After looking over all the ballistics info I could find about 9x18 (Makarov) rounds, I've started to consider something with a little more punch than my PA-63. Practicality in price and ammo availability leads me to consider 9mm (Luger, Parabellum, 9x19). I have a friend who's got a NIB Argentine Hi-Power that he is willing to sell me for a pretty nice price. I've looked at this gun before, and I like the way it feels in my hand. It is considerably larger than what I have now. I've got a Galco Classic Lite shoulder rig on order for my PA-63, so I went looking for the holster-only part so I could change it out if I got the Hi-Power. Well, there isn't one. No biggie, I go to look and see what they've got for the hi-power... and there's no shoulder rigs at all listed - only waist-level and bag holsters. I did find a couple on the Bianchi site that took the hi-power, one of which looks like something I would actually wear. Is it that big of a pistol, or are they just a weird shape that keeps manufacturers from making more holsters that fit them?
Also, anyone who carries a Hi-Power, I'd like to hear how you carry as well as your experiences with the gun.
carrying a hi-power?
Moderator: carlson1
Unless the holster is tightly molded, typically any holster that accepts the 1911 should work for the Hi-Power.
I was experimenting with carrying two HiPowers in an inexpensive shoulder holster. The weight of both caused some neck pain after a while.
I also carry a HiPower in my Tucker Texas Heritage that was made for my 1911's and it's a good enough fit.
So it would be worth trying the fit in various leather 1911 holsters. I'm not sure if this would work in kydex.
I was experimenting with carrying two HiPowers in an inexpensive shoulder holster. The weight of both caused some neck pain after a while.
I also carry a HiPower in my Tucker Texas Heritage that was made for my 1911's and it's a good enough fit.
So it would be worth trying the fit in various leather 1911 holsters. I'm not sure if this would work in kydex.
Mike
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HankB
- Senior Member
- Posts: 1394
- Joined: Mon Aug 08, 2005 2:03 pm
- Location: Central TX, just west of Austin
I often carry a BHP Mk III in a Milt Sparks Versa-Max II holster made for a 1911 - it's a leather IWB design, and very comfortable. It works very well under an untucked shirt . . . I haven't had a lot of luck with "tuckable" holsters.
As for the pistol itself, I added Spegel grips, a recoil buffer, an 18lb Wolf spring and there's no longer a magazine disconnect. I carry it with Remington 115 +P JHP ammo.
Early on, I had premature slide lock twice - I traced this to a slide stop that was just slightly too long inside. Taking 0.010" off with a stone (about a 2-minute job) fixed that, and I've had zero malfunctions of any type over the last several thousand rounds, even when I deliberately tried to induce something by "limp-wristing" the pistol or holding it upside down.
As for the pistol itself, I added Spegel grips, a recoil buffer, an 18lb Wolf spring and there's no longer a magazine disconnect. I carry it with Remington 115 +P JHP ammo.
Early on, I had premature slide lock twice - I traced this to a slide stop that was just slightly too long inside. Taking 0.010" off with a stone (about a 2-minute job) fixed that, and I've had zero malfunctions of any type over the last several thousand rounds, even when I deliberately tried to induce something by "limp-wristing" the pistol or holding it upside down.
Original CHL: 2000: 56 day turnaround
1st renewal, 2004: 34 days
2nd renewal, 2008: 81 days
3rd renewal, 2013: 12 days
1st renewal, 2004: 34 days
2nd renewal, 2008: 81 days
3rd renewal, 2013: 12 days
Good stuff to know. Where to you carry the IWB? I haven't had much time to mess with positioning yet, but haven't found anywhere with my humble little PA-63 that seems to conceal well and be comfortable in relatively light clothing.HankB wrote:I often carry a BHP Mk III in a Milt Sparks Versa-Max II holster made for a 1911 - it's a leather IWB design, and very comfortable. It works very well under an untucked shirt . . . I haven't had a lot of luck with "tuckable" holsters.
As for the pistol itself, I added Spegel grips, a recoil buffer, an 18lb Wolf spring and there's no longer a magazine disconnect. I carry it with Remington 115 +P JHP ammo.
Early on, I had premature slide lock twice - I traced this to a slide stop that was just slightly too long inside. Taking 0.010" off with a stone (about a 2-minute job) fixed that, and I've had zero malfunctions of any type over the last several thousand rounds, even when I deliberately tried to induce something by "limp-wristing" the pistol or holding it upside down.
