuns.com.
5. Hello Kitty Machine Gun – The video speaks for itself. Of course, this discovery was made at the Anime Expo.
7. Pink Camo Smith & Wesson – Another product of DuraCoat, it cost $135 for the pink camo touch.
8. Hello Kitty AR-15 – This big gun made CNN a while back, especially since it was at first rumored to be a Photoshop job. As you can see from the photo below, this one-of-a-kind firearm was custom made by Armory Airbrush.
9. Anti-Impact Glasses – Keep your eyes protected and your mind at ease by looking through rose-colored glasses ($19.99) at the shooting range.
10. Rainbow Brite Ammo Loader Kit – Another wonder from GlamGuns.com, this kit ($243.95) contains streamers, glitter and confetti that can be added to a gun chamber, shooting out “a trail of sparkling love with every shot.”
11. Breast Cancer Awareness Benelli Shotgun – Yet another DuraCoat creation. This type of customization would cost somewhere around $125 to $225.
12. Camo Gun Case – This lockable nylon gun case ($19) fits .22 Cricket and Chipmunk rifles with or without scopes.
13. Haydel’s Game Calls – Get a duck’s attention quick with this acrylic mallard call ($16.24) with a soft pink finish.
14. Beretta U22 Neos DLX Pistol – This ultra-sleek gun ($269.99) features hot pink grip inserts that gives it some added style.
15. Pistol Case – This Pepto-Bismol-colored case ($22.99) is pretty self-explanatory. Its exterior boasts reinforced composite; its interior contains egg-crate foam padding.
16. Crimson Trace Lasergrip – Ergonomically designed, this lasergrip is part of the Smith & Wesson Defender Series. And, yes, batteries are required.
17. Hello Kitty AK-47 – The price? $1,072.95. Some might argue that’s a small amount to pay for this über-customized weapon with a hand-crocheted shoulder-stock muffler and anodized titanium plating. But the bad news is, they’ve only made 500.
18. BB Gun – Its website declares that this Crosman 760 pellet gun ($42.99) is “sure to become a collectible!” However, we feel that the limited-edition Lady Di gun probably will obtain that status much sooner.
19. Rifle Sling – If you’re already carrying a pink rifle, why not add a pink rifle sling (17.99) with a hint on camo (or is that bronze?) to the mix.
While there’s been plenty of firm handshakes, wide smiles and flawless product demos, The SHOT Show hasn’t been going so smoothly for some — namely 21 industry executives who were rounded up by the FBI.
According to Business Week, the feds used the show as an opportunity to pinpoint those allegedly willing to pay illegal kickbacks to an African defense minister. “This is one case where what happens in Vegas didn’t stay in Vegas,” Lanny Breuer, Assistant Attorney General, was quoted as saying at a news conference about the case.
On the lighter side, Jim Braaten, an outdoors writer, blogger and photographer, was a Twitter photo rock star yesterday. He snapped pictures of the busy press room and of famed guitarist and gun rights supporter Ted Nugent. “Celebs like Ted Nugent draw booth traffic. The line for Ted’s autograph must be 150′ long. Wowsa!!,” he tweeted as @jim7226, Braaten’s Twitter handle.
Ted Nugent at SHOT Show 2010
And if you’re looking for more pictures, check out a great slideshow on The NRA Blog. Not only does the SHOT Show bring together gun industry bigwigs, but with more than 1,300 registered media, it’s also the largest gathering of the international press who cover the outdoor industry (check out the next video). Media outlets such as PoliceOne.com and the Military Times have had extensive online coverage of the show. Check out PoliceOne.com’s coverage here and Military Times coverage here.
As for the state of the industry, NSSF president Steve Sanetti said its “the strongest” he’s seen it (Isn’t that what industry leaders always say?). Watch his address at Tuesday’s industry dinner.
And now, let’s check out what else has been taking place at the Sands Expo & Convention Center. Outdoor Channel’s Michael Bane took the logical route and did his weekly shooting podcast from show.
Take a look at the laser grips Crimson Trace was showing off at its booth.
More laser talk: Michael Bane chats with Lou Riley about a new series of green laser products from Laser Genetics ND3 series, a product that’s already been labeled a “game-changing technology.”
EOTAC had some new offerings this year as well. Fernado tells us about their lizard-pattern, old-school field jacket.
Outdoor Channel’s catches up with Nick Mundt at the Bushnell booth. He talks about their Bone Collector line of optics, which features a HD flashlight “that is probably the coolest flashlight I’ve ever used.”
