Vietnam Era .45 Shoulder Holster for Pilot?

[a2jacketpatches]

I picked this up for 10 bucks at a swap meet. Absolute mint condition. I know the 45 Auto was used after Vietnam, but I'm not up on the spec #'s of that period. Could someone date this item for me? Hoping it's Vietnam. Also, where could I find info on how to read these specs for future reference?

 

[watchmanjimg]

It's marked M7/M9, which suggests that it will accept the Beretta M9 standardized well after Vietnam. The other markings are inconsistent with 'Nam-era manufacture as well.

 

[a2jacketpatches]

Thanks

 

[Phantomfixer]

Still a great holster for 10 bones. Gis like the new combat gear, a few still use the holster you have. Old school, very nice item.
I think the M series says more about the holster than what type of weapon it was designed for. The newer green nylon holster is the M12...IMO
The 13 digit NSN puts it after 1974ish. I think that is when they switched from 11 to 13 digits, maybe 72?? any help out there...
John

 

[watchmanjimg]

Still a great holster for 10 bones. Gis like the new combat gear, a few still use the holster you have. Old school, very nice item.
I think the M series says more about the holster than what type of weapon it was designed for. The newer green nylon holster is the M12...IMO
The 13 digit NSN puts it after 1974ish. I think that is when they switched from 11 to 13 digits, maybe 72?? any help out there...
John

John, you're correct about the stock number and partially correct regarding the "M" designation. This holster design is an M7 but the Beretta pistol is an M9. I agree that it was a good buy at $10.

 

[Phantomfixer]

More info here, info on the M7/M9 holster can be found on the bottom of the page. I copied the chart for reference.

http://olive-drab.com/od_other_firearms_pistol_m9.php

M9 Beretta Pistol and Accessories NSN Table
Nomenclature Part Number NSN
M-9 Pistol 9mm 9346412 1005-01-118-2640
M-9 Hip Holster, M-12 938857 1095-01-194-3343
M-9 Shoulder Holster, M-12, Green 14211 1095-01-247-3917
M-9 Shoulder Holster, M-7, Black 7791527 1095-00-973-2353
M-9 Magazine 15 round 9346413 1005-01-204-4376
M-9 Storage Rack 9395764 1095-01-236-2203
M-9 Brush Cleaning, Bore 7162132 1005-00-716-2132
M-9 Cleaning Rod, M-4 5564102 1005-00-556-6656

 

[Monsoon]

Pics aren't showing up for me here at work but I know that most USAF pilots in Vietnam used .38s, and I think they were carried in the survival vest. In fact, I think all USAF aircrew were carrying the .38 until the M9 came along (at least they were in my ANG squadron).

Guys in the AOR now sometimes carry their pistols in shoulder holsters for convience. It's not really practical; it more like carrying a purse for your weapon. :lol:

That being said, I did buy one for my M9 for when I deploy. These guys make some really nice ones and they stretched it to fit the M9:

http://www.pacificcanvasandleather.com/ ... _56_m3.htm

 

[Monsoon]

OK, now that I'm home I can see the pics.

It's an M7 holster. I think they are still called, "Tanker holsters". Armor guys in the Army were issued them; our intel officer (former tread head) still sports one.

 

[a2jacketpatches]

I was stationed at Loring in the late 80's walking Buffs all night long most of the time with an M16. My first year in was the last year using 38's, just before the 9mm. The shoulder holster we used for certain vehicle and control posts was natural colored, and the weapon was secured tightly by a metal spring within the leather. The same holster was used with the 9mm later that year when they were issued. Never had this type M7 / M9.