Horseshoe Leather Model 28

[Mick_In_Texas]

Well... thankfully... and WHEW... I've recovered from my purchase of a collector's 1911 in January... And I've ordered my second Horseshoe Leather holster for the full-size 1911A1: a Model 28, Cordovan color, 1-1/4" belt loops. These are such wonderful pieces of work... I didn't like my first one, an SUB2, NOT because of Andy's workmanship and quality, but, because small-of-back carry is not for me. I got my investment back on eBay, from an American veteran who DID like SOB carry on a Horseshoe Leather.

THIS one should be a keeper, though, once I get it. Andy seems to be doing okay after the knee surgery a couple of months ago, I don't mind the waiting time, even with that... these things are just works of leather ART. And functional. The fact that he hand-bones them... makes them to order... the quality of them, the quality of his work... The reasonable pricing and shipping, very comparable to Galcos and other major assembly-line brands (hey, I have 5 Galcos! NOT knocking them, or others, but...) here in the U.S.... I just wish, Sir Andy, in his homeland of England, could actually OWN a 1911/A1. Or any of the other fine handguns he makes these incredible hand-built holsters for!

Folks, he does some excellent and astounding work. They don't make many like Andy anymore. You who have had dealings with him, like our El Jefe, John, know his sense of humor, his intelligence, his artisanship, his goodness. I sincerely doubt that this will be the last one I get from Andy. But, my finances just restrict my regular purchasing.

They fit like a damn glove. They hug your body. Even my Galco Fletches, can't beat 'em. And I've had others. Just my personal preferences/opinion.

Y'all all take care and be safe, and my apoligies to the Mods and El Jefe for my effusive praise of this holster vendor... but, there you go. El Jefe John KNOWS.

Mick

[John]

I do Mick, I do. I am using Andy's holsters almost exclusively for the last 10 years. But, as you know...

:wl:

[Rio Vista Slim]

Mick,
I KNOW exactly what you're talking about. I own a Covert #28 that is a testament to Andy's talents as a holster artisan. Unfortunately, I no longer own the gun. :butthead: Actually, I kept the pistol for longer than I really wanted to BECAUSE of the holster. :)

It's so good to hear that Andy is feeling better. Has his business returned to normal levels yet? He was snowed under last winter, and I was giving him some time to get caught up before ordering a new creation for my new Colts.

Best regards to you, and be sure to show us some photos as soon as your holster arrives from England.

[Hersh]

Mick and Steve,

You Texas boys just can't resist anything that says "horseshoe" can 'ya :lh:

I know you you feel ... I love my 22H :D

Hersh

[Mick_In_Texas]

Hee hee, Hersh...
You got that one right, in re: the horseshoe... LoL... actually, I think it's more the leatherwork than the actual NAME... LoL. Funny, we've got a Muleshoe, Tx, but, not a Horseshoe, Tx... The 22 model was the one I was flipping back and forth on, between the 28. Actually, that SUB2... as far as small of back carry goes... is unique, and the most comfortable as Andy cantilevers his sob holsters, they're not verticals, and the draw is very, very natural, like reaching for your wallet. Hee hee, "give me your wallet"... "Don't think so tonight, how about THIS?"... LoL...
RioSteve, El Jefe--you can bet ol' motormouth (ME) will post some pics when I get the 28. JefeJohn, yes, you've made a good choice, there are many, many fine holsters out there, I have nothing against my current Galcos and even one Uncle Mike's for my walks in the woods near my apartment (easier to conceal, workout situation, unlike my fitted Galcos), but, for ME, Andy's are just so beautiful, and fit and ride so well. Bianchis I've also had, they're very good quality, just not my cup of tea, either. May try an El Paso Leather (or, whatever the company's name is on the main 1911.org site) soon... But, as a Texan, the holder of one BA in fine art, a motorcycle rider who appreciates leather things... Andy's work, works, no pun intended. I'm mostly a thumbstrap man, myself, but, I really found that the SUB2, lacking one as do all of Andy's, fit like a glove: those ol' .45s were snug and secure as far as the way I carry as a civilian licensed to carry in it, and his are the ONLY ones I'd shell out for without thumbstraps. Really, Texas is a concealed carry state; so, with or without, concealed in public, it's kinda half a dozen of one and six of the other. When I'm on the lands, 'cause of rattlesnake possibilities and mountain lions (lately, rare, but, they've showed up--magnificent animals, but, not if they want you for lunch), I never have the thumbstrap snapped anyways. Saves a fraction of a second if you need to draw, in a bind, having it open... Never have had to in re: wildlife or reptiles. But, prepared is better than hindsight...