Gun Websites gives us a first look at a .22lr rifle, which is said to be styled after the H&K 416.
What would the SHOT Show be without a tip from a pro? Max Michel, Sig Sauer team captain, shows the proper shooting stance.
Find out what TAPCO brought to this year’s show for the AR-15 rifle system.
Watch Mike Kroll of L3-EOTech talk about its line of new sights including SU231, M40GL, EEXP, 512 and G23 Gen II.
Reload in style with the new Dillon Precision’s BFR 50BMG Reloading Machine.
Have an interest in Hydro Weapons? Because that’s what Spencer Ladd of MGI demonstrates in this video.
The SHOT Show even featured a few guns up for auction, including the 10,000,001st Remington 870, up for grabs on gunbroker.com.
You definitely need a place to put all those firearms. Bruce Pendleton, owner of Pendleton Safe, debuts the Pendleton Valuables Management series of gun safes.
And finally, The Outdoor Channel posted this about SHE Outdoor Apparel, specially made gear for wilderness women. “The No. 1 thing that keeps those girls out of the woods is being too cold,” said Pam Zaitz of SHE Outdoor Apparel. “We took care of that last year. But it’s too warm.”
Now onto the tweets, of which there were many. Aside from the general aches and pains that come from endless booth-to-booth walking and unfortunate taxi lines, most attendees only accentuated the positive with their tweets.
@gunnuts_radio: Another day, another load of sweet goodness for gun nuts. #shotshow is jam packed with everything for the hunter and shooter!
@jim7226: Things are hopping on the #SHOTshow floor this morning. Here’s folks checking out the new SigSauer offerings f http://tweetphoto.com/9223613
@BrianJeromeKing: Vegas officials are reporting their PHUN meter is off the charts thanks to @PheasantPhun & @TeamHuntress! #SHOTshow
@ShooterGifts: #ShotShow – Walk it all and get in shape…we’ve been told the show is about 14-18 miles of vendors. Lots to see.
@robertstarling: Minor flooding at most intersections along Rainbow #vegas #shotshow
@thenakedgrape: Food discount tonight for our friends at #shotshow – easy too – just show us your badge. We feature great wines & live… (via @GrapeVegas)
@jim7226: Some #SHOTshow products really make me laugh. At one booth they’re selling survival strobes that would be hardly visible at 30 feet.
@natalietweets: @TXPeddler wow! I haven’t heard any of this. But the show is humongous. You can’t see the forest through the trees here!
@USPALM: Taxi lines. Fail! If you stand in line longer than it takes to walk there, you lose!
@NRAblog: SD Press conference: “South Dakota gets it. we’re not going to regulate the firearms industry out of business.” #SHOTshow
@JCShoe: I wonder how many people will be found still wondering around the endless number of exhibit rooms long after the #shotshow is over?
@JohnBeath: Rain and floods in ‘Vegas today. Raining inside my hotel room. Got some great video interviews at SHOT Show today. www.letstalkoutdoors.net
@techaskew: OMG! I just met LTC James “Maggie” Magellas! We are Free Today because of great men like him! #SOT #shotshow
@nrohrbach: Whoever decided to make the #shotshow shuttle passengers @LuxorLV wait in an uncovered area should be fired. It’s 40 degrees and raining.
@babw: Latest musing: Seen at the 2010 SHOT Show: SHE Outdoor Apparel: While much of the SHOT Show is focused on many tra… http://bit.ly/7t4j7V
We’re back with extended SHOT Show coverage … the kind that makes you feel like you’re actually there — blazing down the bustling show concourse doing meet and greets like a pro and dealing out your business cards like free all-you-can-eat buffet coupons. Er, or something like that.
Day two brought on a barrage of awesome twitpics uploaded to Twitter. Our favorite? Bacon-flavored lip balm (pictured below). According to ShakaTweet, the Shaka Laka lip balm is a limited edition that’s being distributed at the show. So, get bacon lips while you still can!
Martial arts master Steven Seagal made an appearance at the ArmorWorks booth and called the SHOT show “amazing.” “It’s probably the greatest gathering of special technology for police and military that I’ve ever seen in one place,” he said. Watch Mr. Seagal promote the aptly named “Seagal Tactical Gear” line.
Meanwhile Field & Stream, who posted this gem about booth babes last year, is broadcasting live from the show. Here’s yesterday’s footage that features new guns, gear and, um, autographed panties.
