Custom Leather Holster Making // Monarch Shoulder Holster Rig // How It's Made

Published on February 4, 2017
Duration: 85:52

This comprehensive guide details the intricate process of crafting a Monarch shoulder holster rig by Andrews Custom Leather. It covers everything from selecting and cutting various weights of cowhide leather using specialized clicker dyes to the detailed assembly, stitching, molding, and finishing stages. The video emphasizes precision, material selection, and the use of specialized tools to create a durable and functional firearm concealment system.

Quick Summary

The Monarch shoulder holster system comprises three parts: the holster, harness, and magazine pouch. It's crafted from various weights of cowhide, with the harness featuring a sueded interior for grip and a smooth exterior for garment slide. Precision cutting is achieved with clicker dyes, and the holster is molded for a secure fit.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Monarch Shoulder Holster Rig
  2. 01:31Holster Making Process Overview
  3. 02:05Leather Selection and Cutting
  4. 02:55Using Clicker Dyes for Precision Cutting
  5. 05:53Cutting Harness Leather
  6. 08:41Hand Cutting Techniques Without a Press
  7. 09:05Marking Holes and Stitching Lines
  8. 10:22Punching Hardware Holes
  9. 11:10Assembling and Lining the Holster
  10. 12:02Installing Holster Hardware
  11. 13:40Gluing Leather Components
  12. 16:06Grooving for Stitching
  13. 18:44Trimming Excess Lining
  14. 20:02Beveling Leather Edges
  15. 22:29Slicking Leather Edges
  16. 26:35Adding Maker's Mark and Holes
  17. 28:31Attaching Belt Loop and Preparing for Stitching
  18. 32:24Gluing Magazine Pouch and Holster Body
  19. 35:37Assembling Holster for Stitching
  20. 38:32Stitching with a Harness Maker Machine
  21. 44:06Sanding and Evening Edges
  22. 46:07Final Beveling and Rounding Edges
  23. 50:25Final Slicking and Mirror Polishing
  24. 55:16Installing Final Hardware
  25. 57:47Forming the Gun Pocket
  26. 60:36Molding the Holster
  27. 63:35Boning for Precise Fit
  28. 68:32Applying Edge Coat and Oil Finish
  29. 71:09Drying and Final Finishing
  30. 75:00Final Assembly of Rig and Harness
  31. 79:37Monarch Rig Demonstration and Fit
  32. 83:00Contact Information and Shop Update
  33. 85:22Video Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main components of the Monarch shoulder holster system?

The Monarch shoulder holster system consists of three main components: the holster itself, the harness that goes over the shoulder, and a magazine pouch for carrying spare ammunition.

What type of leather is used for the Monarch shoulder holster and harness?

The holster body and magazine pouches are typically made from 7-8 oz and 6-7 oz cowhide, respectively. The harness uses a heavy garment leather with a sueded interior for grip and a smooth exterior for garment slide.

How is the leather cut for the Monarch shoulder holster rig?

For efficiency and consistency, custom clicker dyes are used with a clicker press to cut the leather pieces. Alternatively, patterns can be traced and cut by hand using a utility knife.

What is the purpose of molding the leather holster?

Molding the leather holster around a dummy gun utilizes the material's plasticity and memory to create a precise, secure fit that holds the firearm firmly while allowing for a smooth draw.

How is the Monarch shoulder holster rig adjusted for wear?

The rig is adjusted using Chicago screws on the harness, allowing the wearer to modify the height and angle of the holster and magazine pouch for optimal comfort and presentation.

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