DARA
LIGHT BEARING LEVEL 2 DUTY HOLSTER
DOUBLE LOOP + DROP OFFSET
QUICK LOOP + DROP OFFSET
DBL2 + SPACERS
DBL2 + ALQD
DBL2-L + SPACERS
DBL2-L + ALQD
LEVEL 3 HOLSTER COMING SOON: CLICK FOR D3 UPDATES
Description
Light Bearing Level 2 Duty Holster
The Dara Light Bearing Level 2 Duty Holster is an outside-the-waistband (OWB) retention holster designed for pistols equipped with weapon-mounted lights. Built for law enforcement, military personnel, armed security, and professional duty use, it combines adjustable passive retention with an active, spring-operated rotating hood.
Each holster is individually thermoformed in-house from .125" Kydex or Boltaron for a specific firearm and weapon light combination. This firearm-specific construction provides a secure fit, protects the trigger guard, and accommodates compatible slide-mounted optics and suppressor-height sights.
Two Levels of Retention
Passive retention: Dara's adjustable rubber retention system allows the user to fine-tune the resistance during the draw.
Active retention: The rotating hood locks over the firearm until the thumb-operated release is depressed. The spring-loaded hood then rotates forward, helping clear loose garments and providing a consistent draw stroke.
Unlike holsters that use an aftermarket retention hood, Dara's Level 2 system was engineered in-house as a complete duty holster. Its retention components, hardware, and holster body are designed to work together.
Adjustable for Your Duty Setup
The Light Bearing Level 2 Duty Holster is compatible with the Dara Level 2 Control Kit, allowing users to customize the thumb release for their hand size, gloves, and personal preference.
Compatible Dara duty attachments, including the DBL2 and DBL2-L, provide options for adjusting ride height, cant, and clearance from body armor. The Bridge Adapter also supports compatible third-party mounting systems.
Every holster is manufactured and fit tested in-house and backed by Dara's Lifetime Warranty.
Key Features
- Durable Construction: Manufactured from .125" Kydex or Boltaron with black oxide coated stainless steel hardware and purpose-blended injection-molded components.
- Adjustable Retention: Adjustable rubber passive retention combined with an active, spring-operated rotating hood. The Level 2 Control Kit provides additional thumb release customization.
- Optics & Sight Compatibility: Designed to accommodate compatible slide-mounted optics and suppressor-height sights. Regular and Large Hood options provide clearance for different optic heights.
- Customizable Draw: Adjustable ride height and cant with compatible mounting attachments. An optional leg strap provides additional stability.
- Attachment Options: Choose between compatible DBL2 and DBL2-L mounting configurations. These attachments provide clearance for body armor and accommodate belt widths from 1.5" to 2.25".
- Third-Party Compatibility: The Bridge Adapter allows compatible Dara holsters to connect with supported third-party belt attachments.
- Made in the USA: Each holster is manufactured and fit tested in Dara's North Carolina facility.
- Weapon Light Compatibility: Available for specific firearm and weapon light combinations. See our supported firearms and compatibility information.
Important Fitment Information
Please specify your exact firearm model and weapon light when ordering to avoid fitment issues. All custom Duty Holsters are non-refundable.
Important: Weapon lights that are not explicitly listed in the product dropdown menu WILL NOT fit.
For additional optic sizing guidance, see How to Measure for the Correct Hood Size.
Light-Bearing Level 2 Duty Holster Specifications & Compatibility
The Dara Light-Bearing Level 2 Duty Holster is manufactured for specific firearm and weapon light combinations. Review the specifications and compatibility information below before selecting your holster configuration.
Technical Specifications
| Holster Type | Outside-the-Waistband (OWB) Level 2 Duty Holster |
|---|---|
| Retention System | Active spring-operated rotating hood and adjustable rubber passive retention |
| Shell Material | Kydex or Boltaron |
| Shell Thickness | .125 inch |
| Hardware | Black oxide coated stainless steel |
| Weapon Light Compatibility | Specific to the firearm and weapon light combination selected when ordering |
| Optic Compatibility | Compatible with many slide-mounted optics; correct hood and optic cut depend on optic dimensions |
| Suppressor-Height Sights | Compatible with supported suppressor-height sights |
| Mounting Options | DBL2 and DBL2-L configurations with additional compatible mounting accessories |
| Ride Height | Adjustable with compatible mounting attachments |
| Cant Adjustment | Adjustable with compatible DBL2 and DBL2-L attachments |
| Belt Width Compatibility | 1.5 to 2.25 inches for listed Dara duty attachments |
| Manufacturing | North Carolina, USA |
| Warranty | Dara Lifetime Warranty; terms and exclusions apply |
Firearm & Weapon Light Compatibility
Each light-bearing holster is designed for the firearm and weapon light combination selected during ordering. Not all firearm models support every weapon light.