Magpul’s truck creation is also turning a lot of heads at the show. “Looks like it’s just like their gear — it’s gonna go anywhere and do anything.”
And now onto the guns… the much-hyped Smith & Wesson’s Bodyguard line.
Outdoor Channel’s Michael Bane chats up Corey Gumbert about Beretta’s new TX4 home security firearm, “a tactical shotgun with a very famous, old name on it.”
Land Warrior also had some new products on display including the new M6 SPR, which we should expect to see out in the middle of 2010.
Watch Bill Wahn from First Light USA demo a pretty sweet tactical and home defense light system.
Oh, and for those who didn’t stop by the 2010 Advanced Armament SHOT Show party at the Voodoo Lounge at Rio, you missed 50 plus Maxim girls dancing like this…
And without further ado, here’s the best of SHOT Show Day Two tweets.
@JCShoe: Day two of #shotshow begins. The rain has stopped. I have fifty booths to hit. It’s going to be a busy day.
@CGPRMarblehead: Day one..of SHOT Show..done..heading into day two..lots of energy..tactical side of the business seems very healthy.. http://bit.ly/7jreoa
@robertstarling: Why is it that the food samples from the freeze dried exhibitors tastes as good or better than the pricey concession food? #shotshow #vegas
@jim7226: 1st floor level at SHOT is very crowded. Has to be a record turnout 4 the show. Somehow I always find myself walking behind S-L-O-W people.
@muelleroutdoors: At the SHOT Show today in Vegas with the crew from IMG. It appears to be much smaller this year. Sign of the times!
@wileyoutdoor: Don’t forget to come by Flextone booth #13305 at the #SHOTshow Be sure and ask about the new turkey calls!
@NRA_Rifleman: #SHOTshow photos, still warm! Lots of great products including the intriguing Taurus TCP. http://j.mp/8FfeGA #guns #firearms
@robertstarling: Local Vegas tip: Don’t blindly drop a quarter in slots. Check the payout scale; identical slots side-by-side pay different. #shotshow #vegas
@robertstarling: Definition of “Tweetpit”… trying to get signal out of the basement exhibit area of the Sands! Argh! #shotshow #vegas
@anwags: Day #2 of #shotshow. The dogs are barking, but have much more comfortable shoes on today to walk around.
@cheaperthandirt: Day 2 of #SHOTshow – the doors are open. Will get some pictures this time – gonna swing by the Bushmaster booth and drool over the ACR.
@TankaBar: Just ran out of business cards at the shot show
@jim7226: One thing about the SHOT Show. If you can dream it there’s probably already someone here selling it. Product options can be mind boggling.
@techaskew: Made some new friends and reconnected with old ones today at #shotshow. Our Troops are amazing and vendors provide them great tools! #SOT
@230grain: http://twitpic.com/z174r Once again Remington focuses their attention on the hunting market with another fudd gun. #SHOTshow #hunting
@getgrip: #Shotshow, day 2 and holding strong. Celebs showin up all over. Very impressive display of new prod. See all tomorrow!
@ptecdive: while I feel gross from #shotshow mayhem, I have tix to see #blueman group, so no need to shower twice
@jim7226: Coolest new gadget I saw at the #SHOTshow today wasn’t even being exhibited at the show. Must do some more research before I announce it.
@robertstarling: Local Vegas tip: Unless you like waiting DO NOT get in the Sands taxi line. Go to front of casino! Trust me! #shotshow #vegas @NRAblog
If you’re not in Las Vegas, then you’re not at the No. 1 industry event of the year: SHOT Show 2010. On our sister blog, we highlighted seven things to check out at the show. Yet following the event’s kickoff, attendees have given us much more to share. They’ve been busy blogging and tweeting about, well, everything — from Asian noodles to tactical scopes. Here’s just an iota of what you’re missing out on.
Meanwhile, we’ve collected an assortment of videos covering yesterday’s SHOT Show madness that have been uploaded in the past 24 hours. The video below comes from the Outdoor Channel featuring Bone Collector co-hosts T-Bone Turner, Nick Mundt and Michael Waddell talking guns … what else?! “It’s an animal,” says Mundt about the gun he’s holding in the video.
Jason from Vectronix introduces us to SORD, or Shooter Objective Ranging Device, which, according to CS Tactical, is already in use by Marines and SEAL Snipers.
Another demo, this one of the Premier V8 1.1-8×24 CQB Tactical Scope…
And yet another demo… check out ArmaLite’s AR15 Cutaway.
