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Level II Retention Holster for Light Bearing Firearms

Posted by Dara Holsters on May 21, 2018

Originally published: May 21, 2018
Last updated: November 5, 2026

Light Bearing Level 2 Retention Holsters: Updated Firearm and Weapon Light Compatibility

A lot has changed since we first published this list in 2018. We've added new firearms, expanded our weapon light options, updated our optic compatibility, and made significant improvements to our Level 2 retention system.

We've kept the older firearm and light combinations in this article for reference. Configurations we no longer list are crossed out, so you can see what was previously offered without confusing those options with our current lineup.

Looking for a holster? Visit our Light Bearing Level 2 Duty Holster product page to see the firearm and weapon light combinations currently available to order.

Current Dara Light Bearing Level 2 Duty Holster with rotating retention hood and thumb release

What's Changed Since 2018?

Our Upgraded Level 2 Retention Hood System

In 2019, Dara upgraded its Level 2 hood system. The current design uses a spring-operated rotating hood that releases when the user presses the thumb control.

Instead of requiring the user to manually push the hood forward, the spring rotates it out of the way after the release is activated. This allows the user to operate the retention system as part of the draw.

The system combines two forms of retention:

  • Adjustable passive retention: A rubber retention system allows the user to adjust the resistance of the firearm during the draw.
  • Active retention: A rotating hood locks over the firearm until the thumb-operated release is pressed.

The hood, thumb control, and holster body are designed to work together. The thumb control is positioned so the user can release the hood while establishing a firing grip.

The current Level 2 system also supports the Level 2 Control Kit, which provides additional thumb-control options.

Slide-Mounted Red Dot Optics Are Now Supported

PLEASE NOTE: We cannot make Level 2 Retention Holsters for any Firearm with a Slide Mounted Red Dot Sight.

Updated November 2026: Our current Level 2 Duty Holsters accommodate many slide-mounted red dot sights, including compatible enclosed-emitter optics.

We offer two rotating hood sizes to accommodate different optic heights:

  • Regular Hood: For supported optics measuring up to 1.2 inches tall from the top of the slide.
  • Large Hood: For supported optics taller than 1.2 inches.
  • Trijicon SRO and RMR HD: These require the deeper optic cut option when ordering.

Optic housing shape and mounting position also affect fitment. Always select the correct hood size and optic cut for your setup.

Our Level 2 holsters also accommodate supported suppressor-height sights, with sight channels designed for sights up to approximately 0.5 inches tall.

Updated Construction and Mounting Options

Our current Light Bearing Level 2 Duty Holsters are manufactured from .125-inch Kydex or Boltaron and use black oxide coated stainless steel hardware.

Available mounting options include Dara's DBL2 and DBL2-L attachments, along with compatible quick-disconnect and adapter systems. These allow users to adjust holster position, cant, and clearance from other equipment.

Each holster is made for a specific firearm and weapon light combination and fit tested in-house.

Current Firearm and Weapon Light Compatibility

The following combinations reflect weapon light compatibility published in our current Supported Firearms List. Not every combination is necessarily offered in every holster type. For Level 2 availability, use the selections on the product page.

Canik

  • Canik METE SFX + Streamlight TLR-1
  • Canik METE SFX Pro + Streamlight TLR-1

CZ

  • CZ P-10C + Streamlight TLR-1
  • CZ P-10F + Streamlight TLR-1
  • CZ Shadow 2 + Streamlight TLR-1

FN

  • FN 509 Compact / Compact MRD + TLR-1 or TLR-7 A/X
  • FN 509 Compact Tactical / Edge CC + TLR-1 or TLR-7 A/X
  • FN 509 Fullsize / Midsize / MRD + TLR-1, TLR-7 A/X, or X300U-B
  • FN 509 Tactical + TLR-1, TLR-7 A/X, or X300U-B
  • FN 509 LS Edge + TLR-1, TLR-7 A/X, or X300U-B
  • FN 510 + TLR-1
  • FN 545 + TLR-1
  • FN FNX-45 Full Size / Tactical + TLR-1, X300U-B, or Modlite PL350

