Andrew's Leather Monarch shoulder holster

[.45ACPLove]

I place the order for my Andrew's Leather (www.andrewsleather.com) Monarch shoulder holster with triple magazine carrier in November of 2006 and recieved it in April of 2007 due to the large back order of holster to complete. There are several options you can choose with their shoulder holsters and you can have them made for just about any popular automatic or revolver. Color options are the basic black or brown. I chose the triple mag carrier because the weight of 3 loaded mags balances out the weight of a loaded Government model 1911 VERY well. It makes for a very comfortable way to carry. I hardly notice it even after a full day of carry. The craftsmanship is AMAZING. The rigs they make are all made by hand. The leather used seems to be a very high quality, tough yet pliable and soft leather. The stitching is even, beautiful and very high quality. The fit of the magazines in the carrier is great and the fit of gun to holster is great as well.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/M1911Series80/review%20pics/IMGP0719_resize.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/M1911Series80/review%20pics/IMGP0721_resize.jpg

The rig comes with a number of holes and screw fasteners on all the leather straps for a very customizable fit. Several extra fasteners come with the holster and more can be ordered from the site. The straps are wide and offer wonderful support. There is also a strap that connects the two shoulder straps across your lower back so that when you bend over the pistol and magazines aren't swinging back and forth like pendelums; which is a problem I see with ALOT of the shoulder hoslters on the market. The way the straps all come together forms a butterfly looking shape and sits just below the base of the neck between the top of the shoulder blades. I find that placement to be extremely cmofortable. The butterfly resembling shape is why the rig is named the Monarch.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/M1911Series80/review%20pics/IMGP0728_resize.jpg
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http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/M1911Series80/review%20pics/IMGP0743_resize.jpg

The holster itself can be removed from the harness and has a belt slot on the back so you can wear it as a OWB type holster. Essentially, this is two holsters in one. The thumb break on the holster is very sensitive and easy to unsnap with your thumb when you draw. When you place your order you are asked if you carry cocked and locked or hammer down (1911 orders). The reason for this is to know how they need to place the break for your holster.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/M1911Series80/review%20pics/IMGP0724_resize.jpg
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http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/M1911Series80/review%20pics/IMGP0735_resize.jpg

The magazine carrier has individual places for each mag and has a flap that buttons done with a reassuring snap and stays snapped until you need one.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/M1911Series80/review%20pics/IMGP0725_resize.jpg
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http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/M1911Series80/review%20pics/IMGP0734_resize.jpg

Overall I really like this holster and would recomend it to anyone looking for a good shoulder holster. It's very comfortable and looks great to make it even better. My only complaints with the rig is the fasteners and the thumb break. Why the thumb break? Well since it's so sensitive I constantly find myself checking it to make sure it's snapped. I can tell you 1st hand that a loaded government model hurts like hell when you bend over and it slides out of the holster and lands on your bare foot. The problem with the fasteners is after a days wear they sometimes unscrew themselves some and may fall out. I've gotten in the habit and checking them all before I put the holster on and when I take it off. As long as you pay attention to the rig, you won't have these problems. The base price for a monarch is $225 (the model used in the review was $315 and worth every penny). The options vary in price and will obviously affect the final cost.

[Clinotus]

I had never heard of this holster company until this thread and let me tell you I think I'm in love. I really like the idea of being able to use it as an OWB holster as well. The fit and quality look top notch as well.


Dear Santa...:D

[.45ACPLove]

I had never heard of this holster company until this thread and let me tell you I think I'm in love. I really like the idea of being able to use it as an OWB holster as well. The fit and quality look top notch as well.


Dear Santa...:D

it is VERY comfortable as an OWB and very stable. that is assuming you have a good belt. wide, thick and stiff. just how the wife likes it :cool:

[Clinotus]

Two more questions if you don't mind, how is this holster with say a suit jacket? Do the cross straps print at all?

[.45ACPLove]

Two more questions if you don't mind, how is this holster with say a suit jacket? Do the cross straps print at all?

only thing to look for is the barrel poking the back of ur jacket. just don't wear anything too snug. other than that i have NO ISSUES with printing.

[.45ACPLove]

so are you getting one?