I've posted these pictures before in another section of this forum. This is the IWB from 5shotleather.com:
And this is the "small of the back" holster from Fist, Inc.:
The IWB hides very well on me at about the 4:00 position. The SOB holster conceals very well with darker shirts.
I've also got a Tucker Answer on order, (hopefully it'll get here soon since I just noticed the charge on my credit card yesterday).
I don't know why but holsters for the hi-power are scarce. It seems that every gun store I go into that has a decent number of holsters on the wall, has nothing for a hi-power, (except for a nylon Uncla Mike's).
Fist Inc. makes a shoulder holster, but it looks like the holster and strap are one continuous piece.
Good luck to you on your search.
And this is the "small of the back" holster from Fist, Inc.:
The IWB hides very well on me at about the 4:00 position. The SOB holster conceals very well with darker shirts.
I've also got a Tucker Answer on order, (hopefully it'll get here soon since I just noticed the charge on my credit card yesterday).
I don't know why but holsters for the hi-power are scarce. It seems that every gun store I go into that has a decent number of holsters on the wall, has nothing for a hi-power, (except for a nylon Uncla Mike's).
Fist Inc. makes a shoulder holster, but it looks like the holster and strap are one continuous piece.
Good luck to you on your search.
(pictures cut from quote for brevity, and to reduce the superfluous, for brevity's sake, as it is important to be brief. 
)
It's too bad the 5-shot stuff won't be available for a while. I really like the configuration of that holster, aside from the loops. I think I've seen similar stuff done with J-clips instead, which are a lot less visible for concealed carry, IMO. Since I'll have to disarm when I go to work (still waiting on plastic, *grumble*), I'd like to be able to remove my holster without taking my belt off. When I first started looking at holsters a couple of months ago, I came across some "pancake" holsters that do a similar job, as they have the same wider base and clips and seem to make less of a bulge. Have you had any experience with these kind of holsters?
I commented on that Small of Back holster from Fist when you first posted you were going to get one. I really like the placement of it, and if I buy the hi-power (which I most likely will), I think I'm going to buy one. It seems the perfect alternative when a shoulder holster isn't practical.
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hi-power wrote:I've posted these pictures before in another section of this forum. This is the IWB from 5shotleather.com:
And this is the "small of the back" holster from Fist, Inc.:
The IWB hides very well on me at about the 4:00 position. The SOB holster conceals very well with darker shirts.
I've also got a Tucker Answer on order, (hopefully it'll get here soon since I just noticed the charge on my credit card yesterday).
I don't know why but holsters for the hi-power are scarce. It seems that every gun store I go into that has a decent number of holsters on the wall, has nothing for a hi-power, (except for a nylon Uncla Mike's).
Fist Inc. makes a shoulder holster, but it looks like the holster and strap are one continuous piece.
Good luck to you on your search.
It's too bad the 5-shot stuff won't be available for a while. I really like the configuration of that holster, aside from the loops. I think I've seen similar stuff done with J-clips instead, which are a lot less visible for concealed carry, IMO. Since I'll have to disarm when I go to work (still waiting on plastic, *grumble*), I'd like to be able to remove my holster without taking my belt off. When I first started looking at holsters a couple of months ago, I came across some "pancake" holsters that do a similar job, as they have the same wider base and clips and seem to make less of a bulge. Have you had any experience with these kind of holsters?
I commented on that Small of Back holster from Fist when you first posted you were going to get one. I really like the placement of it, and if I buy the hi-power (which I most likely will), I think I'm going to buy one. It seems the perfect alternative when a shoulder holster isn't practical.
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pbandjelly
I do have a Fobus C21B that I picked up at a gun show a while back and that I use for IDPA. Easy on, easy off. Covers up perfectly with a light jacket. It has a little adjustment screw to tighten or loosen the tension on the trigger guard. Just have to watch out for wind gusts, of course.NcongruNt wrote:When I first started looking at holsters a couple of months ago, I came across some "pancake" holsters that do a similar job, as they have the same wider base and clips and seem to make less of a bulge. Have you had any experience with these kind of holsters?