Still yearning to be in the center of the action? For the remainder of the week, we’ll highlight the top SHOT Show tweets each day. Here’s our favorites from day one…
@HunTTrader: #SHOT SHOW had 70,000 people there yesterday! @HunTTrader was one of them.
@MichaelBane: #shotshow…day 1…breakfast with my friend Larry Potterfield frm Midway USA…AM Shot Show TV interviews…PM Shooting Gallery!
Marksmen have used leather for holsters since the beginning of firearms. However, nobody expects you to know that history or how to properly care for a leather holster. That’s why we’re here.
Simply follow the guidelines (collected from variousholster manufactures) outlined below to ensure your leather holster receives only the best TLC. And by properly cleaning and storing your gun holster, you will prolong the life of it and save money in the long run.
Note: Many have varying opinions on these treatments, so if you disagree with something or have found a better way, let us know in the comments section. These are just the “official” rules from those who produce holsters.
DO: Treat your gun regularly. If left untreated, dry rot can begin to occur. Unfortunately if you treat it improperly, your holster will begin to break down long before it can dry rot.
DON’T: Dry your leather holster using artificial heat from a hair dryer, oven, radiator, direct sunlight — you get the picture. This makes leather crack.
DO: Use hard-bar glycerin soap. Lather soap with water, rub onto the leather surface with a soft cloth, and wipe off.
DON’T: … get too soft on us now! And if you use oils like Neat Foot or Mink oil, you will. These oils saturate and soften the leather holster too much, negatively affecting its shape.
DO: Let your leather dry naturally. Your patience will pay off.
DON’T: Forget your holster on your car dashboard in the summer. Or anything, for that matter. Especially foodstuffs.
DO: Give your holster is a cool, dry home when it’s not at your side.
DON’T: Submerge your holster in any liquid, including water. So, no deep-sea holster diving, people!
DO: Use a neutral color of Kiwi polish after a holster wash. Buff it off with a brush or soft cloth.
DON’T: Leave your holster in a high-humidity space. That will cause mildew and quite possibly a funny smell. Conversely, a low-humidity space that’s too low will cause it to dry out.
DO: Continue reading this to get the low-down on some sweet types of leather.
Full-grain: This represents the upper layer of the hide that formerly contained hair but since has been sanded or buffed, as it is the highest quality of leather. This is also a common leather used to make gun holsters.
Vachetta leather: Best known as the leather of Louis Vuitton luggage and handbags, this type goes untreated and is very likely to undergo staining and/or water damage. Sunlight makes the color of this leather become darker, which makes it easy to spot a fake designer bag over time.
Corrected-grain: Also known as snuffed grain, this term applies to any leather that has its outer surface of grain removed by an emery wheel and has an artificial grain added to the surface. Most of it is used for pigmented leather since it covers up any imperfections.
Top-grain: Far from being “top” in quality (actually it’s the second best), this leather is sanded and refinished for more stain resistant, plastic feel.
Split: The name comes from just that — splitting the grain layer of hide into two or more layers. Used to create suede, split leather has an artificial layer applied to the surface and embossed with a leather grain.
Bonded leather: This man-made material is constructed mostly of leather fibers and scraps that are bonded together with latex binders most often seen as Bible covers, diaries, art books and even belts and sofas.
For when a gun holster just isn’t good enough … or concealed enough, there are a few handbags on the market that are made specifically to hold your firearm.
But can’t you just put a gun in any old handbag?
Well, no. For starters, it’s not exactly secure if it’s bouncing around in there with your wallet, car keys and whatever other nonsense you refuse to leave at home.
Even if it’s in a special compartment, there’s still not a place to securely holster it. And if your weapon isn’t small, there might be some issues fitting it in an ordinary purse. The gun’s extra weight also creates major stress on the straps, which is not only uncomfortable but can be a safety risk if it snaps.
The solution: pistol purses and gun bags! Made for women by women (and, yes, sometimes for men), these sophisticated, stylish bags feature special compartments for your handgun and will keep it entirely secure and concealed.
Gun Tote’n Mamas
These ladies aren’t messing around! Just look at the very Men In Black-esque picture that greets you on their website. The seven ladies draped in ninja-like turtlenecks with their eyes hidden behind black shades appear to be just as concealed as their handbag weaponry. These mamas have come up with a range of patent-pending styles — from a shoulder saddlebag ($125) to a basic hobo ($79). It’s apparent that they’re not going to give up style for safety.
