Concealed Carry Purse: Carrying a Firearm Off Body

I do everything in my power to carry my firearm on my body.

However, when you’re pregnant, it’s a lot more challenging to not only carry, but to also draw.

In general, I’m not against off body carry. There’s a time and a place, but it also must be done safely.

In general, I’m not typically a ‘purse’ person. I like small backpacks or crossbody bags, I even prefer fanny packs these days.

However, a purse is the best option while pregnant.

Let’s dive into all aspects of how to safely and effectively carry and use a concealed carry purse.

How to find the right concealed carry purse

First of all, you must find a concealed carry purse that has a slot for the firearm, as well as a holster within that slot. I purchased a purse once that said it was a concealed carry purse, but it did not come with any velcro or holster on the inside. Simply using my own holster on the inside of the pouch doesn’t make it secure enough.

The way that concealed carry purses are designed, they are meant to be opened up in the back. In the back, there is some strong velcro and a “universal” holster securely attached to that velcro. You would use that holster for your firearm. The holster will usually come with some retention strap as well, but not always.

I highly recommend getting a concealed carry purse that is actually meant for concealed carry. Please refrain from getting just any purse or bag. Read the next section to find out why.

The holster is secured with strong velcro on the inside of the dedicated pouch.

How to carry safely in a concealed carry purse

You do not want to just throw your firearm inside of your purse or without a secured holster in a dedicated pouch. I don’t care what firearm you have, it needs to be secured in a holster and secured inside of the dedicated pouch.

When you need your firearm, you need to know where it is. You don’t want to be scrambling around inside the black hole of your purse just to get your firearm when you need it.

Not to mention, a holster is added safety. I don’t care how many safeties your firearm has, the holster adds trigger protection.

Securing the firearm in its own pouch makes it easy to access the firearm itself, but also, easy to access all of my other stuff without fear that someone will see my firearm.

The holster it came with, my Sig P365 fits in it perfectly.

Do not take your purse off. My purse is strapped across my body and I never take it off. I don’t hang it on the back of the chair, I don’t set it on the floor or on the seat next to me or whatever else. It is always attached to me.

I never take my purse off in public, no matter where I am.

This is good practice for any purse, whether you’re carrying or not. Do you know how easy it is for someone to take your purse without you knowing?

I know it might be more comfortable to take the purse off, but I frankly don’t care. When I need to access my firearm, I don’t need to fumble to reach my purse to begin with before I’m even able to pull the firearm, or live in fear that someone is going to take it.

Just like you would keep your firearm strapped to your body at all times; keep your purse on you at all times.

How to train drawing from your concealed carry purse

Drawing from your concealed carry purse is a lot different than drawing from somewhere on the body. Just as you would train to draw from any position on your body, it’s even more important to train to draw from your purse.

When you’re at home, unload your firearm, place it into the holster, and zip the pouch. Then, practice drawing. Over and over again. It’s going to be real awkward at first. But the more you do it, the more comfortable you’re going to get and the easier it’s going to get. It will be second nature in no time. I suggest practicing at least a few minutes a day.

Do not forget about this step. Carrying the firearm is a great first step, but knowing how to deploy it quickly and effectively when you need it most is an essential part of carrying at all, whether on or off body.

Concealed carry purses on the market

I purchased mine from Jessie and James. This is the exact purse that I have. I was looking for something economical and they fit the bill. It was affordable while also being durable. It’s been lasting great so far throughout my pregnancy, I couldn’t be happier with it.

Here are some other concealed carry purse brands:

There are more, but these are the ones that I’ve personally vetted and know they’re going to fit the bill on everything I’ve talked about.

If you are looking for more concealed carry options outside of a purse, 5.11 Tactical also has some great concealed carry crossbody bags, fanny packs, etc.

There’s nothing generally wrong with carrying off body, as long as we follow simple safety guidelines, get the appropriate gear, and train regularly.

Have you or do you currently carry off body?

Print 🖨