Abi's Nina

I have not, but I will. Thanks Ellen.

NZquilter

I use a crossbody conceal carry purse. I do have a shoulder harness, but have never used it. Tallchick it right, it takes tons of practice to draw from a purse, and even then you may not be quick enough. I would carry around my waist if I could, but since having three babies so fast, I don't have a waist anymore!

I would not try making a concealed carry purse. Some handguns can be rather heavy to carry in a purse, putting a lot of stress on seams and stitches. (Ask me how I know.) The best store bought purses actually have a heavy gauge wire running through the crossbody strap, for weight distribution. If I am wearing my purse for a few hours straight, I start getting a sore back and neck.

cashs_mom

Thanks for the replies.

bkay

I looked at that pattern, and you'd be dead by the time you got that gun out. Plus, as others have said, carrying a gun, even a small, lightweight gun can get heavy. (I quit carrying because my shoulder doctor told me to lighten my purse if I didn't want a shoulder replacement.)

There are other options than that. Consider a fanny pack that is made for this specific purpose. Another option would be to set up a system to shoot without taking the gun out. (You have to carry a revolver for it to work well, as the slide on a semi-automatic can get tangled in the purse and you can only get off one shot.)

Well, that's the only two I can think of at this time. I suggest you think about the scenarios when you might need to use a gun. My understanding is that one of the things that happens to older women is getting knocked down and your purse stolen. They usually come up behind you. A woman was killed a couple of years ago at a home depot, locally, when she wouldn't let go of her purse and somehow the truck the robbers were in ran over her. As older women, we are more vulnerable to that kind of attack than one when you have time to get out a weapon. My elderly neighbor just quit carrying a purse where she was vulnerable (like the grocery store).

That's just my thoughts on the matter. (During 10 years of carrying, I never had an occasion to pull the gun. The only time I feel vulnerable is when walking in a dark parking garage.)

bkay

Conchalea

NZ quilter, I also dont have a waist due to a deep love for food! I can carry on the waist, however. There are many YouTube sites that show how women of all sizes carry. I have a belly band holster that can hold my phone, id cards, as well as my semi-auto. Even with no waist I can use a soft holster, & less often with my kydex holster. A women's purse is a target for thieves, & you dont want a criminal getting a gun at your expense!

Quiltah Mama

I have been on the hunt for a pattern for a conceal carry bag and have even searched on here. I did come across studiokatdesigns.com (I can't copy and paste on my tablet) and can envision how to convert many of their patterns to conceal carry. I really like their festival pocket belt for a carry bag. I have looked into many options for carry, and carrying in a bag is best for me right now. I don't wear the right clothing to carry in a waist belt or shoulder harness, and don't want extra layers due to menopause and hot flashes. Great thread on here, and those that carry have their own reasons as to why, and I will never disrespect the opinion of those who choose not to.

tohkatz68

Well said NZ. But as to DIY carry bags, I thought of making one because some of the commercial bags are quite exspensive. Finally found mine on Amazon at a reasonable price comparable to the cost of fabrics needed for DIY.

Sandygirl

I learned in a CC class that firearms should Not be carried in a handbag. It should always be properly holstered on the body.

Macybaby

Sandygirl, was that due to the possibility of getting your purse stolen, or from the thoughts that you may have trouble pulling the firearm, or the possibility of an accidental discharge if the firearm is not properly holstered?

the one is a preference issue, but the others could be possible design issues. I've been considering designing one for myself, and want to be aware of any issues that others may be having.

AngelaS

Yes! Your time would be better spent finding a holster that works for your body type.