I purchased an M3. Still have it. But then purchased an M7 holster which fit my needs better.

 

I used a M3 WWII holster during my Infantry time in Viet Nam and it put the pistol on my chest for easy access when wearing a rucksack . It was there if my XM16E1 ever malfunctioned , which it never did . My father used a M3 all during WWII and he was a tanker in 4th Armored Division. The M3 fit a requirement for both of us.

Carrying a pistol and rifle as I did in VN War was in an era this wasn't the norm but I chose to do so. I never regretted doing so . The M7 put the holster in conflict with left side ruck sack shoulder strap * and uncomfortable but at the time, the M7 was the issue military shoulder holster. I did try to use a M7 but found it not ideal so had my father mail me a M3 original brand new WWII holster and that served me well. I never saw another M3 in Viet Nam but granted, I was a Infantry grunt in the bush and had no visibility of anything but what was around my immediate location.

We had 45acp tracer ammo and that is what I carried in my 1911 pistol. No regrets doing that. Post VN war, 45 acp tracer fell out of the inventory. Others here may know more on that.

* The quick release on left shoulder strap so the M7 put the holster in conflict for access by my left hand on that quick release. Upon enemy contact, you dump that rucksack off your back and ya gotta do that fast and sure. For my geometry , the M3 shoulder holster was a better way to carry the pistol. That was my view and solution.

 

Don't put neatsfoot oil on it; the leather is softened via breaking-down the fibers, weakening it.
I clean my leather with saddle soap, then apply "neutral" (uncolored) shoe polish.
I never use my original M3 because I'm left-handed, but I occasionally use a custom-made, lefty M7, the latter being a late-war replacement of the M3.

 

I have used a M3 or variant for years as my “grab and go” for walking dogs, checking property, etc. For me it’s very convenient, secure , and reasonably accessible and I haven’t found anything that works better for those chores.

 

My wife gave me the El Paso Saddlery Tanker version several years ago and I like it a lot. It works very well for me as my walking around holster. I can’t imagine a better woods holster. Heck, I’d wear it in town but I think it’s too obtrusive.

 

I have an original M3 but it's in fair-good condition. I've tried wearing it but the strap digs into my neck under the weight of the pistol, so I really don't like it.

 

I still have an m7 cathey I liberated from the armory many years ago.

I originally carried a Taurus 80 in it.

I currently use it with a 3” model 36 smith.

for some reason the straps have shrunk since I originally wore it



I recently purchased a $29 reproduction m7 and the quality is on par with my original. I bought it from a surplus site that also had a $23 version and I didn’t want to be too cheap.

this one I use for either 1911’s or mostly tt33’s.

magazine pouches can be attached to the cross body strap.

I had a 12 round canvas loop holder I used with my Taurus 80 and have since lost it and can’t find another. So I use a double nylon speed loader pouch now. GI canvas for the 1911/tt33.

 

Hey guys,

A little update on that replica M3 Tanker holster from Amazon... My son-in-law was over last weekend and brought some Rhino Wax(?) that he always used for his catcher's mitt in college. It's bees wax with a mix of vitamin E and something else... He gently used the Rhino wax all over the M3 holster, and let it sit for a while, then wiped it all down. We took my 1911, wrapped it in a sandwich baggie, and fitted it in the holster, snapped the clasp, and let it hang in my closet for a day or two.

Wow... It now molds right to my body and is so incredibly comfortable. The main holster section isn't hard as a rock anymore, but not all flimsy. It worked out great!

I am probably one of those 1911 owners who just can't get into IWB, OWB, style holsters. I've tried... Believe me... They either try to pull my pants down, or they are extremely uncomfortable! Anyone else prefer a shoulder holster over IWB/OWB?

 

One more update, and a really cool historical photo from 1943...

Look at these two Generals with Gen (and future President) Eisenhower. Both Generals are wearing the M3 holster over their military coats.

 

Fantastic photo.. what do figure they were carrying in them??

 

The dude on the right is Gen. Omar Bradley. I'm not sure who the other one is. Both appear to be carrying an M1903 in the holster, which is sort of silly considering those can easily be dropped into a front or coat pocket.

 

According to this google picture search, he is Major General Louis A. Craig. This site is interesting.

The Generals & Their Guns - The Armory Life

In 1943, in the middle of World War II, the U.S. Army began a program to equip general officers with standard-issue pistols.

www.thearmorylife.com

 

One more update.... It's been quite a while, and the repro M3 holster is very nice, broken in, and very comfortable. Some may not appreciate the strap way up high almost at the bottom edge of the your neck well above your right shoulder, but it's manageable.

I find myself liking this more than my nylon Uncle Mike's shoulder holster for some reason.
Edit: With a bulky winter coat, you can actually carry this concealed and it won't "print".

 

The later M7 Tanker had an extra strap that went around the chest. This is more secure and comfortable.
You can wear it as an actual shoulder holster with the main strap over the shoulder.

In the above photo, it's very possible Ike had a Colt Detective Special in a pocket.