Light Bearing Holsters

Many years ago I spent nights as a peace officer searching buildings and crime scenes with a handheld flashlight. The light was carried in a ring on the belt. It flapped about a lot. Eventually we had powerful but compact lights. There were any number of holsters with a flashlight holder. We developed tactics for mating the gun and the light. Usually the two hand hold was used and the combat light held in the fingers of the weak hand. The small lights were not all that great but LED and battery technology created truly efficient lights. I used Streamlight then and now I mount a TRL 1, TRL 7, or TRL 8 on the handgun

The development of reliable combat lights able to stand the pounding of a powerful pistol led to many of us deploying light ready handguns. It isnt just polymer frame handguns. 1911 and 2011 handguns are available with a combat light rail. Many of my friends- specially the low drag high speed type- carry a concealed carry handgun daily with both a carry optic and a combat light.

Streamlight, Trijicon, and Glock are a great set up. Now carefully choose which holster will carry this life saving gear

Choosing the Right Holster

This brings us to light bearing holsters. They are not all created equal and demand careful research in choosing the proper holster. Lights aren’t just for the police. Everyone needs the ability to positively identify a threat. There are worse things than being shot and shooting the wrong person is one of these. I recommend carrying a small powerful flashlight such as the Streamlight Wedge for checking parking lots and the back seat passenger compartment of a vehicle. Yes, bad guys still gain access to locked cars and hide in the back seat! The weapon mounted light should be on the handgun. The handgun you carry every day is a good choice for home defense. It makes sense to deploy the handgun with the light attached and in a proper holster. I don’t wish to be blind on a dark street, walking home, or even in the forest in dim light. I take night walks and drive into town to visit the cinema and restaurants. Most of the time the day ends up in a dark environment. A bit of study reveals that most shooting incidents take place in dim light.

Falco’s Aiflow light bearing holster is a good option well worth its modest price

I don’t use a weapon mounted light as a searchlight. This would involve pointing the gun at something that isnt a threat. The light is for illuminating a threat. The decision to shoot is made based on the threat. If you point a gun at someone who isnt a threat you may be charged with brandishing a firearm. Get that straight in your head! The light is activated after it becomes justified to bring out a handgun.  Practice manipulation! Don’t fumble the light and don’t touch the trigger when you mean to activate the light.

Many shooters like the comfort of a nylon holster

The concealed carry holster must feature a balance of speed and retention. The handgun should be secure but the draw must be fast and smooth. Falco offers good choices for just these roles. The presentation from concealment is important and so is the reverse presentation- re-holstering the handgun. Practically every holster offered by Falco is offered in a light bearing and optics ready version. That is important.

Hybrid Holster

Falco has mastered the art. A concern with some holsters has been that when the light bearing holster is used the combat light must be worn. The light is part of the light bearing holster’s retention. Without the light the holster is loose. Be certain you have a commitment to wearing the handgun and combat light. Once you have chosen the light and holster it isnt difficult. With a properly designed holster such as the Falco A911L TalonGuard the draw is sharp and retention excellent. This is a leather hybrid type with a strong well enforced Kydex component. The spring steel belt clip keeps the holster secure to the belt. This holster illustrates the need to get a very good holster for any chore. When you choose a light bearing holster be certain to obtain a quality example that doesn’t allow the handgun to shift in the holster. This would result in a drag during the draw. Also be certain to order the rig for the correct handgun and light combination. They are not one size fits all. Combat lights vary in size. I actually tested a holster that managed to turn the light on as the light was holstered or drawn. It was an inexpensive fabric holster. It is a good idea to plan ahead when you do your research for a handgun. Choose the handgun the optic and the combat light- all are equally important. A friend once said I could choose his handgun if he chose the holster and ammunition. There is much wisdom there. There may be lights that are not covered- although Falco has extensive coverage.

The Falco TalonGuard hybrid leather and Kydex light bearing holster remains one of the authors favorites

Leather Holster

One of the more impressive Falco holsters is the A635 L. This holster is an all leather light bearing inside the waistband holster. If you prefer a holster that spreads the weight of the handgun out on the belt by using two belt clips this is a good choice. The holster is double stitched in high stress areas and features a a well designed sweat guard. I ordered an example for the Glock 17 and Surefire X 300, full service size choices. The A635 L keeps the combination secure and maintains a sharp draw and good concealment.

Craftsmanship! That is what it takes- and experience- to maintain a balance of speed and retention along with relative comfort in a light bearing holster

Nylon Holster

Nylon offers an inexpensive option but it doesn’t mean that nylon is cheap. It all depends on the design and execution of the holster. Some years ago the first Falco holster I used was a nylon holster. I noted ‘this is way above average’. I now use the modern and improved Falco Airflow holsters. The A705 holster illustrated is a light bearing holster, inside the waistband, for the Glock 17 and Surefire combat light. Comfort is excellent. Body compression helps keep the holster secure. For many during the hot humid summer months a holster of this type is more comfortable against the skin. The holster is optics ready and features a well designed sweat guard. The spine of a holster is the primary stabilizing component. This holster features a nicely reinforced spine. The belt clip is spring steel. There are compromises. The holster mouth may collapse after the handgun is drawn, limiting the ease with which the handgun may be re-holstered. The holster doesn’t completely collapse as there is a reinforced spine. So, it is possible to open the holster mouth with a finger to re-holster. This holster is a trade off. I like it a great deal and some who find a leather or Kydex holster uncomfortable will appreciate this holster. 

Light bearing holsters are an important part of your personal defense kit. They deserve time and study before you choose. I am certain that Falco holsters will have a holster ideal for your situation.