Glock

  • Glock 17 + TLR-1, TLR-7 A/X, TLR-7 HL-X, TLR-8, X300U-B, or Modlite PL350
  • Glock 19 + TLR-1, TLR-7 A/X, TLR-7 HL-X, TLR-8, X300U-B, or Modlite PL350
  • Glock 19X + TLR-1, TLR-7 A/X, TLR-7 HL-X, TLR-8, X300U-B, or Modlite PL350
  • Glock 20 Gen 3-4 + TLR-1 or X300U-B
  • Glock 20 Gen 5 + TLR-1
  • Glock 21 Gen 3-4 + TLR-1 or X300U-B
  • Glock 21 Gen 5 + TLR-1
  • Glock 22 Gen 3-4 + TLR-1, TLR-7 A/X, TLR-8, X300U-B, or Modlite PL350
  • Glock 22 Gen 5 + TLR-1
  • Glock 23 + TLR-1, TLR-7 A/X, TLR-8, X300U-B, or Modlite PL350
  • Glock 26, 27, or 33 + TLR-6
  • Glock 31 or 32 + TLR-1, TLR-7 A/X, TLR-8, X300U-B, or Modlite PL350
  • Glock 34 or 35 + TLR-1, TLR-7 A/X, TLR-8, X300U-B, or Modlite PL350
  • Glock 40 + TLR-1 or X300U-B
  • Glock 43, 43X non-railed, or 48 non-railed + TLR-6
  • Glock 45 or 47 + TLR-1, TLR-7 A/X, TLR-8, X300U-B, or Modlite PL350

Note: TLR-7 HL-X compatibility for the Glock 17, 19, and 19X is listed for DCS, OWB, and Level 2 configurations.

Heckler & Koch

  • HK VP9 + TLR-1, X300U-B, or Modlite PL350
  • HK VP9 Tactical + TLR-1 or Modlite PL350
  • HK VP9L + TLR-1 or Modlite PL350
  • HK VP40 + TLR-1, X300U-B, or Modlite PL350

OA Defense

  • OA Defense 2311 + TLR-7 A/X or X300U-B
  • OA Defense 2311 Compact + TLR-7 A/X or X300U-B

Shadow Systems

  • Shadow Systems DR920 / DR920L / DR920P + TLR-1
  • Shadow Systems MR920 / MR920L + TLR-1
  • Shadow Systems XR920 + TLR-1

SIG Sauer

  • SIG P226 + TLR-1 or X300U-B (non-SAO models)
  • SIG P229 E2 + TLR-1 or X300U-B
  • SIG P320 Full Size + TLR-1, TLR-7 A/X, TLR-8, X300U-B, or Modlite PL350
  • SIG P320 Compact + TLR-1, TLR-7 A/X, TLR-8, X300U-B, or Modlite PL350
  • SIG P320 M17 / M18 + TLR-1, TLR-7 A/X, TLR-8, X300U-B, or Modlite PL350
  • SIG P320 Legion + TLR-1, TLR-7 A/X, TLR-8, X300U-B, or Modlite PL350
  • SIG P320 AXG + TLR-1 or X300U-B
  • SIG P320 XCompact / XCarry / XFull + TLR-1, TLR-7 A/X, TLR-8, X300U-B, or Modlite PL350

Smith & Wesson

  • S&W M&P M2.0 4.25-inch + TLR-1 or TLR-7 A/X
  • S&W M&P M2.0 5-inch + TLR-1 or TLR-7 A/X
  • S&W M&P Compact 3.5-inch + TLR-7 A/X
  • S&W M&P M2.0 Compact 4-inch + TLR-1 or TLR-7 A/X
  • S&W M&P M2.0 .45 + TLR-1 or TLR-7 A/X
  • S&W M&P Shield M1 3.1-inch + TLR-6
  • S&W M&P Shield M2.0 4-inch + TLR-6

Springfield Armory

  • Springfield Echelon + TLR-1
  • Springfield XD-M 4.5-inch / 5.25-inch + TLR-1

Staccato

  • Staccato C2 + TLR-1, TLR-7 A/X, X300U-B, or Modlite PL350
  • Staccato P + TLR-1, TLR-7 A/X, X300U-B, or Modlite PL350
  • Staccato XC + TLR-1, TLR-7 A/X, X300U-B, or Modlite PL350
  • Staccato XL + TLR-1, TLR-7 A/X, X300U-B, or Modlite PL350
  • Staccato HD P4 / P4.5 + TLR-7 or X300U-B

Note: The Staccato HD TLR-7 combination is listed for DCS and Level 2 configurations.

