Holster for guns with laser/lights

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mcmurry

mcmurry

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I know that Viridian offers a holster for guns with their laser and light systems, and I've seen Crimson Trace also offers some holster/laser combos, but they seem to be OWB. Does anyone make IWB holsters for guns with these laser/light combos in the main stream market? I really like the Crossbreed and Alien Gear style holsters. Is there a custom/specialty holster maker that might? Thanks.
 
There are so many different lights, lasers, and gun combinations, it's hard to know what you're looking for since you didn't specify what you have.

For instance, a Crimson Trace laser grip probably doesn't need any special holster as most would work just fine with the laser grip. Some other lasers sit in the guide rod area and also won't need a special holster.

There are lots of holsters available for guns with lights, though most are kydex, but much depends on what light you have. Most of the Surefire and Steamlight lights are covered, especially if you're using them on a Glock. A key point to understand is a holster designed for a gun with a light, typically won't work with the light not attached to the gun since the light provides a retention point.

Dark Star Gear has (or at least had) this IWB for an M&P with a Crimson Trace laser grip and a Lightguard.

https://booksbikesboomsticks.blogspot.com/search?q=dark+star+gear

Dark Star Gear https://darkstargear.com
 
Sorry about that! A S&W M&P Shield in 9mm. What I'm looking at from both Crimson Trace and Viridian are the under the barrel types. The holsters listed seem to be Kydex which I don't mind, but they're both OWB. I was just wondering if there are any other options. Maybe one that's IWB.
 
Note the links above. While that is a full size M&P in the article, I'm guessing that is the kind of light you're talking about.
 
Crossbreed does make a few options for the shield but it doesn't look like a lot of options for different lights. Comp tac makes a couple also but again only for a couple lights. There are a few other out there. I can't recall at the moment

If you choose a more common light then you have a lot more options. There seems to be more less options in the hybrid style though. (I use them also).

I would definitely take into account holster options when it comes to what light I get if I could do it all over.
 
I use a Blade-Tech holster for my FNX-45 tactical with a light and red dot.
It works great, a little big, but, the FNX-45 tactical is a large pistol.
 
I use a desantis tac lite with a tlr light on my sigs and glocks for belt carry. Never had an issue and they aren't super expensive

I also bought an uncle Mike's spyros holster/light combo at cabelas in the bargain cave. I ended up paying less than 20 bucks because the box was all to hell. The holster grabs the light which is made specifically for the holster so any railed gun fits. It's actually not terrible. The light seems nice and well made. Bright too. I shot a couple hundred rounds with it on and it survived, but obviously know nothing about long term durability. I tried it on a full size Glock , a Sig 226, a Sig mosquito, and a USP and all worked (USP has to have a picatinny adapter thanks to their stupid rail but it still all fits). I threw it in a box with the rest of my unused holsters but it's likely to be used someday, if nothing else on random 22s. The light is a quick release style.
 
Thanks y'all, these are all great options. You'd think that it being the 21st century and we can pour polymer lowers and some frames, we'd have options for make your own holsters that don't require an apprenticeship to a professional leather worker.
 
I feel your pain. Try looking for options now that are left handed as well and you will feel mine.

I had to special order the Safariland retention rig I bought for the SIG P220/Streamlight M3X combo I had a few years ago. And that was a tactical thigh rig. I've been contemplating getting either a P229 or a Glock 19 for CCW and putting a light on it, but as you've noted, options for IWB carry with a light are limited, and in left hand, nearly non-existent.
 
mcmurry said:
Thanks y'all, these are all great options. You'd think that it being the 21st century and we can pour polymer lowers and some frames, we'd have options for make your own holsters that don't require an apprenticeship to a professional leather worker.
Click to expand...

I made a sheath for a knife by reforming some PVC pipe with a heat gun. That wasn't too difficult, but I think getting proper fit from a handgun might be significantly more complicated.
 
mcmurry said:
Sorry about that! A S&W M&P Shield in 9mm. What I'm looking at from both Crimson Trace and Viridian are the under the barrel types.
Click to expand...
Since it seems as if you haven't bought a light or laser yet, some unsolicited advice from Tucker Gun Leather.

https://tuckergunleather.com/faq/

Q. Does Tucker recommend carrying a defensive pistol with a light attached to an accessory rail?

A. Tucker says, "If you're on a SWAT team, go for it. If not, your pistol is a quick-response tool for a sudden and extreme self-defense situation. If you have a light on the gun, you may find it distracting enough to slow down your response."
Click to expand...

... and from Tom Givens

https://civiliandefender.com/2016/04/01/low-light-red-sights-and-tom-givens-glock-35/

...in the 60 plus defensive shootings his students have been involved in, the lighting (or lack of lighting) was a factor in the outcome in exactly ZERO cases.
Click to expand...
A Shield without a light or laser attached is possibly one of the easiest guns to find a holster for.
 
