Purse carry

[Glock Girl in CA]

I've recently had a change of opinion on purse carry, and I wanted to share it here. Let me preface this by saying if you are a male and reading this, this isn't an invitation to opine about the evils of off-body carry. I love you, guys, and I'm so grateful for you, but it isn't your business how we carry, so please sit this one out.

My CCW should arrive soon,and I've been experimenting with all manner of outfits. IWB/OWB primarily. I've started to purchase clothing that is only good for concealing my gun. I've had some success, but I've had some frustrations, too. It is HOT here in the summer, and clothing is thin and small in that season. I love a feminine, breezy summer dress. When wearing such clothing, options are limited for carrying my firearm. I know I would rather leave my gun in the safe then walk around with a thigh holster squeezing my thigh, or a gun dangling from a holster on my bra. No thanks. If you've managed to adapt to that kind of system, good for you! For the rest of us, maybe we SHOULD give purse carry a thought.

I am a total guard dog over my purse. I wear mine cross body, never, ever set it down (due to dislike of purse set on germy surfaces and a healthy fear of theft) and I always have it with me. I can get to the gun extremely easily, though God forbid I should need it. There are times purse carry just makes sense to me. Like when I go to try on clothes in the dressing room, for instance. I'd not like to unholster or set a gun down in a dressing room. Better to be holstered in a gun purse. Since I'm a responsible woman, I feel purse carry is a very good option for me.

I didn't always think so. I used to listen to people opining on the irresponsibility, railing against the danger. One time Mr. Colion Noir (please watch his Youtube videos if you haven't heard of him) said something about CC vs OC that struck a chord - he said we shouldn't judge how other people carry because it divides from within. We have a right to bear arms, period. So when I reconsidered, I decided that for me, personally, it would be a very good option. Better a gun in a cross body purse under my control than one at home locked up in my safe.

The next obstacle was finding an attractive purse. I want to wear beautiful clothes and I want a beautiful bag. I wanted a bag made for firearms. When one Googles, three names seem to pop up: Coranado Leather, Gun-Totin'-Mamas, and Concealed Carrie. I tried a Coronado bag with high hopes and was really disappointed. The "cross body strap" was way too short, and the leather was dull and flat. I sent it back. Gun Toting' Mamas doesn't have the style I'm looking for, but then there was Concealed Carrie. Her inspiration was the fashion stuff of Sex in the City and it culminated into gorgeous bags a woman can be proud to wear. If you haven't seen what she does with pumpkin leather, please check it out!

https://Www.concealedcarrie.com

My plan is still IWB and OWB carry primarily, but I will employ purse carry when needed.

Ladies, what is your experience with carry? Do you employ purse carry when IWB won't do? Or do you adhere strictly to on-body carry? I'm curious about what works for you!

Thanks, GG

[LittleOldLady]

I cannot carry on body due to back problems, I cannot wear belts or tight jeans.

Whatever I carry I must be aware of at all times due to weight issues.
I, also, carry cross body and never set it down anywhere.

Those are nice purses, but way too pricey for a fixed income.

Purse carry is the way for me.

Any option that works I say.

[Jules]

Thank you for the link, those are nice!

I'm going the other way. After years of purse carry, I've decided to start carrying on-body more often. It's a little tricky with a full-size 1911, which is my main carry gun though. I've got one of those tank top holsters coming, and I just bought an Ava from Flashbang holsters. None of the bra holsters looked like they would work with my big gun.

I've also got a smaller gun in jail, a Ruger SP101, to add to my permit to give me more options. Purse carry sure was much simpler than this! I'm not done with it either, just looking for more options, especially in the summer.

[sharxbyte]

hey, I've carried my wife's purse when we're together so that I don't have to carry on body... I'd be carrying the purse anyway...

[Blackhorse2010]

My wife is 4'11", 110 and has a short torso.
She absolutely HATED having to purse carry her FNS-9 while her XD-S was in for recall.
Now that it's back, she happily (and comfortably) carries it every day IWB at 4o'clock without any pinching or binding.

[Glock Girl in CA]

My wife is 4'11", 110 and has a short torso.
She absolutely HATED having to purse carry her FNS-9 while her XD-S was in for recall.
Now that it's back, she happily (and comfortably) carries it every day IWB at 4o'clock without any pinching or binding.

There are leaves on the ground here. Spent too much money at the mall today. Someone's Cocker Spaniel got out. I love red lipstick... What? Isn't this the game we're playing? Posting irrelevant stuff? Did you even read the original post? Hint: soliciting women's personal experiences and exploring purse carry as an alternative option. Not secondhand information that spits at purse carry.

[scarry scarney]

Ok, I'm a guy, but I teach a few classes with ladies in the class. The Concealedcarrie actually look like purses, rather than "GUN!"

Q: Which do you prefer, the side access or top access?

What is it when you are looking for a purse holster, what do you look for. (My wife doesn't want anything to do with carry.)

I purchased a "Concealed Carry - Cross body" (http://www.amazon.com/Concealed-Carr...y+-+Cross+body) to demonstrate in my classes. I tried to find something that didn't scream "gun" for my classes. For top draw, I demo a Messenger bag (http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Arms-...ywords=utg+bag)

Do you look for steel cable in the straps to prevent the straps from being cut? Do you look for long straps to cross the body, or do you like the short strap.

For top carry, are all pistol compartments zipper enclosed, or are there some velcro.

Its not easy for a guy to get answers, without appearing to be gay. Thanks

[Michael_Js]

Ok, I'm a guy, but I teach a few classes with ladies in the class. The Concealedcarrie actually look like purses, rather than "GUN!"

Q: Which do you prefer, the side access or top access?

What is it when you are looking for a purse holster, what do you look for. (My wife doesn't want anything to do with carry.)

