If you do an online search for “tactical” handguns, there is a good chance that Glock will be the first name on any list. Heck, I even asked Gemini what a tactical handgun was, and it explained the Glock 19 to me. Along with those “tactical” handguns come modern tactical holsters with all kinds of locks and retention levels. But one setup not commonly seen with a Glock handgun is a country-style gun belt and leather holster.
To be more specific, I’m talking about the Bianchi Ranger Belt with the Lajatico holster and mag pouches.
Sure, there are plenty of leather holsters for Glock handguns; I even used to wear one at work. But even those have more of a modern look to them. I’m talking about a light tan, leather belt with a matching holster and some mag pouches. Can you wear something like that with a Glock handgun?
The tactical gods may frown upon it, but sometimes it’s fun to mix a little modern and old-fashioned, isn’t it?
Ok, this setup isn’t exactly a John Wyne getup. So, for those country buffs out there, I’m sorry if I got you excited for nothing. But it does look more country than modern. I guess I would call it sophisticated?
Anyway, there is a cool setup from Bianchi for the Glock 19 handgun for those who like high-quality leather gear.
The Bianchi Lajatico OWB Holster
If you wear this holster by itself, it isn’t exactly old-fashioned. It has three belt loops so you can adjust the cant of the holster. Most older holsters didn’t have that feature.
The Bianchi Lajatico is a striking piece of leatherwork molded just for the Glock 19. It’s a pancake holster with belt loops that work with up to a 1.75-inch belt. A thumb snap covers the top of the gun for some retention, and the thumb break is doubled for reinforcement. If you have ever used a holster with a flimsy thumb break, you appreciate this one.
It’s all about the leather
Bianchi uses full-grain leather for the construction, which makes it durable and beautiful. And of course, I can’t talk about quality leather holsters without mentioning the smell. Cheap quality leather has a chemical smell to it, and good leather always stands out.
The Lajatico’s design keeps the gun close to your side and protects the trigger of your gun. On the inside, the holster is unfinished, but the soft leather is perfect for protecting the finish on your handgun.
Most leather holsters are a little snug at first, and you have to break them in to get a good fit. I don’t mind it at all; it’s normally a few-day process. But surprisingly, my Glock 19 fit the Lajatico perfectly right out of the box. It’s not loose, but it’s easy to holster and draw.
The Bianchi Open Magazine Pouch
If you’re going to carry your handgun in a leather holster, you need matching mag pouches. Back in the day, I tried a variety of leather holsters at work. But I always had trouble finding a belt/mag pouch combo that matched the holster.
Bianchi, however, makes an open top magazine pouch that is made from the same leather and finish as the belt. Instead of a belt loop, this mag pouch has a metal clip so it can be put on after your belt is looped through your pants.
This pouch holds a single Glock magazine, but I’m used to carrying two extra mags, so I decided to go with two pouches.
Unlike the holster, the mag pouches are a little snugger, but that’s a good thing. The magazine won’t fall out while you’re walking, running, riding a horse, etc.
The B4 Ranger Belt
The belt is really what gives this setup a “Western” look. Bianchi uses a billet design on the vegetable-tanned cowhide belt. If you have seen Western belts before, you will notice a section of the belt sewn onto the right side. When you put the belt on, the wider part (1.75 inches) goes behind the buckle, and a narrower piece goes through the buckle. Of course, a traditional gun belt would be much wider than this, but it’s kind of cool that they used the design anyway.
The Bianchi B4 Ranger Belt is made from a single piece of full-grain cowhide leather. This construction prevents stretching and sagging. Because it’s the same width as the belt loops in the holster, the holster doesn’t slide around when you try to draw the gun.
If there was one thing I could change on this belt, it would probably be the small buckle. Don’t get me wrong, it works just fine, but I would have liked the buckle to be just a tad bigger. When ordering, you can choose between silver and gold buckles.
A hint of Western for your Glock 19?
Some people like leather gun gear, and others don’t. But for those that do, this is a cool setup, especially if you lean a little more towards the western style. It may not be full-blown “cowboy,” but there are subtleties here and there.
After wearing this setup for a while, I can say it’s comfortable. The belt is just thick enough to hold up the holster and mags well, but it’s not so thick that it feels like a piece of metal wrapped around your waist.
Other than that, this is a cool combo that is perfect for cold-weather carry when you can throw a jacket or coat over it. And for those farmers and ranchers, this could be a perfect year-round setup.
FAQ
Is this setup suitable for a different Glock model, like the Glock 17 or Glock 43? The Bianchi Lajatico holster is molded for a specific firearm. This particular holster is designed for the Glock 19. You would need to purchase a different Lajatico holster model. You would need one that is specifically made for the Glock 17 or Glock 43.
Can I use this setup for concealed carry? No, this is not designed for concealed carry. The Bianchi Lajatico is an Outside-the-Waistband (OWB) holster. It is meant to be worn on the outside of your clothing. The holster and gun will be visible. For concealed carry, you would need an Inside-the-Waistband (IWB) holster. This setup is better for open carry, range use, or as a stylish accessory.
Is a leather gun belt necessary for this setup? A proper gun belt is highly recommended. Regular belts are not designed to support the weight of a firearm and a loaded magazine. They will sag and shift, making the draw unstable. The B4 Ranger Belt is made from thick, stiff leather. It provides a stable platform for your gear. It ensures your holster and pouch stay in place.
Is a leather holster as secure as a Kydex holster? A quality leather holster can be very secure. The Bianchi Lajatico is custom-molded to fit the Glock 19. It provides a secure fit. Kydex holsters often offer adjustable retention. Leather holsters use a friction fit to hold the gun. The leather will conform to the pistol over time. This creates a secure, custom-like fit.
