Conceal carry in my purse?

[missXmay]

I'm new to this site and have been searching for the answer to this question for weeks. I live in Washington state and I'm thinking about getting my license but I've heard mixed things about being able to carry in my purse or handbag. I'm not a small woman so concealing in a side holster isn't exactly an option but I live in a somewhat sketchy neighborhood with my young child and don't feel very safe going to and from work. Any info is appreciated

 

[Glock Fan]

For various reasons, men as well as women should carry on your person whenever possible. There are numerous styles of holsters available. Do some research to find an option that works for you. Purse carry should be a LAST resort.


gf

 

[astute]

I would highly recommend reading the writings of Kathy Jackson

Cornered Cat

She has many good thoughts for women and firearms. Then make up your own mind and whatever you decide will be right. There are advantages and disadvantages to purse carry. If you ask 100 people you could get 100 different answers. Ultimately only you can decide what's best.leasantry:

 

[kwnzqs]

I agree. Kathy Jackson's site Cornered Cat, is excellent for women. I am a small-frame female and have tried every holster and clothing available for concealment for my Glock 17 - just doesn't work for me. I have a concealed carry purse with a cross body strap. It has a zippered compartment in the back for the weapon with a built-in holster. This is the only thing that works for me. Did purchase from Coronado Leather. They can be pricey, but well worth it if you're going to carry.

 

[Glock Fan]

I agree. Kathy Jackson's site Cornered Cat, is excellent for women. I am a small-frame female and have tried every holster and clothing available for concealment for my Glock 17 - just doesn't work for me. I have a concealed carry purse with a cross body strap. It has a zippered compartment in the back for the weapon with a built-in holster. This is the only thing that works for me. Did purchase from Coronado Leather. They can be pricey, but well worth it if you're going to carry.

Concealing a Glock 17 would be challenging considering that it's a full sized pistol. It is commonly carried by LE as a duty gun. For CC, a Glock 19 might be a better option.

Be careful that you don't forget your purse anywhere or place it on the chair across from you while eating at the local fast food joint. I've seen both scenarios with a purse carried firearm. Don't want you to be one of them.


gf

 

[HK4U]

My wife and daughter both do the purse carry thing. Neither is about to carry in a regular holster. If you do go the purse route be sure and get one with a dedicated pocket for a gun. There are a number of quilty purses made to carry a firearm including Coranado Leather and Galco. The last thing you want is your gun all mixed up in your purse with a bunch of other stuff.

 

[Glock Fan]

My wife and daughter both do the purse carry thing. Neither is about to carry in a regular holster. If you do go the purse route be sure and get one with a dedicated pocket for a gun. There are a number of quilty purses made to carry a firearm including Coranado Leather and Galco. The last thing you want is your gun all mixed up in your purse with a bunch of other stuff.

+1 Be sure that the trigger and trigger guard are protected. Having an item in your purse snag on the trigger could result in a ND with serious consequences.



gf

 

[OngoingFreedom]

My wife is the same way. Does not want to body carry, so she got a dedicated purse for her Glock 27.

 

[tcox4freedom]

My wife and I aren't really proponents of carrying any types of bags; purses or fanny packs. Although we've seen that most women like carrying a purse, we encourage them to carry on their person because it is the "safest" place one can carry.

Purses and other bags are magnets for thieves; and if your purse gets stolen so does your gun. (NOT a good thing) After learning more advanced safety and security techniques my wife does NOT carry a purse ever!

I don't know how large you are; but it really doesn't matter. (My wife is not a small woman either.)

There are a vast array of "body" carry products and techniques out there. I feel sure a little more research will help you find something better than "purse" carry. However IF you are "dead" set on purse carry, buy a good purse that is specifically designed to carry a firearm.

Good Luck!

 

[kwnzqs]

Concealing a Glock 17 would be challenging considering that it's a full sized pistol. It is commonly carried by LE as a duty gun. For CC, a Glock 19 might be a better option.

Be careful that you don't forget your purse anywhere or place it on the chair across from you while eating at the local fast food joint. I've seen both scenarios with a purse carried firearm. Don't want you to be one of them.


gf

Thanks Glock Fan - I do have a smaller 9mm (Ruger SR-9C) but have the same trouble concealing it in a holster, especially now that the weather is getting warmer. I keep the purse in my lap with the strap around my wrist while eating out, but you are so right; this can be a drawback of a CC purse. I have looked at the CrossBreed Super Tuck deluxe holster on their website, but not sure if it would work for a woman. Any insight into this for me?

 

[Glock Fan]

Thanks Glock Fan - I do have a smaller 9mm (Ruger SR-9C) but have the same trouble concealing it in a holster, especially now that the weather is getting warmer. I keep the purse in my lap with the strap around my wrist while eating out, but you are so right; this can be a drawback of a CC purse. I have looked at the CrossBreed Super Tuck deluxe holster on their website, but not sure if it would work for a woman. Any insight into this for me?

