Universal Light Bearing Holsters: A Comprehensive Guide

Carrying a firearm for personal defense requires careful consideration, especially when using a light bearing holster, where compatibility is key. A light bearing holster is designed to accommodate a handgun with a weapon light attached, providing the user with the ability to positively identify threats in low-light conditions. This article explores the various aspects of universal light bearing holsters, including types, considerations, and specific models for popular firearms.

Understanding Light Bearing Holsters

Light bearing holsters are not just an accessory, but an essential part of tactical gear. These holsters are specifically designed to accommodate firearms with attached lights, offering both retention and quick access. The primary purpose of a light bearing holster is to provide a secure and accessible way to carry a handgun with a weapon-mounted light, enhancing the user's ability to operate in various lighting conditions.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Light Bearing Holster

Selecting the ideal light-bearing holster requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure a proper fit, comfortable carry, and ease of access. Here are some critical aspects to consider:

Fit: The holster should be specifically molded for your firearm model and the specific light you intend to use.
Material: Holsters are commonly made from Kydex, leather, or nylon, each offering different levels of durability, comfort, and retention.
Design: Consider the carry style (IWB, OWB, shoulder), retention mechanism, and adjustability to suit your needs.
Comfort: Since the holster will be pressed against your body, comfort is crucial.
Light attachment: Not all light-bearing holsters accommodate every type of light.

Types of Light Bearing Holsters

Light bearing holsters come in various designs, each suited for different carry styles and preferences.

Inside-the-Waistband (IWB) Holsters

Inside-the-waistband carry is a popular method for concealed carry, offering both concealment and accessibility. IWB holsters are designed to be worn inside the waistband, typically secured with a belt. When carrying a holster with light, there are special considerations to ensure comfort, safety, and quick access.

Position: The most common positions for IWB carry are at the 3 o'clock (on the hip) or 4-5 o'clock (behind the hip) positions. The right position for you depends on your body type, the size of the gun and light, and your daily activities.
Comfort: Since the holster will be pressed against your body, comfort is crucial.
Sweat Guard: Consider a Holster with a Sweat Guard: A sweat guard is a piece of material that extends from the top part of the holster to prevent perspiration from reaching your firearm. This is especially useful in warmer climates or during physical activity.

Outside-the-Waistband (OWB) Holsters

OWB holsters are worn outside the waistband, providing easier access but potentially less concealment compared to IWB holsters.

Shoulder Holsters

Each light bearing shoulder holster from our workshop is made of leather or nylon. All in one package you are going to get comfortable carry, perfect fit, and a cool look of Miami agent from the 70s completely for free!

Material Options

Kydex Holsters

All Kydex holsters are molded on 1 to 1 copies of individual handguns in-house. The hardware we use for our holsters does not loosen, which provides tight retention throughout and characteristic click during reholstering. Each Kydex holster with light can be customized using our configurator.

Leather Holsters

FALCOs leather light bearing holsters are characteristic of hand-colored, hand-shaped & lacquered natural Italian leather of the highest quality. Only the best leather hides we get are used for the production of our flash light holster. The premium variant of the holster offers the highest craftsmanship we can deliver, from tiny details of hand-coloring to the natural leathery fragrance that gets you as soon as you open your package. These are leather light bearing holsters worthy of your most precious firearm.

Nylon Holsters

FALCO premium nylon light bearing holsters are made in combination with black leather which reinforces the top of the holster. The main body is made of sturdy, shape-holding nylon which provides a good amount of retention to your handgun. The design ensures the holster would remain open, enabling easier and quick reholstering. Not to mention the smooth gun draw.

Holster Options for Specific Firearms

Glocks are among the most popular firearms for concealed carry due to their reliability and range of models. Each model may have specific holster requirements, especially when equipped with a light.

Glock Holsters with Light

Glock 17 with Light Holster: Glock 17 is a full-size & quite wide handgun. Concealing it equipped with its light might be a mission. If you like to carry it on your hip, you should configure your holster with a cant. In case you like appendix carry we recommend choosing a holster Glock 17 with light that features a claw. It will help you with the concealment of its over-sized grip. As always, look for a holster that balances comfort and concealability.
Glock 45 Holster with Light: The Glock 45's unique subcompact slide design with a full-size body, requires a specific holster. Since it uses a Glock 19s slide, it should be easier to conceal, however, the large G17 frame makes this a lot harder. This is why you should basically opt for the same Glock light holster as we recommended for Glock 17. It should be canted if worn on the hip & with a claw if worn on the appendix. The material you choose shouldn't play a big part in this.
Glock 23 with Light: Finally a more compact model. The Glock 23 boasts a similar size as Glock 19, however it is a little wider, because of the .40SW caliber. Choosing this handgun over the traditional 9mm, means you value time spent at the shooting range as well as its concealed carry capabilities.
Glock 19 Holster Flashlight: The Glock 19, a Sub-compact widely used for concealed carry a long time before the market came with new micro-compacts. The market is bursting full with all the Glock holster light options.
Glock 43X Holster with Light: Micro-compact G43X is nowadays praised for its small size & legendary Glock reliability. It is a top choice for many. This beast equipped with good light & RDS can be a real lifesaver, but which holster to choose? The answer is clear. Your holster should be in harmony with the design of a handgun. A small & reliable handgun needs a low-profile & trustworthy holster with light for Glock 43X.

