Where Does A Women Conceal Her Gun?

Question

I am a 20 year old female getting a gun for my 21st Birthday. I am hoping to get a small revolver or a small automatic gun. I am taking my firearms classes this summer and going to get it legally, don't worry.

I wanted to get a females opinion on where it is best to carry it on yourself, i.e. do you keep it in your purse, pocket, holster? Wondering where it is most effective! Thanks!

Answer 1

i am not female, but congrats to you, have you noticed the ones who object have no return e-mail address. maybe some day , you can save the anti gun lady below when she is about to be raped and robbed. good luck,

Answer 2

Many women carry in thier purse but I don't like off body carry. A purse snatcher can easily end up with it. Also the purse in some instances can be out of a woman's control and immediate reach. But it still may be the best option for some women in many instances.

Women are built different than men and only recently have holster manufacutres started tayloring holsters to women's bodies. Strong side hip holsters are the most common mode of carry but your "standard" holster of that type tends to angle out on a female. The newer holsters designed for women are better suited to a woman's angles and they do allow for easier concealment.

I will warn you that carrying every day is a royal pain in the neck. You will most likely have to change your nomral wardrobe some what and even a small pistol will get heavy, and bite into you and if you are on your feet all day you will feel it. If you decide to go with a holster instead of a purse to carry you will most likely end up with several holsters before you will find one you can live with.

Going armed is a huge responsibility. Take your classes seriously and make sure you have a full understanding of the law. The basic classes designed to meet the states requirements for a concealed carry permit may teach you how to handle the pistol safely and to understand the legal ramifications of using it, but they normally don't do much to teach you tactics, how to properly retreat or what to do in the aftermath of a shooting. If possible enrole with a professional instructor for a longer course.

And practice, practice, practice.

From some of the other respondents here, it is clear that they don't take personal responsibility for thier own safety if they think going armed is foolish. It makes about as much sense as going on a road trip without a spare time. You hope you don't need but sure are glad you have it if you do.

Answer 3

I am not a woman either and normally I leave these things alone... But a thigh holster?.. What is that from james bond? Women are shaped differently then men for instance they have smaller torsos. If you have somewhat large chest a good place would be a cross draw inside the waist holster. They make "holsters" which basically cover the trigger guard and protect the muzzle for purses and pockets. Never carry without a holster that covers the trigger guard.

Unfortunately you might have to try a couple of holsters before you find the right one but don't bother with a thigh holster. I found that if I carry in front of the hip bone using a holster with a slight cant and un-tuck my shirt that I am comfortable and the gun is concealed but I am not a woman.

Answer 4

My first wife carried her gun in her purse (a Bersa .380 auto). I always considered that a poor choice; if the purse is grabbed, then your gun is gone. My second wife carried hers in a cross draw holster on her hip (a Ruger SP-101, .357 mag). She traveled a lot and this was a comfortable and accessible place to carry while in a vehicle. She simply wore a long sweater or coat to cover the gun. This was a good option for her. My current wife carries her gun (a S&W mdl 640, .38spl) two different ways. One is a behind the hip belt holster and the other is a shoulder holster. She also uses a pocket holster as well. She is actually starting to use the pocket holster more and more. The shoulder holster gets used when we are out hiking and doing outdoorsy stuff. The pocket holster gets used for going around town chores, she simply puts the gun and holster in a jacket pocket.

I always found the gun choice of these three women interesting. The second wife was 5'1" but carried the most powerful gun and is the only one of the three that ever used it.

Each wife selected their carry option based on their activities.

The suggestion that you carry in a thigh holster is pretty silly. That forces you to wear a loose dress or skirt all the time. And it is a pretty good give away when you whip your dress up to get at your gun.

One option you might consider is a "Thunder Wear" holster (hey, I didn't pick the name) This carry option is a nylon holster that fits around the waist and positions the holster in front of the body, just under the belt line. To draw you basicly stuff your hand down the front of your pants/skirt to get to the gun. It does take some practice to position the gun comfortably.

