Bianchi 23998 Remedy Black Leather Belt S&W Shield Right Hand Review

First Thoughts on the Bianchi 23998 Remedy Black Leather Belt S&W Shield Right Hand

The Bianchi 23998 Remedy Black Leather Belt S&W Shield Right Hand aims to be a comfortable, concealable, and accessible carry option for the popular S&W Shield and similar small frame revolvers. Bianchi has a long history of crafting quality leather goods for law enforcement and civilian use, and this holster attempts to blend that tradition with modern concealed carry needs. I was intrigued by its open-top design, promising a fast draw, and the deep contour molding designed for enhanced comfort.

As someone who’s spent years advising people on tactical gear, and personally carrying in various environments, I’m always on the lookout for holsters that balance security, accessibility, and comfort. My primary need was a reliable, right-hand draw holster for my S&W Shield that wouldn’t print excessively under clothing. I also needed a holster that would be durable enough to withstand daily use without losing its shape or retention.

Upon unboxing, the Bianchi 23998 Remedy exuded a classic leather holster feel. The black leather was smooth and appeared well-stitched, and the molding specific to the S&W Shield was readily apparent. Compared to some Kydex holsters I’ve used, it felt a bit bulkier, but the promise of all-day comfort with leather was appealing.

I considered the Galco Stow-N-Go and the DeSantis Slim-Tuk, both popular IWB (Inside the Waistband) options, but opted for the Bianchi due to its OWB (Outside the Waistband) design. The OWB design offered faster access and, potentially, better comfort for extended wear. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; the holster looked well-made, but the true test would be how it performed in real-world carry situations.

Real-World Testing: Putting Bianchi 23998 Remedy Black Leather Belt S&W Shield Right Hand to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Bianchi 23998 Remedy at my local shooting range and during several days of everyday carry while running errands and doing light yard work. The holster performed admirably at the range, allowing for quick and smooth draws. It maintained a secure grip on my Shield even during more dynamic drills.

The holster remained comfortable for several hours, even while sitting in my car. The smooth leather backing prevented any excessive rubbing or chafing. There were no significant issues after the first use, although I did notice a slight break-in period was required for the leather to fully conform to my body.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a few months of consistent use, the Bianchi 23998 Remedy has held up quite well. There are some minor signs of wear on the leather, primarily around the edges of the holster, but nothing that affects its functionality. The stitching remains intact, and the holster retains its shape and retention.

The holster requires minimal maintenance; I occasionally wipe it down with a leather conditioner to keep it supple and prevent drying. Compared to some of the hybrid holsters I’ve used with synthetic materials, the Bianchi is remarkably easy to care for. Overall, the Bianchi 23998 Remedy has met my expectations in terms of reliability and durability for an OWB leather holster.

Breaking Down the Features of Bianchi 23998 Remedy Black Leather Belt S&W Shield Right Hand

Specifications

The Bianchi 23998 Remedy Black Leather Belt S&W Shield Right Hand is a belt slide, open-top holster designed for right-hand draw. It is constructed from black leather with a smooth finish and intended for hip carry. It is specifically molded to fit the S&W M&P Shield and small frame revolvers. The belt slot is designed for a 1.5-inch belt.

The deep contour molding is a key feature, providing a secure fit for the firearm while enhancing comfort. The open-top design allows for rapid access to the handgun. The rear belt slot is positioned to pull the holster closer to the body, aiding in concealment.

Performance & Functionality

The Bianchi 23998 Remedy excels at providing a comfortable and relatively quick draw. The molded leather provides good retention, holding the Shield securely in place without being overly tight. The open-top design facilitates a fast and natural grip on the firearm during the draw stroke.

While the leather construction offers comfort, it can be slightly bulkier than Kydex options. This increased bulk may impact concealability for some users. The holster’s primary strength is its simplicity and comfortable design, making it a good choice for those who prioritize comfort and ease of use.

Design & Ergonomics

The Bianchi 23998 Remedy features a classic, straightforward design. The leather is smooth and well-finished, and the stitching is clean and consistent. The holster’s weight is minimal, adding very little additional bulk to the firearm.

There is virtually no learning curve with the Bianchi 23998 Remedy. The belt slide design is intuitive and easy to use. The holster’s design makes it very comfortable to wear for extended periods, especially compared to some Kydex or hybrid options.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Bianchi 23998 Remedy should last for many years. The leather is durable and resistant to wear and tear. Minimal maintenance is required; regular cleaning with a leather conditioner is typically sufficient.

The holster is not designed to be repaired easily, as damaged leather is difficult to mend seamlessly. However, with routine care, the need for repairs should be minimal. The high-quality leather and construction contribute to the holster’s long-term durability.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Bianchi 23998 Remedy does not come with any additional accessories, nor does it offer many customization options. Its design is relatively fixed and focused on providing a comfortable and secure fit for the specified firearms. Aftermarket accessories are limited to belt upgrades that will affect the carry position.

The design focuses on reliable firearm retention. The simplicity of the design also limits the need for many accessories. This makes it a very niche product for a specific use case.

Pros and Cons of Bianchi 23998 Remedy Black Leather Belt S&W Shield Right Hand