I’m a big proponent of women carrying concealed. I provided some informal instruction and can take credit for getting about a dozen teachers that my wife worked with their CHL in Texas.
I’m still Active Duty and my wife and I are both much more comforted when she has a firearm for carrying concealed and at home, especially when I'm on extended deployments. My wife has really turned into an avid shooter and is starting to look at bigger bore pistols. She has been researching concealed carry holsters/systems and is actually going to make a more secure elastic version of the “bra” holsters. It doesn’t allow you fast access, but is better than leaving it in your purse and even better than leaving it in the car.
She’s now looking at attending one of the NRA instructor’s courses…I’m a lucky guy except when she starts shooting my pieces!
She has two of her own; the Bersa Thunder .380 and the Kel-Tec P3AT. She loves the Bersa (her first pistol) and shoot that the most, but likes the P3AT for carrying concealed when her clothing choices don’t allow the Bersa. She used to pack my Beretta 21A .22LR, but I’m more comfortable with the .380. She’s been asking me about bumping up in caliber and wants to try my J-Frame again…the S&W 442 hurt the web of her hand but she’s thinking about getting a different set of grips. She really likes my P6/P225 9mm and I’m getting a Crossbreed holster for her. I’ve never pushed her to larger calibers and she has embarrassed many a young Soldier on the range with her accuracy. I would much rather put four or five fast rounds COM with a small caliber that she enjoys shooting than something too painful or hot, less accurate and too big to pack.
Biggest mistake was allowing her to shoot my Dan Wesson CBOB a couple weeks ago. She actually asked if she could have it and thought pink grip panels would look great!!!! I told her it was hers after she bought me the DW VBOB
She’s doing a lot of research and really thinking about self-defense as a system and not just a pistol. Recognizing the value of a quality holster and/or carry system and with new materials, you can actually wear your CCW with your typical wardrobe and dress style. There’s a really great You-Tube video (can’t remember the link/name) wear a young lady about the size of my wife (on the petite side) shows how she carries concealed in several different clothing styles and does it very well. More women should see that video (and others out there) as more women are getting their CHL, they need to learn how to conceal it where it’s comfortable, accessible and secure. If they figure that out, the CCW will be carried more often and hopefully they’re training often as well.
Last range session, I had her work on drawing and firing three rounds from 3 feet out to 20 feet; it was a real eye-opener and helped her improve drawing and shooting under a little more simulated stress.
I hope more women consider quality training and getting their CHL; it’s good for all gun-owners and even better for the safety of women in general. Plus, it keeps us guys a little more honest and courteous
ROCK6