Holsters for ladies?

G

Gypsy

New member
Hi, I'm new here and a first-time handgun owner, but hoping to gain lots of insight and wisdom from all of you!

I'm looking for some advice on holstering a .357 Ruger SP101 for concealed carry. My husband has made a few recommendations, as have the gentlemen at the gun store, but I guess I'm just not sure what the most comfortable option would be and I'm hesitant to spend $50 to $100 on a holster I might wind up not using.

I'm not a big woman (only 5'3") and carrying in a concealed carry purse is definitely an option, but I was looking for holsters, specifically.

All opinions welcome!
 
Galco makes a nice little paddle holster that's fairly comfortable and isn't dependent on wearing a stiff gun belt.
 
Now and then you will get a holster that just doesn't work for you. I hate when that happens. Sometimes you can find really great holsters that way on EBay for a song. Being a lefty, the availability is usually slim.

No doubt about it, holsters fit women very differently than men. Look at Milt Sparks and some of the other big names. They offer holster lines specifically for the female shape. They are going to be on the pricey side of things.

Carrying a firearm in any other way than attached to your person, has always made me a little nervous. It's just too easy to set your purse in the shopping cart or leave it on the counter at a store. When you first start carrying that probably wouldn't happen, but as the comfort level increases, it may be more likely. Another problem with carrying in a purse is that the purse itself may be the target of a mugger. Purse snatchings happen all the time. Having your firearm in something that somebody grabs, puts you in a big disadvantage. I know, I know, you're not supposed to let strangers get that close to you. In the real world of shopping malls, grocery stores, and checkout lines, people are that close. It is just too easy to casually walk up from behind and grab the purse.

Another option is a fanny pack. I know the nerd factor is slightly increased here. But in very warm climates it is a fairly good option. There are fanny packs designed especially for carrying firearms. If you choose this option, try to choose one that is not all black. Multi-colored ones, such as forest green and black, or navy and black or whatever, look more like outdoors equipment. I think the fanny pack works even better for women, because it is expected that you have something with you to carry your personal belongings. If you carry a purse in conjunction with the fanny pack, you're defeating the purpose.

My suggestion is to find a nice holster that works for you and also check into the fanny pack to provide you some options. Options are good!

Nice to have you on board! It's nice to see that you are thinking these things through. Good luck and stay safe.
 
My wife has the same concerns. I guess it depends on how you dress. Take a look at Smart Carry or Pager Pal. Also look at pocket holsters. My wife's Chief Spec rides nicely in a Uncle Mikes pocket holster in her slacks. Also look at crossdraw or appendix carry where the gun rides beneath a breast under an untucked shirt. ;)
 
Wow, you guys are great! It sure helps to hear from those who have been there/done that!

I'm not normally a belt wearer in the first place, so having a paddle-style holster that fits securely withOUT using a belt is a plus. I'll check out Galco for sure.

eka, I have the same concerns regarding concealed carry in a purse versus on my person, though I have historically been extremely responsible about keeping close track of my purse. (For the last 20 years at least, I have never forgotten it anywhere.) My husband uses a fanny pack on occasion, especially in the summer, but you're right about the nerd factor.

I think I would be very comfortable with a cross-draw, but never considered "hiding" it under a breast! What a novel idea!
 
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