Horseshoe has arrived!

[Hersh]

Last Monday my order from Horseshoe Leather arrived!


After a lot of thought I decided on Andy's model Covert 22H (w/ protective tab) and a MV2 (double mag pouch w/ vertical rake) for my Colt Commander.
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d172/Hershel_Van/25698242.jpg

The color I ordered is "Saddle Tan" and it looks like a blend of burnt orange and a rich chocolate brown. Andy's attention to detail is evident and in the pic you can clearly see the indentations for the thumb safety and slide serrations on the protective tab.

At first glance the 22H appears to be a pancake design much like other makers, but the addition of a reinforcing tab around the holster mouth really aids in one-handed re-holstering. The fit is so precise when you holster your gun it almost "clicks" into place. The friction fit mag pouch also has variable tension screws.
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d172/Hershel_Van/hs-2.jpg

Thanks in part to a recent magazine article, Andy's lead times have been extended and he was kind enough to notify me of this fact when I ordered. Emergency knee surgery :scared: put him off his mark for a bit and my order arrived twelve weeks +1 day after the order was placed. Hey the guy can't help it if his knee goes out and the wait was well worth it!

Andy is a pleasure to deal with and he responded quickly to all my questions. He's passionate about his work, a true old school craftsman and Horseshoe is worth a serious look from anyone who appreciates quality.
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d172/Hershel_Van/hs-3.jpg


Regards,

Hersh

PS: Thanks to Rio Vista Slim and Mick in Texas for answering a lot of questions about their holsters!

[torrejon224]

Awesome leather!!!

[browningwgm]

Very nice. I was just about ready to order one but I noticed he does not offer them for left hand carry.

[Rio Vista Slim]

Hersh,
I got your PM and came over here as quickly as I could. That's an awesome looking duo. I'm glad that you're pleased. :) :)

Thanks for the "thanks".

:) (One hour later...) WOW! I just had to tell you again what an Outstanding looking holster and mag holder you have there. I know that the waiting was painful, but ain't it worth it???? ;)

[Ricbob]

I have been searching for which holster to purchase and had just about decided on Andy's. After seeing yours, my only dilema now is black or saddle tan. Beautiful holster you have there.

[John]

Hey congrats on your leather Sir. As I was expecting it to be (since I have the exact same duo), fabulous!

[Hersh]

Thanks to everyone for all the comments!

Rio Vista,

Funny thing I've noticed about the "wait." When the package arrives - you smell that new leather smell and have a chance to see the quality, you'll forget all about the lead time :D

Rico,

Black is always a good choice, but if you could see how rich the Saddle Tan color is you might be swayed. It's not like I'm biased or anything ;)

John,

All the endorsements I've read make sense now!

Hersh

[Seaworm]

Big congrats on the new holster, Hersh. The saddle tan looks awesome and I really like the look of the double mag pouch. Enjoy!

Worm

[John]

All the endorsements I've read make sense now!


I wasn't bulling you guys, I never am. These are the best leather holsters you can get, period.

[Mick_In_Texas]

Hersh, Rio Vista Slim, El Commandante, All--

Rio, thank you for the link to this thread. Just glad me N Rio did not steer you wrong: Andy does BEAUTIFUL work. Beautiful work. Yes, he's dedicated, and yes, he is an artist... his holsters fit like a glove.

browningwgm: me, I like a thumbstrap, mostly; that's another thing Andy doesn't offer. On that, his concern is Condition 1 carry. He prefers Condition 3. But, for that, no probs with my Horseshoe Leather SOB: in a good quality holster, even without a thumbstrap, like Andy's, Condition 1 is safe. In your case, though... RH only is a problem. Maybe you could e-mail him? He might be willing to do a "custom" for a left-hander, who likes strong-side carry. He is a fine gentleman, and a good ol' boy, as we say in Tejas.

My USGI Colt 1918 1911 still affects my finances. BUT: I have not given up on MORE Horseshoe Leather holsters. I've just had to postpone them. Temporary, I assure y'all: I SO want a Horseshoe side-carry, to go with my SOB and my Galco FLETCH. I was sitting here just now, from this thread, with my RIA 1911A1 in the SOB... no thumbstrap... shaking it upside down with the pistol with a full magazine (8 + 1, on the RIA). NO dropping out. Yet, it's easy to unholster, and re-holster. I have no fears carrying a Parked 1911 in it, either. Andy, does a GREAT job on his, not just a good job. Mine's a cowhide. It's beautiful, in and of itself: rich finish, solid stiching, the aforementioned incredible fit. For me, the next one, is only a matter of time...

