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Kev Reeves : Bare Asset and Topless Review

CZ Forum
November  2009

Hello LCR fans, and fans of High Noon Holsters.

While this isn't my first review of a HN product for a Ruger revolver, I have to say that a few things have changed at Ruger since my last SP-01 and the review of the HN Speedy Spanky paddle. However, nothing has changed at High Noon, they are still very dedicated to the crafting
of fine holsters and other leather gear and as usual have added a few new models along the way.

The new LCR is a lot lighter than the SP series, and that is good news for people
like myself  who have found the stainless steel guns just too heavy to carry.

Due to my Fibromyalgia that is progressive, and the fact that I wore a heavy police
duty belt for almost 20 years, I find that because of constant back pain I can no longer carry any gun that weighs more than say 20 ounces (loaded) all day long.

Enter the Light Compact Revolver from Ruger! The new LCR. Luckily, my new LCR has been a joy to carry as I really don't even notice it. Even though it is only a five- shot .38+P revolver, it's much lighter than my 9mm RAMI.

After not being able to find much in the way of good LCR holsters on the market, I settled on a cheap IWB until a better solution was available. Thankfully a couple weeks ago, Michael and the crew at HIGH NOON sent me two LCR holsters for review.

First up, let's look at the Bare Asset. The Bare Asset is constructed of a super thin yet very stiff cowhide. It's the same type of holster that I've used for a J-frame a few years ago. Black in color with black stitching and of the IWB (Inside the waist-band) flavor. This holster features a tension screw for adjustment of the draw and a super extreme duty all steel clip. The clip is a reverse J hook that is not coming off when you draw the gun, no matter what.

I don't really like IWB holsters much, but know that many of you do. I tend to use IWBs in a modified form, that is in between my belt and pants. Not so great looking but ideally- the gun should remain concealed.

Like most holsters in High Noon's extensive line that all use a tension screw, this HIGH NOON IWB proved both comfortable and secure. Some people might have issues with a holster that features a belt clip, but I've found the HN clip to be quite effective. Once it is set on your belt, it is quite hard to remove by draw or accident.

 

The clip is attached to the body of the holster by a single rivet and strong and clean stitching that further enhances this holster. Even though the selling price is only $24.95 (stocking item)

, it seems to be worth 3 times as much as some of the poor excuses for holsters that one sees online and in Gun Shops/Shows.

My LCR looks quite at home in the Bare Asset when combined with my HN Second Skin belt.
Even though my gun has the Crimson Trace laser grip installed, and it could probably sit a bit
deeper if used with the stock LCR grips, the revolver was able to seat with satisfaction into the holster. The holster does close once the gun is out, but that isn't really an issue in my book, because the design intention of the holster was to be as thin and comfortable as possible. The holster achieves this in a BIG way.  Other holster models in the High Noon lineup offer a reinforced mouth, but the leather is much thicker to support those features. I think the Bare Asset could be a BEST BUY holster for any gun, and will serve your LCR,  IWB needs very well.

The second holster sent to me is quite different then the Bare Asset,  the TOPLESS model belt holster.

This one is in tan cowhide with the signature golden thread as referred to by other reviewers in the past.
 It is strong and even, a hallmark of High Noon's craftsmanship. Some people would call this holster a Pancake, while others might think it a Belt Slide. By any name, it seems to be quite beautiful to me as well as extremely functional.

The LCR slides in smoothly and stays put until a positive draw stroke is used. Hand boning gives the holster a unique outline that shows the graceful lines of the LCR and the holster itself. There is an open muzzle to drain debris and dust, and the Topless model also features an adjustable tension screw, but I have had no use for such to date.

The belt loops are optimal for a 1-1/2 inch belt like my HN Rock Solid belt in natural horsehide, but my 1 ¾ belt worked fine, too.
 
This holster puts the gun at perfect angle for me to draw from. I like the snubby to be in the hollow of my back or a bit more behind my back which this holster does . The mouth on this holster does remain open after the draw and a quick and smooth reholster is possible.

Frankly, everything about this holster screams Quality- and a promise of years of service.
At nearly $90 for the Topless,  the price isn't cheap, but no quality cowhide (or horsehide) holster is these days. Hand crafted, boned fit, it is secure and comfortable.
 

This High Noon product has a lot to offer for the LCR owner or other person looking for great gun leather. Take a look at my other HN holster reviews at the CZ-ZONE ( www.cz-zone.com)

Or visit High Noon, today!  (www.highnoonholsters.com)