Many of us have memories of our grandpa’s handgun and the leather holster that carried it. I remember a Colt .45 and a WWII-era 1911, each with a leather belt holster. Polymer holsters now dominate the market, but there is still a dedicated following of classic leather holsters. The Bianchi 126 Assent is a leather holster with that classic look, but with some modern upgrades.
What makes this particular holster different from others is the combination of classic leather and technology.
Bianchi 126 Assent OWB Holster
The Bianchi Assent is an Outside the Waistband (OWB) holster that has two belt loops on each side of the holster to help keep the holster secured against your side. This holster will work with belts up to 1 and 1/2 inches, which is a pretty standard size for a belt.
It has the traditional leather look to it, but as I mentioned above, with the Grip Locking System (GLS) integrated into the holster. We will get more into that part of the holster in just a minute, but first, let’s talk about the outside of the holster.
Premium Materials
The Assent holster is made from a high-quality, vegetable-tanned cowhide. It’s a thicker leather with heavy stitching, which is a good combination for a durable holster that will last for years. I tend to gravitate towards brown leather more than black, but it’s available in both. Brown is a bit more natural-looking looking and it goes with just about anything you are wearing.
When I was younger, I would watch my grandpa pick up holsters and smell them, then bend them around in his hand before inspecting each side. He told me you can’t make a cheap leather holster smell good. At some point along the way, I’ve found myself doing the same thing. Cheap leather holsters have a chemical smell to them, and something just feels off about them in your hands.
So, just in case you were wondering, this Bianchi holster has that distinct “real leather” smell to it. It only takes a few seconds of holding it to tell it’s a great quality holster.
Lightweight Profile
One common complaint about traditional leather holsters is their bulk. This one, however, is an open-top design, which reduces the overall footprint of the holster. You don’t feel like you’re wearing a bulky, thick leather holster.
Because this holster has a locking system on the inside, it’s also lined with laminate. This is a cool idea because you get the great look of leather, but a smooth, slick interior for your gun to slide against.
Key Specifications
- Material: Premium Leather with a synthetic laminate liner.
- Mounting: Dual belt loops that fit up to 1.5-inch (38mm) belts.
- Ride Height: High-ride design for better concealment under jackets or untucked shirts.
- Compatibility: Specifically optimized for the Glock 19 and similar frame sizes.
GLS Locking System and Custom Tension
The Bianchi 126 Assent has a built-in Grip Lock System (GLS). In the past, leather holsters relied solely on friction or a thumb snap for retention. Bianchi, however, has integrated a mechanical security system into the leather shell of this holster. This gives you that classic leather look while providing a modern security mechanism.
How the GLS Works
The GLS is an “auto-locking” system, meaning your handgun locks in place as soon as you holster it. It does this by engaging the trigger guard to hold the firearm in place.
Releasing the gun is about as easy as it gets. As you take a firing grip, your middle finger naturally depresses the release lever, and this movement causes it to unlock.
Modern retention systems used on military and police holsters (like those from Safariland) are made specifically to keep someone else from drawing. This one isn’t made with that intent, but the locking system is much more advanced than using a thumb break. This would be a great upgrade to a holster without any retention or an older-style leather holster.
Adjusting the Tension on the Assent Holster
This holster is made to work with a few different models, and the way it’s designed allows you to adjust how the gun fits. If the gun is loose or wiggles at all, just give the tension screw on the side of the holster a few turns.
When I first put my Glock 19 in this holster, it was pretty loose. After tightening the screw, however, it fits like it was made for that specific gun.
Caring for Your Leather Holster
Leather is an organic material, which means it requires a bit of maintenance to stay in peak condition. Unlike polymer, you can’t just throw a leather holster in the dishwasher. To keep your Bianchi Assent looking and performing its best, follow these care tips.
Dust and grit can act like sandpaper on your firearm’s finish. Periodically wipe the interior and exterior of the holster with a soft, dry cloth. If it gets particularly dirty, use a damp cloth with a tiny amount of mild glycerin soap. Always let the leather air dry naturally. Never use a hairdryer or a heater, as extreme heat can cause the leather to crack or shrink.
Over time, leather can lose its natural oils. Use a high-quality leather conditioner to prevent this. Apply a very thin layer to the exterior only. Avoid using “mink oil” or heavy oils that soften the leather too much.
Classic and modern
Bianchi has been around for a long time, and every holster I’ve seen from them is of the same quality. I really like the polymer lining in the Bianchi Assent because it helps the leather keep its shape when you draw the gun. Older leather holsters will collapse when you draw the gun, making it harder to re-holster.
So, if you like the looks of leather holsters but want a smooth draw and an auto-locking system, check out the Bianchi Assent.
Frequently Asked Questions: Bianchi Assent Holster
What makes the Bianchi Assent different from traditional leather holsters?
While it maintains a classic leather appearance, the Assent integrates modern technology, including a synthetic laminate liner for a smoother draw and the Grip Lock System (GLS), an internal mechanical locking device that secures the firearm.
How does the Grip Lock System (GLS) function during a draw?
The GLS is an “auto-locking” system that engages the trigger guard when holstered. To release the weapon, the user simply takes a natural firing grip; the middle finger automatically depresses a release lever, unlocking the gun instantly as it is drawn.
Is the fit of the holster customizable for different handguns?
Yes. The holster features a tension adjustment screw on the side. This allows the user to tighten or loosen the fit to ensure the firearm doesn’t wiggle and feels secure, even when used with different gun models of similar frame sizes.
What are the key materials used in the construction of the Assent?
The exterior is crafted from high-quality, vegetable-tanned cowhide with heavy stitching for durability. The interior is lined with a laminate material that protects the gun’s finish and prevents the holster from collapsing after the weapon is drawn.
How should you maintain the leather to ensure it lasts for years?
You should periodically wipe the holster with a soft, dry cloth and use a high-quality leather conditioner (avoiding heavy oils like mink oil). If it gets wet, always let it air-dry naturally; never use a hairdryer or heater, as extreme heat can cause the leather to crack or shrink.
