US Leather Holsters Contractors Vietnam era

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I have two US issue vintage military GUU-1/P this Bucheimer USAF dated 1965 for the Mod15
and another without a contractor mark with 41 over 4 (gun fitment type over 4" barrel perhaps)
here shown with my Pre 10 S Prifix Smith,
Who were the leather Contractors for the service revolvers. I know the US Army issued Mod. 10's
to Helo pilots and crews during Nam ?
There are subtle differences, but both are issue holsters.

EDIT: I now believe 41over 4 is a Bianchi Holster size code for S&W 38 Cal, revolvers and 4 is barrel length.



USAF Holster Markings.jpg20230803_151618.jpg
 

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Nice. It has been more than 50 years, but I'm pretty sure that GUU 1/P is the holster I carried my Model 15 in for two years over there. I do believe you meant to write 1965! :)
 
I have no idea of what holsters were issued to us but we were issued 4" 38 M&P's. My 1st unit, the 187th AHC, issued me a Victory model and my 2nd, the 190th AHC, issue me a model 10 of some type, probably a -5.

My hooch mate Hal Birk after a bad day with his 38.IMG_0601 (2).JPG
 
JP@AK said:
Nice. It has been more than 50 years, but I'm pretty sure that GUU 1/P is the holster I carried my Model 15 in for two years over there. I do believe you meant to write 1965! :)
Click to expand...

Yes, typo , fixed now thanks
 
Here is my S- prefix Pre Mod-10 circa 10/46 and my new to me Mod 15-2 circa 1967.
with the Bianchi and Bucheimer service holsters
 

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The GUU-1/P was designed by the J. M. Bucheimer Co. of Frederick, MD. In military service it was an Air Force holster intended to carry 4 inch .38 Special revolvers and the S&W Model 15 in particular. It was intended for use by Air Police and other law enforcement personnel, but was also seen in use by pilots and other air crew during the Viet Nam War.

A famous photo taken in 1967 of F-4 pilot Col. Robin Olds shows him carrying a S&W Model 15 revolver in a GUU-1/P holster.

050811-F-1234P-035.JPG


Bucheimer also sold these holsters in the civilian market. They are shown in Bucheimer catalogs of the 1960s.

Regards,
Charlie
 
VIET NAM WAR

BUCHEIMER (J. M. Bucheimer Co., Frederick, Maryland)
BOLEN LEATHER PRODUCTS, INC.
BOLEN LEA. PROD.
CATHEY ENTERPRISES, INC. (Cathey Enterprises, Inc., Brownwood, Texas)
HUNTER CORP. (Hunter Corporation, West Minster, Colorado)
NORDAC MFG. CO. (Nordac Manufacturing Company, Fredericksburg, Virginia)
 
Newer info reveals the second holster in not Bianchi made.

the 41 over 4 indicates Colt's 41 frame Official Police Special 4"
The maker remains a mystery
 
Mystery solved 41 4 maker was SMC (Service Mfg Co) of Yonkers NY
Thanks to rednickols on the Colt Board
 

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In the case of 41 over 4
I learned 41 indicates - the Colt Official Police Special
and 4 is 4" barrel
Several manufactures use the mark (including Bianchi)
and my earlier assumption was incorrect.

in actual fact - 41 4 maker was SMC (Service Mfg Co) of Yonkers NY
I learn some very interesting facts with this quest.
 
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