Would you mess with the Gun Tote'n Mamas?
Each of Gun Tote’n Mamas’ designs uses full-grain leather and slash resistant shoulder straps. Every bag is lined with either nylon or suede. The outside is said to get softer with age and last for years. According to a review in Women’s Outdoor News, the purse did indeed become “butter soft” in a good way only after a few weeks of wear. These mamas don’t discriminate and do offer unisex bags including an urban shoulder bag ($85).
Secure Purse
And then there’s Secure Purse, a brand that touts concealment purses, backpack holster purses, fanny packs and more. The website reads more like an autobiography of the founder, where she confesses her fears of being attacked in dark parking lots and explains her personal dilemma with gun handbags.
Secure Purse sets itself apart with having a zippered compartment that locks. “It is a very nice feature that gives me a great deal of peace of mind,” the creator writes. “This is of course not a substitute for safe responsible gun handling.” Its online store features more than a dozen handbags from $35 to $90 with plenty of pictures to go along. Unfortunately it looks like some models sell out quickly and others have been discontinued. So, you best get pistol purse shoppin’!
For the most part, homemade gun holsters really aren’t something professionals should carry, especially those dealing with dangerous criminals. Nevertheless, you can find endless instructions on how to do it on your own in seconds. But to actually construct it … well, that’s going to be a bit more time consuming. If you’re good at it, you’ll have a personalized holster that fits your pistol perfectly in no time.
After pouring over several how-tos and step-by-step instructions, here’s what we gleaned:
1.Make a holster pattern using cardboard. Cut out your cardboard model, and hold it next to your choice of material (many prefer cowhide). Trace around the cardboard on your material. 2. Use a sharp knife to cut the leather. Be sure to cut a mirror piece, too, since this will be the other side of your holster. 3. Take a ruler, and mark the position of the gun and magazine and then the trigger guard and barrel. 4. Thinly layer glue to the areas on both pieces, making sure that you don’t glue together the part where the gun will go. 5.Trim the leather, and punch holes for a belt to loop through. Cut belt slots and stitching grooves. Stitch and double stitch the holster. 6. In order to mold the leather, wet it on the inside and out, and place your plastic-wrapped gun on the inside. Use your fingers to push the leather around it. 7. When the holster is dry (usually takes a night), trim and burnish the edges, and dye it if you’d like.
Check out a much more detailed version of this process, along with a variety of other types of holsters right here. Or for even more details, stop by JDLawhon.com’s Holstermaking 101, where a holster hobbyist walks you through everything — from picking out the leather to his own personal tips and tricks. “It’s always fun doing another holster (although I wouldn’t want to do it for a living!),” he writes on the site.
There are plenty of other ways you can get creative with your pistol holster. Try knitting your pistol its own cozy, or even crochet a holster belt out of doilies (see below photo for examples). Sure, you’ll probably be laughed off (or kicked out) of the shooting range, but you’ll get bonus points for creativity. Right?
And in this DIY video below, t3hDRIT shows off a holster made for his Airsoft pistol out of duct tape and spray paint.
Note: You might want to abstain from getting too creative because it could jeopardize your safety and the safety of those around you.
Know of any cool and creative holsters you’ve made or found online? Send them our way!
Remember the web application Pimp My Gun? Well if you don’t, it’s a flash-based application that allows you to virtually sculpt the gun of your dreams.
We wrote about it last November, and we’re mentioning it again today because it just underwent a major update. This weekend creator Dr. Noob alerted us that he has successfully installed Pimp My Gun 0.7.
With an option to play either the new or old version, the site’s latest app features an a complete overhaul of the Pimp My Gun software though there aren’t many guns available yet, according to Dr. Noob. “Over time I will add the old content along with much more new stuff,” he posted on the site’s changelong.
Update: Dr. Noob tells us that the new version contains better editing options such as grouping, multi-selection and custom colors. As for the graphics…
“That’s kinda of Skipper’s ‘fault,’” he writes. “He sent me his guns, and they looked really good compare to the crap PMG had at that time. Kudos to him for pushing me to make something better.”
Check out a video that demonstrates the updated version. Now it’s time to go pimp your own virtual gun!
And here’s a video of some custom guns created with the web application.
A garage seems like an appropriate setting for the birth of a rock band, not a future multi-million dollar company. Yet, like Mattel and Apple Inc., Bianchi International began in 1958 with John Bianchi, a full-time Southern California police officer, simply constructing affordable quality holsters in his garage.