Y'all all take care and be safe.
Mick

[Mick_In_Texas]

Hersh, All...

Well, I'm thinking 22H for me. In the Saddle Tan, and cowhide. May be a couple or three months, depends on finances... but, thanks for sharing these, they're beauties, Hersh, the 22H was the one several months ago, I was looking at. Looks like Andy has one for the Taurus PT92 as well... NICE. That also may work for me... got his site bookmarked, and a 22H for the GP 100 would be nice, I rarely carry it, but, I have.

Like you, maybe should look at mag holders as well. I do have one, can't remember the brand... it's nylon, Uncle Mike's? I usually don't carry extra mags: bulky, hard to conceal when I have to conceal, and the 7 + 1 on Condition 1 carry seems enough for defensive out on the roads and land. But, on the land, especially... if not usually... well, there you go.

Y'all all take care. Have a great weekend.
Mick

[Rio Vista Slim]

Hersh, All...

Well, I'm thinking 22H for me. In the Saddle Tan, and cowhide. May be a couple or three months, depends on finances... and a 22H for the GP 100 would be nice, I rarely carry it, but, I have.

Mick
Mick,
I'm with you all the way on the 22H, buddy. I definitely need a super-classy holster to carry my Series 70. Unfortunately, I think we'll have to look elsewhere for a good holster for the Ruger GP100. Andy doesn't do revolvers.
I bet we can find something that will work, though.
YOU have a GREAT weekend.

Hersh,
Sorry to sound like a broken record, but that is one OUTSTANDING rig that you have there!

[Hersh]

Hersh,
Sorry to sound like a broken record, but that is one OUTSTANDING rig that you have there!

No apology needed sir ... compliments are always appreciated :D

[Mick_In_Texas]

Mick,
I'm with you all the way on the 22H, buddy. I definitely need a super-classy holster to carry my Series 70. Unfortunately, I think we'll have to look elsewhere for a good holster for the Ruger GP100. Andy doesn't do revolvers.
I bet we can find something that will work, though.
YOU have a GREAT weekend.

Howdy, Steve...

Yeah, what was I thinking??? Andy does semi-autos only... I've currently got a Galco FLETCH for the GP100, nice. May just make do with that one, that's what I've got for my 1911s, my P90 (although I'm trying to sell it, and it), and my Taurus... along with the SOB Horseshoe for the 1911s. BUT: that said, I think the 22H is what would be best for me. I must have (later down the road) at least ONE... for my beloved 1911 .45s!!! You've got me thinking about Andy's mag carrier as well... I have one I don't use much, a Bianchi nylon 2-mag... hard to carry concealed, with a P90 or 1911 on the "other hip". But, comes in handy sometimes on the lands. Learned to carry it sideways (mags horizontal, not vertical) from some LEO buddies; Andy's may not be able to do that, but, shoot... limited usage for me, anyways. But, definitely think the 22H is my next Horseshoe one. Still working on selling the P90 and the PB9108L Parked Mil-Spec; and buying the GI45 Springer. If I accomplish that, then, Andy's next on my list.

Beautiful pairing on your rig, though. Beautiful. I'm even dreaming of a Horseshoe eventually for my PT92AF.

Y'all all take care and be safe.
Mick

[Sapper]

Hersh,
So it's been a while since you posted the pics of your combo. How has it worn for you? I'm interested in the same setup for my Springer Mil-Spec and would appreciate your observations on carrying comfort, wear and tear, or anything else y
ou'd care to share.

Thanks,
Sapper

[Hersh]

Sapper,

Unfortunately I'm not able to give you a field report just yet.

The holster arrived after my last IDPA club match and I haven't gotten my CCW permit yet. What I have noticed is that doing some dry practice around the house, the 22H is smoother drawing than anything else I've tried, and the reinforcement around the holster makes it much easier to re-holster than other pancakes I've tried. Magazine fit into the pouch was a bit too snug even with the tension screws loose, but a simple solution fixed the problem. I wrapped mags in the plastic wrap from the package, insterted them in the pouch and left them for a day. The couple of extra thousandths was enough to make them good to go!

My next IDPA match is Saturday after next and I'll post back a better report then.

Hth a bit,

Hersh

[Hersh]

Sapper,

My next IDPA match is Saturday after next and I'll post back a better report then.

Hersh

Sapper,

The short version is, "this holster rocks!" Draw is great, it's comfortable and I have no problem endorsing the 22H and the double mag pouch. Andy's products do require a bit of a wait, but that's because he's a one man operation and each order gets his attention. The work is top notch and you won't be disappointed!

Let us know what you decide to buy for the Springer.

Hersh

[fast97rs]

That looks great! Congrates!