We all have our likes and dislikes when it comes to how we carry our firearms concealed. That being said, one of the most controversial ways women carry concealed is through the use of a purse. You do not have to look far to find some women who absolutely love this method and others who hate it with a fiery passion. For this reason, we look at some advantages and disadvantages of purse concealment.
Purse Concealed Carry: Pros and Cons
Function
Before we discuss the pros and cons, we should first define purse concealment. Many individuals assume that carrying a firearm in a purse can be achieved with any plain old handbag. However, they would be wrong.
If you want to achieve proper purse concealment, you must use a bag that is designed with an area to holster your firearm safely and securely. This can be either a pocket or a compartment.
A few popular bag types you can choose from are backpacks, totes, and crossbodies. Above all, the best kind of concealment purses are the ones that are durable and properly fit your firearm.
Accessibility
A strong stance often heard during a purse concealment debate is that purses are easy targets for sticky fingers. However, thankfully, there are a few ways to make them more secure.
To limit purse theft, I recommend avoiding using shoulder bags. A purse that hangs over your shoulder is easy for a criminal to grab and run off with. Instead, consider using a cross-body style handbag, which is made to be worn across the body and makes it difficult for a thief to snatch easily.
You can also safely secure your firearm inside your bag by purchasing a concealment bag with a locking feature. This design prevents the pocket or compartment in which your firearm is stored from being opened by unauthorized people. Just be sure you are the only one able to access the key and that you keep it in a safe location.
Reaction Time
In the event that you ever need to use your firearm, it is crucial you are able to easily access it in a hurry. This can be the difference between life and death.
Many view purse concealment as a strong disadvantage because you cannot retrieve your firearm as quickly as you can with other concealed carry methods. For example, outside-the-waistband carry allows an individual to swiftly draw their firearm much easier than someone trying to fumble around with the zippers in their purse.
However, this does not mean you cannot learn how to strengthen your reaction time. As with everything in the firearm world, you need to practice. No matter how you carry, it is your responsibility to take the time to master how to draw your firearm. This goes for purse concealment as well.
Every second counts in life-saving moments. You would be wise to invest the time, dedication, and motivation into training to draw quickly from your purse.
Convenience
One of the most appealing aspects of purse concealment is the convenience of it. Weight varies from firearm to firearm, but to give you an idea, a typical 9mm pistol can weigh anywhere from one to two and a half pounds. Letting the weight of a pistol be distributed into a purse rather than on your body is a huge advantage for many women.
This method of concealed carry is comfortable, discreet, and extremely easy to do. However, it is important to remember that this convenience can have some drawbacks. For example, you should never leave your purse unattended, and it must be on you at all times.
Closing Remarks
Essentially, there are three factors that you should look for when choosing the best way to conceal carry your firearm. You should feel comfortable as you carry, the method you choose should fit in with your lifestyle, and it should be safe for both you and your firearm.
For many women, purse concealment can be a great option to utilize to your benefit. However, for others, it may do more harm than good. At the end of the day, the best way to see if this method is right for you is to educate yourself on the risks and decide if you can handle them.
