Tanker style holster, 1911

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g_one

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So I'm probably just overthinking things here - I usually do - but here's a quick opinion question. I'm looking at El Paso's 'Tanker' holster for my 1911; I figure it will make a good motorcycle holster in the summer, and Wisconsin Winter Jacket carry in the winter. After hearing so many good things about El Paso, I'm going to take the plunge.

My only concern is that the tie-down strap goes around the handle of the gun (or more accurately, the grip safety). I know this gun was used by the military for a long time, and was probably even designed specifically for the 1911, but I'd like to know if there are any concerns carrying a 1911 in Condition One (cocked/locked) while in a holster where the tie-down not only does not lie between the hammer and firing pin, but does like just over the grip safety. I have been assured by a friend that it is not an issue, but paranoid me always likes to get a second opinion from you guys here at THR.

Holster:
http://www.epsaddlery.com/pc-154-9-1942-tanker-holster-3-to-5-barrels.aspx
 
>>After hearing so many good things about El Paso, I'm going to take the plunge.<<

Just don't expect to get it any time soon.
 
I think the 'tankers' for whom the holster was made carried with the hammer down on an empty chamber. I wouldn't use that holster for that very reason.

You might ask El Paso if they'd be willing to delete the grip strap and replace it with one that goes over the back of the slide (under the cocked hammer).
 
Having worn one of those in the Army, I can confirm that they were worn with the 1911 in condition 3, usually with five (?) rounds in the magazine; I suspect that was simply because it was easier for the folks issuing ammo to keep track of the sign-outs. :)

Larry
 
3 with 1 more inbound

I own 3 of the E.P. "tanker style" holsters ,but all arer so far for revolvers [ S&W 386 , S&W 329 , Ruger super blkhwk .44 , ]

And inbound will be a tanker for a G-23 [ have an older military one for the Ruger Pac-Lite .22 & 1911 Kimber ].

Good luck with your choices,I do carry condition 1 and use that strap.

My PRIMARY safety is my brain & trigger finger.
 
It's not just the grip-safety issue that makes me dislike the strap there; it also keeps you from establishing a grip. I wouldn't use any holster that straps across the part of the grip I need to get my hand on. Too much chance of fumbling the ball.
 
The M3 and M7 were designed for use by tankers and aircrew who needed a secure and non-fouling method of carrying the 1911 pistol.
It was never intended for any kind of fast draw, it was intended to be a way to carry the gun securely and out of the way of getting caught on equipment or while bailing out of a tank or aircraft.

Normally, the strap does not depress the grip safety, but if it does it's a simple matter to stretch it slightly so it doesn't.
These holsters are no more "dangerous" then most any other holster.
Most modern pistols have no grip safety at all, and no one seems to think them a hazard to carry.
 
I have one for my 1911 that I use under winter jackets in the winter. If you carry in condition one, get a small strip of leather and make a strap that goes under the hammer. All it takes is the leather strap material a pop rivet (Where it won’t scratch the gun) and a snap. Might even be able to use the existing strap since you don’t need two.

By the way, I bought mine from Cabela’s for $30. It’s a military reproduction and VERY plain.
 
That link isn't opening for me without some manipulation of the address. http://www.diamonddcustomleather.com/Tanker_Holster.php

I like that holster. $105 though?

Here's the pic:

tn_480_Tanker_Holster5.jpg.jpg

tn_480_Photos_4.jpg.jpg
 
Adding to the previous comments; for every day carry is the retention strap even necessary? I can't see a gun with as long a barrel getting out of that holster unless you suddenly become inverted.

So maybe any cheap tanker holster would be fine once you cut the strap off.
 
Mainsail said:
Adding to the previous comments; for every day carry is the retention strap even necessary? I can't see a gun with as long a barrel getting out of that holster unless you suddenly become inverted.

So maybe any cheap tanker holster would be fine once you cut the strap off.
Click to expand...

I would feel better on a motorcycle with some added retention....that's just me though.
 
I just found an M7 made by Adirondack Leather TODAY ! It seems well worn but still very nice. I think this was worn maybe in the Gulf War. I went out early hunting old surplus stores and found it hanging up behind a lot of crap.
It was only $9.50
I am now treating it with a good bath of 100% Neatsfoot Oil. Check it out. The reason you dont see the buckles is because I took them off and cleaning them up. I am cleaning this up really good and then it's going to hold my Springfield 1911 for me while I'm deer hunting next month. I'll carry cocked and locked. There is nothing to worry about if your pistol is working correctly.
So keep checking old surplus stores , you can save yourself a lot of money !
 
Last edited:
+1 on the idea of just buying an old surplus one & changing the location of he retention strap as twiki357 suggested. real easy to do. I would position the retention strap like the picture that mainsail posted, and you should have a nice comfortable, safe rig for riding. To me NO shoulder rig is a fast draw rig, and compromise speed of draw for comfort.
 
My El-Paso 1941 holster works great for my S&W 629-1.

attachment.php


It is THE holster I use for both deer hunting and long treks in the woods.

Got it at a gun show for $90 OTD. Suede lined to.

Deaf
 
I would feel better on a motorcycle with some added retention....that's just me though.
Click to expand...

Absolutely. However, for open or concealed carry during most activities I think I could go without the strap.
 
A German Police friend used one in the winter when he wore a heavy over coat. He carried a Combat Commander. A college buddy carried one as a tanker in the 1980's (Got to wonder where Frank Jones is these days) with a Combat Commander that Bob Day had put S^W revolver sights on and cleaned up a bit.

I used on a couple of times as both an EM (when a M60 GPMG or M67 RR gunner) and as an Officer (but got one of the 1912 style swivel holsters with thigh belt tie down as my main 1911 carry, RHIP)

For carry they seemed fine to me and I never shot myself while wearing one.

-kBob
 
If you're interested in a more modern version of that style, you could get one of the Simply Rugged models and buy the Chesty Puller conversion.
 
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