Lucky Find....early Andy Arratoonian (Horseshoe Leather) IPSC HOLSTER

[P.44]

Recently I scrolled through a few auction sides and stumbled over
an interesting looking IPSC style Holster for -guessing from the
pictures + timeframe- a 1911 with 5" barrel. The description was a
little unclear and I ("Hoping the best...") ended "winning" the holster.

What I really get...is by far the best pistolholster I ever handled:

One of the famous Horseshoe Leather Products !
​

Holster mark



A very fine and well made Holster for a 1911:






with an open sight channel:






Here's the link to this great holstermaker
Holsters for Firearms, Handguns and Pistols from Horseshoe Leather

Would anyone like to show and tell about Horseshoe Leather, their maker,
Mr. Andy Arratoonian or early IPSC Holsters ?


P.44

 

[crazyphil]

Andy Arratoonian is a true holster master who's been around a long time.
He doesn't make holsters for revolvers. Only pistols. I have a beautiful IWB for my SIG P220 He made several years ago. I'll take a picture and put it up on here tomorrow.

 

[JayCeeNC]

Great catch; you don't see a Horseshoe Leather holster every day.
I thought many times about ordering one, but never got around to it.

 

[crazyphil]

Horseshoe IWB

Here is the photo of my Horseshoe IWB with SIG P220 on board.
I believe your holster is M2000 which was very popular with world class competition shooters. Andy makes them all. He is a one man shop. There's an article in American Handgunner years ago that tells about the M2000. I don't know the date, but the title is: All the signs of quality leather are readily found in Horseshoe Leather. If you want it, but can't find it, contact me and I will send you a copy.

 

[P.44]

Thanks to all watching my first thread, especially to crazyphil for his kindly
offer (PM send) + sharing his Horseshoe IWB and those, who "liked" me.

My "Lucky Find" is the first "Horseshoe" that ever crossed my way. They may
be a little rare, especially in Germany.

P.44

 

[beardeddog]

Very lucky. Horseshoe brand did make revolver holsters before the Obama gun marketing started. They come up on eBay on occasion and go for big dollars. I landed a brand new shoulder holster rig for a 1911 commander. Love it!

 

[crazyphil]

P.44 I sent that letter with the article on 2/26. Did it make its was to
Germany yet? Probably too early. They said 1 to 2 weeks.

 

[P.44]

Hello Phil, I try to PM you
(today I am somehow a little slow in typing...)

Thanks P.44

 

[SilentKnight]

I own three Horseshoe Leather concealment holsters, one for a 1911, one for a Browning HP, and one for a model 66. When I ordered the first holster it took almost a year to get it. I was not happy... until I experienced the comfort and quality of Mr Arratoonian's craftsmanship. So, I ordered two more over the years. I have worn them for over 10 years and they still have years of service ahead of them. Recently, I ordered a Brigade Leather IWB holster or a 1911. It also took a year to receive... but the quality and comfort was worth it. If you are not in a hurry, getting quality equipment pays for itself over time.

 

[P.44]

Phil, your letter just arrived: Very interesting ...and
now "my" Horseshoe has a name: M 2000 !

THANK YOU VERY MUCH !!


Thanks again also to all watching my first thread, especially
those, who "liked" me.


I am an old(er) German(e). Therefore:
Please excuse my not so good English, but school is over 35 years away...
and I always liked reading more than writing/typing.


So I read again through Mr. Andy Arratoonian's very informative homepage and found
pictures from 2 absolute stunning Revolver Shoulder Holsters from the mid-seventies:
Revolver, Shoulder Holsters: Concealed Carry for Guns, Handguns, Magazines, Firearms and Pistols

and ...Thanks to forum member Lew Archer (scroll below to "Similar Threads") there was a great thread about Horseshoe Leather in 2015.

P.44

 

[Zebadiah]

About five years ago I lucked into a tan Andy Arratoonian Horseshoe Leathers Model 9MM inside the waistband holster for my Smith & Wesson Model 39-2. I think it might be horsehide. Cost? $38.09 including shipping on eBay. Sometimes nobody is paying attention.

 

[P.44]

Sometimes it's really a shame, when nobody knows / offered its worth...
but before I forget again:

I think, we all like pictures from nice Leather + Steel, so please
perhaps a few more pics from the "lucked" Horseshoe Leather owners...

Thanks in advance
P.44


Example(Sorry, no Horseshoe, my one+only is in post #1):
Front- and Backside (marks/stamps + how is/are the beltloop(s) attached ?)

 

[Bell Charter Oak Holsters]

Absolute top of the mark. Damn fine maker. The work of a master craftsman. That guy, remains at the pinnacle of the game. In addition, he is a very fine gentleman. For a 1911, he's the go to guy on this planet, period. There is no one better, except the ten or more other holster guys (my pals) who are gonna' bust my chops now if they see this post. Andy's work is superb and that is a very sincere observation, I know him and he damn well is finer than anyone that has been so recognized in recent time. I know for fact he has had a significant international law enforcement base clientele. A remarkable man, a remarkable craftsman. That is said and cannot be undone.

I wish he gets to read this sentiment. God Bless and Preserve you Andy and your countrymen, I hope you are well.

Cheers;
Lefty

I apologize to.....in advance,

Mike Taurisano
Matt Del Fatti
Derry Gallagher
Carl Hippenstiel

 

[P.44]

Sorry, wrong button

 

[P.44]

Before I started this thread, I (don't trusting my luck) "shoot" Mr. Arratoonian
a mail and he kindly confirmed my guesses
("real" Horseshoe / around forty years old) the next day.

I thanks and informed him about the thread. Perhaps (I hope so) he find the
time and take a look.

P.44

 

[Wsmitty01]

IF you ever want to get rid of it, I'll be first in line...looking for one for years!!

 

[P.44]

Wsmitty01 IF you ever want to get rid of it, I'll be first in line...looking for one for years!!

If I ever want to get rid of it, you'll get the first chance...

P.44

 

[Wsmitty01]

THANKS!!!!

 

[ajgunner]

Andy Arratoonian is a true holster master who's been around a long time.
He doesn't make holsters for revolvers. Only pistols. .

Years ago he did make revolver holsters and I was lucky enough to order a pair of them. It had to be about 30-35 years ago and I remember waiting 6 months or more. If I remember correctly I paid around $70 each. Lots of years and many miles on them, but they will certainly outlast me.

Sorry, but these are NOT for sale.

For the record---I also have talked with Andy more than once over the years and begged him to make me other revolver holsters----he just won't do it.

 

[rednichols]

Revolver, Shoulder Holsters: Concealed Carry for Guns, Handguns, Magazines, Firearms and Pistols

P.44

Had a look at the link, and lo and behold, these shoulder hoslters are unabashed copies of Bucheimer's Dirty Harry holster -- and both use Bianchi's shoulder holster harness (patented at the time) and even of Bianchi's catalogue pages for the X2100 etc.! One can appreciate the craftsmanship shown, but ethically it should be accompanied by originality, too. How does the saying go: "sometimes illegal, always wrong".