Army Aviator Shoulder Holster

[G26ster]

I plan on acquiring a Pre-Model 10 M&P 4" when I find a suitable candidate, as that's what I carried in RVN in '69-'70. I'd like to have the revolver and holster to enjoy while I can, and pass it on to my Grandson when I no longer can. I've looked through the scant amount of photos of me I have during that time period, and in none of them am I wearing it, except for one where it is well concealed under my "chicken plate" and survival vest in the cockpit.

I know the holster and rig was black, but other than that I'm unsure exactly what model it was, or "exactly" what it looked like. So, if anyone can help me identify an Army Aviator (specifically Army) shoulder rig for the Pre-Model 10, I'd sure appreciate it. Pictures, if possible, would also be appreciated. TIA

 

[Flint Ridge]

Is this what you are looking for? Only thread I recalled seeing lately.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/182582-vietnam-aviator-flightcrew-shoulder-ammo-carrier.html

 

[G26ster]

Is this what you are looking for? Only thread I recalled seeing lately.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/182582-vietnam-aviator-flightcrew-shoulder-ammo-carrier.html

Thanks Flint Ridge. That could be it, but I don't recall the spare ammo carrier, but were talking 42 years ago so memory is weak, to say the least

 

[Arisin Wind]

How about this one. It's been described as a Viet Nam era aviator holster. Even has a NSN on it. It was made for a 4 inch K frame size revolver.

 

[oldafsp]

How about this one. It's been described as a Viet Nam era aviator holster. Even has a NSN on it. It was made for a 4 inch K frame size revolver.

That is correct Arisin Wind, those were either manufactured by Bucheimer or Cathay Ent. under the contract number stamped on the back. They were made for 2 and 4 inch K frame Smiths.

I used one for my Model 15 at Tan Son Nhut instead of the swivel web gear holster.(That beat against my leg all the time). It made it much easier deploying from our vehicles to threats on the perimeter.

Nice photo.

 

[cochise]

I had one and passed it on to my son. They made them either for a 4" revolver, usually S&W model 15 , ( of course I saw Colt's and model 10 used ) or the 1911 .45 acp. Ebay does have them time to time. I try to bid on them myself but they are too expensive. About the best around is from El Paso Saddlery.


1942 "Tanker" Holster - 5 1/2" to 8 3/8" Barrels

 

[G26ster]

How about this one. It's been described as a Viet Nam era aviator holster. Even has a NSN on it. It was made for a 4 inch K frame size revolver.

The one thing that strikes me about this one is the exposed trigger guard. That I don't recall. I've been searching the web for Viet Nam era Army Aviator photos, and so far have come up empty for any that show the holster being worn. Thanks for the input.

 

[Arisin Wind]

You're choices seem limited as to what it can be if it was issued. If it was an off the shelf civilian model it could be almost any thing.

Here's some from the web.

 

[BE Mike]

Mine looked a lot like the one posted in the link by Flint Ridge, except was brown and looked a little more open, I believe. It was all leather. It may have been a Brauer Bros. holster, but I'll never know for sure. I'm carrying a S&W model 10, round butt, with 4" pencil barrel.

 

[G26ster]

BE Mike and Arisin Wind: I think you're right, It could have been most anything. I think it looked most like the one Flint Ridge posted as well as the second one in the last post by Arisan Wind, but I'll never be sure. All I do know for sure I carried a 4" S&W that I assume to be either a Pre-Model 10 or an earlier Model 10 M&P.

BE Mike, I see you were 101st also. What unit and when? I was D Co (Redskins) 158th Avn Bn Camp Evans '69-'70. I also commanded HHC, 158th before that.

 

[CH47gunner]

Lot of rotorheads around here!

I also carried a M10 4" but, no shoulder holster. Some of the pilots used them mostly because they couldn't get up & move around like we GIB's could. We were also able to take off our "chicken plates" and sit on them usually until going in & out of LZ's.

Welcome home -

Bruce

 

[BE Mike]

BE Mike and Arisin Wind: I think you're right, It could have been most anything. I think it looked most like the one Flint Ridge posted as well as the second one in the last post by Arisan Wind, but I'll never be sure. All I do know for sure I carried a 4" S&W that I assume to be either a Pre-Model 10 or an earlier Model 10 M&P.

BE Mike, I see you were 101st also. What unit and when? I was D Co (Redskins) 158th Avn Bn Camp Evans '69-'70. I also commanded HHC, 158th before that.

Our paths probably crossed. I was with the 3rd Brigade Aviation Platoon also at Camp Evans from 68-69. I mostly flew Loaches. Our call sign was Thunder.

 

[phantom06]

Sorry to dredge up an old topic. I was an Army pilot in the 1980s/90s and the .38 revolver was still the issue sidearm for aircrew. We had a mix of Ruger and S&W pistols -- both .38 Specials.

I remember two shoulder holster styles in use. One was the quick-draw type as illustrated in the second post. The other was an M3-style holster you just slung over your right shoulder and the holster just sat on your left side.

The M3 style is probably what the OP is trying to recollect. These were originally a USN/USMC design for aircrew during WW2. Below is an example of a tan/brown USN model but the Army type was exactly the same except for being black. I don't remember mine have ammo loops on it but it might have. It's been a few decades! The second image is the one from the second post in this thread. These are the only two issue holster types that I recall seeing.

 

[Black_Sheep]

The M3 style holsters are reproduced by Pacific Canvas & Leather, if I recall correctly they come with the ammo holder too.

 

[dfariswheel]

The best quality M3 replica is made by El Paso Saddlery.
It's as good if not better then a WWII USGI holster.
Plus, they make it for virtually any handgun with any length barrel and offer lining and carving.

Unlike the Chinese Pacific & Leather holsters, the El Paso is 100% American made and is made of much better leather and hardware.

El Paso Saddlery - Holsters

As an interesting observation, the holster shown in the fourth post is in fact an exact copy of the famed "Dirty Harry" shoulder holster.


Magnum Shoulder Holster | Dirty Harry Holster

 

[phantom06]

Here's an Army VN-era holster. This is the same style I was using in the 1980s. There are quite a few being sold as surplus. Made by Hunter Corporation and showing model #7142700 on the back. I'm not sure if these are truly surplus or just Hunter-marked reproductions.

 

[416rigby]

If the above has a plastic buckle it is a repo.

Issue ones are around, black or natural, keep looking.

 

[poordevil]

The one thing that strikes me about this one is the exposed trigger guard. That I don't recall. I've been searching the web for Viet Nam era Army Aviator photos, and so far have come up empty for any that show the holster being worn. Thanks for the input.

I have that exact same holster but for a 4" N frame. It has me scratching my head.

 

[Lt JL]

Check with Robbt in the accessories section of the classifieds.

 

[Road Rat]

HELLO

The Original request was in MAY OF LAST YEAR.

Do you gentlemen think he is still looking??????????????

Another post brought back from the dead just for giggles!!!!