HBE holster Pro-TL for my PM9 (lots of pix)

[wagon]

I ordered one from Eric Larsen about 3~4 weeks ago and it shows up in my mail box today. This is my first HBE holster and I find the craftmanship is first class. I ordered a less aggressive 10 deg cant to allow me to sometime carry in 1~2 oclock position.

It has been on my waist (3:30) for the past 6 hours and it is comfortable. I will update this post in 2~3 weeks after it is fully broken-in, but meantime here are some pixs taken tonight -- for the curious minds :D Enjoy.

http://www.bersatalk.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1957&g2_serialNumber=1
http://www.bersatalk.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1971&g2_serialNumber=2
http://www.bersatalk.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1958&g2_serialNumber=1
http://www.bersatalk.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1962&g2_serialNumber=1
http://www.bersatalk.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1965&g2_serialNumber=1
http://www.bersatalk.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1968&g2_serialNumber=1

[medezyner]

Wow, that is a beauty; you can clearly see the quality details. I like that 10 degree cant versatility. Bottom line…how much?

[wagon]

medezyner, it is indeed very impressive. I am a leather person and I wanted a minimal, thin and tuckable rig, sounded simple but turned out a big challenge when I have a price point of $80 max.... have tried a few and ended up selling them.

I had to go higher. I like Mitch's Workman a lot but can't justify $170 (+ shipping + ? weeks wait).

Pro-TL is $119. $10 extra for the reinforce mouth band. His price includes shipping.

[medezyner]

medezyner, it is indeed very impressive. I am a leather person and I wanted a minimal, thin and tuckable rig, sounded simple but turned out a big challenge when I have a price point of $80 max.... have tried a few and ended up selling them.

I had to go higher. I like Mitch's Workman a lot but can't justify $170 (+ shipping + ? weeks wait).

Pro-TL is $119. $10 extra for the reinforce mouth band. His price includes shipping.

Man, you hit that nail right on the head! I dropped Mitch Rosen Gunleather an email asking if they had a showroom b/c its right down the street from me (Manchester NH). I wanted specifically to look at the Workman in person. You know…to touch it, rub it, take it out to dinner and whisper sweet nothings. :D Sorry, I’m getting off track. Anyway, you definitely have given me a less costly quality alternative. Thanks, I’ll buy a few boxes of ammo with the savings.

[peterj]

Wagon,

Can you tell me which other holsters you tried before deciding on this one? Thanks.

[wagon]

PeterJ, IWB for the PM9 I have previously used are MitchRosen Clipper, and Tucker Cover-Up-Plus.

Both are very nicely made good quality holsters, only that the Clipper is not tuckable, and the Cover-Up-Plus just not for me.

[wagon]

This is a follow up post after 10 days of use . First off, my holster requirements are: full leather, minimal, tuckable, thin, clip-on, and reasonable lead time.

This is the first holster I bought from HBE, other than the good feedback and the impressive pix I can find on the web, I have never seen one in person. Upon the receipt of the holster, what I saw exceeded my expectation: the quality and craftsmanship is superb. The Cordovan color I order for is evenly dyed, muzzle end is nicely shaped in, leather is thin, hardware used appears to be of high quality, attention to detail is obvious.

I've been wearing it everyday since Day 1, it has now nicely conformed to my hip. I've worn it in various positions between 2 o'clock thru 4 o'clock, I can wear it very comfortably anywhere between 3 to 4.

Despite of the clip is off-set to the, I find the Pro-TL is very stable, I did not notice any up/down shifting, it is just very comfortable. In the case of PM9 – which is small and light – I found that the clip is actually able to secure on to the waist band of the trousers (i.e. behind the belt) that I can draw the gun without pulling the holster out. I am unsure if this carrying mode is recommended by HBE, but not only I have had no problem to draw, I actually find it even more comfortable to carry.

I ordered my holster with a less aggressive10 deg tilt for occasional 1~2 o'clock carry, it does function as I have hoped for - no poking, no discomfort. However, if I'd do it again, I probably will try 5 deg to improve the draw angle a little. But I am happy with how it is: perfect for my usual carrying position, and allow for the occasional carry in the front with comfort. The reinforced mouth band is optional, it does simplify and ensure safety in re-holstering.

Price (shipping included) is very reasonable for this beautiful holster, 2~3 week leadtime is considered FAST. I cannot be more happier with this holster.

The following pix are for your ref:
http://www.bersatalk.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=2063&g2_serialNumber=2
http://www.bersatalk.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=2122&g2_serialNumber=2
http://www.bersatalk.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=2069&g2_serialNumber=2
http://www.bersatalk.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=2116&g2_serialNumber=2

[peterj]

This is a follow up post after 10 days of use . First off, my holster requirements are: full leather, minimal, tuckable, thin, clip-on, and reasonable lead time.

