Anyone remember who made the USAF shoulder holster for 4" Md 15s

[cporfe]

Hi everyone,

Getting a little nostalgic. I spent the early 70's and later the early 80's in the USAF Security Police and remember some members with injuries or pregnant women SPs wore shoulder holsters for their 4" S&W Md 15s. I still have my old belt holster but have been wondering about who made and, maybe, if someone is making reproductions now.

Any ideas?

Thanks
Chris

 

[lrrifleman]

You might want to take a look at the offerings from El Paso Saddlery.

 

[m1gunner]

There is a member here that usually has one or more original USAF holsters listed in the classifieds. Can't remember the name, but it is the biggest ad on the site, with pages and pages of holsters and grips.

 

[jdh]

Bucheimer.

Originals in fair condition go for 100+ on greedbay, reproductions about $35.

 

[crazyphil]

cporfe I saw a: Viet Nam U.S. Air Force Leather Medium Frame 4"
Revolver Holster on ebay...just a while ago. Mybe it's the one you
are looking for?

 

[Arisin Wind]

Cathey made many of the holsters for the military. There are several styles of shoulder holsters used. This one was used from the early 70's to the 80's. The NSN and model number 1095-00-120-8972 B-15-34.

You can sometimes find them on the big auction site brand new for very reasonable prices.

 

[snowman.45]

If you're talking about the tanker type shoulder/chest holster, Pacific Canvas and Leather make some excellent reproductions. They are on-line.

 

[cporfe]

Hey all, great answers and very quick response. Arison Wind has a picture of the holster I remember. Now is research and seek and find!

Thanks all
Chris

 

[crazyphil]

That photo from Arison Wind is the same holster (except in better condition)
than the one I mentioned that is available on ebay.
The military contracted with Cathey, Bucheimer, and S&W to make
this type shoulder holster. Cathey also had a contract to make the
"Dirty Harry" shoulder holsters. Cathey is no more, but have a lot
of stuff on the auction site. Cathey has continued as Hill Country Leather
but their focus is quite different now.

I think it's interesting how much the Air Force contract shoulder holster
resembles the "Dirty Harry" shoulder holster. Here are photos of my
Dirty Harry by Lawman Leather. The shoulder pad wore out so I
replaced it with the padded nylon.

P. S. That is an S&W Model 67 Combat Masterpiece on board.
(the stainless version of the Model 15)

 

[Arisin Wind]

The Cathey holsters are a exact copy of the Dirty Harry holster used in the movie. Like the holster in the movie the Cathey has a sewn yoke, tension screw and narrow belt strap where the others do not.

 

[cporfe]

Wow! You guys are spot on. Looks like my seek mission just got a lot easier.

Thanks
Chris

 

[cporfe]

crazyphil,

Found the holster you mentioned on ebay, but the price is a little high for something that old. I've bought older holsters from that era only to have the leather give out from rot or the stitching give out. I'll look for a modern repro or maybe just something that looks like it as Arisin Wind mentioned above.
Thanks for your research and help!
Chris

 

[cporfe]

Well, nostalgia aside, the current production holsters mentioned, including the Dirty Harry model, are too rich just for me to have to look at. I've found a few others close in looks, but still more that what I want to pay. The ebay holster is still available, but I won't register with them so that option is out. Looks like I'll just file this info away just in case.

Thanks everyone for helping me out.
Chris

 

[crazyphil]

Pcporfe just keep on looking. A few years ago there was a holster that I
was sure I needed. I looked for about three years, but finally found one.
What you want is out there somwhere. It may pop up any day at a
decent price. Just seek, and you will find.

P. S. The member mentioned above by m1gunner's name if robbt.
He is on the accessories for sale forum. He has several shoulder
holsters. His prices are reasonable. I have bought holsters from
him and he is reliable.