Anyone who has searched for a holster knows how challenging it can be to find one that fits something other than a Glock. The problem becomes even worse when you start adding accessories to your sidearm, often requiring you to purchase a whole new holster—an added cost and hassle.
Several companies have tried to tackle this issue by creating so-called "universal" holsters. However, many of these solutions come with their own set of problems. Some struggle with retention, others can accidentally press your mag release, and some force you to fumble around with spacers to get a proper fit.
Meet Bjorn Tactical, a Danish company, which we’ve been in touch with for a few years, and is relatively new but has already made waves with some innovative holster solutions.
Today, we want to focus on their Firefly holster—a product we've been testing for a while now. Spoiler alert: we believe it’s currently the best universal holster solution available. In this blog, we’ll cover what makes the Firefly unique, its build quality, features, and how it compares to other options on the market. We’ll also dive into our test results and share our personal experiences using it.
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A Quick Disclosure
Bjorn Tactical provided us with a sample of the Firefly holster for testing, and we’re grateful for the opportunity. Our experiences with this product have convinced us so much that we’ve become resellers of their gear. However, we’re approaching this review as objectively as possible, and there was no financial involvement in the creation of this content.
What Is the Firefly Holster?
The Firefly is an OWB (Outside the Waistband) Level 1 holster, meaning its retention relies solely on grip. What sets it apart is its ability to fit virtually all double-stack and single-stack pistols—from sub-compact to full-size—without needing an adapter. This also applies to replicas, such as airsoft pistols, making it incredibly versatile.
This broad compatibility is achieved by securing your pistol via its mounted flashlight. The Firefly currently supports three models: the Streamlight TLR-1HL, the Surefire X300U, and the Olight PL Pro Valkyrie. Any pistol that can mount one of these lights without an adapter will fit—think 1913 rails, older SIG rails, Glocks, and more. While securing a pistol to a holster via the flashlight isn't a new concept, the Firefly does it exceptionally well, with some unique features that set it apart.
Build Quality and Features
Made from .125-inch thick Kydex, the Firefly is durable and robust while maintaining minimal flexibility. Its design prevents accidental discharges by securely covering the trigger, and it’s built with craftsmanship in mind—not mass-produced.
The holster comes in black, coyote brown, and Multicam, though you can customize it further with a Cordura wrap, as we did. Two Phillips screws on the back allow you to adjust the tension on your mounted flashlight, providing just the right amount of grip on your sidearm.
The Firefly also includes a "snap" feature, providing tactile and audible feedback when your pistol is securely holstered. Its open-top design accommodates all red-dot sights and makes for easy, unrestricted reholstering with a mounted flashlight. It even has room for suppressor-height sights, and its open-bottom design allows for the use of threaded barrels, compensators, or even suppressors (as long as they aren’t wider than the pistol frame).
An ergonomic cut ensures that your middle finger won’t interfere when drawing your pistol, and the holster is compatible with most mounting systems on the market—such as Blade-Tec, Safariland, and G-Code. However, note that the Firefly is currently only available for right-handed shooters.
Our Testing Process
1. Pistol Fitting Test
We tested a variety of pistols with our TLR-1HL-mounted Firefly holster, and it successfully fit all of the following models:
- Walther PDP (9mm)
- SIG Sauer P226 (airsoft replica)
- FN Herstal FNS-9 (airsoft replica)
- Walther PPQ (.22 caliber)
We also confirmed fits with user-reported pistols like the Glock 17 Gen. 3-5, SIG M17 and M18, FNX 45 and 45 Tactical, HK VP9, and the 1911 platform (High Kappa 4.3 and 5.1). However, some models don’t fit—such as the HK USP with a G&G adapter rail and the Hudson H9—especially if they require an additional adapter for mounting a flashlight.
2. Retention Test
For this test, we used a fully loaded Walther PDP with a mounted Streamlight TLR-1HL, totaling 1.65 kg in weight. We knocked and tugged at the holster to see if the gun would come loose, and it held firm. Yet, we could still draw the pistol easily, indicating an excellent balance between security and accessibility.
3. Trigger Security Test
We attempted to reach the trigger through the gap between the trigger guard and Kydex. With slender fingers, I was able to reach inside on some models but couldn’t easily engage the trigger. While this is possible, it’s very unlikely to happen by accident, especially under normal conditions.
4. Accidental Mag Release Test
We tested various pistols by holstering them with an empty magazine and applying pressure to the holster in different ways, even laying on top of it to simulate extreme conditions. While some models did release the magazine, it only happened at very specific angles and was highly dependent on the pistol’s mag release design.
Personal Use and Final Thoughts
Since receiving the Firefly holster, I’ve used it extensively with my Walther PDP on several range sessions. I love how intuitive the draw is and how smooth reholstering feels. The tension adjustment system works flawlessly, and I appreciate not having to mess with spacers to fit different pistols.
Despite my PDP registering a positive accidental mag release in testing, I’ve never lost a mag during real-world use. Other users of the Firefly have reported similar experiences, with no issues of pistols or magazines falling out.
While it’s not designed as a duty holster (which would require Level 2 or 3 retention), the Firefly is an excellent choice for range use or casual carry. The craftsmanship is top-notch, and the fact that you only need a compatible flashlight to make it work with a variety of pistols is a huge plus.
Conclusion
Overall, the Bjorn Tactical Firefly is a solid, versatile universal holster. While it may not fit every pistol model out there, it covers a wide enough range to make it a top contender in the universal holster market. Given its reasonable price and exceptional build quality, it’s definitely worth having in your collection, especially if you like to switch up your sidearms.
You can find the Firefly models for the TLR-1HL, X300U, and PL Pro Valkyrie at reconbrothers.com in black or coyote brown.
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