Light-bearing vs not: why the light decides the fit

The light pocket

In a light-bearing holster the front of the shell is shaped to the light: its width, its height and how far it sticks out past the muzzle. That’s why the same light-bearing holster often fits several pistols with the same light on them. Safariland’s -832 holster, made for a Glock 17/22 with a TLR-1 or X300, is an example.

A holster without a light won’t take one

Without a light pocket there’s no room under the dust cover, and the pistol won’t seat. Don’t cut one open.

A light holster without its light

Without the light most makers’ light holsters let the pistol sit loose or not lock. Carry it with the light mounted.

Same family, different fit

Lights that look alike can fit differently. In our own shop tests (October 2026):

• TLR-9Fits the 6280-832 and 6360-832 with a Glock 17, 19, 22 or 23.
• TLR-8 (with laser)Does not fit the -832.
• Glock 20/21 holsters (-3832)The TLR-7 and TLR-8 fit with a Glock 17, 19, 22 or 23. The TLR-9 fits the 6280-3832 but not the ALS 6360-3832.

These are on the pistol pages as “Confirmed by Chicks Open Carry”.

Lasers need a laser cut

A light with a laser housing (TLR-2, TLR-8, X400 and others) is taller or longer than the same light without one, and needs a holster cut for it.

Will my light fit? compares your light’s width, height and length with the light the holster was made for, and shows our shop result when we have tested it.