Holster & Firearm Acronym Resource Guide

Firearm, holster, concealed carry and duty gear terminology includes a huge number of acronyms, abbreviations and manufacturer-specific model designations. This guide explains the terms you are most likely to encounter when choosing a holster, firearm, weapon light, optic or mounting system.

The first section covers holster, carry and tactical gear terminology. The second section covers firearm-specific acronyms and common model designations from manufacturers such as Glock, SIG Sauer, Smith & Wesson, Walther, FN, Springfield Armory, Heckler & Koch, Canik and others.

Holster, Carry & Gear Acronyms

AIWB - Appendix Inside the Waistband

AIWB stands for Appendix Inside the Waistband. It refers to carrying a holstered firearm inside the waistband toward the front of the body, generally between the body's centerline and the front of the hip.

IWB - Inside the Waistband

IWB stands for Inside the Waistband. An IWB holster is worn inside the waistband of the pants and is one of the most common holster styles used for concealed carry.

OWB - Outside the Waistband

OWB stands for Outside the Waistband. An OWB holster is worn outside the pants and generally attaches to a belt or compatible mounting platform. OWB holsters are commonly used for range, competition and duty applications.

CCW - Concealed Carry Weapon

CCW commonly stands for Concealed Carry Weapon. The abbreviation is frequently used when discussing concealed carry firearms, permits, laws and equipment.

EDC - Everyday Carry

EDC stands for Everyday Carry. In the firearms industry, EDC commonly refers to the handgun, holster, belt, spare magazine, flashlight and other equipment someone routinely carries.

WML - Weapon-Mounted Light

WML stands for Weapon-Mounted Light. A WML is a light attached directly to a firearm, usually through an accessory rail.

Light-bearing holsters must be designed around compatible firearm and weapon-light combinations.

RDS - Red Dot Sight

RDS stands for Red Dot Sight. A handgun RDS is an electronic optic that projects an illuminated aiming point into the optic window.

MRDS - Miniature Red Dot Sight

MRDS stands for Miniature Red Dot Sight. The term generally refers to compact red-dot optics designed for mounting on handguns.

OR - Optics Ready

OR commonly means Optics Ready when used in a handgun model name or description. An optics-ready handgun has a slide designed or machined to accept a compatible electronic optic.

QD - Quick Disconnect

QD stands for Quick Disconnect. In holster and tactical gear terminology, it describes an attachment system designed to allow equipment to be removed from or installed onto a mounting platform without completely removing the mounting hardware.

QLS - Quick Locking System

QLS stands for Quick Locking System. It is the name used for a third-party quick-disconnect holster mounting system.

Dara's proprietary quick-disconnect system is the ALQD System.

UBL - Universal Belt Loop

UBL stands for Universal Belt Loop. The term commonly refers to a third-party belt-mounted holster attachment platform.

Dara Holsters can be adapted to certain third-party mounting systems with the Bridge™ Adapter.

MOLLE - Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment

MOLLE stands for Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment. MOLLE-compatible equipment can be mounted to webbing commonly found on tactical belts, plate carriers, packs and other load-bearing equipment.

PALS - Pouch Attachment Ladder System

PALS stands for Pouch Attachment Ladder System. It is the grid of horizontal webbing commonly associated with MOLLE equipment.

MOLLE describes the broader equipment system, while PALS refers more specifically to the webbing structure used to attach compatible equipment.

LE - Law Enforcement

LE stands for Law Enforcement.

LEO - Law Enforcement Officer

LEO stands for Law Enforcement Officer.

MIL - Military

MIL is commonly used as an abbreviation for Military.

LE/MIL - Law Enforcement / Military

LE/MIL is commonly used to describe products, programs or purchasing options intended for law enforcement and military personnel.

PO - Purchase Order

PO stands for Purchase Order. Agencies, departments and other organizations may use purchase orders when purchasing duty equipment through an approved procurement process.

SKU - Stock Keeping Unit

SKU stands for Stock Keeping Unit. It is an identifying code used to distinguish products or product configurations for ordering and inventory purposes.

MSRP - Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price.

Dara Holsters Acronyms & Product Names

DCS - Dara Concealment System

DCS stands for Dara Concealment System. The DCS is Dara's modular concealed carry system that can be configured for multiple IWB, AIWB and OWB carry arrangements.

Learn more about the Dara Concealment System.

