Holstering a pistol equipped with a red dot sight is one of the hows that accompanies the whats and whys of carrying a handgun/red dot optic combo. Particularly if there is also a weapon light aboard. Some holsters were purpose-built to do so, others are a modification of a previous model with an RDS cut, some can be retrofitted.
Recently we received some questions about this image, which was posted on social media sometime back. We'll use this as a way to kick off a recurring series on RDS pistol carry considerations.
⚠️ There are links in this post to online sources where you can purchase the gear I'm talking about. This is some of the gear I use, and why. Your mileage may vary. Buy it, or don't, but should you make a purchase, I'll get a (very) small commission from it.
1. What that rig and gun in the pictures?
It's a Glock 17 with an ATEi-mounted Aimpoint ACRO holstered in a Safariland rig. The picture was taken during an RDS Instructor course conducted for an LE agency.
2. What is that pistol and optic?
It's a Glock 17. There is a Surefire X300U attached below, though you can't see it. The slide has been cut by a company called ATEi to accommodate a direct mount for an Aimpoint ACRO: this specific Aimpoint ACRO. It also has some Ameriglo sights (GL-429).
3. What is that holster, mount, and gunbelt?
You're looking at a Safariland QMS 6384 RDS holster, which is modular (see below). That holster was an early option for using a handgun + ACRO with an ALS locking system. This was well before the availability of the updated holsters with hoods that are now in production. I gutted the "muzzle plug" on the holster so it would take a threaded barrel.
The belt is an Ares Gear combo LE inner and outer duty belt. This is the same company that makes the Aegis belt I typically wear everyday.
4. Why carry a handheld light strong-side?
Not a light. That's an extra large Sharpie for marking targets and hand/finger placement. Also, of course, used for general target comedy and tomfoolery, like nicknames and such.