This is the first holster I bought from HBE, other than the good feedback and the impressive pix I can find on the web, I have never seen one in person. Upon the receipt of the holster, what I saw exceeded my expectation: the quality and craftsmanship is superb. The Cordovan color I order for is evenly dyed, muzzle end is nicely shaped in, leather is thin, hardware used appears to be of high quality, attention to detail is obvious.

I've been wearing it everyday since Day 1, it has now nicely conformed to my hip. I've worn it in various positions between 2 o'clock thru 4 o'clock, I can wear it very comfortably anywhere between 3 to 4.

Despite of the clip is off-set to the, I find the Pro-TL is very stable, I did not notice any up/down shifting, it is just very comfortable. In the case of PM9 – which is small and light – I found that the clip is actually able to secure on to the mouth band of the trousers that I can draw the gun without pulling the holster out. I am unsure if this carrying mode is recommended by HBE, but not only I have had no problem to draw, I actually find it even more comfortable to carry.

I ordered my holster with a less aggressive10 deg tilt for occasional 1~2 o'clock carry, it does function as I have hoped for - no poking, no discomfort. However, if I'd do it again, I probably will try 5 deg to improve the draw angle a little. But I am happy with how it is: perfect for my usual carrying position, and allow for the occasional carry in the front with comfort. The reinforced mouth band is optional, it does simplify and ensure safety in re-holstering.

Price (shipping included) is very reasonable for this beautiful holster, 2~3 week leadtime is considered FAST. I cannot be more happier with this holster.

The following pix are for your ref:
http://www.bersatalk.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=2063&g2_serialNumber=2
http://www.bersatalk.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=2122&g2_serialNumber=2
http://www.bersatalk.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=2069&g2_serialNumber=2
http://www.bersatalk.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=2116&g2_serialNumber=2

Looks great! I just got off the phone with Eric and ordered myself a Pro TL. About 6 or 7 weeks lead time. Thanks.

[wagon]

PeterJ: Cool .. you will like it!

But 6~7 weeks leadtime??? Wow .. it was just 2~3 in December, he must be getting busy after the new year.

Anyway, let us know how you like it after you got the rig!

[wagon]

PeterJ: Have you receievd your HBE yet? Do you like it?

[jeepster09]

How is it when shirt tucked? Yours pictures only show it IWB. Do you wear it tucked or the way of your pics? Is it still comfortable behind a shirt? Looks nice.

[wagon]

This time of the year has little need to tucked-in the shirt over the holster.. this is my daily holster and it is vERY comfortable and secure.

One thing for sure is that there won't be any different in "comfort" between tucked or un-tucked -- after all, it is just a portion of the shirt to go between the holster and the clip.

This is my 4th IWB, I like it the most, it meets all my requirements and expectation. Per my personal preference, my pursuit of the "perfect IWB holster" has come to an end with it.:D

but each of his own... ;)

BTW, Jeep, th $55 HBE on 1911 Forums for your 3 1/2" 1911 is a steal. ;-)



How is it when shirt tucked? Yours pictures only show it IWB. Do you wear it tucked or the way of your pics? Is it still comfortable behind a shirt? Looks nice.

[TxKahr]

Is it just me or are the pics gone for everyone else?

TxKahr

[Ol'coot]

No pic's for me as well

[wagon]

Looks like they are back up now....

************************************************** ***********************

Yup.. all gone.. I can;t see them anymore. Found that the site where I stored the pix are down... hopefully they will be back up soon.


Is it just me or are the pics gone for everyone else?

TxKahr

[Griff]

I ordered one from Eric Larsen about 3~4 weeks ago and it shows up in my mail box today. This is my first HBE holster and I find the craftmanship is first class. I ordered a less aggressive 10 deg cant to allow me to sometime carry in 1~2 oclock position.

It has been on my waist (3:30) for the past 6 hours and it is comfortable. I will update this post in 2~3 weeks after it is fully broken-in, but meantime here are some pixs taken tonight -- for the curious minds :D Enjoy.

http://www.bersatalk.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1957&g2_serialNumber=1


Mornin' Wagon, thats a nice lookin' holster for sure! I have been wanting something similar to that for my P45 and my question is the screw below the clip... what is its use? The clip tab is sewn to the body of the holster isn't it? so is the screw just for extra support or does it serve some other function?

Thanks for the awesome photos!

Take care,
Griff

[wagon]

Thanks, Griff. I just love the holster, it is the one I always go to nowadays.. I can't speak for others, but to me, it feels no/little different to wearing an Alessi OWB Belt-Slide! Yes, it is that comfortable -- to me.

Anyway, back to the HBE, the clip is attached to a leather flap, and bottom of the flap is sewn on to the holster itself. I believe the chicago screw is just another measure to secure the flap to the holster... surely it takes away the stress on the threading (as mentioned, the flap is sewn on to the holster).

No doubt Eric Larsen will be the best person to answer.. give him a call or drop him an e-mail in case you want to know for sure.


Mornin' Wagon, thats a nice lookin' holster for sure! I have been wanting something similar to that for my P45 and my question is the screw below the clip... what is its use? The clip tab is sewn to the body of the holster isn't it? so is the screw just for extra support or does it serve some other function?