My g27 doesn't even have a rail so I certainly dont typically use a light. Nor do I think they are close to mandatory. But there are times like in the woods or on the road at night, that I carry a gun with light. How one could be distracted by it is beyond me. I have a glock 22 that has been fired tens of thousands of rounds and the light has never been a distraction. I just leave it on there even shooting steel. I did so two days ago actually. It has been useful to kill varmints as well. For SD I'm still undecided. For woods I like a light though. As for SD On one hand if you can't see it you certainly shouldn't be pointing your gun at it. On the other it could have utility and if you don't need it its easily forgotten and ignored.

20190111_194747.jpg
 
crestoncowboy said:
How one could be distracted by it is beyond me. I have a glock 22 that has been fired tens of thousands of rounds and the light has never been a distraction. I just leave it on there even shooting steel.
Click to expand...
"When shooting steel" - is that in competition? If so, when you draw, do you turn your light on? I believe that is Tucker's point.

If you're LE or Military, and you're hunting somebody (or in the woods hunting critters), having a light to do your search work could certainly be handy, and a big "duty-type" holster that hosts a gun and a light would also be handy.

On the other hand, the concealed carrier, is more likely reacting to something, and is probably looking for the most compact way to carry a gun. Neither, is really an advantage with a weapon mounted light.
 
Yeah, in informal competitions and practice. I only mentioned it because there has never been an issue with the light so I thought it may be relevant. like I said I don't particularly take sides on the light debate. None of my LE friends (local, wildlife, nor troopers) carry a gunlight and I've never seen a department that did either. Other than some SWAT ive never even read about any. Ive bought many trade in guns and never seen one that had evidence of ever having a light on them. Not trying to convince anyone either way by any means. My cc gun doesn't have one and I wouldn't recommend one for it. Not because of the distraction at all. But because anything your light hits also has a gun pointed at it with a nervous person behind it. But if you dont take the time to turn it on it's no distraction. If you do it takes about .001 to hit the switch with your support hand. No more time then hitting a safety if you carry a gun with one. So either way it's not a distraction that I've ever seen. Even if its a useless or even dangerous counterweight. I dont know where the op travels or anything else. Not everywhere has lit parking lots not streetlights. One thing that shocked me about the first big city I visited was the amount of light. It was always so bright that the night was barely distinguishable from day. No way possible to see the stars for the constant glow. lol not my cup of tea.

And in those 60 cases above, would a light have been a problem. Idk. Were there cases where the people got killed because of a lack of light and therefore werent represented in the 60? Idk that either.
Like I said I dont cc with a light. I dont recommend one to anyone either. My favorite ccw doesn't even have a rail so it doesn't matter. I carry a small light in my pocket which I find handier if I drop something and need a light to find it or whatever than a viridian or something. But I wouldn't say that having one, if ones chooses, is wrong. I also Agree with JTQ that anyone should read up on it. Try it out etc.
 
JTQ said:
...in the 60 plus defensive shootings his students have been involved in, the lighting (or lack of lighting) was a factor in the outcome in exactly ZERO cases.
Click to expand...

And I have been involved in over 60 shootings (MIL) where a light was a factor in the outcome. Regardless this is not about the tactics of a light but finding a holster for one.
 
Check out Black Rhino Concealment. Their line of TCS-L should have what you need. I have two for my polymer 80s with lights and absolutely love them.
 
I personally use holsters made by https://rpstactical.com/. I am left handed, carry IWB and also carry with WML 's and also a handheld light. These guys support the LH crowd. They made my Adaptive holster for me within a short amount of time of S&W releasing the M2.0 3.6" Compact in LH and with a WPL as noted below!

I have 2 of their holsters. The Appendix that I carry my Shield w/ a TLR6 at 1030 IWB. I have carried this for 2 yrs? now and no issues. The soft velcro backing takes all holster bit out of the equation. Now it just a matter of dealing with the increased mass. This holster has passed the test of time (I carry everyday) and has GREAT retention due to a unique design. I can shake the holster and weapon upside-down with pretty good force and the weapon doesn't come out! This is a great holster.

I also use thier Adaptive holster, LH, IWB @ 1030, for my M&P M2.0 3.6" with a Inforce APLc light. Again no issues after 10 months?? of carrying time. Only thing I can ding this holster on is that I wish it had little more retention but when IWB carry it doesn't fall out while moving.
The gentleman that own this business are LEO's. If you order something, then they start making it. I think they advertise 6 weeks lead time??? Give them time and you will get your product. Just don't expect 3-5 business day delivery like they are Amazon or something.

I don't know these guys personally and I'm not a paid spokesman. I'm simply a user of a good product and letting ya'll know about it.

Steve
 
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