Chapman High-Ride

[RVM45]

.....One of my favorite holsters of all time was the Chapman High-Ride. It was touted as a match holster; though I see nothing wrong with it for Duty or Field use.

.....Be that as it may. Bianchi doesn't make them anymore.

.....I'm sure it was a fairly complicated holster to make. It had a massive steel insert; an adjustable tension screw; and a couple other brass screws.

.....I'm reasonably sure that I need to practice on a few simpler holsters first. I'm sure though that I'd like to try one eventually. I have a Bull-Barreled Ruger Mark II; and a Walther PP .32 that I'd very much like to have Chapman style holsters for.

.....I think that the design could probably be adapted to Revolvers as well.

.....Can anyone show me how they were made? The precise shape of the metal insert/inserts? Etc.etc.

.....RVM45

[RVM45]

Bump!!!

All these weeks, and still not a single response...

I know that many of you are quite gifted and knowledgible.

That leaves me wondering if what I asked is that impossibly difficult and obscure...

Or if I failed to make myself understood...

If something about my manner of asking was offensive...

Or maybe my post was overlooked through mere happenstance?

At any rate, I'll try one more time.

Does anyone have any idea how to go about making a home made copy of the old "Chapman High Ride"?

I'm mainly perplexed as to the exact shape/placement of the metal inserts...

Thanks.

.....RVM45

[Tac]

RVM45.....

I don't think the lack of replies is due to any of the listed reasons, as much as most not being familiar with holster that you are referring to.... If you can find a photo of the style and post it for reference, I am sure you would gather a lot more responses and answere to your questions.

-Tac

[rhall]

This is a great site but I did not reply because I am not familier with that style!Go to EPSaddlery .com and see if the "Tom Threepersons" design is close....Let us know if that is something you would like?

[Art]

Here's a couple of pics of the #50, maybe the discussion can start from there.

Art

This is a great site but I did not reply because I am not familier with that style!Go to EPSaddlery .com and see if the "Tom Threepersons" design is close....Let us know if that is something you would like?

[RVM45]

That is it. Sorry, didn't realise that we had a failure to communicate.

I remember reading that Chapman had it designed with the extensive metal reinforcement primarily because in travelling to shooting matches all over the country, his holsters got mangled in the suitcases.

The holster was very hard, and incompressible from just about any angle. I never took mine apart--so I'm unsure how many pieces of metal were used, and how the fitted together.

That top right brass screw adjusted the tension. You could set it from fairly loose; up to all but impossible to draw. If you looked on the inside when it was very tight, you could see the ouline of something square under the leather--about 1"x2".

Can't think of anything to add--except that it occrs to me that my goal was to make a holster like the Chapman High Ride; not necessarily to recreate it down to the precise counter of the metal lining...

.....RVM45

Edited February 6, 2009 by RVM45

[dbusarow]

Take a look at this one from Wilson

The 3 screws on the back are there only to attach the belt loops to what is a pouch style holster. There is also a tension screw in the front under the trigger guard. The main feature of the holster is that the front is cut very low so that the entire ejection port is exposed. When the barrel gets to that point you can start rotating it onto the target.

I have 2 and they make great competition holsters. And a decent open carry holster if you aren't being too active. It sticks out too far for concealed carry but that's an advantage for competition.

Back to the OP's question. This is a really simple design with a couple of twists. It's basically just a pouch holster, use the file folder pattern method to create the pattern for the holster itself. Not absolutely needed but my Wilsons and by the sound of it the Chapmans, have an inner stiffening material. The Wilsons use a plastic sheet and it's plenty strong. I wouldn't mess with metal. And then to contain the stiffener and cover the T-nuts for the rear screws you need to line it. Cut a small piece of leather for the belt slots (Wilson style) or do an Askins style belt loop (Chapman style) and you're done.

Dan

Edited February 6, 2009 by dbusarow

[Lee]

.....One of my favorite holsters of all time was the Chapman High-Ride. It was touted as a match holster; though I see nothing wrong with it for Duty or Field use.

.....Be that as it may. Bianchi doesn't make them anymore.

.....I'm sure it was a fairly complicated holster to make. It had a massive steel insert; an adjustable tension screw; and a couple other brass screws.

.....I'm reasonably sure that I need to practice on a few simpler holsters first. I'm sure though that I'd like to try one eventually. I have a Bull-Barreled Ruger Mark II; and a Walther PP .32 that I'd very much like to have Chapman style holsters for.

.....I think that the design could probably be adapted to Revolvers as well.

.....Can anyone show me how they were made? The precise shape of the metal insert/inserts? Etc.etc.

.....RVM45

Back around 80 or 81 when I had a 1911 I bought a chapman high ride. The steel insert was just the sight channel and the screws were belt tensioners not for gun retention, I could loosen the screws slide it on the belt then tighten and the rig would hold fast in the same posistion on the belt when running around playing shootem up on an I.P.S.C course. Lee

[cazio]

Take a look at this one from Wilson

The 3 screws on the back are there only to attach the belt loops to what is a pouch style holster. There is also a tension screw in the front under the trigger guard. The main feature of the holster is that the front is cut very low so that the entire ejection port is exposed. When the barrel gets to that point you can start rotating it onto the target.

I have 2 and they make great competition holsters. And a decent open carry holster if you aren't being too active. It sticks out too far for concealed carry but that's an advantage for competition.

Back to the OP's question. This is a really simple design with a couple of twists. It's basically just a pouch holster, use the file folder pattern method to create the pattern for the holster itself. Not absolutely needed but my Wilsons and by the sound of it the Chapmans, have an inner stiffening material. The Wilsons use a plastic sheet and it's plenty strong. I wouldn't mess with metal. And then to contain the stiffener and cover the T-nuts for the rear screws you need to line it. Cut a small piece of leather for the belt slots (Wilson style) or do an Askins style belt loop (Chapman style) and you're done.

Dan

I agreee about the simple design and think it would not be that difficult to copy. Instead of using a reinforcement inside I personally would use a thicker piece of leather for the lining, I think something like 7-8oz inside and as the body would be ideal in that it would make it firm enough not to collapse and hold up to some abuse. This thinker lining would also hide your chicago screws that hold the belt flap over. These are my simple opinions.

[badger]

Chapman high rides come up fairly frequently on Ebay. Search in 'Bianchi'

Buy one cheap and dissect it.......

They did this for human beings to find out we worked, too

Cheers,

Karl

[rhall]

Sorry RVM45, I did post a rep strait away..I thought it would be helpful.I use Brass or SS shim stock that I purchase from Mcmaster-Carr in NJ.It can be tuff to work with and it requires lining the holster as well.I do not have one on hand to photo or I would try a picture!

[badger]

Look here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/BIANCHI-VINTAGE-50-CHA...93%3A7|294%3A50

Cheers,

Karl

[TomTrific]

I have a Bianchi #50 Chapman hi-ride for sale. 402 274 9206

[TomTrific]

I have a Bianchi #50 Chapman hi-ride for sale. 402 274 9206