My recommendation would be to experiment with various carry methods. If you check out holsters in a gun store, use a "blue gun" whenever possible to minimize the risk of a ND. If you do need to handle your CC gun to see if it fits properly in a holster, be sure to maintain a safe direction while properly clearing your firearm. Be sure that the magazine and ammunition do not go back into the gun until you're don checking out holsters. If possible, you should leave the ammo and magazine at home when holster shopping for your primary CC gun.

I know of a couple of women who use Crossbreed holsters. There are a few of them that I know of that use off the shelf Galco holsters. If you know of any female police officers, you could check with them to see if they're willing to share their preferred carry methods.

Kathy Jackson's "Cornered Cat" website has a lot of useful information. Good luck!




gf

 

[Marissa]

Thanks Glock Fan - I do have a smaller 9mm (Ruger SR-9C) but have the same trouble concealing it in a holster, especially now that the weather is getting warmer. I keep the purse in my lap with the strap around my wrist while eating out, but you are so right; this can be a drawback of a CC purse. I have looked at the CrossBreed Super Tuck deluxe holster on their website, but not sure if it would work for a woman. Any insight into this for me?

This is off topic, and I'm sorry, but I was looking at an SR9 as a carry weapon. What are your thoughts on yours? Do you like it as a carry? I have not been able to handle one yet but I do like what I see on visual inspection and in the specs.

Also, some of the trigger actions on certain SR9s were recalled. I'd make sure yours isn't one of them.

 

[missXmay]

I'm not dead set on carrying in my purse. Just exploring my options. I have a Taurus 24/7 9mm so it's just bulky with the side holster I've tried. I'll defintely check into other methods. Especially since I'd never thought about having my purse stolen. I'm also thinking somethings smaller like a Ruger LCP. Anyone have any suggestions on something smaller that can be concealed better?

 

[Glock Fan]

I'm not dead set on carrying in my purse. Just exploring my options. I have a Taurus 24/7 9mm so it's just bulky with the side holster I've tried. I'll defintely check into other methods. Especially since I'd never thought about having my purse stolen. I'm also thinking somethings smaller like a Ruger LCP. Anyone have any suggestions on something smaller that can be concealed better?

Semi-auto or revolver? What caliber? Any particular price range?



gf

 

[6shootercarry]

Purse is OK. On person is better. A purse snatcher if successful, will have a new toy...:fie:

Make sure if you do purse carry, use a holster that can be secured in the bag or a dedicated bag for handgun carry that will cover the "bang button". :yes4:

Peace...

 

[MaBarker8]

I don't purse carry. I will use a fanny pack but that is as close to "purse" as I will get. Like my gun on my body cause if your purse gets snatched, there goes your protection. There are a lot of small guns out there that can be carried on your person and I like the IWB style of carry. There is also the belly band and the smart carry. I had to kinda change my style of dress when I got my CHL but not drastically. I have on order a IWB tuckable cause summer is coming up and is harder to conceal in summer clothing. Have a feeling my belly band and smart carry will be getting a lot more use soon.

 

[P220]

MissXMay

If you happened to live anywhere near Tacoma. Mary's Pistols should have some concealed carry purses. Last time my wife and I were in there, they had 4 different styles. They run a bit more than a typical purse, though you have easy side access.

Mary and her staff are very kind and knowledgable. They have descent prices on their weapons too. If you haven't decided what type of gun you want, I would recommend renting and shooting some first.Marys Pistols is Tacoma Washington's Premiere Source for Handguns Rifles and Accessories

My moms friend has carried in a CC Purse for over thirty years. With some dry practice using it, you will be fine.Good Luck and Stay Safe.

 

[Running Arrow Bill]

Purse Carry

Women have a lot of options, depending on their attire, for concealed carry. IMO, any form of carry should include a QUALITY holster or purse with a dedicated handgun compartment. The other "requirement" should be to easily access the handgun without going thru a lot of compartments or zippers to find it. It should be easy to pull out and aim in 5 seconds or less. As a male, I personally use the DeSantis holsters for my .40 and 9mm. Both are quality and really snug fit for on the belt carry.

 

[Jay]

If you ladies decide to purse carry.... remember that you can shoot through the purse...you do not always need to draw the firearm.

 

[Running Arrow Bill]

Shooting Thru Purse

If you ladies decide to purse carry.... remember that you can shoot through the purse...you do not always need to draw the firearm.

Probably be ok when using a revolver. Not sure I'd want to do it with a SA due to ejection issues which might cause the SA to jam if another shot needed...