Thanks for the awesome photos!

Take care,
Griff

[jeepster09]

Thanks, Griff. I just love the holster, it is the one I always go to nowadays.. I can't speak for others, but to me, it feels no/little different to wearing an Alessi OWB Belt-Slide! Yes, it is that comfortable -- to me.

Anyway, back to the HBE, the clip is attached to a leather flap, and bottom of the flap is sewn on to the holster itself. I believe the chicago screw is just another measure to secure the flap to the holster... surely it takes away the stress on the threading (as mentioned, the flap is sewn on to the holster).

No doubt Eric Larsen will be the best person to answer.. give him a call or drop him an e-mail in case you want to know for sure.


Very impressive looking holster. I went to his web sight and I don't find any e-mail address to contact Eric. I want to order 2 of them, one for my 3 1/2" 1911 and one for my Kahr. Do you have his e-mail address?

[wagon]

Jeepy: did you go to his web site?? Look at the list of links on the LEFT side of the screen.. there is which reads "Contact" .. click on it. You will find his phone #, and his e-mail address -- which has the font size as large as a kingkong :19:

(oh my..... did you miss out on that $50 used for you 1911 ???)

H.B.E. Specialty LeatherWorks (http://www.hbeleatherworks.com/)






Very impressive looking holster. I went to his web sight and I don't find any e-mail address to contact Eric. I want to order 2 of them, one for my 3 1/2" 1911 and one for my Kahr. Do you have his e-mail address?

[jeepster09]

H.B.E. Specialty LeatherWorks (http://www.imageseek.com/hbeleather/)


The address I had came up with RED X instead of e-mail addrress. Click my link and perhaps you will see what I got. Thanks, your link works. The used one was for 3", mine is a 3 1/2" Para Ordnance Companion "Night Watch". I was unsure if it would work being a half inch longer.

[wagon]

Jeep.. you have a broken link coz you got it from some search site "imageseek.com" ??

Mine works coz it is the actual URL of HBE.

Happy shopping.

[jeepster09]

Well I got mine ordered from Eric, nice guy can't wait to get it. Thanks again for posting about these quality holsters.

[wagon]

Cool! Hope you'll enjoy the rig as mcuh as I do.


Well I got mine ordered from Eric, nice guy can't wait to get it. Thanks again for posting about these quality holsters.

[Griff]

wagon, been wondering about that wonderful holster of yours and its tuckability? Do you ever wear it tucked? Any pics with it tucked? I am trying to get away from cover garments.

[wagon]

AS mentioned, I only tried "tucking" when I first received it.. personally I nener have such need during Fall and Winter. But I will try to post some pix for your reference this weekend.


wagon, been wondering about that wonderful holster of yours and its tuckability? Do you ever wear it tucked? Any pics with it tucked? I am trying to get away from cover garments.

[Griff]

Sorry man, missed your earlier tucking comment. If you get a chance for tucked pics great but don't worry about it if you don't. Sweet lookin' holster for darn sure!

Take care,
Griff

[shooter54]

That looks like a good one. I hope you enjoy it. I have to wear at the 3:30 position, as I am kinda fat, and this is my best carry position. I make my personal holsters for carry with 20-22 deg. angle. This hides my CW-9 completely. I think with your build you have chosen a well made and versatile holster.

[wagon]

Thank you! I really like it..

I just sold my Alessi OWB coz it has been collecting dust ever since I got the HBE. I thought I could carry more comfortably with OWB during Fall / Winter, but I found there is just a tiny difference on comfort level, but is LOT more convenience to just clip on the HBE.

I'm really done with my holster-journey for the PM9... but the fun has just restarted -- for the CZ 75D I just bought :D



That looks like a good one. I hope you enjoy it. I have to wear at the 3:30 position, as I am kinda fat, and this is my best carry position. I make my personal holsters for carry with 20-22 deg. angle. This hides my CW-9 completely. I think with your build you have chosen a well made and versatile holster.

[tnedator]

I tried to buy one of these, but Eric at HBE said he wouldn't make it for a PM9 with Crimson trace. I'm nearly 100% sure that he thought I was referring to an under-barrel laster/tac light, because he said if he made it, there would be a huge hole that is bigger than the trigger guard that a finger could fit in and therefore be unsafe.

I sent him pictures of the PM9 with CT, as well as pictures of it in a few holsters like a mini-tuck, to try and show him there would be no "huge" hole, and he stopped responding to emails.

I wound up getting a similar designed holster from UBG Holsters: UBG Holsters (http://www.ubgholsters.com/iwb.htm)

It's called the Becker. I don't think it conceals quite as well as my mini-tuck, but it serves the purpose I wanted, which is something I can quickly grab, clip and go.

Here's a picture from the UBG site (sorry, don't have time to resize the pic), and I will try and take a pic of mine at some point and post it. Unlike this pic, mine has a forward cant.

http://www.ubgholsters.com/ytbnv%20copy.jpg