M7 "tanker holster"; History and assembly of the US M7 shoulder holster

[@DanHORVATH-yi6cu]

I have an extra slot on the holster I own. It's at the top of the holster where the rear sight and hammer are located. That's where my shoulder strap is located. And the back strap connects to the D ring where the pistol grip is. Wonder if it was modified. Same nsn number you stated It's an oldie... but it still works for both my 1911A1 and my Taurus PT92, with the rail on the frame. I prefer the Taurus, since the safety is in the exact location of the 1911A1. Ammo has come a long way, so I updated to 9mm, finally. Still got my 1911A1. Class of 1972, when sissies ran to Canada and I enlisted.🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@nonyabiz9487]

What I love about the M7 is not only does the 1911 fit the holster but a long multitude of pistol choices fit in the holster like the Beretta 92 and my S&W model 659 which is a heavy pistol and benefits greatly from having it in the shoulder holster.

[@DanHORVATH-yi6cu]

Helicopter pilots in the Army carried s&w pistols in these shoulder holsters too. At least the pilots and crew chiefs I've seen had them in the early 1970's

[@dominiktheis6702]

Thanks for this video. I enjoy working with leather and made one myself, but until now I had no real idea how to put the holster together. 😊

[@milsurpminutes5809]

Happy to help, did you make yours for a M1911, or did you size it for a different pistol.

[@dominiktheis6702]

@@milsurpminutes5809 For a Glock17 Gen5 (Blank gun,i'm from Germany and the gun laws are very strict.). Same dimensions, fits perfectly

[@davidtaylor195]

Nice video. Been using M7 for years as a hunting rig for my 1911. Just bought another with bullet loops on the shoulder strap for a M10, 4 in revolver. Both well made, easy to wear. I removed the chest strap and use the extended shoulder strap like a tanker or pilot used. Thanks for sharing.

[@milsurpminutes5809]

Thank you for sharing and watching.

[@daveengstrom9250]

I was issued one of those. I was a tank mechanic 1973-76. They did not make left handed ones so I was stuck with a righty.

[@DanHORVATH-yi6cu]

That's true. 72-75, 76-79

[@Char-nu9ir]

I was issued this holster to carry my M9. As members of a mechanized mortar squad, the driver and the gunner were issued sidearms.

[@garyreid2178]

Very nice presentation. I am interested in buying the tanker shoulder holster.

[@HarryCowl]

Thanks a lot for your very instructive and helpful video ! I have just received my leather M7 holster from Pakistan and unfortunately, all the parts were wrongly assembled together (twisted slings and hooks on the wrong side !!!)...So, I have followed your instructions and now, everything is fine and my shoulder holster fits so perfectly !

[@milsurpminutes5809]

Happy to help sir.

[@thesaturdaymorningcowboy4198]

Several companies were given government contracts to produce the M7. Adirondack Leather was one of them and they all have the NSN (National Stock Number) imprinted on the back of each one. These in black are primarily Vietnam Era and later issued equipment from the Army CIFs. There are still some authentic new M7s in original sealed plastic bags available for purchase and if you want one, better get it soon. But watch out for the cheap reproduction fakes. I got one of the Adirondack Leather M7s and it was a pain to assemble, but once done, it’s well worth the time it took. 😊

[@milsurpminutes5809]

Correct

[@Sanguivore]

Any idea where the original new-in-bag M7s can be purchased?

[@AstroVanTribe]

I just made a flapped version of this - The one you have is the same one I brought back from my time in the Marine Corps. Mine dry rotted a bit so I cut the threads away and used it as a template..... kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJXXd4OFoppoe5o

[@codymoncrief8478]

The general assumption is that the /m9 designation was just an added clarification when the military started adopting the M9 pistol. Everything I have tested shows them to be the same physically. Coincidentally, m7 can also fit the bigger S&W 4506 series pistols with minimal modifications to the holster in the area of the rear sight.

[@Azrael_Karahia]

Mine was assembled

[@milsurpminutes5809]

Purchased, or issued?

[@boathemian7694]

I wonder how my S&w 34 revolver will fit in that?

[@milsurpminutes5809]

I know the victory was a Smith Model 10 derivative so it is good for a 6 inch barrel K frame gun, one of these days I'll actually get my hands on one

[@PhillipFelix-kw3zi]

They do make reproduction holsters for just about everything. Bought a German Luger holster for my Luger BB gun. Very nice quality. Will be getting one for my Ruger speed six because I know it will fit.

[@milsurpminutes5809]

That's neat

[@boathemian7694]

It does fit but the m3 seems better