Thread: M7 Shoulder Holster

So I just finished up on making a leather M7 Shoulder Holster that I have been thinking about for many years. This is just the holster right now. I haven't completed the straps that go with it yet. I'm considering 1" nylon straps as the support system for this holster. It's more about comfort at this stage of the game. However, I will make leather straps just in case the nylon is too sloppy. I used premium leather and lined it with a quality thin leather liner. It's all hand stitched and I think it's close to what an original would look like, as I remember it. I did look at pictures on this one! I wore one of these for many years while in the Marines. Nostalgia has imposed itself once again on my soul!

Originally Posted by Johntoad57

So I just finished up on making a leather M7 Shoulder Holster that I have been thinking about for many years. This is just the holster right now. I haven't completed the straps that go with it yet. I'm considering 1" nylon straps as the support system for this holster. It's more about comfort at this stage of the game. However, I will make leather straps just in case the nylon is too sloppy. I used premium leather and lined it with a quality thin leather liner. It's all hand stitched and I think it's close to what an original would look like, as I remember it. I did look at pictures on this one! I wore one of these for many years while in the Marines. Nostalgia has imposed itself once again on my soul!

Very nice!

Great work!

I really like the look and the workmanship and have never worn one but have one question.

Why the extra leather to the left side in the picture?

Is it for comfort and distibuting the weight?

Just thinking out loud again!

I think it like an anchor, Tim.
Holster itself is close-fitting to the pistol. Support for straps going 3 (or 4?) directions, I think...
Looks very functional if the fit is not too tight

Originally Posted by 32t

I really like the look and the workmanship and have never worn one but have one question.

Why the extra leather to the left side in the picture?

Is it for comfort and distibuting the weight?

Just thinking out loud again!

That's an excellent question. To the best of my knowledge it provides support to the ribs and without it, would probably dig into your rib cage. It also acts as a balancing piece to offset the weight of the .45. The original .45's were all steel and when loaded with a full magazine, they were pretty heavy. I have decided to go with leather support straps. The nylon I don't think would give enough support.

These type of holsters were typically used during air ops in Vietnam. Pilots and door gunners were authorized to wear these. I wasn't a pilot so that kind of narrows it down. I'll post pictures of the finished product when I'm done.

Very nicely done John. You gave great care to the workmanship and it really shows. Outstanding job well done. Just in case I've never said it before, thank you for your service.

Also, i really like the wood of those grips. Is that walnut? It has a beautiful grain, what i can see of it.

Those are indeed walnut grips. They didn't come with the gun. Originals are plastic. Still working on strap system. Be finished soon, I hope.

Incredible, John. Beautiful craftsmanship.

Sooo....you were the , Getsum guy. Like in full metal jacket.

Originally Posted by outback

Incredible, John. Beautiful craftsmanship.

Sooo....you were the , Getsum guy. Like in full metal jacket.

Unfortunately yes. I was only 18 at the time and scared to death always. Every time that we went up on a fire mission, I prayed that I would come back. Most of my friends didn't. However, that seems like a lifetime ago and one that I would not wish on anyone. I still ask myself this question," What strategic value did Vietnam have that we needed?" I believe it was Johnson that said for us to bomb them back into the stone age. They never got out of the stone age to begin with. Such a waste of life, both American and Vietnamese. All they wanted was to be left alone.

I'll tell you something that no one ever tells you about. Those who were there will understand. The civilian people of Vietnam were doomed. They had us on one side killing them because they were supporting the VC and you had the VC on the other side killing them for supporting the Americans. It was a no win situation for them. No matter what, they were going to die. They were simple rice farming people caught up in the middle. The brass told us we were doing an outstanding duty protecting America and that we were patriots. What they didn't tell us was it was all a lie! After I came home, I realized it was all a lie! That troubles me greatly to this day!

I apologize to all of you. After 50 years, I still have scars from this that just don't seem to heal and I needed to let go some feelings.