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Ladies’ Concealed Carry: Purse Carry

Ladies' Concealed Carry: Purse Carry - TheArmsGuide.com

July 11, 2016 by Kevin 2 Comments

One concealed carry option available to women is carrying in one’s purse (I suppose it’s also an option for those trendy “man purses,” if you’re fashion forward enough to sport one…). For ladies like my mother, who can’t imagine going anywhere without one of their helpful handbags glued to their side, purse carry could be an attractive solution. However, there are drawbacks associated to this style of carry that aren’t an issue for on-the-body carry methods.

Pros:

Ladies' Concealed Carry: Purse Carry - TheArmsGuide.com
If you have a spare $4k, you can [almost] buy this bag (shown with Beretta Nano). Image courtesy of designerconcealedcarry.com
The myriad of different options can comfortably facilitate carrying a range of pistol sizes – even full size double stacks. There are already several companies that produce concealed carry handbagsamazon ranging from affordable unassuming shoulder bags to designer genuine exotic animal skin purses (with matching “exotic” price tags). These kinds of purses feature holster pouches that are separate from the rest of the purse, both as an additional measure of concealment, and as a measure of protection from negligent discharge. Concealed carrying with a purse provides an inconspicuous carry option for ladies regardless of style of dress.

Cons:

Thieves with an interest in purloining your [potentially expensive] handbag would not only find themselves with whatever belongings and money you were toting, but also a several hundred dollar bonus item: your gun. However, there are some concealed carry bags that attempt to mitigate that risk by utilizing a strap that fits around the body (instead of just on the shoulder). Although, there is still an argument that drawing from a purse is not as speedy as the draw from an on-body holster, such as an in-the-waistband (IWB)amazon or over-the-waistband (OWB)amazon holster.

Final Thoughts

Personally, although I am a female, I do not prefer the purse concealed carry method. For one thing, I don’t always have a handbag on my person. And, when I do, it’s either a backpack-style purse or a minuscule wallet-sized optionamazon (less than ideal choices for CCW). However, I know women who seem to be surgically attached to their purses, and who fit about half their worldly possessions within them. If these ladies don’t feel comfortable carrying in any other fashion, or it isn’t feasible to carry in any other manner (e.g., work wardrobe makes on-person carry unfeasible), perhaps purse carry is a reasonable option. What are your thoughts on the purse carry method?

Filed Under: Concealed Carry Tagged With: carry, CCW, concealed, defense, handbag, handgun, ladies, pistol, purse, self

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About the Author

Avatar for Kevin

Kevin Kevin is an avid hunter and military history enthusiast. He participates in WWII reenactments every year and boasts a large antique firearms collection. The Winchester 1873 and Colt M1911 are two of his favorites. Kevin enjoys researching the best products on the market to keep The Arms Guide reader up to date and informed.

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Comments

  1. Avatar for Kevinauthentic designer bags says

    March 29, 2013 at 12:47 am

    I like the purse, the design is so good . but i didnt use purse to carry guns. Else i choose it for the style and for design. moreover it hold my all beauty products:)

    Reply
  2. Avatar for KevinMylesCirillo says

    August 25, 2013 at 5:34 pm

    Ullr  I have heard that while walking or “shopping” with said purse that a woman keeps her hand “in the pocket” That doesn’t sound reasonable to me, but that’s what I have heard from a friend that does carry that way when nothing else works.

    Reply

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