What is the nomenclature of a WWII victory shoulder holster?

[ABPOS]

Like the Navy guys wore. Are they called an M3? I forget. And someone on another forum was possibly wanting to get one for his M&P but it has a 5" barrel and I said he might want to check if it would fit.

Would a 5"er fit?

 

[Alk8944]

It appears to be an M-3. Could be an M-7 with part of the harness concealed by the Mae West. They are specifically for a 4" M&P or Colt O.P. for revolvers, or a Model 1911. A 5" barrel M&P will fit in either holster intended or the revolver, but about 1/2" will hang out the end. While either the M-3 or M-7 were made for both automatics and revolvers they are specific to one or the other.

 

[ABPOS]

I wonder if the front sight would get hung up if it slides through a slot.....

 

[kimporter]

I believe the M-3 is for the victory and the M-7 isn’t for the1911

 

[ordnanceguy]

A:

The correct nomenclature for the shoulder holster in question is "Holster, Shoulder, Revolver Caliber .38, Colt and Smith & Wesson". It is intended to carry the 4 inch barreled Victory and Colt Commando revolvers, although the government drawing states that it is also suitable for 2" and 5" barrels. The 5" will protrude through the bottom of the holster by one inch.

It is very similar to the M3 holster used for the M1911A1 .45 pistols, so among collectors it is often referred to as "M3 style", but it is not a true M3. Some contemporary references refer to it as the T-2 holster, but it is not clear that this designator was ever officially adopted.

The M7 shoulder holster has two straps, one for the shoulder and one for the chest, and was designed for the M1911A1 pistol as well. Later versions can also accommodate the Beretta M9 pistol.

HTH.

 

[DWalt]

Very good quality replica holsters of that type are available at fairly reasonable prices for anyone who wants a "user". See the International Military Antiques website, probably some on eBay also.
U.S. WWII M3 Brown Leather Shoulder Holster – International Military Antiques

 

[ABPOS]

Thank you guys!

That was a very great description ordnanceguy. It does seem like even the people making repro's might not know what you know about it. But this is good to know.