Questions for the ladies.

[tappedandtagged]

My wife's CHL came in today. So....

What is a good sub $150 purse for carry?

What other carry methods do you use?

Her gun is a 38 J frame with pink houge grips.

 

[Lost Lake]

While I'm not a lady, I have admired the videos done by (forgive me if I get the name wrong) falliaphotography .

You can google her videos, that gal could hide a Howitzer in a cocktail dress. And she does a great job at showing and explaining holsters and carry options for a wide variety of guns.

Great videos for the ladies. I wish there was a guy that was as good showing us men better ways to carry.

 

[Mcwsky09]

You may want to check out. The Well Armed Woman

 

[tac803]

Just a thought, and something that we cover in classes. Women who carry guns in a purse are sometimes at a disadvantage, especially if they are the victim of a purse snatching. Also, women tend to put purses down in restaurants and other social venues, and many times leave them in a group at parties or gatherings. It might not be the best idea to have a gun in something that isn't on your person and secure.

 

[Mcwsky09]

Good point

Just a thought, and something that we cover in classes. Women who carry guns in a purse are sometimes at a disadvantage, especially if they are the victim of a purse snatching. Also, women tend to put purses down in restaurants and other social venues, and many times leave them in a group at parties or gatherings. It might not be the best idea to have a gun in something that isn't on your person and secure.

My wife lost a purse not long ago. Not many guns would have fit in that particular one though it was only big enough for a cell phone and a few credit cards. Fortunately her cell phone was not in it. Or maybe if it had been I would have been able to track it down (assuming she hadn't already run down the battery as she often does).

 

[tappedandtagged]

Lost... I have watched a few of her videos. About my wife's body type too, but my wife is dead set against on-body carry right now. She also feels that if I have my gun, why does she need hers? Cause if I get shot I want you to kill (er... I mean STOP) the b@$73rd that shot me! Thats why!

Anyway. I'm tryin to find her a good purse with a specific carry pouch with a side zipper acess, but everytime I find one that has the features and function it needs, its too "ugly." Arg!

Did I mention I'm going through the same thing with my mother? My dad already carries in a $80 holster I sold to him for a song, so he's covered. Bu these two ladies of mine are frustrating. Oh well, to go drool (er.. I mean Study up) some more over faliaphotography's videos.

 

[BaaBaa]

I have a Gun TOting Mama's purse. May be a bit clunky. I haven't carried with it yet, I rarely carry a purse at all, instead use a belt pouch for my cell phone, wallet etc. but it seemed the best and I wanted an option of a purse carry in case I need it in future.

I've elected to go with on-body carry myself and am trying to find a holster that fits and proper concealment garments.

The video's mentioned above are good starts. Also check out the Cornered Cat for info.

 

[shouldazagged]

A CCW instructor asked a woman friend of mine a very important question: "Will you have your purse in your hand or on your shoulder all the time?" I'm equally dubious about carrying in a fanny pack, even one made for the job. The strap can be cut; or if it has a steel cable inside like some of the carry-purse shoulder straps, a woman can be hurt pretty badly if a strong assailant tries to tear it away.

Seems too easy to me for someone to make off with both an expensive purse and a damn nice liittle handgun, possibly injuring the owner in the process. I've always felt that a concealed weapon should be on one's body all the time.

On the other hand, I know how difficult it is for a man to stand much chance in this kind of argument.

 

[Buttercup]

I personally didn't want a clunky ugly conceal carry purse either. I ended up having to open up the pocket book and go for the coronado leather to get a smaller more elegant purse that I could use everyday but would still be nice enough to go to dinner and enjoy the finer things in life.

 

[MichiganScott]

I have a Gun TOting Mama's purse. May be a bit clunky. I haven't carried with it yet, I rarely carry a purse at all, instead use a belt pouch for my cell phone, wallet etc. but it seemed the best and I wanted an option of a purse carry in case I need it in future.

I've elected to go with on-body carry myself and am trying to find a holster that fits and proper concealment garments.

The video's mentioned above are good starts. Also check out the Cornered Cat for info.