| Component | Compatibility Information |
|---|---|
| Firearm | Select the exact manufacturer and firearm model from the available product options. |
| Weapon Light | Select the exact supported weapon light for your firearm. Different weapon light models are not necessarily interchangeable. |
| Slide-Mounted Optics | Compatible with many red dot optics. Hood clearance and optic cut must be selected appropriately. |
| Suppressor-Height Sights | Designed to accommodate supported suppressor-height sights. |
| Compensators & Threaded Barrels | Designed to support threaded barrels. Customer can choose a longer barrel length within the same model series to cover or holster may allow threaded barrel to pass through the bottom. Compensators not exceeding the height or width of the frame/slide may also be accommodated within or may ass through the bottom of the holster. Rail mounted compensators are not accommodated. |
| Aftermarket Frames | Not accommodated unless specified in our drop down menu. |
| Use Without Weapon Light | Holster is designed to fit with exact WML attached. |
Retention Hood & Optic Clearance
Dara offers two rotating hood sizes to accommodate different optic heights. Measure from the top of the firearm's slide to the highest point of the optic.
| Configuration | Fitment Guidance |
|---|---|
| Regular Hood | Accommodates supported optics measuring up to 1.2 inches tall from the top of the slide. |
| Large Hood | Required for supported optics taller than 1.2 inches. |
| Trijicon SRO / RMR HD | Select the deeper optic cut option when ordering. |
| Other Optics | Check optic dimensions and select the appropriate hood configuration. If your optic falls between hood sizes, Dara recommends sizing up. |
Important: Optic height is not the only factor affecting fitment. Optic housing shape, mounting position, and firearm configuration may also affect clearance.
Mounting Attachment Comparison
Dara's mounting attachments allow users to customize their holster position for their belt, body armor, and other equipment.
| Attachment | Description |
|---|---|
| DBL2 | Shorter aluminum drop hanger with adjustable cant and belt width. |
| DBL2-L | Longer aluminum drop hanger offering additional drop and ride-height adjustment. |
| ALQD Quick Disconnect | Allows compatible Dara holsters to be detached and transferred between supported mounting configurations. |
| Bridge Adapter | Provides compatibility with supported third-party belt attachment systems. Learn more about the Bridge Adapter. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Light Bearing Level 2 Duty Holster Accommodate My RDS Sight?
Yes. Dara offers two rotating hood sizes to accommodate most slide-mounted optics, with some exceptions. Forward-mounted optics such as the Trijicon RMR HD and Trijicon SRO are also supported with the appropriate deeper optic cut.
Will This Light-Compatible Holster Fit Any Weapon-Mounted Light?
No. This holster is made to order for the specific firearm and weapon light combinations listed in the product dropdown menu. Weapon lights not listed as compatible will not fit.
Who Uses a Light Bearing Level 2 Retention Holster?
Light-bearing Level 2 Duty Holsters are commonly used by law enforcement officers, military personnel, armed security professionals, and competitive shooters who carry firearms equipped with weapon-mounted lights.
When Should Someone Use a Light-Compatible Level 2 Retention Holster?
A Level 2 retention holster is designed for applications where additional firearm retention is needed, including duty assignments, training, and activities involving sprinting, climbing, or maneuvering around obstacles. Light-bearing configurations accommodate supported weapon-mounted lights.
Can I Adjust the Retention on My Level 2 Duty Holster?
Yes. Dara's adjustable rubber retention system allows users to fine-tune passive retention. The active rotating hood provides an additional retention mechanism.
Can I Customize the Thumb Release?
Yes. The Dara Level 2 Control Kit offers different thumb control configurations to accommodate user preference, hand size, and gloves.
Can I Use This Holster With Body Armor?
Yes. Compatible Dara mounting attachments, including the DBL2 and DBL2-L, provide different ride-height and clearance options for use with body armor and other duty equipment. Actual clearance depends on the user's equipment and mounting configuration.
Does Dara Offer a Warranty?
Yes. Dara's Level 2 Duty Holsters are backed by a Lifetime Warranty, subject to the applicable warranty terms and exclusions.
Built for Professional Duty Use
The Dara Light Bearing Level 2 Duty Holster combines firearm-specific construction, adjustable retention, optic compatibility, and multiple mounting options in a system designed for professional use.
Contact Dara Holsters for assistance with firearm fitment, weapon light compatibility, or information about our Law Enforcement and Military Discount.