Large odd USAF Flap holsters

[robbt]

Howdy Guys , I now have two of these strange holsters, Originally we thought this holsters to be a custom jobs made around one of the Air Force bases overseas and for the S&W model 15 or a M&P.
I just bought another except for a slight difference in stiching they are twins including on odd snap on the back of the holster, Well my M&P Victory is way too small for this holsters , but my model 58 n frame fits fine, could these holster have been made for a n frame ??
I remember reading in a old Guns & Ammo magazine about the USAF issueing .357 magnums during the Korean War ??
any thoughts , robbt

 

[bullmack]

It looks similar to a M-13 air crew holster for .38 snubbies.

 

[robbt]

hi dennis , this holster is lot bigger will post for comparsion as soon as I get to town , robbt

 

[Deacon KC]

Hmm, did the AF have 1917s?

 

[2152hq]

For some sort of signal pistol?

 

[10-12]

Robbt,

It looks a lot like the USAF holster we were issued for the Cuban Missile Crisis when we were preparing to drop 82nd Airborne Troopers over Cuba. The pistol we were issued was the old WW 2 Victory Model. We had them less than an hour and the pilot disarmed us and turned them in. He promised to return them if the balloon went up. Fortunately it didn’t. There probably would not have been time. If you decide to sell one I would be interested for nostalgia reasons.

Thanks,

Bill

 

[opoefc]

.This is very similar to the 4 in. variation of the USAF holsters made by Service Manufacturing Co. of Yonkers , NY. in the 1960s. for the K 38 Combat Masterpiece, or a 4 in. K Frame Victory Model. Various contractors supplied the USAF, and other ,military branches, with this style of holster. The design was patented by Norris Murray of Dayton, OH., and the patent claim was to provide a holster design that could be attached to a flight suit, or attached to a belt or shoulder arrangement. Ed,

 

[roger bartlett]

Hi Robbt, Try a 4" Official Police , if it fits send me the best one of the two you have. Regards, Bart

 

[ordnanceguy]

Robbt:

My friend Ed/opoefc got it exactly right. Your holster appears to be a variant of the Murray patented holster originally designed for the Colt and S&W Aircrewman revolvers and later lengthened to accommodate the 4 inch Model 15 guns. The photo below illustrates the version of this holster that was manufactured by Service Manufacturing Co. of Yonkers, NY.

 

[robbt]

hi Charlie , these two holsters are bigger than a the Service Mfg Co. [ and Western version ]
since my current computer will not allow me to upload pictures, will do next trip to town.
, I will post pictures of both versions side by side for comparison, please remember I can fit a model 58 n frame in these holsters and the third snap on the back , I would luv to see one with the shoulder strap if these did come with a shoulder strap ??
very odd holsters , robbt

PS :
I am looking for a USAF blue web belt , if find one let me know,

 

[10-12]

hi Charlie , these two holsters are bigger than a the Service Mfg Co. [ and Western version ]
since my current computer will not allow me to upload pictures, will do next trip to town.
, I will post pictures of both versions side by side for comparison, please remember I can fit a model 58 n frame in these holsters and the third snap on the back , I would luv to see one with the shoulder strap if these did come with a shoulder strap ??
very odd holsters , robbt

PS :
I am looking for a USAF blue web belt , if find one let me know,

Robbt,

As I recall the one I was issued during the Cuban Crisis had a strap so that you had the option of wearing it as a shoulder holster. I do not recall seeing blue pistol belts. All the pistol belts I saw were olive drab except for those issued to special color guards, drill teams, etc. Of course the trouser belts were blue if that is what you were referring to. As others have mentioned the standard issue weapon for aircrewmembers was the S&W Combat Masterpiece. I suppose there were not enough around at that time as we were transitioning from the 1911A1 so that is probably why we got the WW2 Victory instead. When Viet Nam really started heating up there was a shortage of Combat Masterpieces for awhile, priority went to aircrews stationed incountry. One year when I was stateside we used Ruger .22 auto pistols to qualify instead of .38s. I am not aware of any N Frame revolvers being issued. Could it be the holster was made with a sloppy fit? I was not impressed with the one I had and first chance I got bought my own.

I am not aware of any N frames being issued. I bought a S&W 1917 on the used gun market and carried it for awhile. I modified a GI 1911 flap holster to carry it.

Hope that helps.

 

[robbt]

howdy heres a new picture of both holsters with my Aircrewman for comparsion

 

[kwill1911]

Have you tried a Model 39 in it?

 

[jpage]

maybe for a 1911 ?