Walther

  • Walther PDP 4-inch / 4.5-inch / 5-inch + TLR-1, TLR-7 A/X, or X300U-B
  • Walther PDP F-Series 4-inch + TLR-1, TLR-7 A/X, or X300U-B
  • Walther PPQ 4-inch / 5-inch + TLR-1
  • Walther Q4 TAC + TLR-1
  • Walther Q4 Steel Frame + X300U-B or Modlite PL350
  • Walther Q5 Match Polymer + TLR-1
  • Walther Q5 Steel Frame + X300U-B or Modlite PL350

Previously Offered Firearm and Light/Laser Combinations

These combinations appeared in our original 2018 article. Crossed-out entries are no longer listed in our current compatibility guide. Some older firearms remain supported with different lights, as shown above.

These entries are retained for historical reference only. They should not be used to determine current availability or pricing.

CZ and FN

  • CZ P-10C + INFORCE APLc +$10
  • FNX 45 + STREAMLIGHT TLR-1 (S/HL)
  • FNX 45 + VIRIDIAN X5L
  • FNX 45 + VIRIDIAN X5L W/ECR +$10

Glock

  • GLOCK 42 + LG-443
  • GLOCK 42 + LG-443G
  • GLOCK 42 + LASERMAX CENTERFIRE
  • GLOCK 42 + STREAMLIGHT TLR-6
  • GLOCK 42 + VIRIDIAN R5 SERIES
  • GLOCK 42 + VIRIDIAN R5 SERIES W/ECR +$10
  • GLOCK 43 + LG-443
  • GLOCK 43 + LG-443G
  • GLOCK 43 + LL-803
  • GLOCK 43 + LASERMAX CENTERFIRE
  • GLOCK 43 + STREAMLIGHT TLR-6
  • GLOCK 43 + VIRIDIAN R5 SERIES
  • GLOCK 43 + VIRIDIAN R5 SERIES W/ECR +$10
  • GLOCK 17/22/31 + LG-452
  • GLOCK 17/22/31 + LTG-736
  • GLOCK 17/22/31 + INFORCE APL +$10
  • GLOCK 17/22/31 + INFORCE APL3 +$10
  • GLOCK 17/22/31 + STREAMLIGHT TLR-1 (S/HL) (current model and generation restrictions apply)
  • GLOCK 17/22/31 + SUREFIRE XC-1
  • GLOCK 17/22/31 + SUREFIRE X300U-A +$10
  • GLOCK 19/23/32 + LG-436
  • GLOCK 19/23/32 + LG-452
  • GLOCK 19/23/32 + LTG-736
  • GLOCK 19/23/32 gen 4 + LTG-736
  • GLOCK 19/23/32 + INFORCE APL +$10
  • GLOCK 19/23/32 + INFORCE APL3 +$10
  • GLOCK 19/23/32 + INFORCE APL COMPACT +$10
  • GLOCK 19/23/32 + OLIGHT MINI
  • GLOCK 19/23/32 + OLIGHT PL2 VALKYRIE
  • GLOCK 19/23/32 + STREAMLIGHT TLR-1 (S/HL)
  • GLOCK 19/23/32 + STREAMLIGHT TLR-6
  • GLOCK 19/23/32 + STREAMLIGHT TLR-7 (current TLR-7 A/X options)
  • GLOCK 19/23/32 + SUREFIRE XC-1
  • GLOCK 19/23/32 + SUREFIRE X300U-A +$10
  • GLOCK 19/23/32 + VIRIDIAN C5 SERIES
  • GLOCK 19/23/32 + VIRIDIAN C5 SERIES W/ECR +$10
  • GLOCK 19/23/32 + VIRIDIAN X5 SERIES
  • GLOCK 19/23/32 + VIRIDIAN X5 SERIES W/ECR
  • GLOCK 20/21 + STREAMLIGHT TLR-1 (S/HL) (generation-specific)
  • GLOCK 26/27/33 + LG-436
  • GLOCK 26/27/33 + STREAMLIGHT TLR-6
  • GLOCK 40 MOS + TLR-1 (S/HL)