I purchased a "Concealed Carry - Cross body" (http://www.amazon.com/Concealed-Carr...y+-+Cross+body) to demonstrate in my classes. I tried to find something that didn't scream "gun" for my classes. For top draw, I demo a Messenger bag (http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Arms-...ywords=utg+bag)

Do you look for steel cable in the straps to prevent the straps from being cut? Do you look for long straps to cross the body, or do you like the short strap.

For top carry, are all pistol compartments zipper enclosed, or are there some velcro.

Its not easy for a guy to get answers, without appearing to be gay. Thanks

That first one, well, IMHO, screams gun! The second one looks like a normal purse and might fit the bill...from a guys viewpoint.

I like this one - which may yell gun, but I don't think screams it: http://www.amazon.com/5-11-PUSH-Pack...PWKGKN07&psc=1

[Glock Girl in CA]

Ok, I'm a guy, but I teach a few classes with ladies in the class. The Concealedcarrie actually look like purses, rather than "GUN!"

Q: Which do you prefer, the side access or top access?

What is it when you are looking for a purse holster, what do you look for. (My wife doesn't want anything to do with carry.)

I purchased a "Concealed Carry - Cross body" (http://www.amazon.com/Concealed-Carr...y+-+Cross+body) to demonstrate in my classes. I tried to find something that didn't scream "gun" for my classes. For top draw, I demo a Messenger bag (http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Arms-...ywords=utg+bag)

Do you look for steel cable in the straps to prevent the straps from being cut? Do you look for long straps to cross the body, or do you like the short strap.

For top carry, are all pistol compartments zipper enclosed, or are there some velcro.

Its not easy for a guy to get answers, without appearing to be gay. Thanks

Hi Scarrey!

A: I honestly don't know which I'd prefer, because all I have is the side access. It works, but it isn't totally easy. I suspect I'd prefer it to have a bigger pouch, and have the gun pointing to the ground in its holster. The Concealed Carrie purses didn't offer a purse that was both cross body and in a style I liked, so I ended up with this one. I just really, really wanted cross body so I'm never tempted to set it down. Also, it's just nice to have both hands free so I can devote them to hanging onto my kiddos.

The velcro holster came with the purse. Regardless of top or side entry, all compartments are separate from the rest of the purse, and one side has Velcro for the holster to attach to it.

I didn't care about steel cable in the strap; I feel it's so unlikely I'd end up in a situation where someone was trying to cut my purse strap. If I do end up being in that minuscule percentile, I guess they can have it.

My main goal was to have an alternative option so that I'd never have to upholster a gun in a dressing room or doctor's office, etc. Many outfits/dresses just won't work with IWB and I am NOT strapping on a thigh holster, thanks! Also, I insist on carrying a beautiful bag

Does that cover it? Thanks for teaching women to protect themselves!
GG

[Wang Lung]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXjZRItvEFg

[movie zombie]

thanks for the link, Wang!

[jeremiah12]

I used to listen to people opining on the irresponsibility, railing against the danger. One time Mr. Colion Noir (please watch his Youtube videos if you haven't heard of him) said something about CC vs OC that struck a chord - he said we shouldn't judge how other people carry because it divides from within. We have a right to bear arms, period. So when I reconsidered, I decided that for me, personally, it would be a very good option. Better a gun in a cross body purse under my control than one at home locked up in my safe.

You bring up many good points. Most importantly, each of us has to do what works best for us individually. One size does not fit all.

I have back issues and other medical issues and the standard on body CC options for guys do not work for me for one reason or another. I carry a pack with me at all times with what I need for any medical issue that comes up so I can live as normal a life as I can. That pack is the perfect place to carry my gun. The flap for easy access to the iPod compartment nows gives easy access to the concealed gun compartment, which is also fully padded. That pack stays as close to me as my wife's purse stays close to her.

I have gotten grief from a couple of the few who know about this because I am doing this all wrong.

OP, your posts as well as others might get the attention of someone to actually make purses and hardbacks that are functional, fashionable, and affordable.

[Gryff]

Guy here...but I've helped my wife on her quest for the perfect LTC purse, and train with the ones she's tried.

First, Galco has some superb-quality stuff. Can't opine about the practicality of the design as a purse since I'm not competent to know what features are good or bad, but their stuff is well-made (although expensive):

https://www.galcogunleather.com/handbags-for-concealed-carry_8_149.html

One thing I will say, though, is that once you purchase your purse, it is critical that you practice with it. Off-body carry is a different beast than holstered carry. Remember that if you are carrying to defend your life, you need to be prepared to access the gun while fight-or-flight adrenaline is surging through you. That means that your accessing the gun needs to be instinctive, which will only happen if you practice, practice, practice...and then practice some more.

Just something to think about.

[Glock Girl in CA]

You bring up many good points. Most importantly, each of us has to do what works best for us individually. One size does not fit all.

I have back issues and other medical issues and the standard on body CC options for guys do not work for me for one reason or another. I carry a pack with me at all times with what I need for any medical issue that comes up so I can live as normal a life as I can. That pack is the perfect place to carry my gun. The flap for easy access to the iPod compartment nows gives easy access to the concealed gun compartment, which is also fully padded. That pack stays as close to me as my wife's purse stays close to her.

I have gotten grief from a couple of the few who know about this because I am doing this all wrong.

OP, your posts as well as others might get the attention of someone to actually make purses and hardbacks that are functional, fashionable, and affordable.

I'm SO glad to hear you found a working system! The only thing harder than being a woman trying to CC successfully off-body is being a MAN trying to do it! Stick to your guns (ha! A pun!) and carry in the way that works for you!
Warmly, GG

[movie zombie]

looking for something else and found this which seems to be appropriate for this thread: