Purse Holster for my Wife

[jimonfly]

I'm sorry if this has been covered before, but I did a search and didn't really find what I needed.

My wife just started shooting and has taken her concealed carry course. She works in a flower shop, which the local PD has said will be a prime target this year due to the economy, and with Valentine's and Mother's Days both falling on weekends.

We recently purchased a M&P 9c for her carry gun but need holster options for her purse.  She doesn't really want to go with a dedicated carry purse because she would have to give up her "fashion" purses, some of which cost more than the pistol itself.  Ideally, she wants the option to pull the pistol/holster from the purse for carry on her body.

I think the pistol is too big for a pocket holster, especially if she is not wearing loose pants.  I was thinking of a Blackhawk Serpa, or similar, because of the locking mechanism and the fact that it completely covers the trigger, and can be placed on her belt.

Are there better options out there? I looked at the Safepacker, but I'm not sure that's what she is looking for.

Thanks in advance, Jim.

[DonWorsham]

There are holster inserts for purses. I saw them in a video preview for a Thunder Ranch DVD. Do a search.

http://www.americanhandgunner.com/TR_Ladies_Concealed_Carry.html

[tombogan03884]

 Carry for women is a difficult subject unless one of our lady members weighs in on it. Because of their build aqnd the fashions they wear things that work for us guys don't for them.
Try looking at Kathy Jackson's www.corneredcat.com she has links to other sites that focus on WOMENS CCW issues.
Wish I could be more help.

[ellis4538]

Most if not all quality holsters cover the trigger guard...that is one of the standards for a quality holster.  A lot of the quality dedicated holster purses a very fashion oriented because women want them that way.  The only problem I see with carrying a weapon in a belt holster in a purse is pulling the holster out with the gun if a draw becomes necessary (same with a pocket holster). 

JMHO

Richard

[Kristen]

As a woman, I spent months trying to find the right carry solution.  Men are on-body, on-body carry but I just won't do it.  I refuse to wear a larger size pair of pants to waist carry and pockets for women just don't exist.  I wanted to purse carry but narrowing down to only one purse,  to carry everyday, not my style.  That's when I started using the Packin' Neat purse insert.  It's a holster and purse organizer all in one.  Now I can carry in all the designer purses I already own. I carry everyday and love it!

[Sponsor]

[les snyder]

first of all I shot USPSA and 3 gun competition from a SERPA... with both 1911 and G17 for about 6 years... that being said, I would not recommend one for a new shooter... if you want a retention holster, look for something with a thumb operated release... not an index finger release... YMMV

[1Buckshot]

I am looking at this for a S&W Shield. I should work for the compact.

http://www.sneakypeteholsters.com/

[kmitch200]

Ideally, she wants the option to pull the pistol/holster from the purse for carry on her body.

It would help if she would make up her mind if she wants to carry on or off body.
If she wants to carry on body, the choices might get easier and there is never a need for off body. On body is also MUCH more secure.
Finding a holster to do double duty *well* is harder.
If she is going to off body carry, an inexpensive DeSantis Nemesis will provide the needed coverage and usually has enough external grip/tackiness to draw from a purse interior or side pouch and not come out along with the gun.

I refuse to wear a larger size pair of pants to waist carry and pockets for women just don't exist.

Is it uncomfortable or is buying an inch bigger waist a glaring fashion faux pas?
I get the uncomfortable...my wife can't use any of my belt holsters because she actually has hips and they don't have any offset a woman needs.  If IWB would work for you, adding an inch seems like no big deal.



 

[fatbaldguy]

This is just MY opinion.  Off body carry is a stolen gun waiting to happen.  Purse under the counter, in a drawer, in the coat-room, wherever.  Out of sight, out of mind, especially in a busy retail environment.  How many times has your wife forgotten where she put her purse, keys, wallet?

For women, I suggest IWB appendix carry.  Women more so than men tend to have their hands in front of their bodies more often.  Easily concealed under business or casual attire.  Another option is the Flashbang bra holster.  http://flashbangholsters.publishpath.com/the-flashbang 

Whatever is chosen must be used,a lot.  Practice, practice, practice, drawing and presenting the firearm.  Safety-Safety-Safety. 

[ellis4538]

FBG, I don't have the body type to wear an appendix carry myself (as much as I would like to) but in the OP is says the wife works in a flower shop.  It would seem to me that anyone who has a job requiring a lot of stooping, bending and etc. would have trouble with this carry method.  Maybe someone with ac experience can comment. 

1Buckshot, the Sneaky Pete looks good to me ,in theory, but I worry about the flap falling back and getting in the way of the draw.

jimonfly, the Nemesis is Ok for pocket carry but it seems to me that it might be too hard to strip it off coming out of a purse.  IMO


Richard