Heckler & Koch and Kahr

  • H&K VP40 + TLR-1
  • H&K VP9 + INFORCE APL3 + $10
  • H&K VP9 + STREAMLIGHT TLR-1 (S/HL)
  • H&K VP9sk + VIRIDIAN C5L
  • H&K VP9sk + VIRIDIAN C5L W/ECR +$10
  • KAHR PM9 + LG-437
  • KAHR PM9 + STREAMLIGHT TLR-6
  • KAHR PM9 + VIRIDIAN R5 SERIES
  • KAHR PM9 + VIRIDIAN R5 SERIES W/ECR +$10
  • KAHR P380 + LG-433
  • KAHR CW380 + LG-433

Kimber and Ruger

  • KIMBER MICRO .380 + STREAMLIGHT TLR-6
  • RUGER LC9 + LG-412
  • RUGER LC9 + LASERMAX CENTERFIRE
  • RUGER LC9 + VIRIDIAN R5 SERIES
  • RUGER LC9 + VIRIDIAN R5 SERIES W/ECR +$10
  • RUGER LCP + LG-431
  • RUGER LCP + LASERMAX CENTERFIRE
  • RUGER LCP + VIRIDIAN R5 SERIES
  • RUGER LCP + VIRIDIAN R5 SERIES W/ECR +$10

SIG Sauer

  • SIG P226 + STREAMLIGHT TLR-1 (S/HL)
  • SIG P226 + SUREFIRE XC-1
  • SIG P226 + SUREFIRE X300U-A +$10
  • SIG P227 + STREAMLIGHT TLR-1 (S/HL) +$10
  • SIG P227 + SUREFIRE X300U-A +$10
  • SIG P238 + LG-492
  • SIG P238 + LG-492G
  • SIG P238 + STREAMLIGHT TLR-6
  • SIG P238 + VIRIDIAN R5 SERIES
  • SIG P238 + VIRIDIAN R5 SERIES W/ECR +$10
  • SIG P320 + STREAMLIGHT TLR-1 (S/HL)
  • SIG P320 + SUREFIRE XC-1
  • SIG P320 + SUREFIRE X300U-A +$10
  • SIG P320C + INFORCE APL +$10
  • SIG P320C + INFORCE APL3 +$10
  • SIG P320C + INFORCE APLc +$10
  • SIG P320C + STREAMLIGHT TLR-1 (S/HL)
  • SIG P320C + SUREFIRE XC-1
  • SIG P320C + SUREFIRE X300U-A +$10
  • SIG P938 + LG-492
  • SIG P938 + LG-492G
  • SIG P938 + VIRIDIAN R5 SERIES
  • SIG P938 + VIRIDIAN R5 SERIES W/ECR +$10
  • SIG P938 + STREAMLIGHT TLR-6

