Shoulder Holster for a Hi-Power

[ColinthePilot]

My friend's girlfriend wants advice on a shoulder rig for a Browning Hi-Power as a birthday present for him. I searched Galco, Fobus, Safariland, and Milt Sparks and can't find a shoulder rig for a Hi-Power. I don't know much about shoulder holsters, configurations, accessories, etc. Please educate me.

 

[Geronimo45]

Odd. I'd think somebody would have one.
The general rule with shoulder rigs is that leather rigs tend to work considerably better than nylon and such. K.L Null's SMZ rig is an exception - polymer-ish construction, but it's of very good quality and provides great retention. Not the greatest pick for a full-sized piece like a BHP, though.
Once you get a leather rig, you can pick from horizontal or vertical modes of carry. You can find more 'generic fit' holsters that carry vertical, if you still can't find somebody who makes a BHP rig. Bianchi's X-15 ought to work - you'd want the one that fits a 1911, I'm thinking. Still, you'd be better off, IMO, with a vertical rig that has an X-harness - like Galco's VHS (which won't fit). You could try Ebay.
Bianchi seems to have several leather rigs that fit the BHP, including horizontals:
http://www.bianchi-intl.com/product/CatList.php?numSubCat=5

 

[hirundo82]

I have a Style EXP from Mitch Rosen Gunleather for my Glock 19. I'm sure they would be able to make one for a BHP if you give them a call. Their standard line is quite expensive, but their express line is very well-made and affordable.

It does take some time to get a holster from them, but their wait time is better than that of many other custom holstermakers (the wait for Milt Sparks is currently 6 months); I think I waited 10 weeks for my last order.

 

[Autolycus]

Try Kramer Leather, Andrews Leather makes some really nice shoulder rigs, and so does Mitch Rosen. Also try Lightning Arms in the hopes they have an Alessi Bodyguard.

 

[hecate]

I use the Bianchi X-15 for my Hi-Powers and 1911's. Size 02 is the one that fits. The harness is much more comfortable on me than the X-type, especially while driving long distances.

As a 5'4" female, I couldn't wear a horizontal shoulder holster even if it didn't bother me to have the muzzle pointed at the guy behind me in the check-out line.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I would "go custom" on this one - provided there is enough time, as it is intended for a specific time frame - or do some "mix-and-match" on the holster and ammo carrier. The BHP will fit into a holster made for a five-inch 1911 - the thumb break providing the retention - but the BHP's double-column magazines will not fit in the 1911's mag pouch(es).

FIST makes both vertical and horizontal shoulder holsters. The design and appearance of the vertical one is quite intriguing.