Answer 5

Your self defense class usually tells you to carry your gun at the hip with a badge(conceal carry) under your shirt or jacket, you don't want to flash a gun around because an innocent person will take it the wrong way and take your gun thinking your a criminal.

I advise you to take a class with an instructor that teaches about conceal carry, not just shooting the gun, there is a certain way to take your gun out of your holster and return it and to protect your gun from being taken.

You don't wear your gun on your thigh because you will be putting attention on yourself and that position is not a quick reaction position for a civilian. You carry conceal you wear conceal, not be like a cowboy.

You either carry and leave in your car or buy an ankle holster or a purse holster but beware about that if a cop pulls you over.

Answer 6

The purse would seem a good option, because its probably the most easy and comfortable way to carry. The only disadvantage women aren't always within arm's reach of their purses. Still, it's the only way to avoid "dressing around" your gun.

So onto body carry: unless you're always wearing skirts and dresses, you can't really use the thigh holster. It won't work with pants, obviously, unless you're wearing baggy rapper pants and my guess is that you don't wear those. The thunderwear idea sounds like a good idea, but you might get odd looks as woman if you have a bulge in your crotch area. (You would get a confused look from me, anyhow.) This option probably works better for a man.

Ankle holster is a good idea if you have a small enough gun, and your pants are long and loose enough, and still cover your ankles when you sit down.

Inside-the-belt holsters are a good option if you often wear long untucked shirts or jackets, and if you typically wear jackets, then you can get away with a shoulder holster, my favorite.

The in-the-pocket holster only works if you have pockets, and large ones at that. I've noticed a lot of womens' clothing doesn't meet that criteria. There's the small of back rig, which is comfortable until you bend over and it prints against your pants and shirt (so you need to squat down instead of bending over to pick up something to avoid this).

I have seen some inside-the-bra rigs, which don't look comfortable but I'll never know for sure on that one.

And then there's the notorius fanny-pack carry site. As a woman, you can probably get away with this one, but usually a man wearing a large fanny pack might as well wear a bright orange T-shirt saying "Hey look I'm carrying a gun!"

So as I stated before, all the carry methods have their pros and cons (carrying concealed isn't easy!) But purse carry is probably the easiest in the long run (no risk of printing!)

Answer 7

If you like revolvers, I would recommend a EAA Windicator 2 (two inch barrel). It takes a .357 magnum, or, if recoil is an issue, it also takes .38 special. Less stopping power, but still more than enough. It holds 6 rounds, and is about as concealable as a revolver can get. I prefer semi-automatics, as they are slimmer, and usually hold more rounds. I love my Bersa Thunder .380acp. It came with a 7 rounds mag, but you can get 8, or 9. It's reliable, accurate, cheap, and low recoil. The only problem is that ammo can be a little bit hard to find, as it's such a popular round. Women love this round, because it's low recoil, but has enough power. I bought this gun for the same reasons(only I'm not a woman, just a guy who likes low recoil guns). My Dad carries a Walther p22, and a 22lr is a little small. But don't let that fool you. The 22lr bullet has the highest death toll of any bullet IN THE WORLD! It's about $0.05 per bullet, and extremely low recoil. another great choice for women, or men who don't like recoil.

Answer 8

For CCW most use a inside the waist holster. Holsters can also be purchased that look like handbags, purses. Ankle holsters are an option as well. Some smaller handguns can be carried in a front pocket as well.
A gun serves no purpose if you can't reach it. So a waistband rig is typically the best option for most.

Answer 9

My wife uses a specially made purse with a small compartment accessible from the front of the bag with a velcro closure. Inside the compartment is a built - in leather holster that perfectly fits her Smith and Wesson model 60. The purse is a shoulder carry type.

Answer 10

Specialized handbag/purses with concealed holsters are your best bet. They are avalible in as many styles as regular purses and are designed to present the gun easily and quickly if needed.
Search for purse holsters on the net.

Answer 11

most women i know who carry a gun(1 or 2) carry them in their purse. the thigh holster is quite a bit more fashionable though.