Holster help - Glock 17 with X300 and DG switch compatibility

[Hero]

Just recently picked up a DG switch for my X300. I use a Safariland ALS holster, I think the 6377 or 6378. Well the DG switch prevents me from holstering without considerable force both in and out, which is also causing damage to the rubber coating around the switch at the choke point. Can anyone point me in the direction of an ALS style holster (or other holster) that is compatible with this switch? I really like the way the ALS System works, so I am hoping to be able to stay with that.

[Joe R.]

If you want to use a DG switch with an ALS holster you will need to fit the holster to the switch. I make a spacer the approximate depth of the DG switch (I use balsa wood as I have it laying around from building RC aircraft) and tape it to the trigger guard. Then I heat the trigger guard area of the holster (gently) with a heat gun then insert the gun into the holster. Allow the holster time to cool and check for fit. It may take a try or two to get the fit right but this has worked for me for years and I have fit quite a few holsters in this manner. KEEP IN MIND that if you decide to use the holster w/o the DG switch installed the gun will be loose(er) in the holster and the ALS system may not be fully engaged in the ejection port since the gun is not being held as tightly in the holster.

[Hero]

Thanks so much for the response. Man I wish the holster didn't have to be modified for this. You point out the obvious potential issue, and this is not necessarily being able to go back to non-DG switch mounted light. I do really like the DG switch though, so I may have to go ahead and modify my holster for it...

[quackhead]

safariland claims there is not enough demand for the Glock with X300/ DG-11 combo , not many professional users running it. I have had the argument many times with them and my safariland rep just shrugs his shoulders. When the ALS system first came out, they used to do the Dg-11 mod( I ordered many holsters direct this way) They now claim they've never done that mod.
I have done the heat gun method, but had some issues with other parts of the holster deforming. I have had better luck with a dremel- on the 6000 and the new 7ts series. It's really fairly easy to do

[cop1211]

Whats the benefit of the DG-11?

[Benito]

I tried the DG thing with my Glock a while back. Did not like it at all, despite training with it, and liking it in theory. Went back to activating the X300 with my fingers.
If you have to get a holster for it, Off The Grid Concepts will probably make you one custom that would fit the bill. He does excellent work.

[Joe R.]

A couple responses. I have never had an issue with this mod working correctly. Added to that I have never had an issue with a modified holster not working with a Glock w/o the DG switch installed. It's just a bit loose, not enough to not have retention.

The benefit of doing via a heat gun vs. a dremel is you get perfect sizing and no rough edges to chew up the DG switch. Learned this when I did my first on with a dremel.

The DG switch is THE answer for a handgun mounted light. Running a pistol mounted light w/o the benefit of the DG switch is next to useless IMHO. If you are going to need two hands to activate your pistol mounted light there's very little upside to having it mounted on your pistol. Just run a separate hand held and avoid the hassle of light mounted holsters altogether. I have had many occasion to clear buildings and serve warrants with the DG switch in use and if the lights mounted to my pistol (vs. hand held) I will always use one.

[cop1211]

No issues with "accidental light discharge"?

[Tango Charlie145]

I give all of my ALS holsters to one of my colleagues who is a whiz with a Dremel tool and he modifies each one to accept the DG switch. I run a DG switch on 17's and 19's and his work is great. I have had him modify the 6378 and the 7T for these weapons.

[Defaultmp3]

No issues with "accidental light discharge"?

A light AD can certainly be an issue with the DG switch, it simply depends on your mission. For someone that's doing a clandestine DA hit under NODs, the DG switch may be non-viable, as there is a non-zero chance of you having a light ND on a transition to your secondary; for concealed carry, it's extremely unlikely you'll have a light ND that matters, as it's very difficult to imagine an scenario in which you'd want to draw the gun and not have the light come on. It's quite easy to draw the gun without activating the DG switch, if you're not going trying to go for absolute speed.