The Guide to Concealed Carry in a Purse

One of the most popular suggestions for women who are concerned about concealing and carrying a gun is to “just stick it in a purse.”

It's an attractive idea. No need to adjust clothing choices. No need to change habits. Just dump a gun in a bag and go.

Right?

It’s not quite that easy.

3 Key Considerations for Purse Carry:

1. a purse that can safely and effectively carry and secure a gun
2. that also lets you get your gun out of quickly when there’s a need
3. need to know how to carry the purse properly

Choosing a Method of Carrying Your Gun:

Those who have been carrying a concealed handgun for years may have found their preferred way of carrying their gun. But getting to that point involves much trial and error. Ask anyone who has established a pattern of carrying and they will likely tell you that they did not get there overnight. 

Changes in holsters, guns, and perhaps clothing are all part of the process of figuring out the best way to carry your gun concealed.

However often overlooked, is the process of pressure testing your gear. What I mean is using the gear for its intended purpose and seeing if it holds up to real-life use.

This is something that is important and can expose monumental problems.

Consider these examples:

You carry your handgun in a purse because it is comfortable. But when you try to draw the gun, it takes an exceptionally long time. The problem is obvious.

I have also seen the holster stay on the gun during the draw. Yes, the holster comes off the belt. This keeps the person from being able to use it.  Problem? Definitely. The belt, holster, clip, or perhaps all three need to go.

I say all this to emphasize the importance of practice and not just trying to find “the most comfortable way” of carrying.

Each Method of Carrying Has Advantages and Disadvantages:

As already mentioned, determining which method of carrying your firearm suits you best is a process. With this in mind, part of your decision-making process should include considering the advantages and disadvantages of various methods.

In this video, I show you some of the things you should consider before stashing a gun in a purse and calling it a day.

As you watch, some of the things, pay attention to:

• The steps you need to take to properly secure your gun inside your purse
• How much effort and time is required to draw a gun from a purse
• Answers to common advice suggesting that you simply shoot through the purse

The Purses I Use in The Video

You might notice that I have a number of different purses and other products that I’m using throughout the video. Galco Gunleather graciously donated a number of their concealed carry handbags for me to use. Moreover, they knew I would be shooting some of them up. How awesome is that?

I received the Vertx EDC Satchel as a giveaway several years ago, together with some of their Tactigami gear including their adjustable MPH holster. They’re just some of the purpose-made options available that can make purse carry a little more likely to be successful.

My Opinion On Purse Carry:

Now, this is one woman's opinion on carrying a handgun in a purse. I do happen to have a lot of experience in carrying firearms concealed. However, that isn't to say my life is exactly like yours. To put it another way, my reasoning is not based on hearsay but much trial and error.

I find that the downsides and hassles of purse carry outweigh the benefits.

Now that we got that out of the way here is why:

I believe it’s a flawed solution to carrying more comfortably. However, if it’s literally the only one that you can make work, let's do it the best way we can. With understanding, there are ways to work around some of the issues.

Workarounds for Concealed Carry Purse Carry:

• Be mindful of where the muzzle of any un-holstered gun is pointed.
• Protect the gun inside the purse and make sure the trigger guard is fully protected but without making it impossible to draw the gun.
  • With devices like the Galco CarrySafe, you may find it better to find a way to more permanently secure it inside the purse than the provided clip.
• Consider how you will access the gun, and whether you can keep it in a predictable position.
• Don’t rely on untested strategies like shooting through a purse.
  • You may not be able to appropriately aim the gun.
  • The contents of your purse may deflect rounds, sending them in unpredictable directions.
  • It may be better to get a grip on your gun and allow the purse to be taken away from you rather than fight to retain the purse with the gun in it.

Describing Purse Carry in This Video:

For more, check out Kathy Jackson (The Cornered Cat) and the work she has done for female concealed carriers. Similarly, Melody Lauer (also known as Limatunes) and my own work (Beauty Behind the Blast).

Here is one product we sell at Concealed Carry that some folks have found success with.

Then come back and tell us what you’ve decided about purse carry – is it worth it for you? If so, how do you make it work?