ALQD - Auto Locking Quick Disconnect

ALQD stands for Auto Locking Quick Disconnect. It is Dara's quick-disconnect mounting system for compatible holsters and equipment.

DBL - Double Belt Loop

DBL stands for Double Belt Loop. Dara uses the designation for its rigid belt-mounted holster attachment family.

DBL1 - Double Belt Loop 1

DBL1 identifies a configuration within Dara's Double Belt Loop attachment family.

DBL2 - Double Belt Loop 2

DBL2 identifies Dara's Double Belt Loop 2 attachment, a rigid belt-mounted holster attachment used with compatible OWB and duty holsters.

DBL2-L - Double Belt Loop 2 Long

DBL2-L identifies the longer version of Dara's DBL2 attachment and provides a different ride-height configuration.

DM - Direct MOLLE

DM refers to Dara's Direct MOLLE attachment family, designed for mounting compatible equipment to MOLLE webbing.

DM1 - Direct MOLLE 1

DM1 is a Dara MOLLE attachment designed for compatible holsters, magazine carriers and other equipment.

DM2 - Direct MOLLE 2

DM2 is a smaller Direct MOLLE attachment configuration designed for compatible lighter or smaller equipment.

D3 - Dara D3 Duty Holster

D3 is the product name used for Dara's Level III duty holster platform. D3 is a Dara product designation rather than a general firearm-industry acronym.

L1 / Level I - Level One Retention

L1 or Level I refers to the first level of firearm retention in a retention holster system.

L2 / Level II - Level Two Retention

L2 or Level II describes a holster using two retention mechanisms. Dara Level II Duty Holsters combine adjustable passive retention with an active rotating retention hood.

L3 / Level III - Level Three Retention

L3 or Level III describes a duty holster incorporating an additional retention mechanism beyond a Level II configuration.

Optic & Sight Acronyms

RMR - Ruggedized Miniature Reflex

RMR stands for Ruggedized Miniature Reflex. It is the name of Trijicon's widely used miniature reflex sight and has also become associated with the optic mounting footprint used by the RMR and compatible optics.

RMR HD - Ruggedized Miniature Reflex Heavy Duty

RMR HD identifies Trijicon's RMR HD optic. Because of its housing dimensions and forward overhang, some holsters may require additional optic clearance.

RMRcc - Ruggedized Miniature Reflex Concealed Carry

RMRcc identifies Trijicon's smaller concealed-carry version of the RMR family.

SRO - Specialized Reflex Optic

SRO stands for Specialized Reflex Optic. It is a Trijicon red-dot optic featuring a large viewing window.

DPP - DeltaPoint Pro

DPP commonly refers to the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro red-dot sight and its associated optic footprint.

RMS - Reflex Mini Sight

RMS refers to Shield's Reflex Mini Sight family of compact handgun optics.

RMSc - Reflex Mini Sight Compact

RMSc refers to the compact Shield Reflex Mini Sight and is also commonly used when discussing the RMSc optic footprint found on many micro-compact pistols.

ACRO - Aimpoint Compact Reflex Optic

ACRO is Aimpoint's enclosed-emitter compact reflex optic family commonly used on handguns.

MOA - Minute of Angle

MOA stands for Minute of Angle. It is an angular measurement commonly used to describe firearm accuracy, optic adjustments and red-dot reticle sizes.

BUIS - Back-Up Iron Sights

BUIS stands for Back-Up Iron Sights. These are mechanical sights retained as an alternative aiming system when a firearm also uses an electronic optic.

Firearm-Specific Acronyms & Model Designations

Glock Acronyms & Model Terms

MOS - Modular Optic System

MOS stands for Modular Optic System. Glock uses the MOS designation for pistols equipped with an optics-mounting configuration.

A Glock MOS pistol may have different external dimensions or features than the corresponding non-MOS firearm, so the exact firearm configuration should always be selected when ordering a holster.

FS - Front Serrations

FS stands for Front Serrations when used in Glock model terminology. Front serrations are machining features at the forward portion of the slide that provide an additional gripping surface.

Gen - Generation

Gen is short for Generation. Glock uses designations such as Gen3, Gen4, Gen5 and Gen6 to identify major generations of its pistol designs.

Generation can affect holster compatibility, so always select the exact generation listed by the holster manufacturer.

G - Glock

The letter G is commonly placed before a Glock model number. G17, G19, G34 and G45, for example, refer to Glock pistol models.

