[dfariswheel]

Of the available M3 holsters, the El Paso Saddlery is the best.
It's 100% American made of American leather, and uses American made metal hardware, mostly brass as I recall.

All the others are Chinese or Indian made and the leather often has a foul odor due to the use of "natural" (don't ask) tanning "materials".
The hardware is often thin steel or pot metal and is substandard.

The El Paso GI type holsters are as good if not better then a USGI holster from the 1940's. I've been using a Model 1916 hip holster, El Paso's Model 1940, since the 70's and it's still in perfect shape.
You get what you pay for.

As a plus, the El Paso can be had in right or left hand, different stamps, and with linings. They make the M3 type to fit just about any hand gun with any barrel length.

 

[Ballisticbudda]

Have you tried a military surplus store? Tons of them here in the greater Ft Hood area.

 

[CPTKILLER]

As a former Tanker and Cav guy, these work well for a secure 1911 or other pistol.

 

[USMM guy]

As far as I am concerned. They are about the best thing since sliced bread.

As a former Tanker and Cav guy, these work well for a secure 1911 or other pistol.

For open carrying while performing some other activity they are hard to beat. My wife an I wear them while hiking, canoeing, horse back riding, you name it.

 

[Revelations]

I agree with the above statements.

As a former 19Kilo I LOVED my tanker holster. Carrier both a 1911 and a Beretta in one.

 

[Tercel89]

Adirondack Leather M7 ??

Can the M7 holster be worn like the M3 by just over the shoulder and not using the chest strap ?

 

[RickB]

The M3 is worn around the neck, not over the shoulder.

 

[dfariswheel]

Can the M7 holster be worn like the M3 by just over the shoulder and not using the chest strap ?

Yes. The chest strap can be removed.

 

[CherokeeXJ]

After doing more research,armynavysurplus.com has the U.S. issue, still in box made by the U.S. contractor for the military.
The M7 is about $35.00, comes in black leather.
They also have the VN era hip holster made for the S&W M10 revolver/K frame,4"bbl which will do VERY nicely for my S&W Model 19. Same U.S. mfg,etc. as the M7.
Not that I want it for open carry but nice for out/about on the family acerage on the mountain.

 

[CPTKILLER]

Good photo or image.

http://www.reww2.com/localpic/accessories/us1911hoster/1911shoulder holster4.JPG

 

[stitcher]

After doing more research,armynavysurplus.com has the U.S. issue, still in box made by the U.S. contractor for the military.
The M7 is about $35.00, comes in black leather.
They also have the VN era hip holster made for the S&W M10 revolver/K frame,4"bbl which will do VERY nicely for my S&W Model 19. Same U.S. mfg,etc. as the M7.
Not that I want it for open carry but nice for out/about on the family acerage on the mountain.

That's a good buy...they are great holsters

 

[Tercel89]

I just found one !

I just found an M7 made by Adirondack Leather. It seems well worn but still very nice. I think this was worn maybe in the Gulf War. I went out early hunting old surplus stores and found it hanging up behind a lot of crap.
It was only $9.50 :rock:
I am now treating it with a good bath of 100% Neatsfoot Oil. Check it out. The reason you dont see the buckles is because I took them off and cleaning them up. I am cleaning this up really good and then it's going to hold my Springfield 1911 for me while I'm deer hunting next month.

 

[RickB]

Neatsfoot oil isn't a great treatment for leather holsters.
Holster leather isn't supposed to be "soft", and neatsfoot will break down the structure of the leather.
Neutral shoe polish is good for protecting the surface.

 

[crasig]

These are my very favorite holsters for combat & civilian use. They are the most comfortable & easy access for me. The chest strap is in the way for concealed carry unless your keeping your coat partially buttoned. They will hold several different pistols just fine. You won't be sorry to own one of these holsters. Think I got mine from IMA.

 

[Tercel89]

These are my very favorite holsters for combat & civilian use. They are the most comfortable & easy access for me. The chest strap is in the way for concealed carry unless your keeping your coat partially buttoned. They will hold several different pistols just fine. You won't be sorry to own one of these holsters. Think I got mine from IMA.

What I do is take off the chest strap and attach the main strap to both metal rings on the holster. Then wear it over my shoulder with the strap over my right shoulder and the holster hanging under or near my left arm . Just like the M3 military holsters. It's the best of both !

 

[KAS300]

http://www.diamonddcustomleather.com/Tanker_Holster.php

 

[Mustang]

I'm glad to have run across this thread. I've often considered a shoulder holster especially for driving. As much as I like the concept of the Galco Miami Classic the biggest issue I have with it is that the muzzle of the gun would be pointing at whoever is in the back seat. Kinda violates rule #2, "never let the muzzle cover something you're not willing to destroy."

I think the M3/M7 pretty much solves that problem.

 

[Kevin Rohrer]

I carried an M7 for awhile when I was an MP. It was nice, but I believe the military got away from them due to the neck strap pushing on a nerve in the neck area and causing problems.