How to Wear M3 Shoulder Holsters
The M3 shoulder holster was standard issue during World War II for Americans carrying the model 1911 .45 caliber pistol. This particular holster was widely used by those who served in aircraft and tanks because they wore one piece jumpsuits that lacked the belt required for a traditional holster, although paratrooper and ranger units as well as officers and NCOs could be seen wearing this holster too. Whether you have an original WWII collectors item made of genuine leather or a modern replica, you can easily fit and wear your M3 shoulder holster.
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Instructions
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Assemble the shoulder holster
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1
Buckle the vertical shoulder strap, which connects at the back of the holster and runs around to the front of the holster where there is a metal ring. Buckle the vertical strap in the middle notch unless you are particularly large or small framed.
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2
Buckle the horizontal side strap, which connects to the vertical shoulder strap at the back of the holster and runs to a snap hook that links to the metal ring at the front of the holster. Once again, buckle the side strap in the middle notch unless you are particularly large or small framed. The snap hook at the front of the horizontal side strap is used when taking the holster on and off.
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3
Unload the pistol and then place it into the holster to be sure the fitting allows for a natural draw. Don't forget to button the pistol into the holster securely.
Fit the holster to your body
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4
Disconnect the snap hook at the front of the horizontal side strap and pull the vertical shoulder strap over your left shoulder. At this point, the holster should be hanging under your left armpit with the grip of the pistol pointing forward and the barrel pointing at the ground.
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5
Reach behind your back and grab the horizontal side strap dangling from the back of the holster somewhere around your left back pocket. Pull the side strap around your right side and under your right armpit and connect the snap hook to the metal ring at the front of the holster.
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6
Snap the optional belt loop at the bottom of the holster around your belt. This step is optional because many users of this holster chose not to connect the snap around belt loop for better ease of motion in confined spaces.
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7
Reach for the grip of the pistol with your right hand to see if it hangs too low or too high for a comfortable draw. Make note of where the holster hangs from your shoulder as well as how tight or loose the side strap is under your right armpit. The pistol should be easily accessible with the end of the magazine well resting just below your heart, but the entire shoulder holster rig should be comfortable as well.
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8
Remove the snap hook at the front of the holster and take the M3 off to adjust the vertical and side strap buckles in order to improve the position of the holstered pistol and allow for a comfortable and natural draw.
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Tips & Warnings
When you draw a pistol quickly, you feel like you're tearing it out of the holster rather than drawing it, so it helps if the holster is stable and well fitted. Attaching the snap-around belt loop at the bottom of the holster can make it hard to climb into a tank, but it can add stability to your draw as well.
Always treat a leather holster with some kind of leather oil to prevent drying and cracking.
Always take care when handling firearms and their accessories. Never fit the holster with a loaded firearm inside it and do not use the M3 holster to practice drawing your firearm without checking to make sure the magazine and chamber are empty. People who practice drawing from a holster to shoot often risk shooting themselves or somebody else by accident.