SIG Sauer Acronyms & Model Terms

SIG

SIG is part of the SIG Sauer company and brand name. In modern firearm terminology, customers will most often encounter SIG as the manufacturer's name rather than as an acronym that needs to be expanded when identifying a handgun.

AXG - Alloy XSeries Grip

AXG is SIG Sauer's designation for its metal XSeries grip-module platform. AXG pistols use an alloy grip frame rather than the standard polymer configuration found on many other P320 and P365 variants.

XSeries

XSeries is SIG Sauer's designation for enhanced configurations within certain pistol families. It is a product-family name rather than a traditional acronym.

XL

XL is a model designation used within the SIG Sauer P365 family to identify a larger configuration than the original P365. It should be treated as part of the exact firearm model when selecting a holster.

XMACRO

XMACRO is a SIG Sauer model designation within the P365 family. It is not generally treated as an acronym that requires expansion. A P365 XMACRO should be selected specifically when determining holster compatibility.

COMP - Compensated / Compensator

COMP is commonly used by SIG Sauer and other firearm manufacturers to identify a pistol equipped with, or designed around, a compensating system.

Compensated firearm configurations can affect holster compatibility because slide and muzzle dimensions may differ from standard models.

FCU - Fire Control Unit

FCU stands for Fire Control Unit. On modular SIG Sauer pistol platforms such as the P320, the FCU is the serialized internal fire-control assembly around which different grip modules and configurations can be built.

SAO - Single Action Only

SAO stands for Single Action Only. SIG Sauer and other manufacturers use the designation for firearms with a single-action-only firing system.

DA/SA - Double Action / Single Action

DA/SA stands for Double Action / Single Action. It describes a firing system in which the first trigger press can operate in double action and subsequent shots operate in single action.

Smith & Wesson Acronyms & Model Terms

S&W - Smith & Wesson

S&W is the common abbreviation for Smith & Wesson.

M&P - Military & Police

M&P stands for Military & Police. Smith & Wesson uses M&P as the name of a large family of handguns and rifles.

C.O.R.E. - Competition Optics Ready Equipment

C.O.R.E. stands for Competition Optics Ready Equipment. Smith & Wesson uses the designation for an optics-mounting system available on certain M&P pistols.

PC - Performance Center

PC commonly refers to Smith & Wesson's Performance Center, which produces specialized and enhanced firearm configurations.

TS - Thumb Safety

TS commonly means Thumb Safety when used to distinguish firearm variants equipped with an external manual thumb safety.

Walther Acronyms & Model Terms

PDP - Performance Duty Pistol

PDP stands for Performance Duty Pistol. The Walther PDP family includes multiple barrel lengths, frame configurations and variants.

Dara makes holsters for several PDP configurations, including standard PDP, PDP F-Series and PDP Steel Frame pistols.

PPQ

PPQ is Walther's model designation for the PPQ pistol family. Because model-name expansions are not always consistently used by manufacturers in current product literature, PPQ should be treated primarily as the firearm's model name when ordering a holster.

SF - Steel Frame

SF commonly means Steel Frame in current Walther model terminology. Examples include the Q4 SF and Q5 Match SF.

Steel-frame and polymer-frame Walther pistols should not automatically be assumed to use the same holster.

Q4

Q4 is a Walther model designation rather than an acronym. Walther has produced both polymer-frame and steel-frame Q4 configurations.

Q5

Q5 is a Walther model designation rather than an acronym. Walther has produced Q5 configurations in both polymer and steel-frame variants.

F-Series

F-Series is Walther's designation for a specific PDP configuration. It is part of the firearm's model identity rather than a traditional acronym.

FN Acronyms & Model Terms

FN

FN is the identifying abbreviation used by FN for its firearm brand and product families.

FDE - Flat Dark Earth

FDE stands for Flat Dark Earth. It is a common tan or earth-tone firearm and equipment color used by FN and many other manufacturers.

MRD - Miniature Red Dot

MRD commonly refers to Miniature Red Dot in FN pistol terminology. FN uses the MRD designation on optics-ready configurations such as the FN 509 MRD.

MRD-LE - Miniature Red Dot - Law Enforcement

MRD-LE identifies FN's law-enforcement-oriented MRD configuration, such as the FN 509 MRD-LE.

FNS

FNS is an FN pistol-family model designation. When choosing a holster, treat FNS as part of the exact firearm model rather than assuming compatibility with another FN pistol family.

FNX

FNX is an FN pistol-family designation. FNX pistols, such as the FNX-45, should be identified by the complete firearm model when selecting a holster.