Smith & Wesson

  • S&W BODYGUARD + LG-454/454G
  • S&W SHIELD 2.0 + Integrated CT Red Laser
  • S&W SHIELD 9/.40 + LL-801G
  • S&W SHIELD 9/.40 + LG-489
  • S&W SHIELD 9/.40 + LG-489G
  • S&W SHIELD 9/.40 + STREAMLIGHT TLR-6 (supported Shield models only)
  • S&W SHIELD 9/.40 + VIRIDIAN R5 SERIES
  • S&W SHIELD 9/.40 + VIRIDIAN R5 SERIES W/ECR +$10
  • S&W SHIELD .45 + VIRIDIAN R5 SERIES
  • S&W SHIELD .45 + VIRIDIAN R5 SERIES W/ECR +$10
  • S&W M&P 9/.40 4.25" + LTG-760
  • S&W M&P 9/.40 4.25" W/SAFETY + LTG-760
  • S&W M&P 9/.40 4.25" W/AMBI SAFETIES + LTG-760
  • S&W M&P 9/.40 4.25" + LG-360G
  • S&W M&P 9/.40 4.25" W/SAFETY + LG-360G
  • S&W M&P 9/.40 4.25" W/AMBI SAFETIES + LG-360G
  • S&W M&P 9/.40 4.25" + INFORCE APL +$10
  • S&W M&P 9/.40 4.25" + INFORCE APL3 +$10
  • S&W M&P 9/.40 4.25" W/SAFETY + INFORCE APL +$10
  • S&W M&P 9/.40 4.25" + STREAMLIGHT TLR-1 (S/HL) (supported M&P models)
  • S&W M&P 9/.40 4.25" W/SAFETY + STREAMLIGHT TLR-1 (S/HL) (verify safety configuration)
  • S&W M&P 9/.40 4.25" W/AMBI SAFETIES + STREAMLIGHT TLR-1 (S/HL) (verify safety configuration)
  • S&W M&P 9/.40 4.25" + SUREFIRE XC-1
  • S&W M&P 9/.40 4.25" W/SAFETY + SUREFIRE XC-1
  • S&W M&P 9/.40 4.25" W/AMBI SAFETIES + SUREFIRE XC-1
  • S&W M&P 9/.40 4.25" + SUREFIRE X300U-A +$10
  • S&W M&P 9/.40 4.25" W/SAFETY + SUREFIRE X300U-A +$10
  • S&W M&P 9/.40 4.25" W/AMBI SAFETIES + SUREFIRE X300U-A +$10
  • S&W M&P COMP 9/.40 3.5" + STREAMLIGHT TLR-6
  • S&W M&P COMP 9/.40 3.5" W/SAFETY + STREAMLIGHT TLR-6
  • S&W M&P COMP 9/.40 3.5" W/AMBI SAFETIES + STREAMLIGHT TLR-6
  • S&W M&P COMP .45 3.5" + LG-360G
  • S&W M&P COMP .45 3.5" W/SAFETY + LG-360G
  • S&W M&P COMP .45 3.5" W/AMBI SAFETIES + LG-360G

Springfield Armory and Walther

  • SPRINGFIELD XD9 4" + LG-453
  • SPRINGFIELD XD40 4" + LG-453
  • SPRINGFIELD XDM 3.8" + LG-448
  • SPRINGFIELD XD SC 3" + LG-448
  • SPRINGFIELD XDS 3.3" + LG-469
  • SPRINGFIELD XDS 3.3" + LG-469G
  • SPRINGFIELD XDS 3.3 + VIRIDIAN R5 SERIES
  • SPRINGFIELD XDS 3.3 + VIRIDIAN R5 SERIES W/ECR +$10
  • SPRINGFIELD XD SC MOD 2 3" + STREAMLIGHT TLR-6
  • WALTHER PPS M2 + LG-482G
  • WALTHER PPQ M1 + STREAMLIGHT TLR-1
  • WALTHER PPQ M2 + STREAMLIGHT TLR-1

Choosing the Correct Light Bearing Level 2 Holster

A light-bearing holster is made for the specific firearm and weapon light combination selected when ordering. A holster designed for a TLR-1 will not automatically fit a TLR-7, X300U-B, or another light.

Different firearm generations, frame configurations, and accessory setups can also affect fitment.

Before ordering, confirm:

  • Your exact firearm model and generation
  • Your weapon light manufacturer and model
  • Whether your firearm has a slide-mounted optic
  • Whether you need the Regular or Large rotating hood
  • Whether your optic requires a deeper cut
  • Your preferred belt attachment and ride height

Our current Level 2 Duty Holsters are designed for law enforcement, armed security, military, training, competition, and range use.

For the latest available configurations, visit our Light Bearing Level 2 Duty Holster or review our complete supported firearms list.

If you're unsure whether your firearm, optic, or weapon light will fit, contact Dara Holsters before placing your order.

Dara Holsters & Gear
Phone: 919-374-2170
Email: support@daraholsters.com

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