Wife is looking for a CCW purse

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Steve H

Steve H

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My wife is looking for a purse that is designed for CCW use. Anyone have any websites that might show them?
 
I have one. And I don't much like it.

The problem with CCW purses is all the other stuff we put in our purses. The CCW compartment is usually between two halves of the purse that hold normal purse stuff. There is a side opening, that is kept closed by velcro, into which the gun actually goes. All of those things in the other parts of the purse take up space, have edges, corners, and can actually make it rather difficult to pull the gun out the side of the purse.

However, there are ways around this.

My last two purses had three separate compartments, and they were accessible from the top, not the side. I could put a gun in that middle compartment, zip that almost closed, and still be able to open my purse and get my other stuff out when needed. The purse cost me $15 from Target, as opposed to $200 from Coronado Leather, and it worked better.

Purse carry is best reserved for times when one's wardrobe simply will not support a gun...thin skirts, most any dress, or other wardrobe complications. It also is quite good for when you go to the doctor as you're not carrying that extra five pounds on your hip when you step on the scales :D Otherwise, on body carry is best.

HTH

Springmom
 
Thanks for posting this thread because I will soon receive my CCW permit so I need something myself. Thanks Springmom for the input.
 
Purses

I bought my wife a Galco purse last Christmas. Galco didn't have the particular one in stock but I found it cheaper at a gun shop in Bryan Tx. So far, she really likes it and the color goes with most of her clothing. The compartment for her pistol is designed slichtly to the side of the purse and is easliy accessable. It also has a locking zipper on the pocket. The purse is well made and she carries it everyday. Check out the Galco website for more options.
 
theconcealmentshop.com Bought mine at gun show in Tulsa. Love it. Is expensive though.
 
Although I don't carry a purse, (6 foot tall guys with beards carrying purses just isn't good for concealment) I wouldn't reccommend it.

1) It's a bad idea to place a firearm in the actual thing a robber is going to target. It makes a discreet draw less likely because the potential robber is FOCUSING on the exact place you're trying to conceal a firearm.

2) If a robber gets a running start and arm-hooks your purse, how are you supposed to get your pistol out of it?

3) If, during said arm-hook, it actually breaks free.....the robber now HAS YOUR GUN as well as your purse.

4) Don't you have to set your purse down to do things like writing a check, paying for groceries, filling your car with fuel, etc.?

5) Since the purse is mobile, how do you develop muscle memory for a speedy draw?

Wouldn't it be safer to have the firearm attached to your body, at the same location, at all times? To me, this would solve all the potential problems I listed above.
 
My wife found hers at a gunshow. About $35.00 bucks or so. She loves it.

Women simply don't have the options that men have when it comes to dressing around a gun, especially if she wants to carry something bigger than a mousegun. A lot of times purse carry is the best option.
 
My wife uses a Galco purse to carry her S&W 642 and likes it. Its not as good as body carry, but she wouldn't carry at all without the Galco purse, so its better she at least has that.
 
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My wife has had her Feminine Protection purse for almost fifteen years, and it still looks brand new. They're not cheap, but the quality is exceptional. She's based in Dallas, not sure if she has a website - I think her name is Sarah.
 
I would respectfully disagree with you, kludge. In some instances I’m sure that you are correct.

But the fact remains that women just don’t have the options that men have. Our modes of dress are different. Their body shapes are different. While I find this fact pleasing it makes things difficult for them. Equipment designed to fit us doesn’t fit them as well. There are finally some manufacturers that are catering to the needs of our ladies but their numbers are still, unfortunately, small.
 
Yes, I was speaking very generally, and I was not implying that it wasn't immensly more difficult for women to find a) a holster that fits and is comfortable due to the variations of women's shapes, b) clothes that are designed for or even amenable to carry, and c) doesn't involve a complete wardrobe change, having styles to complement the various shapes as well as cover a carry piece... that was kind of all wrapped up in the statement that women "don't like the options."

I too an glad to see makers starting to make more options available for women.

For guys it's pretty much "do I need to tuck or not" then pick your holster.
 
I got my wife's on EBay a few years ago, it wasn't that expensive. It would probably work better if she a) didn't try to carry a Glock 17 in it, and b) actually carried a purse. She carries a Kel-tec most of the time, in her jeans pocket.
 
I can't help you, but I do know that my girlfriend could probably fit a pack howitzer in her purse.
 
Yes, I was speaking very generally, and I was not implying that it wasn't immensly more difficult for women to find a) a holster that fits and is comfortable due to the variations of women's shapes, b) clothes that are designed for or even amenable to carry, and c) doesn't involve a complete wardrobe change, having styles to complement the various shapes as well as cover a carry piece... that was kind of all wrapped up in the statement that women "don't like the options."
Click to expand...

I sort of figured also that this was what you meant. For women like me, who don't have an office job and who can wear what we want, we're at that same "tuck or untuck" level of decision. But there are women for whom it's really not optional to wear a dress to work rather than slacks; and dresses (and even skirts) are very often made of such flimsy material that even a KelTec will bow the fabric out from the waistline. And it's discouraging how many women's skirts and dresses don't even have pockets or even belt loops! Or the belt loops are at most 1/2". :uhoh: And let's not even go there in regards to formal wear. You guys get to look terrific in a tux; we have organza and taffeta and silk...try hanging a 1911 on that. Somewhere. :D:D:D

For a woman in business or industry who has to dress up, a lightweight linen jacket can provide cover for a handgun; but the skirt or slacks have to be heavy enough to clip a holster on in the first place.

There are times that purse carry is the only viable option. It can be practiced enough to be fast; I have done so. But it is far more vulnerable than on body carry. Still, better to have it in a purse than not to have it at all. ;)

Springmom
 
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