Field-Tested: El Paso Saddlery 1942 Tanker Holsters

by
posted on June 27, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
elpaso.jpg

The modern outdoorsman has a good deal of useful gear to choose from these days. Belt lines can quickly become festooned with knives, multi tools, utility pouches, GPS units, walkie-talkies and smart phones. But with all these devices, there’s not much room left for a handgun holster.

       

A practical and comfortable solution to the problem is the high-quality 1942 Tanker Holster from El Paso Saddlery. This bandoleer-type leather holster system was developed during World War II for air crews and tank operators who needed a way to carry pistols while moving in and out of vehicles and tight spaces. This easy-to-put-on and take-off holster supports the pistol midway between the hip and center of the chest, just above the belt line. Just slip the bandoleer over your head and snap the retention strap around your belt. It rides comfortably under a warm jacket and won’t interfere with shouldering a rifle or wearing a backpack.

       

Unlike some products, where changes in price may mean a shift in quality, all of El Paso Saddlery's holsters are assembled using the same handpicked leather, attention to detail and professional craftsmanship no matter the degree of embellishment the customer may choose. Simple, but solid, utilitarian holsters are available for those who are looking to keep costs down. The holster can be lined for added durability. Decoration options include a U.S. military stamp, border stamping and stamped patterns such as basket weave and fish scale. If you want to go whole hog, add some of the company's exemplary leather carving, such as the extra fancy floral carving shown here.

Tanker holsters can be customized to fit your pistol configuration. Shown here on the right is a holster with a standard iron sight cut out, which in this case is for a Glock G21. On the left, is a custom cut rig for a Glock G40 with the MOS optics mounting system fitted with a TruGlo optic. The craftsman used photos that I provided of the pistol and optic next to a ruler to lower this portion of the holster accordingly. The holster I received was a perfect fit.

El Paso Saddlery has done a terrific job of updating the 1942 design to work with single-action revolvers, double-action revolvers and semi-automatics with barrels from 3" to 8 3/8″ in length. Prices for these handmade holsters start at $119. This product represents just one of a wide variety of holsters, belts, magazine pouches and other leather accessories El Paso Saddlery has to offer. For more, visit epsaddlery.com.

Latest

Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy Compact 3.5" AOS black pistol handgun right-side view
Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy Compact 3.5" AOS black pistol handgun right-side view

Gun Of The Week: Springfield Armory Prodigy Compact 3.5” AOS

For this episode, we’re on the range with a double-stack, M1911-style handgun that’s more compact and lightweight than we’re used to seeing. This is the Springfield Armory Prodigy Compact 3.5” AOS chambered for 9 mm Luger.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 1, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Budget Pistol Rigs With AIM Surplus

It's still possible to pull together a budget-friendly, name-brand pistol rig for $300 to $400, if you play your cards right.

Nextorch Celebrating 20th Anniversary—A Timely Preparedness Reminder

Nextorch North America is celebrating the company’s 20 years of providing lighting solutions for consumers, law enforcement professionals and military forces around the world.

Rifleman Review: Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Magnum

One of Smith & Wesson's recent additions to its M&P handgun line is the M&P 22 Magnum, and there's a lot more going on in this gun, technologically, than it appears at first glance.

New For 2025: Beretta BRX1 Ranch

Beretta has expanded its BRX1 straight-pull action into a "ranch rifle" configuration, providing a handy, lightweight platform that still includes some of the groundbreaking features of the original BRX1 rifle.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.