I am in the process of building a "retro" AR-15 / M16A1 clone so I have been browsing for reference pics of them in use during the Vietnam War.

While looking at one of these pics, I spotted what I think might be a holstered Model 15 on the right side of the pic. If you zoom in close enough there's what looks like the trigger adjustment screw visible. The name of the pic is "M60 1967 AF Base Security", and I am aware the Air Force issued the Model 15. Is the revolver in this pic more than likely a Model 15?

Also, I was wondering what kind of holster that is? It doesn't look like the standard one I am used to seeing that were used with the 1911's - the black leather ones with "US" embossed on the leather with the big flap. I would like to find a holster like this, and if anyone knows the model or NSN # I appreciate any info on it. If the revolver in the pic is indeed a Model 15, I'd like to find a holster like that for it. One with the wire attachments on the back that will fit the grommet holes on a USGI pistol/LBE belt.

Here is the pic:



This is a link to the original large file:

https://i.imgur.com/FmTcZt2.jpg

It's a Model 15. Here is a link to a closed auction where a Model 15 with the USAF holster was sold. It was a Bucheimer.

S & W Model 15-2 USAF, w Holster

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S&WCA 1729

I believe that looks like a 4" Combat Masterpiece. The holster appears to be the type we used (or at least it looks like the kind I remember wearing). But, hey, that was nearly 50 years ago!

I think you are asking about the strain screw on the forestrap of the grip frame. It is decidedly NOT a "trigger adjustment screw." It is designed to be snug against the frame and is the proper length to put the correct tension on the mainspring. It should never be used to adjust the hammer fall or lighten the trigger pull.

The layout there is definitely reminiscent of what would have been available to APs pulling base perimeter protection duty. One problem for USAF at places like Bien Hoa (the in-country base with which I am most familiar) was that the U.S. Army didn't do much to help protect our bases. That duty usually fell to AP (later SP) troops, who didn't get much in the way of combat training (they were trained as police, not infantry). Late in the war, we did get ARVN help, but some of us didn't think much of the way they were commanded, even though some of the ARVN guys were good men. Some even became our friends.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Wow that was quick! Many thanks.

Yes this is the type of holster I would like to get for my Model 15 - like the one in the auction link posted. One of those ammo cases would be pretty sweet, too. I'd be willing to bet these things are pretty hard to come by - even for US surplus. Or, are there examples of these on the surplus market? Does anyone make reproductions?

I have an old black leather Bucheimer "Federal Man" holster but there's no way it would fit on a USGI pistol belt like this one would.

I screwed the one on mine down tight. I think I had heard it called that somewhere else on the interwebs.

Here’s the one I carried.
I was in Thailand.

Attached Images

A81CBCDA-7417-4D30-B0E6-9215CA8D00B2.jpg (55.9 KB, 392 views)

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

My uncle (mother's brother) was also in the AF stationed in Thailand. I believe he worked a radio tower. I think I read somewhere that 80% of all ordnance dropped on North Vietnam was flown out of Thailand.

The honor wall at the Security Police headquarters at Phan Rang AB for their defense of the base during Tet gives testimony to your statement. Thankfully we had them and a squadron of AC-119's to protect us during the VC probes in the early 70's.




and having South Korean Tiger troops there helped as well.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

Perhaps NKP?

Probably true for the AF, but Marine sorties flew mostly out of three bases in RVN, and most Navy sorties were launched from carriers.

AF Rolling Thunder sorties were almost all launched from Thailand.

But the Arc Light sorties flew from three locations:
Anderson Field on Guam
U-Tapao in Thailand
Kadena on Okinawa (during two relatively brief periods)

Keep in mind that Arc Light also hit targets in the South, especially after 1967, as did a large number of in-country fighter-bomber sorties. And a lot of ordnance was expended in Laos, trying to reduce the flow down the Trail. We were also hitting the Trail from bases in Thailand, especially Ubon.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Three big belly B-52D's dropped 324 bombs at a pop.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

The holsters that I recall was like this but had a full flap and hooks like the 1911 issued holster that hooked into the eyelets on a issued web pistol belt

Looks familiar...While I was at Ubon I was allowed to wear a spring closure cross draw rig. I also loaded my Model 15 with (very unauthorized) SWCHP cast bullet ammo and 12 grains of Unique.

This may be of interest to some:

I wore non-reg. holsters the whole four years I was in the AF. But the holster shown was the main item of issue.

I think those with two straps over the gun were intended for aircrew, to avoid loss of the gun if they ejected.

I never saw the full flap sort described by jimmyj, I think he's thinking of some civilian cop holster.

Or of a Victory Model holster.