I likey! But order it soon...it took a little while to ship out to me. I also like the positioning of it that it can appear that you are reaching for your wallet, then surprise! Hi-power in the BG's nose!NcongruNt wrote:I commented on that Small of Back holster from Fist when you first posted you were going to get one. I really like the placement of it, and if I buy the hi-power (which I most likely will), I think I'm going to buy one. It seems the perfect alternative when a shoulder holster isn't practical.
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HankB
- Senior Member
- Posts: 1394
- Joined: Mon Aug 08, 2005 2:03 pm
- Location: Central TX, just west of Austin
I carry behind my right hip, about the 4:00 - 4:30 position. As I mentioned, an untucked shirt (regular shirt, not a T-shirt) generally works well to conceal it . . . but depending on how I'm dressed, I may switch to a G26 in a Comp-Tac C-TAC holster or an S&W340SC in an Uncle Mike's pocket holster.NcongruNt wrote: . . . Good stuff to know. Where to you carry the IWB? I haven't had much time to mess with positioning yet, but haven't found anywhere with my humble little PA-63 that seems to conceal well and be comfortable in relatively light clothing.
Too many of the pictures at the websites of concealment holster makers are posed for "ideal" situations and postures . . . if you're moving around, out & about, it's easy to move outside the "ideal" for concealment.
Original CHL: 2000: 56 day turnaround
1st renewal, 2004: 34 days
2nd renewal, 2008: 81 days
3rd renewal, 2013: 12 days
1st renewal, 2004: 34 days
2nd renewal, 2008: 81 days
3rd renewal, 2013: 12 days
Isn't that the holster that someone just posted a video about... and how easy it was for an attack to simply break off your waist?hi-power wrote: I do have a Fobus C21B that I picked up at a gun show a while back and that I use for IDPA. Easy on, easy off. Covers up perfectly with a light jacket. It has a little adjustment screw to tighten or loosen the tension on the trigger guard. Just have to watch out for wind gusts, of course.
As soon as payday comes at the end of the month, I think I can swing it, along with the hi-power. I have a road trip coming up that's going to sap me for spendable cash, so unfortunately I can't do it before then. Then again, I don't even have my shoulder rig yet, as it's been on backorder for a couple of weeks now. Just called McBride's up, still hasn't gotten there, no definite answer of when it will.hi-power wrote:I likey! But order it soon...it took a little while to ship out to me. I also like the positioning of it that it can appear that you are reaching for your wallet, then surprise! Hi-power in the BG's nose!NcongruNt wrote:I commented on that Small of Back holster from Fist when you first posted you were going to get one. I really like the placement of it, and if I buy the hi-power (which I most likely will), I think I'm going to buy one. It seems the perfect alternative when a shoulder holster isn't practical.
It's just about as frustrating as waiting for my plastic! I'm on day 43 here, when everyone else seems to be getting theirs in 30. 
(edited for quote syntax)
Yes, but works very good if you pretend you didn't see that!NcongruNt wrote:Isn't that the holster that someone just posted a video about... and how easy it was for an attack to simply break off your waist?
Actually, it could work for you until you get a relpacement holster that has belt loops. If you're covered up, no one knows it's there, right? I really only use it for IDPA because the barrel jabs my hip joint when I'm sitting or driving.Unfortunately, I don't think I could swing an OWB without a long jacket. I have broad 23" shoulders and a 54" chest (good ol' German farmer genes), which makes even XXL button-up shirts ride too high and tight for me to be comfortable wearing OWB. For this reason, I'm still concerned about effectively concealing even a shoulder rig, since even most of those XXL shirts get tight around the chest. Finding XXXL shirts is a whole other shopping experience, since they're generally not available in most stores in anything other than ugly patterns. Finding shirts that actually button up all the way is just as challenging, due to my 21" neck.hi-power wrote:Yes, but works very good if you pretend you didn't see that!NcongruNt wrote:Isn't that the holster that someone just posted a video about... and how easy it was for an attack to simply break off your waist?
I'm hoping I can fiddle with the shoulder rig enough for it to fit properly, since apparently no one makes them for anything bigger than a 48" chest. 
I'm carrying my Hi-Power .40 as I type this in a Tommy's Original Gun Pack. 10 X 165 grain Speer Gold Dots in the gun and 2 more mags with 9 each in the front zippered section. The BHP is relatively flat, and under my standard untcucked (but neat) shirt, nobody knows I'm carrying. I love my BHP, it's never, ever, had a failure to feed, fire, or extract.