Hee hee Hersch, you know I'm not going to be able to resist that horse icon either. Y'all take care and be safe, and have a good weekend!

:lh:
Mick

[Mick_In_Texas]

Wow. With his custom work, and his backlog from his recent knee surgery, I really wasn't looking for him to complete and ship my order until late August or early September. With him, I sure don't expect that kind of turnaround: heck, they're all hand-made! I appreciate his quality, that goes along with the hand-made and one-on-one creating of them.

Wouldn't have bothered me if it'd been next month or September, and e-mails between us confirmed that. But, that said... maybe in a couple of weeks, I'll have it, and WILL post pictures of it for y'all. I'm not going to turn it down, this quick, that is for sure! I think I'm going to like that one, much better than the SUB-2. Wasn't his work, just my preference: SUB carry just ain't for me. But, my successful bidder got a fine holster for his preference, and I'll be happy to have one of Andy's hip models. I don't think I'll have an issue with the model 28 in cowhide. Quality-wise, the SUB-2 was a beauty. My bidder was VERY happy with it.

Andy does beautiful work. I love my Galcos, too, and I'm sure that there are many good manufacturers out there; but, like El Jefe, those Horseshoe Leathers, are something. Like having an example and a functional one, of a dying art. My Rock, my Springer, even my Colt 1911 are just waiting to ride in Andy's 28! As well as my future Springer, and maybe another Rock (or Armscor). Andy is a good'un. Wish he lived in a more law-abiding gun owner friendly country. I just have an affinity for a craftsman/artisan like him.

Y'all take care and be safe. I'll definitely let y'all know.
Mick
:lh:

[Mick_In_Texas]

Mick and Steve,

You Texas boys just can't resist anything that says "horseshoe" can 'ya :lh:

I know you you feel ... I love my 22H :D

Hersh
Hersh, you got that one right! Despite the fact that Andy's English, he fits that ol' horseshoe heritage just fine, as far as this ol' Texas boy is concerned!

You and yours take care and be safe.
Mick
:lh:

[Hersh]

Mick,

When Andy shipped my 22H, I was able to track it as far as entry into the US through the Royal Mail Service website. http://www.royalmail.com/portal/rm
After it hits the US you'll be flying blind because the USPS apparently doesn't upload the ref# into their system.

At least you'll know when it's close!

Hth,

Hersh

[Mick_In_Texas]

Mick,

When Andy shipped my 22H, I was able to track it as far as entry into the US through the Royal Mail Service website. http://www.royalmail.com/portal/rm
After it hits the US you'll be flying blind because the USPS apparently doesn't upload the ref# into their system.

At least you'll know when it's close!

Hth,

Hersh

Actually, he didn't give me the tracking numbers either time. But, I'm not too worried, Bro: on the SUB-2, there was no problem with it... I believe it got here in less than 10 business days after he shipped it. He's pretty thorough in his "form" e-mails when he ships them.

I'm just amazed at how quickly he turned this one out... I ordered it on June 21; he notified me yesterday, a 30-day period to the DAY. He knows the impatience of many Americans, and he's very clear about the turnaround time on his hand-made product, both on his website and in his response e-mail when he receives an order; with me, I understand the nature of his product, I know he's going to ship it when he gets'erdone, and really, I'd be okay with a 3-month turaround, especially considering his recent knee surgery and what I hope (for him to flourish and stay in business!!!) is a considerable backlog of orders. Having been in customer-service situations in the private sector, and actually in my state agency position of something like a customer-service situation, I also understand, when possible, first come, first served. Plus, I always let him know that with me, he doesn't have to worry about impatience. I know what we're getting into as far as delivery, when we get one from an artisan like Andy A.

At the same time... I am THRILLED that he's already finished mine and has shipped it!!! On this one, for y'all here in this thread, I'm going to try to get some better photos of it... seems I didn't do too well on the first one. I've learned a little more about my digital camera lately, and maybe I can get y'all some clear photos.

The SUB-2 was a beauty, but, like I said, not my cup of tea as far as carry, and an American combat military veteran was my successful bidder, and I am thankful that he trusted me and was extremely happy with my honest representation of it (but, after all, it really had not been used; yet, I got almost what I paid for it, within a dollar or two). I think I'm going to be really happy with Andy's 28 style, though. I may consider a 22 in the future, as well. Despite my personal dislike of SOB carry, Andy's cantilevered design, is way more comfortable and ergonomic than the straight-up verticals I've tried, and just stuffing Ol' Slabsides in the back of your pants at belt level. His designs are really well-thought-out. Or, maybe I'll go for a magazine pouch next... I love the beauty of good leather, and know how to care for it, whether it be riding gear, holsters, or work boots. Among all the fine makers and manufacturers of holsters, and I still love my Galcos, too... Andy A. is something.

