Jerry Ahern
Gun World
September 2011
High Noon "Upper Cut And Public Secret"
Jerry Ahern is a firearms writer, who has published over a thousand magazine articles and columns in gun magazines. He writes rather eclectic monthly columns in GUNS & AMMO, HANDGUNS, GUN WORLD Magazine, GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE and DILLON BLUE PRESS, as well as a column on swords in the bi-monthly KNIVES ILLUSTRATED. One of his most recognized areas of expertise is holsters and leather gear for firearms. He's interviewed such persons as UFO Expert Dr. J. Allen Hynek, Roy Rogers, Arnold Schwarzenegger, vampire researcher Dr. Steve Kaplan, actor Steve Kanaly, etc. Along with his wife, Sharon, he's co-author of over eighty internationally published novels. Jerry is considered an expert on concealed weapons and regularly writes about firearms. Jerry Ahern was the president of Detonics Guns USA from 2004 to 2007
When we think of High Noon, if we grew up with westerns, we will naturally recall Gary Cooper and Grace Kelly, waiting while the clock inexorably advanced toward the fateful hour when "Frank Miller," et al., hit town with guns in their hands and murder in their hearts, all to the tune of a Dimitri Tiomkin/Ned Washington song sung by Tex Ritter. But for those of us who are also into holsters, we find ourselves thinking of superlative craftsmanship from a maker in Florida: High Noon Holsters. High Noon's attention to detail is outstanding.
THERE'S A NEW HOLSTER IN TOWN
Most regular readers will know that, whenever possible, I advocate inside waistband holsters over holsters that are worn on the outside of the belt. I've had experience with High Noon holsters before, and I found this well-known Florida firm, High Noon, to produce exceptional quality with a wide variety of leather concealment holsters.
In talking with Michael at High Noon, I decided to try High Noon's take on inside waistband carry for my SIG 229. I have had two of these pistols for years, so neither has the now-usual accessory rail. Both are fitted with Crimson Trace Laser Grips, which I try to use whenever practical with quite a few of my handguns.
I told Michael during a recent phone call to High Noon's Tarpon Springs facility that, contrary to popular wisdom, I prefer to carry cross draw when possible because I have access with either hand and, as a right hander, I can much more easily access my handgun while seated behind the wheel of a vehicle. Not long after our conversation, UPS arrived with two in-stock holsters for the SIG 229, which also will fit a 228.
The first of these is an extraordinary holster because it is practical, well made and almost ridiculously inexpensive. Called the 'Upper Cut," it is a high-ride holster made from black-dyed cowhide grain side out and buffed flesh side in, meaning you've got smooth leather on both sides. The pad that holds the "J" hook belt clip in position also serves as some reinforcement for the lip as it wraps around to the rear of the holster on the body side. The holster is not designed for one-handed re-holstering, something which is certainly convenient and may even be necessary for law enforcement personnel, but is largely superfluous for those of us more concerned with concealability rather than re-holstering. The clips on these holsters are the strongest I have come across in the industry. No worries once it goes on, its never coming off.
Since I would carry cross draw, both holsters—which are designed for a high-ride carry—were made straight up and down, with no FBI cant. For a holster to be worn strong side, I would invariably opt for the FBI cant; but for one that is being worn cross draw or "appendix forward/felony carry," the straight vertical orientation is ideal. If you need to have one-handed re-holstering and you find that you need something between your skin and the portion of the pistol north of the ejection port—a good idea when comfort is important—then you may find yourself wanting the Public Secret.
The Public Secret is from heavier leather, made rough side out and detail molded to the firearm under what appears to a tremendous amount of muscle or pressure (or both). Stitching and edge work are well done on this holster, and it compares favorably with anything on the market. It features a guard in the rear of the holster so the gun does not touch your skin. This example also is for the SIG 229 and, because of the detail molding, if I lost the packaging for the holster, I'd be able to look at the inside of the holster and tell you, "Oh, yeah! This is for the SIG 229."
Both the Upper Cut and the Public
Secret feature tension screws that are adjustable and rubber washered so the .user can adjust the draw tension to his or her desired body strength. Only the Public Secret, of these two holsters, features High Noon's sewn-in sight track Whether your interest is in all of the bells and whistles that the Public Secret has to offer or the minimal holster you can get away with, you should find what you need in inside waistband holsters by checking out High Noon. 'Do not forsake..." these products from High Noon.