The Responsibility of Carrying in a Concealed Carry Purse

Choosing how to carry your firearm is a personal decision, and one of the ongoing debates is whether to carry on your person or in a concealed carry purse. You’ll hear strong opinions on both sides, with many arguing that carrying on your body is the superior choice. But at the end of the day, you do you.

If you’re not comfortable carrying on your person, then don’t let anyone pressure you into it. A concealed carry purse is a perfectly valid option. What’s most important is that you are armed and prepared rather than leaving your firearm at home. Over time, you may become more comfortable and transition to on-body carry, or you might already carry both ways and choose a purse for certain outfits or situations. No matter what, the key is to ensure you are carrying responsibly.

Things to Consider When Carrying in a Concealed Carry Purse

1. Safety First

Safety is the number one priority when carrying in a concealed carry purse. While some purses come with built-in locks, locking your firearm while you’re out and about isn’t always practical. If you need to draw in an emergency, you can’t afford to fumble with a lock. However, locking it while at home can help keep it secure from children or unauthorized access.

Because a purse is more easily accessible than an on-body holster, you must be hyper-aware of where it is at all times. You can’t afford to set it down and walk away. This is especially important if you’re around children. Kids are naturally curious, and if you’re anything like my grandmother, you would always have surprises or treats in there. So it crucial that your firearm is always secured in a designated compartment with proper retention.

2. Training From Your Purse

Carrying in a purse requires training, just like any other carry method. If you haven’t practiced drawing from your purse under pressure, you won’t be able to do it efficiently when seconds count. Here’s how you can train:

• Dry Fire Practice at Home Practice drawing from your purse in a safe environment. Make sure you are familiar with how you carry it, how to access your firearm quickly, and how to maintain control over your purse at all times. Muscle memory is key. The more you practice, the smoother your draw will be.
• Live Fire Practice (If Allowed)  Some ranges allow you to practice drawing from a bag, while others don’t. If your range permits it, take your concealed carry purse with you and run drills to ensure you can safely and effectively draw and fire.
• Shooting Through the Purse  In some situations, you may not want to expose your firearm by drawing it but still need to be ready to shoot. An old purse or a thrifted one can be used for practice to simulate shooting through the bag. This can be a valuable skill in scenarios where drawing might give away your intentions too soon.

3. Using a Proper Holster

Your firearm should never be loose inside your purse. Always use a dedicated concealed carry purse with a built-in holster or add a secure holster to ensure the trigger guard is fully covered. The firearm should be positioned in the same place every time so that you can train for consistency.

Key Takeaways

• Security: Your firearm must always be secure and never left unattended.
• Mindfulness: Be constantly aware of your purse, especially around children or in public settings.
• Training: Regular dry fire and live fire training from your purse are essential.

A concealed carry purse can be a great option if used responsibly. Whether you choose to carry in your purse, on your body, or both, the key is training and awareness. Carrying a firearm is a serious responsibility, so make sure you’re ready to handle it properly.

Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram for more self-defense tips, safety insights, and empowering content tailored to help women walk their path with confidence. Let’s keep the conversation going. Join us today!