Deciding to carry a firearm is a major commitment to personal safety. But once you’ve picked out your handgun, you face a second, equally important decision: Do you run it “naked,” or do you attach a light or laser?
It seems like a small accessory choice, but attaching a weapon-mounted light (WML) or laser sight changes more than just the weight of your gun—it fundamentally changes how your holster works, how it feels, and even how safe it is.
If you are debating between a standard setup and a light-bearing rig, here is what you need to know about the differences in retention, bulk, and compatibility.
1. The “Click” vs. The Friction
The most immediate difference you will notice between the two types of holsters is the retention—how the holster holds the gun in place.
Standard Holsters (Just the Gun)
In a high-quality Kydex holster designed for just a pistol, the retention point is almost always the trigger guard. When you slide the gun in, the material snaps around the front of the trigger guard, giving you that satisfying, audible click. You know the gun is secure, and the retention is focused exactly where it needs to be to cover the trigger.
Light-Bearing Holsters
When you attach a light—whether it’s a pro-grade Streamlight or a popular consumer option like Olight—the geometry changes. The light is usually wider than the trigger guard and sits directly in front of it.
Because the light has to pass through the holster first, the holster maker cannot pinch the Kydex around the trigger guard (otherwise, the light wouldn’t fit in). Instead, retention shifts to the light itself.
- The Feel: You often lose that crisp “click.” Instead, you get a “friction fit” or a “mushier” insertion feel.
- The Safety Gap: Because the channel must be wide enough for the light, there is often a slightly wider gap around the trigger guard in light-bearing holsters. While generally safe, it is something to be aware of—foreign objects have a slightly easier path to the trigger than in a non-light holster.
2. The Compatibility Puzzle
This is where your choice of accessory brand matters immensely. Holster makers can’t just make a “light-bearing holster”; they have to make a holster for your specific gun with your specific light.
The “Big Two” Advantage
If you are running a Streamlight (like the TLR-1 or TLR-7) or a SureFire, you will have zero issues finding a custom-molded holster. These are the industry standards, and every holster maker has molds for them.
The Rising Contenders
Brands like Olight and Nightstick have gained massive traction recently. Nightstick in particular is seeing heavy adoption in law enforcement, which has forced holster makers to catch up. You can now easily find custom rigs for these brands, though perhaps not as many options as Streamlight.
The Budget & Niche Challenge
If you opt for budget-friendly or entry-level options like Solofish or Hilight Tactical, you may face a “finding the holster” challenge. These brands offer great value and features for the price, but because they don’t share the exact same physical footprint as the big brands, you might struggle to find a custom Kydex holster.
- The Solution: For brands like Hilight Tactical or Solofish, you may need to look for “Universal Light-Bearing Holsters” (often nylon or adjustable systems) rather than custom-molded Kydex.
3. Lasers vs. Lights: A Different Form Factor
Lasers change the holster game differently than flashlights do.
- Rail Mounted: If you mount a laser on the rail (like some Hilight Tactical or Solofish combos), it acts just like a flashlight—adding bulk to the bottom.
- Trigger Guard/Grip Mounted: This is where brands like Crimson Trace and Armalaser shine.
- Crimson Trace is famous for “Instinctive Activation” lasers that are integrated into the grip or hug the trigger guard tightly.
- Armalaser uses a unique touch-sensor system.
Because these lasers hug the frame so tightly, they are often slimmer than flashlights. However, you still need a specific holster. You cannot shove a gun with an Armalaser attached into a standard holster; the fitment will be too tight, potentially causing the slide to go out of battery or the trigger to be exposed.
4. Concealment and Comfort
Finally, there is the physics of carrying it.
- Standard Holster: Slimmer, lighter, and more comfortable. If you carry inside the waistband (IWB), a standard holster will dig into your hip less.
- Light-Bearing: You are adding width and length. A light like the Streamlight TLR-1 extends past the muzzle of many compact guns, meaning your holster has to be longer. This can actually be a benefit (the “keel principle” helps keep the grip tucked against your body), but it is more plastic in your pants.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
- Go Standard if: You prioritize comfort, concealment, and that crisp “click” retention.
- Go Light-Bearing if: You carry your weapon for home defense or duty use where identifying a target in the dark is critical. For Example Olight Holsters are built specific to Olight Lights and Lasers.
If you choose to add accessories, just remember: buy the holster for the accessory. Whether you are rocking a high-end Crimson Trace laser, a duty-ready Nightstick, a value-packed Solofish combo, or a Streamlight Light, your holster must match your gear perfectly to ensure safety and reliability.