1911 Holsters with Light

The 1911, known for its historical significance and precision, also comes in various models that can be enhanced with light thanks to the rail featured on newer models like Sig Sauer 1911 Tacops or Ruger SR1911R. 1911 is already quite a large handgun and light can add bulkiness to your setup. Concealing the barrel isn't too hard, because 1911 is usually very thin. The hard part is the concealment of the large grip that uses traditional single-stack magazines. The key to success & to hide it successfully is configuring your 1911 with a light holster with a cant. The rest is completely up to you.

Brands and Models

PHLster Floodlight: It’s not 100% universal because it only fits compact and full-sized guns, so you can’t toss your P365 in one. But Glock 19-sized guns and up is a good rule of thumb. The PHLster Floodlight is compatible with the Streamlight TLR-1, the Surefire X300U series, and the new Modlite PL350. It is available in AIWB/IWB configurations and also offers an OWB option.
Blackhawk Omnivore: The Omnivore works with most compact and full-size handguns. It’s not as compatible as the PHLster Floodlight but will work with the major players. Blackhawk also utilizes an easy-to-use active retention system with a thumb-driven release. One downside with your draw is that if it’s not straight up all the time, the gun can snag on its way out and interrupt a smooth draw.
Safariland 557: But for those that don’t need a full-on duty rig, there is the Safariland 557. Safariland purpose builds the 557 to fit several different guns and lights. From old standards like the Glock 19 and 17 to oddballs like the FN Five-Seven. The back loop is flexible to help keep the 557 slim and low-profile.
Dark Star Gear Rigel: The Rigel is molded very well and has little excess material or wasted space. The Rigel is one of the brightest stars in the sky, which makes sense when you understand the Rigel holster is a light-bearing design. The Rigel easily disappears under a shirt and in your pants, making concealing even a full-size gun easy.
Raven Concealment Morrigan: The Raven Concealment Morrigan is an IWB rig designed for strong side or four-o-clock carry. Once again, all roads lead to Glock in terms of compatibility - specifically the compact and full-sized medium-frame models. Light-wise, you’re restricted to compact lights like the TLR-7 and 8, the Inforce APL, and the Surefire XC-1. The Morrigan stands out due to its extremely thin and compact design.
Action Sport Holster: The Action Sport Holster is compatible with dozens of guns from Glock, Sig, Walther, Springfield, and many more. As a competition holster should, the Action Sport accommodates red dot optics, threaded barrels, and most muzzle devices.
JM Custom Kydex AIWB Wing Claw 2.5: The JM Custom has a lot of similarities to the Rigel, but boasts a far wider compatibility list for weapons and lights. In terms of size, they range from Glock 17-sized guns to the Sig Sauer P365. There are various loop, pad, and carry options for the JM Custom, making it extremely flexible and user-friendly.
Bravo Concealment Adaptive Holster: For those on a tighter budget, the Bravo Concealment Adaptive holster has you covered. These are all polymer holsters molded to each gun. Unfortunately, this means you’re limited to Glocks, S&W M&Ps, and Shadow Systems firearms.

Additional Accessories and Considerations

Belts: Use a sturdy gun belt that can support the weight of a pistol with a flashlight holster.
Threadlockers: Vibra-Tite VC-3 Threadmate is one of the most versatile threadlockers available on the market. An alternative to traditional liquid lockers which cure to form a hard bond, VC-3 is a blend of resins designed to remain flexible and absorb vibration.
Clips: Pair of DCC Mod4 clips to upgrade your PHLster Pro Holster with the best IWB clips available. Durable, tenacious, and low profile, these steel clips provide ultimate security and convenience.
Maintenance: Check and maintain your holster regularly.

Customization Options

At FALCO you can build your own custom leather light-bearing holster from scratch and enjoy comfortable gun-carry with even a full-size firearm in the premium custom holster with light. We are ready to craft 1911 holsters with light or even X frame revolver holsters with lasers that will be comfortable to wear and provide protection to both carrier and his firearm.

Custom holsters with light are handcrafted using the finest materials. Choose and build your holster for a gun with light with unlimited customization possibilities. You can even configure your custom holsters IWB with light to be compatible with your red dot sight.

Retention Mechanisms

'Posi-Click' Retention: Every one of our LIGHT BEARING HOLSTERS has our trademark 'Posi-Click' Retention system engineered directly in to the holster. Our audible 'Posi-Click' Retention is the best in the business and let's you know that your firearm is fully seated in the holster with a satisfying click.
Thumb-Activated Retention: With its streamlined thumb-activated retention, the T-Series L3D keeps your firearm at the ready while maintaining total security.

Warranty and Guarantee

If you are not happy with the product, you can use our 30 Days Buy Back guarantee. Falco Holsters offer a Lifetime Limited Warranty on craftsmanship and with our replacement screw sets, you can easily replace any worn own screws or attachments.

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