Standard Enigma vs Light Bearing - What's the Difference?
Posted by Sarah on May 17th 2021
The Enigma OS comes disassembled, and does not include a holster. That's because it's made to fit a variety of other brands - the "OS" stands for "Open Source." If PHLster doesn't make an Enigma Express for your gun, you can still source your own holster and use the Enigma OS.
So how do you know which Enigma OS model is right for you? It's simple: the OS Standard is for guns without a light or laser. The OS Light Bearing is for guns with a light or laser.
Does your gun have a light or laser attached in front of the trigger guard?
NO: My gun does not have a light or laser attached.
Get the Enigma Express or the standard Enigma. See the different models here.
YES: My gun has a light or laser attached in front of the trigger guard, or under the barrel.
Get the Light Bearing Enigma. The LBE was designed around the PHLster Floodlight holster shell, but will fit many other brands. See the fit guide to learn how the LBE attaches and determine if your shell is compatible.
Are the Lightbearing and Standard Enigma Faceplates Interchangeable?
No. The regular Enigma is designed to work with guns that DO NOT have lights or lasers attached. It WILL NOT work with guns that have a light or laser. Do not attempt to make it fit — the geometry is wrong, and you will break your holster or Enigma.
To fit the regular Enigma, your holster shell needs two mounting holes directly under the trigger guard, and space to mount a modwing. For more specific fit instructions, click the standard Enigma fit guide.
The Lightbearing Enigma is designed to work with guns that DO have a light or laser attached. It attaches to the face of the holster, not through the wing. The Lightbearing Enigma faceplate is designed to support the increased weight and different balance of a weapon mounted light. For specific fit instructions, click the Light Bearing Enigma fit guide here.
The two different Enigma faceplates are NOT interchangeable. Do not try to "make it work." Do not modify your holster to attempt to make it fit. Do not modify your Enigma faceplate.
Choose the correct Enigma for your needs.
