Kev Rees Down Under Review


	CZ Forum Nov 2011 High Noon Down Under Review"

I really can't say enough about the good folks at HIGH NOON HOLSTERS or quality of their holsters. My last review of a HN product was of the HIDEAWAY IWB holster for my Ruger LCP .380 auto with the Crimson Trace laser guard and the Slide Guard holster for my Ruger LCR 38+P revolver. I was so impressed that I requested a sample IWB holster in horsehide for my new (to me)customized CZ 2075 RAMI P 9mm. (www.cz-usa.com)

A polymer framed version of the chunky mini-gun that's modeled after the CZ40B and Colt Z40s. While the Z40s didn't fare well on the 1990s market, the RAMIs have carved out a niche in the domain of the CZ faithful. Being a quality carry piece, I knew a HIGH NOON holster was a perfect match.

In this review, I will look at High Noon's IWB carry holster the Down Under.

"IWB" or more commonly known as "Inside The Waistband" to police officers and armed citizens is comprised of a concealed carry holster that features either belt loops or a clip to hold the holster on the belt or pants, with the holster body inside the waistband.
One usually wears a jeans, trousers or shorts sometimes one size bigger if your pants are really tite, than you would when using a traditional belt mounted holster in the" OWB" or "Outside The Waistband position".

I'm often new to modes of carry and can say that I've only come to the IWB method in the last couple of years. I first began with High Noon Holster's "Bare Asset" IWB holster for my RUGER LCR. While rugged and secure with the belt clip, it didn't fit me quite right with my '"extra padding" as well as I thought it would. I weighed about 70 pounds more last year than now-and there is some extra room in my waistband that now comfortably allows IWB carry again.


	On To HN's DOWN UNDER: From the shop in Florida, to my doorstep here in Clarkston Washington, the wait time was minimal, about a week, and the holster looked like this from the box: Looking further...you can immediately notice the beautifully colored natural horsehide and deep molding of the CZ RAMI used to make this holster. This holster is listed by HIGH NOON, as a high riding model, with a 15 degree forward cant to the holster, coming standard with 1 3/4 inch belt loops, but 1- 1/2 is optimal, with 1-1/4 being available as an option. When you order a HIGH NOON, you get this fabulous "golden thread" and tight stitching, every time! It is evident throughout the body of the holster. This is very strong thread, no fading or fraying in all my years of owning other carry gear from them. I prefer my IWB's with straps, the kind High Noon uses are sturdy straps and snaps, as they have to be with me being hard on holsters in general, but some concealed carriers do fine with the clips. Those clips from HN are extreme duty and pale in comparison to other makers less secure or poorly designed clips.




	The Down Under is molded for your specific gun model by the HN craftsmen. It features a reinforced mouth to aid in reholstering and a polymer sight track. This is a feature that you probably won't get in any other IWB holster on the market. It is a unique feature and a High Noon trade mark. Also an open bottom muzzle for any debris to fall through. The holster was a perfect fit from the box for my RAMI P and it only took minimal adjustments to the tension screw to get it to slide easily from the holster.



I do like the sweat shield on HIGH NOON and other holsters they make, as it does protect your body from the gun and the gun from any sweat if carried close to the skin. I've had the safety come off a Combat Commander by my body rubbing against the safety. So that extra tab of leather or horsehide ( called a Slide Guard by HN) on holsters such as the PUBLIC SECRET, SLIDE GUARD or other HN products makes some sense to me for cocked and locked carry with the RAMI or 1911, ect. You can see the proud HIGH NOON trademark stamp on the back of this rough out finish holster. The RAMI P and Public secret look quite nice together on my HN Rock Steady 1 1/2 inch gun belt.



		Should a person add the HN DOUBLE TAKE magazine pouch with some CZ-USA nickle plated 16-shot mags, and it would look even better! Like the IWB holster, the DOUBLE TAKE- has adjustable tension which is very important for gear that should last more than a few years. I've had and seen mag pouches (and holsters) that stretched out over time. (My HN TIE BREAKER single mag pouch for my alloy framed RAMI is going on 8 years now, and still looks and performs like new.)



	You can see the same quality and attention to detail with the Double Take, as in the IWB holster for this review. Strong 'golden thread' stitching and no sharp corners front or back.A tunnel loop or belt slots in the back with two snaps. They don't come off easily. Getting back to the DOWN UNDER IWB . The draw is and smooth and consistent , with little break in needed in this case. Unlike some belt mounted holster (OWB) there seems to be no new leather squeaking with the belt loops on this IWB model. HN's matching DOUBLE TAKE magazine pouch squeaks a bit on my belt, but that's usual with new carry gear, and still the case with my SLIDE GUARD for the Ruger LCR.



	(HIGH NOON has a FAQ section that helps new customers with any problems like this that's well worth the read.) What can I say about the Down Under for the RAMI P or other RAMI models? Fast, yet still secure. Comfortable to the extreme and very handsome. I like how it rides fairly high and very tight to my body. Conceals very well under my "Shoot Me First" vest and my jackets, and more importantly doesn't shift around in my waistband or on my belt. The sturdy and also handsome DOUBLE TAKE mag pouch adds that extra flair, giving you a well thought out and durable/comfortable way to carry that critical spare ammo. Pricing DOWN UNDER: A cool $94.95 for cowhide. Horsehide as shown in this review will be $139.95. DOUBLE TAKE: Cowhide: 54.95 Horsehide: 104.95 With the MLB World Series coming to us at the end of our Summer. Whether you root for the Boston Red Sox, NY Yankees.. or any other team. You can always count on a Home Run, with carry gear from HIGH NOON HOLSTERS! Visit HN's website for more information. www.HighNoonHolsters.com