Between 1980-82, I carried a Model 15 in a Border Patrol style holster that fit on a standard web belt. The belt loop of the holster had two screws that could be removed to attach the holster to the belt. Unfortunately, I don't remember, if I ever knew, the manufacturer of the holster. I also carried a double drop box for ammo and a od green nylon bandage case for handcuffs.

Jimmy - who was wearing those full flap holsters?

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

Regarding the flap holsters, on a search under a site
entitled Military Holsters and Related Items

An aircrewman holster marked USAF is shown with a
flap; but it is for a snub nosed revolver and not the
4-inch Combat Masterpiece.

Also shown is the typical Border Patrol style holster with
swivel and hanger attachment. (But being Air Force,
maybe it should be hangar attachment. Sorry, couldn't
resist.)

The swivel holsters are often on eBay. Stateside most of the AP/SP's used that holster with matching gear. Some of the sellers on eBay think they are made of gold.

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police651

IIRC (?) the base police at JNAS plus the armory had the holsters in inventory

a previous poster was correct the holsters carried M&P .38 4"

When I separated in September 1967, the Base Police were still carrying Colts, marked property U.S. Navy. The flight line guys were carrying old M&P's.

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police651

Thanks for all the information, gentlemen. I really do appreciate it.

I like to collect models of guns that have seen service with military forces. Mostly Cold War-era stuff. That's my "niche", I guess. I grew up during the 80's so that's the kind of stuff I identify most with. I don't really dig the newfangled guns like SCAR's or rifles with a bunch of rails, and the like. Not that there's anything wrong with that - it's just not my cup of tea, personally. I have a pretty meager gun and "gear" collection but that's pretty much what I am into.

In addition to the guns, I also like to collect the old LBE for the era they were produced for that specific weapon. Things like mag pouches, pistol belts, suspenders, holsters, etc. I don't do like reenactments or run around my hometown dressed up in this stuff, or anything. I just collect it as militaria and I enjoy comparing the older gear to the kind of high-tech get up you see today. Some of the old stuff the Soviets and Eastern Bloc countries were issued was particularly bad and really uncomfortable, IMO. Just an observation, but I digress.

Anyway, since some folks here have said that these AF issue Model 15 holsters can a bit pricey, I think I was able to find a suitable substitute. As I previously mentioned, I already have an old Bucheimer "Federal Man" black leather holster from that era that fits a 4" K Frame. Since it appears non-reg holsters were sometimes used, I figured this holster could be considered period correct.

I ended up taking an old wire hanger I found laying around and just threading it through the back of the Federal Man holster's belt loop. I then attached to a NOS Vietnam-era pistol belt with a Davis Buckle that I purchased at a flea market a few weeks back. Looks pretty good. Glad I saved that wire hanger. I can't remember how long I have had it, but I think I removed it off an old canteen pouch and used ALICE clips on it instead.

So, now I need to get my hands on one of those black leather ammo cases that fit a pistol belt. Hopefully I'll be able to locate one. Again, I really do appreciate the input from you guys. Thank you all for your service, as well.

JP@AK, Jack's comments are very valid on where ordnance was delivered from... I was with the 432nd Tac Fighter/Recon Wing at Udorn from mid 68 to mid 69. Our F4's flew NORTH and over Laos. Of course we had Air America going into Laos plus guys from NKP (woops, forgot we never were there).

On the subject of Base Security. We were suppose to be protected by the Thai Army since we were in a "peaceful" country.
In any case, many of my Airmen were "volunteered" to become "Augmentees" for perimeter duty with the AP's. Oh, you know how they loved that duty since most had no combat training, and only very limited range time with the AR. I bought my first S&W Model 18 for practice, when I still was stateside, because of so little range time with the Model 15's. (And yes, I still have the Model 18 and original receipt)

I once tried to get "cool Vietnam stories" out of my uncle I mentioned who was in the Air force. I started out by asking him about "all the weapons" he had used. His reply was:

"In basic training I was given a pistol one day and we all shot it. After I put it down that day I never fired another weapon the whole time I was in."

Update: I was able to find the proper holster for my Model 15 on this website FlightHelmet.com | Serving Military, EMS, & Civilian Pilots  800-531-4898

It's a brand new, unissued set like the one posted earlier in this thread - a Bucheimer USAF black leather holster and ammo pouch for the USGI LC-1 and LC-2 pistol belt, NSN: 1095-00-819-8591

Holster and case came today and I finally got it all put together. The holster and ammo case were legit unissued. I soaked them with some Neatsfoot Compound. Went to Walmart and bought a Jet Pilot Survival knife to put on there, too. The LC-1 Davis Belt looks new. Picked it up at a flea market about a month ago. I guess this would be my Vietnam Air Force Base Security setup. Picking up the M16A1 build on Monday. The jerk builder sent me some pics of it right before he closed for the weekend. That was awful nice of him LOL.