The Gun Toting Mama's purse has a steel cable in the strap that prevents the criminal from slashing it off your shoulder. They have several models with features not available elsewhere, including one that can be adapted for draw from either end or the top center instead of only the ends.

Roma Gun Bags (use Google) make several models. She should practice drawing an unloaded gun until it's second nature before she carries with you observing to see if she has good muzzle control. Only then should she do live fire exercises. She should continue range work until she feels confident. It will still be a slow draw.

The purse needs to be made of heavy, stiff leather. The soft ones are worthless. The zipper on all of them need a large fob of some sort so they can be grabbed and opened without fumbling. Most of the zippers are lockable. The lock is most useful in social situations when young children may be around and the purse left someplace away from the owner. Personally, locking it the car trunk is a better idea.

Carrying in a purse will be a totally new experience with a different set of problems as opposed to a belt holster. Sometimes because of professional dress, it is necessary to carry off-body unless you (she) wants to settle for a mousegun. Because I usually wear a tie and shirt with no jacket, I end up carrying a 642 in a pocket holster. That does not mean that I wouldn't prefer to carry a cocked and locked .45, but that's not an option.

 

[MichiganScott]

A CCW instructor asked a woman friend of mine a very important question: "Will you have your purse in your hand or on your shoulder all the time?" I'm equally dubious about carrying in a fanny pack, even one made for the job. The strap can be cut; or if it has a steel cable inside like some of the carry-purse shoulder straps, a woman can be hurt pretty badly if a strong assailant tries to tear it away.

Seems too easy to me for someone to make off with both an expensive purse and a damn nice liittle handgun, possibly injuring the owner in the process. I've always felt that a concealed weapon should be on one's body all the time.

On the other hand, I know how difficult it is for a man to stand much chance in this kind of argument.

The steel cable will give any woman with minimal self defense training the ability to retain the purse. Remember that criminals do not expect the victim to fight back.

A course in unarmed self defense should be integral with the decision to carry for anyone, male or female. Even a 6-3 240 lb. male may find himself in a situation where he has to fight off an attacker until he can access the firearm. Situational awareness is basic for self defense, but we all get complacent.

 

[shouldazagged]

A course in unarmed self defense should be integral with the decision to carry for anyone, male or female.

The key words there are "should be". Unfortunately it's very rarely the case.

 

[grampa p]

My missus carries a S&W 9C iwb with a Theis holster. She is uncomfortable with off the body carry in a bag or backpack, etc. as it may be taken or stolen and then what????????????????? SHTF you need to have it on you and not be fumbling around. Have you take a concealed carry class? Perhaps after some training she would be more comfortable with holsters.

 

[azsun3]

Maybe I'm doing things wrong but I buy purses that are not "designed carry purses". In fact some of mine are Coach or other brand name bags. I try to pick a purse that is divided into different pockets. Normally the pocket with a magnetic snap is the one I keep my gun in. That is the only thing that goes into that pocket. I use the other pockets for my wallet and other stuff I throw into my purse.
I also carry my purse on my left shoulder and choose a purse that I can draw easily with my right hand like its a holster. If I'm in a situation I don't feel comfortable in, my right arm is across me with my hand on the grip. I just look like I'm cold or holding my purse with two hands. I never liked the carry bags and hated the idea of fighting with a zipper! I never leave my purse with my gun unattended. I also carry a holster in my purse or car in case I have to carry it on me depending on where I'm going. I also leave a sweater or jacket in the car if I need it for concealment. Maybe its not the best advise, but I feel comfortable with it.

 

[Ritzy37]

I have a .357 Snub nose and it is a great fit, seeing as she has her CHL she can also look at a 38 Special. My mother in law carries that.

 

[kaaskop49]

azsun3: You write 'Maybe I'm doing things wrong...' Maybe you are (I don't think so) but at the very least you seem to have a solid plan for concealed carry and for dealing with possible eventualities. You also seem to be alert at all times, saying you can cross your right hand over to your bag if there is a hint of a threat. Things can work if we're willing to make them work. Also, to borrow from and modify the old chestnut:

A ton of prevention is worth an ounce of cure.

Stay safe!