Will share pics, again (I share pics dang near as much as I run my mouth... or fingers, as the case may be)!!! Y'all take care and be safe.

Mick

[mr45]

...I'm just amazed at how quickly he turned this one out... I ordered it on June 21; he notified me yesterday, a 30-day period to the DAY. He knows the impatience of many Americans...
He can do even a bit faster than that: I ordered my ML on June 23 by mail, which was a friday, so it should have arrived tuesday, 27 June or wednesday, 28 June. I got his email that my money has arrived on 03 July and he notified me two days ago (20 July).
Now I am waiting for the postman on monday...
The tracking of Royal Mail says, it's on its way to Germany...

[Mick_In_Texas]

He can do even a bit faster than that: I ordered my ML on June 23 by mail, which was a friday, so it should have arrived tuesday, 27 June or wednesday, 28 June. I got his email that my money has arrived on 03 July and he notified me two days ago (20 July).
Now I am waiting for the postman on monday...
The tracking of Royal Mail says, it's on its way to Germany...

Wow. Sounds like he's feeling much, much better, or something, after his downtime for the knee! I'm in the same position as you, sir Peter... long about Thursday or Friday, I'll start looking for my 28.

What style did you order?

BTW: although I have a 9mm, LOVE your signature about the .45ACP... it's my favorite round of all time. Have fired everything from .22 to .45 in handguns, but, that ol' .45ACP, just works. And it is a heck of a lot of fun to shoot...

We should get ours around the same time, maybe. Anxious to see yours, as well. Y'all all take care and be safe.
Mick

[mr45]

...What style did you order?...Mick
Hello Mick!
Yes, we are in the same position!
I ordered an ML, that's his version of a Beltslide, http://www.holsters.org/beltslide-holster.htm. The ML is the only one that will fit a longslide gun, as Andy doesn't "produce leather for a 6" slide" - as he told me. With the ML I will have quite a bit of the front end of the weapon sticking out of the holster, but it should work fine...
...Sounds like he's feeling much, much better, or something, after his downtime for the knee!...Mick
As will go to hospital start of August maybe he is trying to get as many orders ready as he can.

I did shoot 9mm .357mag and .22 for the last year in our gun club, mostly 9mm in a Sig-Sauer P226, the German standard weapon of most police departments.
The 9mm is ok, but it has this short sharp punch / stroke, not really hard, but fast and hard. Somehow like the .357mag, but not as hard. The .45 is in my opinion a lot smoother. I like it better.
The signature refers to problem the German police has from time to time with their weapons (and is "borrowed" from some gentlemen in this forum. "Sorry!" and "Thanks!" to them). In a city near to my place it took two police officers 11 hits (I do not know how many rounds they fired) to stop a drug addict. A 9mm is not really made for self defence as long as you don't use it in an Uzi...

I will let you know, when my holster has arrived.

[Mick_In_Texas]

Hello Mick!
Yes, we are in the same position!
I ordered an ML, that's his version of a Beltslide, http://www.holsters.org/beltslide-holster.htm. The ML is the only one that will fit a longslide gun, as Andy doesn't "produce leather for a 6" slide" - as he told me. With the ML I will have quite a bit of the front end of the weapon sticking out of the holster, but it should work fine...

As will go to hospital start of August maybe he is trying to get as many orders ready as he can.

I did shoot 9mm .357mag and .22 for the last year in our gun club, mostly 9mm in a Sig-Sauer P226, the German standard weapon of most police departments.
The 9mm is ok, but it has this short sharp punch / stroke, not really hard, but fast and hard. Somehow like the .357mag, but not as hard. The .45 is in my opinion a lot smoother. I like it better.
The signature refers to problem the German police has from time to time with their weapons (and is "borrowed" from some gentlemen in this forum. "Sorry!" and "Thanks!" to them). In a city near to my place it took two police officers 11 hits (I do not know how many rounds they fired) to stop a drug addict. A 9mm is not really made for self defence as long as you don't use it in an Uzi...

I will let you know, when my holster has arrived.

Man, that ML is a nice holster! Mine, I want the backtab on them for concealed carry, keeps sweat off them, even when I'm on the land and can carry open. Looks like you made a really good choice for a long-slide .45 in the 1911 platform, though.