SCAR - Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle

SCAR stands for Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle. It is FN's rifle platform developed for military applications.

Springfield Armory Acronyms & Model Terms

OSP - Optical Sight Pistol

OSP stands for Optical Sight Pistol. Springfield Armory uses the OSP designation for pistols equipped with a slide designed to accept compatible red-dot optics.

AOS - Agency Optic System

AOS stands for Agency Optic System. It is Springfield Armory's optics-mounting system used on certain firearm platforms.

RDP - Rapid Defense Package

RDP stands for Rapid Defense Package. Springfield Armory used the designation for a Hellcat configuration combining several factory-equipped features.

XD

XD is Springfield Armory's model-family designation for its XD series of pistols. It should be treated as a model name when determining holster compatibility.

XD-M

XD-M is a Springfield Armory model-family designation within the broader XD pistol line.

DS - Double Stack

DS commonly means Double Stack in Springfield Armory's 1911 DS terminology. A double-stack 1911 uses a wider magazine configuration than a traditional single-stack 1911.

Heckler & Koch / HK Acronyms & Model Terms

HK - Heckler & Koch

HK is the common abbreviation for Heckler & Koch.

USP - Universal Self-loading Pistol

USP stands for Universal Self-loading Pistol. The HK USP is a handgun family offered in several sizes and calibers.

VP9

VP9 is an HK pistol model designation. It should be treated as the exact model name when determining holster compatibility.

SK - Subcompact

SK is commonly used by HK to designate a smaller or subcompact version of a firearm family, such as the VP9SK.

P30

P30 is an HK pistol model designation rather than an acronym.

LEM - Law Enforcement Modification

LEM stands for Law Enforcement Modification. HK uses the term for a particular trigger system available on certain hammer-fired pistols.

Canik Acronyms & Model Terms

METE

METE is not an acronym. Canik states that the METE name pays homage to a legendary Turkish historical figure. METE is used as the name of a family of Canik pistols.

TP9

TP9 is a Canik pistol-family designation. It should be treated as part of the exact firearm model rather than expanded into an unofficial meaning.

SF

SF is used as a model designation within several Canik pistol families. Because manufacturer model suffixes can have different meanings depending on the particular firearm, use the complete firearm model when determining holster compatibility.

SFx

SFx is a Canik model designation used on performance-oriented, longer-slide pistol configurations such as the TP9 SFx and METE SFx. It should be treated as part of the firearm's exact model name.

SC

SC is commonly associated with subcompact configurations in firearm model names, including Canik models. Always use the complete model designation when selecting a holster.

MC9

MC9 is a Canik micro-compact pistol-family designation. The additional letters used on variants such as MC9L and MC9LS are part of the specific firearm model and can indicate different configurations and dimensions.

TTI - Taran Tactical Innovations

TTI stands for Taran Tactical Innovations. The Canik TTI Combat is a collaboration between Canik and Taran Tactical Innovations.

Staccato & 2011 Terminology

2011

2011 is not an acronym. It is commonly used to describe a family of double-stack pistols based on the general 1911-style operating platform.

Not all firearms described as 2011s have identical external dimensions and they should not automatically be assumed to fit the same holster.

C2

C2 is a Staccato model designation and should be treated as the firearm's exact model when selecting a holster.

P

P is a Staccato pistol model designation rather than an acronym that needs to be expanded for holster compatibility.

XC

XC is a Staccato model designation. It identifies a specific Staccato pistol configuration and should not be assumed to have the same dimensions as another Staccato model.

XL

XL is a Staccato model designation identifying a longer pistol configuration within the Staccato family.

HD

HD is part of Staccato's newer HD pistol-family designation. When choosing a holster, the complete model such as HD P4 or HD P4.5 should be used.

General Firearm Acronyms

AR - ArmaLite Rifle

AR originally referred to ArmaLite Rifle in the model designations developed by ArmaLite. AR does not stand for "assault rifle."

AR-15 - ArmaLite Rifle Model 15

AR-15 originally refers to the ArmaLite Rifle Model 15 and is now commonly used to describe firearms based on that general platform.

AK

AK refers to the Avtomat Kalashnikova family of rifles associated with designer Mikhail Kalashnikov.

SA - Single Action

SA stands for Single Action. In a single-action firing system, the trigger performs the single action of releasing an already-cocked firing mechanism.

DA - Double Action

DA stands for Double Action. A double-action trigger performs more than one mechanical action during the trigger press.

