Looking at ordering an El Paso Saddlery 1942 Tanker holster for one of my 1911's. I've had them for revolvers but never for an automatic; anybody have that style of holster for a 1911, and, if so, how do you like it?

I have an old military issue tanked holster but have never carried it.

Oregon - I'm thinking about the same rig for a 1911. Did you like it with a revolver?

It works great for revolvers; I've carried both 5.5" Ruger BH's and 4" S&W N-frames in them and it really helps protect the gun from the elements without the discomfort of a true shoulder holster.

They're good for wheel guns,but I wouldn't tote a 1911 in one cocked and locked,if you know what I mean.

El Paso Saddlery Summer Cruiser is what I use

I'd like to have a Tanker holster for my 3" Model 24, but my first and last episode with El Paso Saddlery was as pleasant as a root canal.

I want one for carrying my pistol while I ride my ATV. The seatbelt comest through the seat right where a hip holster should be, and gouged heck out of a Galco I wore my 4" 629 in last summer.

What was your experience with EPS? I haven't ordered from them in a year or so.

Why are you considering a tanker holster? As far as EPS is concerned, I've never had a problem in more than 30 years dealing with them.

I'm considering the Tanker because I've found it works better than a belt holster when carrying a backpack. I also like the greater protection from rain and snow when carrying one under a jacket or vest. I've got them for revolvers, but have never carried a 1911 in one.

I had a replica, from Pacific Leather and Canvas, that fit a Hi-power perfectly. I gave it to a friend with a Radom, since the only holster he had was an original WWII Radom holster.

If you liked it for a revolver, I think you would like it for your 1911, unless you need a quick draw or something.

Sycamore

This is an interesting thread for me because I'm thinking of getting a tanker holster as well and EPS makes them in left hand. Mine would be used at the range to protect from thief of the 1911.

However, one can carry concealed in Montana without a permit as long as it's not in incorporated areas which is usually means cities and towns. A tanker would work well in a walk about in the boonies.

Listening with interest, have similar intentions.

Now I remember why I do not use my tanker holster. I just checked my holster now that I am home and the strap is across the grip safety. I carry condition one. Not a good combination in my opinion.

I'd be carrying cold chamber if I do get one for a 1911. They're not fast holsters to begin with and I'm not averse to working the slide after I get the pistol out. I wouldn't choose a Tanker holster for everyday defensive carry, but I do like them for woods bumming and hunting.

I would not have a problem carrying condition two in a tanker but not one. If that is how you would be carrying then I think it would work great.

It's been several years since I placed an order with them. They gave me a timeframe to expect delivery, and charged my credit card up front. The timeframe came and went, as in, WENT. After numerous calls to inquire as to the status of the order, it eventually arrived. Unfortunately, it was not delivered as ordered. Rather than send it back, I sold it on the SASS classified board to someone who could use it. I swore high and low that I wouldn't order from there again.

You can throw a little Google Fu on EPS, and read quite a bit more about dissatisfied customers as well.

I read those threads back in '09 before I placed my first order. I placed it anyway and my holster arrived, as specified, 9 weeks later. My Dad ordered a holster and belt rig from them last June and it arrived 10 weeks later, as ordered. Perhaps they've gotten better in the past 4-5 years.

I also have an original tanker holster. When I was a kid I played army with it and tried to use it as a should holster. Finally figured it out. Have holster, no 1911 at the present, a condition which I hope to change.
Regarding ESP I am a fan. My dad used several S.D. Myers holsters for his duty guns , all with floral carving. When I started looking for holsters of my own I was disappointed to find out that Myers was gone. However, EPS bought the patters and continues the tradition. I have not been disappointed in any of the holsters I have ordered.

I really like a tanker holster for woods bumming, especially in the winter when I wear a heavy coat. Mine is original GI issue but the EPS looks good. I've ordered three holsters from EPS over the last 10 years and never had a complaint with price, service, or quality...

I guess my mileage varied. I am glad that you guys got the service you were looking for.

All good reasons. Years ago I used to carry a Smith Model 39 in a tanker under all of those conditions, and I liked it, a lot. Since there's not that much difference between a 39 and a 1911, I suspect it'll work just fine.

No pics?!

Friend of mine uses one backpacking while we're carrying the packs, then switches to a belt slide when we hit camp. (I do something pretty similar with a short Super Blackhawk ... interesting how we came to the same end point separately.) I don't think you'll find anything particularly different about one with a 1911 than you find with your revolvers.

Tom

Not a 1911 (but I think it's a 45?) obviously, but I don't see why it wouldn't work. Seems like I had it in a couple weeks after ordering. I know others here have them, because I asked for opinions before I purchased.

Nice rig. That's what I'm looking for. Heck, it even helps to hold your britches up.

I carry my 1911 in an EPS Tanker holster, and just leave the safety strap unsnapped. Unless my Corsair was shot up and I was forced to parachute, I can't see much need for the strap. I've never come close to having my pistol start to slide out, even when bending over. It wouldn't bother me to depress the grip safety though, since the thumb safety is doing all the work, and the trigger is fully covered inside the holster. I did use the safety strap when I first bought my holster, and still carried condition one.

Just a friendly reminder........BHPs don't have grip safeties.

I've got two, one for a 1911 and another for a S&W M57 Mountain Gun. For being out in the woods and carrying a pack they work really well, and even the weight of the M57 is not too big of a deal using the tanker. The 1911 being thinner is even easier to carry. EPS filled my orders pretty fast, within 3 weeks or so on both occasions IIRC, no problem.

My FIL was a tanker, and we have a picture of him from the South Pacific in WWII with a 1911 in a tanker holster. Looks like it was in Condition 3. If that was good enough for him in a pretty nasty place I think I can handle the Colorado backcountry the same way.

John(Dog)

Rufus - nice grips - who makes them?

I realize this is completely different in design, but similar in function. I�ve used this while part of a SAR team and it works well for carrying a semi-auto. It�s too small for a long barreled revolver, but a 1911 works. I realize it�s not a leather tanker, but if your point is to get something off your belt, this works well, is very adjustable, and offers additional storage for a few other items. Anyway, take a look at the radio chest harnesses:

http://www.conterra-inc.com/index.php?dispatch=categories.view&category_id=3

I have used one for years when we go up into the hills to camp and shoot....very comfortable and doesnt hang on brush

Nice, I keep meaning to order a plain one for a kit gun. Ought to be very light and handy, esp on an ATV, or walking through the woods.

Sycamore

Rufus,

what do you put on your holster, mink oil?

Sycamore

To be honest, I'm not sure I've put anything on that one yet. If I did, it would have probably just been whatever car leather treatment I had laying around.