Well, I have to agree with you: I have a 9mm, but, rarely carry it or shoot it. Our Texas Department of Public Safety--the Texas "highway partrol"--are the ones that got SigSauer to come up with the .357 Sig round, and the pistol for it. It's pretty weird, a bottleneck semiauto pistol round, looks like a very short rifle bullet. I don't particularly like it, would much rather have the classic revolver round in .357 Mag, if I was going to use that one. I do periodically carry my GP100, but, not much. Like you, I stongly prefer the .45ACP round, and the 1911-style platform for it, although I'm probably going to end up keeping my Ruger P90. It's just not selling locally. I've been doing research on some hard chrome and nickel platers from another thread here. It's been refinished in a polymer two-tone. At least it's a .45.

9mm is good real close, I think, but, not in the mid-range. It's basically a .38 caliber. If I was going with that, I'd rather have the .357Mag, or .38 Super in a 1911 platform. .44 Mag is a little too much, to me, for defensive rounds...

Yes, let us know when you get the ML! Like most of Andy's, that is a fine looking model. Looks like you made a really good choice for a longslide 1911.

YOU take care and be safe over there, Bro.

Mick

[mr45]

Man, that ML is a nice holster!
Yes it really is - hopefully (about twelve hours left until the postman will be here...).
Here in Germany we are not aloud to carry guns in the public, only at home or at the shooting range. The holster is for the shooting range, mostly. I don't like so called holsters used in IPSC where the gun is nearly totally exposed and you can adjust everything from tilt to shift. A weapon (and its acccessories) used for sports should all the time be usable for selfdefece - as it is a weapon.
There are not many holsters on the market for longslide M1911s; I did not find anything that looked better to me than this ML.
Let's wait and see...
Have a good night (it's 00:35 here by now) and take care!

[Mick_In_Texas]

WoW THiS WaS FaST!!!

Got it today in the mail... incredible. I don't think my SUB2 was made, shipped, or received this fast at all... This is like an almost 30-day turnaround. mr45: hope you got yours, as well, although, England to Germany may not be THIS fast...

Anyways... IT'S ANOTHER BEAUTY, and this time, a KEEPER! Beautiful deep, deep brown color (or, per the label in Andy's "King's (or Queen's) English", colour, which is Cordovan... beautiful)... love the way the main belt loop is directly on the back of the main holster, this, I think will be good for stability, very different than my Galcos with the two "flaps"... beautiful detail, and fits BOTH the Springer and the Rock (as I suspected) like a glove. In fact, it's just a bit too snug now; but, will leave Ol' Reliable (pictured) snuggled up in it for a few days, then start the whole "fitting" process. It's beautiful. I'm REAL pleased.

Apologize for the bad photos, but, I'll start taking them outside; I was just amazed at how quick I got this one:
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d54/Mick_In_Texas/28L2.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d54/Mick_In_Texas/28R2.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d54/Mick_In_Texas/28wSpringerL2.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d54/Mick_In_Texas/28wSpringerR2.jpg

Andy's holsters, from the envelope and the package, just FEEL tough and fine and quality. Perfect match for a good 1911 platform...

Wow. Appreciate y'all's interest, and hope y'all enjoy the photos!

Y'all all take care and be safe.
Mick

[Hersh]

Yep ... another nice holster from Andy. Nice rig there Mick!

Hersh

[Mick_In_Texas]

Yep ... another nice holster from Andy. Nice rig there Mick!

Hersh

Amen, Hersh. It's just beautiful, and for me, this time, FUNCTIONAL. How Andy comes up with his designs and functional features, I know not... but, his work, works! He sure "whipped this one out", as well... I really wasn't too impatient, really didn't expect it until September; then, from the aforementioned e-mail from him Thursday, Friday, what with the international mail being with all that's going on in the world, really didn't expect it to show up until next week. I was really pleasantly surprised, when I saw it in my mailbox tonight! It's right here beside me, with Ol' Reliable resting in it, as I type. This weekend, it'll get some "belt time", y'all can bet on that...

Take care and be safe, All.
Mick
:lh:

[Mick_In_Texas]

Well...

Spent a little carry time today, both with my Galco FLETCH and my Horseshoe Leather Model 28.

Much as I like my Galcos...

The Horseshoe is MUCH more comfortable. Concealed or open. Fits my weekend belt like a glove, just like it does my .45s... making it far more snug on the belt. Rides REAL REAL GOOD!!!

It's still a little tight, but, one-handed reholstering is a breeze, even so... Much easier than with the thumb-snap Galco. The back flap actually protects more of my gun, from contact with my body when it's concealed.

YEP: THIS one is a KEEPER. I am seeing one for my Taurus or P90 in the mid-future, now...

Y'all all take care and be safe.
Mick