DAO - Double Action Only

DAO stands for Double Action Only.

SAO - Single Action Only

SAO stands for Single Action Only.

DA/SA - Double Action / Single Action

DA/SA stands for Double Action / Single Action.

SAF - Striker-Fired

Striker-fired is often shortened descriptively to striker-fired or SF in firearms discussions, although SF can have several other meanings depending on the manufacturer. Context is important.

FCU - Fire Control Unit

FCU stands for Fire Control Unit. It refers to the internal assembly containing major fire-control components on certain modular firearm platforms.

LCI - Loaded Chamber Indicator

LCI stands for Loaded Chamber Indicator. It is a feature designed to provide a visual, tactile or other indication that a cartridge may be present in the chamber.

MS - Manual Safety

MS commonly stands for Manual Safety when manufacturers use it to distinguish firearm configurations.

TS - Thumb Safety

TS commonly stands for Thumb Safety.

TB - Threaded Barrel

TB commonly means Threaded Barrel when used in firearm model listings and specifications.

COMP - Compensator / Compensated

COMP commonly indicates a firearm equipped with a compensator or an integrated compensated configuration.

SF - Steel Frame

SF can mean Steel Frame in certain firearm model families, particularly Walther Q-Series terminology.

Because SF can mean different things depending on the manufacturer, the complete firearm name should always be considered.

PF - Polymer Frame

PF may be used informally to distinguish a Polymer Frame firearm from a steel or aluminum-frame version.

FS - Full Size

FS commonly means Full Size in firearm terminology, although some manufacturers use FS for other meanings. For example, Glock uses FS to refer to Front Serrations in certain model descriptions.

C - Compact

C commonly identifies a Compact firearm configuration, although the exact meaning depends on the manufacturer.

SC - Subcompact

SC commonly stands for Subcompact when used in firearm model designations.

MC - Micro Compact

MC or Micro Compact describes particularly small concealed-carry pistols. Manufacturer usage varies.

Ammunition & Caliber Acronyms

ACP - Automatic Colt Pistol

ACP stands for Automatic Colt Pistol. The designation is found in cartridges such as .45 ACP and .380 ACP.

LR - Long Rifle

LR stands for Long Rifle in the .22 LR cartridge designation.

LRN - Lead Round Nose

LRN stands for Lead Round Nose, a common bullet configuration.

FMJ - Full Metal Jacket

FMJ stands for Full Metal Jacket. It describes a bullet with a metal jacket surrounding most of the softer lead core.

JHP - Jacketed Hollow Point

JHP stands for Jacketed Hollow Point.

HP - Hollow Point

HP stands for Hollow Point.

TMJ - Total Metal Jacket

TMJ stands for Total Metal Jacket.

RN - Round Nose

RN stands for Round Nose.

FP - Flat Point

FP stands for Flat Point.

SWC - Semi-Wadcutter

SWC stands for Semi-Wadcutter.

WC - Wadcutter

WC stands for Wadcutter.

+P - Increased Pressure Ammunition

+P identifies ammunition loaded to a higher standardized pressure than the standard-pressure version of the same cartridge. +P is a designation rather than an acronym.

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organization

NATO stands for North Atlantic Treaty Organization. In ammunition terminology, NATO may appear in standardized cartridge designations such as 9mm NATO.

Magazine Acronyms & Terms

OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. An OEM magazine or firearm component is manufactured by or for the original firearm manufacturer.

DS - Double Stack

DS stands for Double Stack. A double-stack magazine positions cartridges in a staggered arrangement, allowing greater capacity for a given magazine length than a comparable single-stack design.

SS - Single Stack

SS can stand for Single Stack when describing magazines. Because SS can have other meanings in firearms terminology, context matters.

EXT - Extended

EXT is commonly used as an abbreviation for Extended, such as an extended-capacity magazine or magazine extension.

Weapon Light Acronyms & Model Terms

TLR

TLR is Streamlight's model-family designation for its rail-mounted weapon lights. Common models include the TLR-1, TLR-7 and related variants.

HL - High Lumen

HL is used by Streamlight on certain high-output light configurations such as the TLR-1 HL.

HL-X

HL-X is a Streamlight model designation used on certain higher-output light products. Always select the exact light model listed when ordering a light-bearing holster.

SUB

SUB is used in weapon-light terminology for compact lights designed around smaller or subcompact firearm platforms, such as the Streamlight TLR-7 SUB.

