Why is there a Gap at the Trigger Guard on Light Bearing Holsters?

A deep dive into holster design, light clearance, and why proper fitment requires space around the trigger.

The Common Question

If you’ve ever inspected a holster built for a pistol with a weapon-mounted light, you may have noticed something that catches your eye:

“Why is there a gap near the trigger guard?”

It’s a fair question—and one we hear often from responsible gun owners concerned about safety, retention, and performance. The answer is rooted in the unique design requirements of light-bearing holsters.

At Four Brothers Holsters, we want to explain why that gap is not a flaw—it’s a necessary feature.

Retention Shifts from Trigger Guard to Light Body

On standard, non-light-bearing holsters, retention typically happens around the trigger guard. The holster clamps in that area for a secure hold and positive “click” when you holster the firearm, resulting in a completely covered trigger guard.

But when a weapon-mounted light is added—like a TLR-7 SUB, TLR-1 HL-X, or Surefire X300—everything changes. The light extends the front of the firearm and alters its geometry.

The holster can no longer form tightly around the trigger guard and accommodate the light. 

Holster Retention shifts to the light body, usually to the switch housing or the shoulder of the light mount. That is where the holster grabs onto the gun and light and holds it securely in place.

Design Requirements: Letting the Light Pass Through

Designing a holster for a weapon-mounted light introduces several challenges. One of the biggest is ensuring the light can pass through the top of the holster without obstruction. 

Here’s why that gap exists:

Weapon Lights Extend Past the Trigger Guard
Lights like the TLR-1 HL or Surefire X300 stick out well beyond the trigger guard. If the top of the holster were closed, the light and pistol would jam during draw or reholster. The holster wouldn't work.

Clearance Is Critical
The holster must be relieved (opened up) around the trigger guard and the top channel to allow the light to slide in and out cleanly. This ensures:

• A smooth draw stroke
• Safe, confident reholstering
• No hang-ups or damage to the light

Retention Is Precisely Tuned
The molded shell is contoured to the light housing, providing a secure fit. The trigger guard is still protected, but the holster doesn’t clamp there anymore.

Safety Still Comes First
Even with the open top, the trigger remains fully covered from both sides. We mold our holsters with high side walls and guard lips to prevent as much access as possible to the trigger while holstered while maintaining holster function.

Visual Breakdown

Here are a few images showing how a holster is designed to allow the light to pass through while maintaining trigger protection and retention. The P365XL & TLR-7 Sub Inside Waistband Holster shown here is my everyday carry. 

Here is the front view of the holster showing the profile follows the trigger guard shape and still allows a proper grip on the pistol for the draw:

The width of the trigger guard itself is wider on some pistol models and narrower on others. Due to this variable, the gap at the trigger guard of a full size pistol like the Glock 19 and TLR-7 X will be narrower than the gap of a smaller pistol like the P365-XMACRO and TLR-7 X.

Here is an example of a P320 Carry and TLR-7 X light Inside Waistband Holster. 

Notice how wide the trigger guard is where it meets the grip of the pistol? This reduces the size of the gap at the opening of the holster.

Final Thoughts

That gap near the trigger guard isn’t a mistake—it’s a requirement when running a weapon light. It allows:

• Proper light clearance
• Reliable retention
• Safe carry and reholstering

If this gap is a major concern to you, we highly suggest removing the light from your pistol and avoiding the situation completely. Once you have trained properly and are comfortable carrying a pistol without a light, then it might be time to reconsider carrying a pistol like the P365XL or Glock 48 with a weapon-mounted light.

Questions about light-bearing holster fitment?
Contact us here or browse our light-compatible holster collection.