Take your pick but spend some quality time on the range.
Posted on 07/01/2007 7:21:06 AM PDT by grimalkin
Hello!
Yesterday, I purchased a firearm for personal safety. I'm a lady and tried out at a few different pistols, but finally decided on the Kahr CW9. My better half went with me and made sure I got a good price and all required accessories. He's an experienced gun owner (he mainly carries his P228) and will help me get familiar with and break-in my new pistol.
Anyhow, my dilemma is with conceal/carry options. I am applying for my carry permit next week. Are there any recommendations for non-bulky conceal/carry items for women? Purses and bags are OK as long as they are not horribly ugly and are worn cross-body. Belt holsters are not really an option as I wear a lot of dresses. I'm also looking at a belly band, but frankly, prefer the purse option. I'm a very small and short person and I don't want anything too bulky. Are there any good merchants/websites anyone can recommend? I'm also open to any "outside-of-the-box" recommendations. Thank you!
Fine but do you know the difference between chat and news?
Have a Midol and chill out....
No. I just posted this under miscellaneous and opinion because it is a vanity.
Much better then a belly-band IMHO.
Bookmarked. Thanks!
No suggestions. Just wanted to say good for you!
A purse is best, but here it has to be concealed and not visible if someone sees in your purse. Get a small zipper bag similar to a cosmetic bag to put your pistol in inside your purse. Leave the zipper about half closed with the open area where the pistol handle is so it’s easy to access if you need it. When out shopping and reach in for money, etc., no one can see the gun.
Those prices are a lot better than some others I’ve seen. Definitely something to consider. Thank you.
Help a lady out?
Were that we all are as incisive and omniscient.
I’m not a lady, but I know a little about CCW.
If you aren’t wearing pants, your options are somewhat limited.
There are several companies that make nice CCW purses...And no, I don’t know if they are stylish..8-)
I carry a CCW briefcase that has a compartment in the middle that I sometimes carry my Glock 26 in.
The third option seems to me to be a shoulder holster. I know a couple of lady officers who wear those.
Now, when you are wearing slacks, you have tons of options. Get yourself a nice paddle holster. This allows you to carry the gun concealed on your waist without a belt. The paddle rig has a lip connected to the back of the holster that slips in your waistband, holding it against your body.
As someone who has carried legally since 1992, let me emphasize one point. One cannot really economize on concealed carry. Cheap holsters always let you down in the end.
My gun rig (custom belt, holster, single mag pouch) was made especially for me by a holster maker and cost me almost 200 bucks.
It is optimal for hiding a handgun under a jacket, or a loose tee shirt, and Im quite pleased with it.
Some good holster makers include Aker, Brommeland gun leather, milt sparks, mitch rosen and allesi. I think if you dont care to carry kydex, Blade Tech makes a nice paddle holster for women.
Bump for later reading.
I’m sure the great ladies on the forum will be more than able to help you. Best of luck, become proficient and we hope to God you never need to use your personal protection for anything other than paper targets!
I carry a Kahr MK40 in the summer time when not wearing a jacket that can cover my .45ACP. I carry mine in a Don Hume pocket holster in my right front pocket. I am a 180 pound man so a pocket holster may be too big except for vest or jacket pockets. I think purse carry can be dangerous because it can be snatched, but is probably OK if you are vigilent. Here is a website that has many holster options. It is probably best to find a store, or visit a gun show where you can try several different models. Just make sure your gun is unloaded when doing this and check with gunshop before bringing a gun inside. Good luck to you!
http://palehorseholsters.com/pocket.htm
Oh, and by the way.
If you are going to invest in the responsibility of concealed carry, please take some advanced classes. Teachers like Gabe Suarez and Massad Ayoob offer weekend classes all around the country.
They can teach you the skills to both survive an armed encounter and the legal aftermath as well.
And, be sure to bet a good belt.
I should add that the padded fabric type pocket holsters are much lower in price than custom leather holsters. The pocket holsters can be carried inside a purse if you don’t have to search to find it there. Otherwise a purse with a built-in compartment may be better. The main purpose of a a holster is to cover the trigger area so it cannot catch on anything and cause an accidental discharge. A very good on-line store is:
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