1942 "Tanker" for my 1911

[Fast Frank]

I found a deal online, and got myself a "Tanker Holster".

I tried it on, and it seems like it might be a fun way to carry the pistol...

Except for one thing that bugs me.

It turns out that the retention strap that's supposed to keep the thing from falling out runs right across the grip safety.

Yeah, I know-

There's actually FOUR reasons why my Kimber won't fire, but squeezing the grip safety turns two of them off!

The Kimber has the "Schwartz" type firing pin lock and the grip safety turns it of as it removes the trigger block.

Any of you guys use this holster?

Do you carry with out the strap and just hope it doesn't dive out or do you strap it down and hope it doesn't go off?

It seems like this leather has stood the test of time but it worries me...

 

[dfariswheel]

The M3 "Tanker" holster was to be used just like the Model 1912's and Model 1916 hip holsters were to be used......
Mag loaded, chamber empty, hammer down, or in the very early days of the 1911, mag loaded, chamber loaded, hammer down.

These military holsters were not intended to be fast draw they were intended to keep the gun secure and not lost.
In the case of the M3 and M7 Tanker holsters the most secure way to position a safety strap was across the grip safety.

 

[Sistema1927]

Yep, military holster designed to carry the pistol with an empty chamber. That is the way that we carried them while crewing the M60 battle tank.

 

[jeepnik]

Let's face it, today's tankers really have very little chance of ending up fighting on foot. A semi auto handgun carried condition 3 is no detriment.

On the other hand in the early 1940's my dad was a tanker. He wore a chest holster and carried condition 1. He also never went anywhere outside the various tanks (he lost several along the way) without a Thompson. Fighting on foot was much more common whether they wanted to or not.

Flash forward almost thirty years and I was flying around in helos. I carried a 1911A1 in a chest holster condition 1. What some chair-bound REMF thought was the best/safest way to do things usually was neither. Troops tend to learn what works and what doesn't. Smart ones do what works.

 

[Fast Frank]

Yeah, Mine is brand new and tight, but even after it loosens up a bit i can see that it's never going to be anything like a fast draw setup. especially if it's worn under any sort of cover.

Troops tend to learn what works and what doesn't. Smart ones do what works.

That's where I am right now... I wonder how the guys that actually used these went about it.

The Colt pistols had no firing pin locks before the series 80, so all the grip safety did back then was block the trigger. I can see how maybe they felt OK with not having the triggerblock while the gun was in the leather.

But bypassing that firing pin lock on my Kimber kinda makes me a little unsure.

 

[FL-NC]

Standard practice to carry on an empty chamber back then. Of course, it begs the question- IF the operator had to fire his pistol, was he expected to clear it and place it back into that configuration prior to re-holstering? Seems like a lot of work to do, especially in combat where there MAY be more pressing matters.

 

[Terminatorret]

I kept my "tanker" holster I used in the USMC. I have found that both my Zastava M57 and (believe it or not) my Ruger 4-5/8 Blackhawk fit in it nicely. Go figure.

 

[Fiv3r]

I kept my "tanker" holster I used in the USMC. I have found that both my Zastava M57 and (believe it or not) my Ruger 4-5/8 Blackhawk fit in it nicely. Go figure.

I was going to point out that several wheel guns do fit in the tanker as well. I stopped using mine for a 1911 due to the strap across the grip safety thing.

However, its my preferred carry method for my single action revolvers like the BH or SAA. I like keeping them close to my chest and under my jacket so that I don't get hung up on branches. Plus, no grip safety means no issues using the strap. As an added bonus, the strap is JUST tight enough to be overly tight. A firm push of the thumb and it rockets off the clasp.

Very underrated and cost effective way to carry a revolver in specific circumstances.

 

[kBob]

Correct me if I am wrong but I believe there were separate chest holsters for the 1911 and K frame M&P revolver. There certainly were once leather became black in the US Army.

I used to take a coat hanger and bend a piece into a U shape and "Hunnered-mile-an -hour" tape it to the back of my issued M1914 belt holster flap to make the flap easier to move. Still have one around the house with civilian duct tape and a hanger wire some where.

-kBob

 

[dfariswheel]

During WWII the M3 and M7 "Tanker" type holsters were made for the 1911 and for the S&W Victory and Colt Commando revolvers.
The revolver models usually had cartridge loops on the shoulder strap. These were heavily issued to Navy and Marine pilots.

For hip holsters, the issue models were the Model 1912 Mounted (cavalry) used up into WWII by cavalry and armored units until supplies were exhausted.

The Model 1912 Dismounted (Infantry) was made up to 1916.
It looks like the Model 1912 Mounted holster except it has no belt loop swivel. Instead there's a second brass stud up on the drop loop so the holster flap can be rolled over and pinned up.
Left over stock of these were used until supplies were exhausted very early in WWII.

Since the Model 1912 Dismounted holster was not at all popular with users, they redesigned it and began issue of the Model 1916 Dismounted holster in 1916.
This was the standard US hip holster for all users except the cavalry after 1916.
It was used until 1985 when the Beretta M9 was adopted, and for a short time, the Model 1916 was made for the M9.

 

[Terminatorret]

Thanks, dfariswheel...that is excellent information.

 

[GunnyUSMC]

I carried one. And still have one.
That’s me on the left with my long lost twin step brother .