Let’s have a real talk about something I’ve seen over and over again. Every woman I’ve ever dated who carries, carries in her purse. Let’s face it, women aren’t going to stop carrying guns in their purses, and I don’t blame them.

With the way you dress, it’s tough to carry on your body, and if you’ve got any fashion sense, it’s nearly impossible. So, most of the time, your gun is going to end up in your purse.

Now, I’m about to lay out five reasons why carrying in your purse can be a bad idea—not to stop you, but to help you understand the limitations and mitigate them.

1. Slow Draw Time
First up, carrying a gun in your purse is slow! Most women carry their entire lives in their purses, so if you need to get to your gun fast, you’re digging through all the chaos to find it. By the time you do, it might be too late.

There are concealed carry purses with dedicated compartments and inserts for your gun. At the very least, find a pocket or sleeve just for your gun and practice drawing from your purse. Know how long it takes and then add a few seconds because, in a real situation, nerves will slow you down.

2. Separation Risk
Purses get lost or left behind all the time. If your gun is in your purse, you might find yourself separated from it when you need it most. You’ve got to be vigilant about keeping your purse with you at all times. No leaving it at the table or setting it down somewhere. Treat it like your phone or AirPods—something you can’t go anywhere without.

3. Accidental Discharge
Purses are black holes of random items. I’ve seen women pull out the craziest things. With all that stuff in there, it’s easy for something to snag the trigger. At best, you get a hole in your $30k Birkin. At worst, someone gets hurt. Don’t keep a round chambered, or use a trigger guard holster to prevent accidental discharge. Remember, though, this adds time to your draw if you ever need to use your gun.

4. Target for Thieves
If you’re rocking a high-fashion purse, you’re already a target. If someone steals your purse, they now have your gun. Besides being vigilant, there’s not much you can do here. Keep your head on a swivel and be aware of your surroundings.

5. Inconsistent Position
Purses move around a lot. One moment it’s over your shoulder, the next it’s on the car seat, or the floor at a restaurant. This makes it hard to grab your gun effectively in a high-stress situation. When your gun is on your body, you know where it is and can train to reach it quickly. With a purse, its shifting position can turn a life-saving tool into a liability.

Alternative Carry Methods
There are other ways to carry:
– Belly Band Holsters
– Bra Holsters if you’ve got the assets: Bra Holster
– Thigh Holsters: Thigh Holster
– Ankle Holsters, especially now that wide-leg pants are back: Ankle Holster

If you choose to carry in a purse, understand the limitations and drawbacks and do your best to mitigate them.

What Do You Think?
Is purse carry too much of a liability, or is it the only real option for women who can’t carry on their body? Let me know in the comments!

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