Kathy Jackson
Managing Editor
Concealed Carry Magazine

Sometimes it seems the whole world is full of poorly-made holsters. We've all seen them: loose, floppy things that could never hold a gun securely, let alone remain concealed as you move around. Or poorly constructed work that's guaranteed to fall apart if you actually use it, day in and day out, the way a holster is designed to be used. Or uncomfortable designs apparently constructed solely to make the point that concealed carry is an unpleasant sacrifice one might make under extreme duress, but wouldn't bother with otherwise.

Fortunately, the world is also full of quality workmanship and intelligent designs, if one only knows where to look for them. Take, for example, the Slide Guard holster from High Noon. This high-ride, two-slot, outside the waistband (OWB) holster is designed with plain good sense and created with notable skill.

At first glance, the holster is attractive, with burnished edges, a smooth finish, and that pleasant new-leather smell. The stitching is even, sewn with thick thread in a contrasting color, without stutters or other errors.

The company's web site identifies several different material and finish options for the buyer: cowhide, horsehide, or sharkskin; black, tan, or natural; with or without lining. Obviously the cost of the holster design varies according to the features chosen, but the general price range, with the base cost beginning at $80, is quite acceptable for work produced by a skilled artisan.

Hand-boning—smoothing the leather down securely during the molding stage—produces a sharp, beautiful outline of the firearm, and holds the gun very securely in place inside the holster.

The "slide guard" that gives the product its name is highly recommended, especially for those who carry in warm climates without a cushioning undergarment. This piece of leather protects the skin from any sharp protrusions on the gun, and also protects the firearm from sweat that may cause rust. Because the leather is stiff enough to do the task properly, the rounded edges of the slide guard conform nicely to the firearm rather than flapping uncomfortably to one side or doubling over at the top.

As with all quality leather holsters, we'll expect this one to hold the gun very securely at first and then gradually loosen to the optimal tension as the product wears in. (And that's what we found on the range; the initial fit is very snug.) For this reason, the tension screw is probably unnecessary, as a well made holster simply will not loosen to the point where such a feature becomes necessary for security. A quality leather holster will come very snug from the shop, and gradually loosen up with use to provide a smooth draw alongside a secure fit. But for the impatient, it may be a comfort to know that one may loosen the tension screw during the holster's normal break-in period, and then tighten it later as the holster wears in.

An open muzzle design prevents moisture or debris from accumulating in the bottom of the pouch to cause problems, and allows the holster to be somewhat shorter than it otherwise would be. As someone who holds to the minimalist view of concealment holster design ("Less is better, as long as it works"), I believe this is an important factor.