X300

X300 is SureFire's handgun weapon-light family designation rather than an acronym.

X300U - X300 Ultra

X300U identifies SureFire's X300 Ultra weapon-light family.

X300U-A / X300U-B

The A and B suffixes distinguish mounting-system configurations within the SureFire X300U family. Because mounting configuration can affect holster fit, always select the exact light model specified by the holster manufacturer.

X300T - X300 Turbo

X300T identifies SureFire's X300 Turbo weapon-light family.

PL350

PL350 is Modlite's pistol-mounted weapon-light model designation.

Common Material & Manufacturing Acronyms

CAD - Computer-Aided Design

CAD stands for Computer-Aided Design. CAD software is used to design parts, tooling, molds and other manufactured components.

CAM - Computer-Aided Manufacturing

CAM stands for Computer-Aided Manufacturing.

CNC - Computer Numerical Control

CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control. CNC machining uses computer-controlled equipment to manufacture components to programmed dimensions.

6061-T6

6061-T6 is not an acronym. It identifies a commonly used aluminum alloy and heat-treatment condition. Dara uses 6061-T6 aluminum in certain attachment components.

EPDM - Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer

EPDM stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer. It is a durable synthetic rubber material used in many industrial applications, including certain retention components.

G10

G10 is not an acronym. It is a high-pressure fiberglass laminate frequently used for firearm grips and other durable components.

Common Acronyms at a Glance

• AIWB - Appendix Inside the Waistband
• IWB - Inside the Waistband
• OWB - Outside the Waistband
• CCW - Concealed Carry Weapon
• EDC - Everyday Carry
• WML - Weapon-Mounted Light
• RDS - Red Dot Sight
• MRDS - Miniature Red Dot Sight
• OR - Optics Ready
• QD - Quick Disconnect
• MOLLE - Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment
• PALS - Pouch Attachment Ladder System
• LEO - Law Enforcement Officer
• DCS - Dara Concealment System
• ALQD - Auto Locking Quick Disconnect
• DBL - Double Belt Loop
• DM - Direct MOLLE
• MOS - Modular Optic System
• PDP - Performance Duty Pistol
• OSP - Optical Sight Pistol
• AOS - Agency Optic System
• C.O.R.E. - Competition Optics Ready Equipment
• USP - Universal Self-loading Pistol
• SCAR - Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle
• RDP - Rapid Defense Package
• FCU - Fire Control Unit
• FDE - Flat Dark Earth
• MRD - Miniature Red Dot
• RMR - Ruggedized Miniature Reflex
• SRO - Specialized Reflex Optic
• DPP - DeltaPoint Pro
• MOA - Minute of Angle
• ACP - Automatic Colt Pistol
• FMJ - Full Metal Jacket
• JHP - Jacketed Hollow Point
• OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer
• DA - Double Action
• SA - Single Action
• DAO - Double Action Only
• SAO - Single Action Only
• LCI - Loaded Chamber Indicator
• TB - Threaded Barrel
• CAD - Computer-Aided Design
• CAM - Computer-Aided Manufacturing
• CNC - Computer Numerical Control
• EPDM - Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer

Why Do Firearm and Holster Acronyms Matter?

A small difference in a firearm model name can represent a significant physical difference in the firearm. Terms such as MOS, OSP, SF, SC, COMP, XL, MRD and XMACRO may identify different slides, frames, barrel lengths, optics systems or other configurations.

Those differences can affect holster fit. Never select a firearm from a holster dropdown simply because the model name looks similar to your firearm.

For example, a steel-frame version of a pistol should not automatically be assumed to fit the same holster as the polymer-frame version, and a compensated or longer-slide firearm may require additional muzzle clearance.

How Do I Know Which Firearm Model to Select for My Holster?

Select the exact manufacturer, firearm model, generation, barrel length and frame configuration listed on your firearm. If you use a weapon-mounted light, select the exact light model as well.

If your firearm has designations such as MOS, OSP, SF, SC, COMP, XL, Tactical or another model suffix, do not ignore them. These terms can identify a firearm configuration with different dimensions or features.

If you are unsure which model you have, contact Dara Holsters before ordering or review our Full Firearms List.

Don't See an Acronym Listed?

The firearms industry continually introduces new firearm models, optics, weapon lights and equipment systems. If you encounter an acronym or model designation that is not listed here, contact Dara Holsters and we can help identify the equipment and determine whether it affects holster compatibility.