How do ladies carry? (frustrated)

S

sbryce

New member
I've had my CCW for over a year but can't figure out how to actually carry. I'm getting really frustrated. I've been lent a couple of guns and a pocket holster and a clip holster, but no other kinds of holsters, so I've had little variety to actually try out. Our budget is quite limited, so buying things just to try them seems foolish to me. I believe off-body carry, like in a purse, to be less wise than on-body carry.

I don't have a carry gun yet because it appears that the choices of what to carry and how to carry it are interlaced.

I'm tall and considered slender. After several babies, I've shrunk on top and expanded in the middle, so I don't have enough blouse overhang to conceal a belly band (I think; again I've not tried it), but anything tucked in a waistband would either bump a curve or print as it doesn't curve over a curve. I have toddlers who occasionally need to be picked up and hugged or carried on my hip. I don't wear pants.

I live in Utah--hot in summer and cold in winter. I read of others changing guns and methods of carrying from season to season, but I can't figure out anything for any season. I'm frustrated.

I have begun to wonder about an ankle holster. I've heard negative comments about their tactical disadvantages--having to bend over to get to the gun--but if the alternative is to go unarmed, . . . ?? I'm wondering if I can get a pair of cute boots about mid-calf in height that have a slouchy-crumpled look and tuck a small gun in an ankle holster. I've also heard lots of derogatory comments about 'mouse guns' and philosophically agree that bigger is better. But practically speaking, right now I'd be happy if I can carry anything at all. I wish there was a place I could go and try on various holsters and guns just like we try on various clothing in department stores.

I have no bias regarding semi-auto or revolver. I've shot a Beretta 92FS just fine, though the grip is just a little too big for my optimum use. A sweet fellow lent me a .38 Rossi which I really liked.

With all this rambling, do any of you learned folks have wise advice or suggestions for me? Method of carry and/or what to carry?

Thanks in advance. --Denise
 
As I'm looking through past threads, PeterGunn wrote last year in thread [Link to invalid post] "If you are a female you have a unique option that only kilt wearing men can take advantage of. That is an inside the thigh holster, or a crotch holster."

I've never heard of this before. Where would I get a look at one? Web site? What's the most common name for this holster? I presume the skirt must be lifted quite high in order to draw?

Thanks for any comments. -- Denise
 
I think the best way for a woman to carry is in a gun purse - one that has a pouch in the center that is accessed from the side of the purse. I wish I had this option, but as a man, do not want to carry a "fag bag". A good ankle hoster with the right gun conceals very well. Try a Galco ankle glove with guns that have a short heighth, such as Glock 26, Kahr MK9, or a snub nose revolver. Use a sock liner (very thin sock) then put the ankle holster over that. With the right pants, this provides the best on body concealment, and can be comfortable for all day carry. A last option is to contact one of the custom holster makers, such as Jim Murnak at FIST holsters, or Milt Sparks holsters, and have them provide a holster specifically tuned to your body. They will understand what needs to be done. You need a quality holster and belt to use belt carry, using mass produced holsters usually does not work very well.
 
I think it's tough for a woman. Her hips make inside the waist band (IWB) very difficult as the hips push the handle into her side. Female fashions are often tight and ya gotta be trendy! Ha ha. I've seen one of those thigh holsters in and old catalog..I think it was Galco but I just checked the web site and they don't have one now. It was supposed to be supported on the inside of the thigh between the legs under a skirt but I doubt it would be comfortable unless you had wide hips and thin legs.

Have you considerd a small pistol in a shirt holster like Kramer makes? Its basicly a net shirt with a shoulder type holster built in so that the gun is in a pocket under one arm. You can wear anything you want over it and it would let kids hug you lower down without noticing it. I don't know the weather you have but you might consider a vest and put it in your pocket.. I am a man and a big one but I can carry a Colt snubbie in a nylon and fleece vest and no one can see it. Fanny pack or as the other person said a purse holster bag.. Maybe a sholder holster. I don't think an ankle holster is good if you are trying to hide it from kids.. they will notice.

Here is alink to a list of concealment item makers
http://directory.google.com/Top/Recreation/Guns/Accessories/Gun_Leather_and_Cases/

Good luck!
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by sbryce:
I don't wear pants. [/quote]

Doesn't this attract a lot of attention when you go out? :eek:

Sorry Denise, I couldn't resist. :D
Seriously, do you wear dresses or shirts that button down the front? If so one of my Super Bellybands, as they became known as around these parts, may be your answer. They are wide enough (5") to be comfortable. The added width also allows them to carry the gun securely any where on the body, including in the tradtional shoulder holster position, inside the waste or SOB for changing attire. They are not gun specific and will accomodate any gun in your collection.
If you are interested and would like more details drop me an Email and I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
gunscustom@aol.com


------------------
Gunslinger

I was promised a Shortycicle and I want a Shortycicle!
 
My wife uses one of the Coronado Leather purses called the "Aspen Bucket" It's a really nice looking purse, and it has a seperate compartment that holds a holster with quick access. All Coronado Leather stuff is for gun carriers. See them at www.coronadoleather.com .
 
Gunslinger, I'm just curious. I've never tried a "bellyband" but I wonder if they make you feel like you're wearing a girdle or corset? That could be quite uncomfortable.
 
I think shiroikuma had the answer but did not expand on it. Consider a fanny pack. They were all the rage about five years ago. You can get one in almost any color (mine is red) and then 'decorate' it with a patch or two (I think a Million Mom March patch would be great choice) or embroider it with some nice flowers. It will allow you to carry almost any handgun you want, as they come in different sizes. And you can move them around your waist if you need to carry a child. I alternate mine from front to back, depending on the situation. Fanny packs can be worn almost anywhere. And during the summer, EVERYBODY wears them, so you shouldn't stick out during summer. During winter, it would be under a coat, so it wouldn't be seen, and you should still be able to access your firearm without removing the coat (leave bottom one or two buttons undone for really fast access). Hope this gives insight.
 
Gee, Frontsight, I don't know. I've never worn a girdle, corset or any other ladies under garments for that matter. Is there something that you want to share with the rest of group? :p (I'll teach you to pick on me in Art of the Rifle. :D)

Seriously, I wear mine in the higher, tradtional shoulder holster postition and do not find it restricting at all. In fact it is very easy to forget I'm even wearing it even with an N frame Smith in it. It could best be described as feeling some what like a back support.

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Gunslinger

I was promised a Shortycicle and I want a Shortycicle!
 
Gunslinger, the fact that I don't wear pants is not attention-attracting 'cause I use a culturally-accepted alternative: skirts. But thanks for the laugh.

You wrote: "[belly band is] not gun specific and will accomodate any gun in your collection." You think I have a collection??? Gee, I'll take the compliment!

Yes, I'd like info on your belly band.

Thanks for all the replies, guys. Any gals like to answer also?

--Denise
 
Let me addess the object you are to carry. You indicate ou have not chosen one. My daughter has locked on to my P-32. No, it's not a 45 cal, or a 9mm. BUT, it does hide and hide quite well. At 9.2 oz and 3/4" wide, it is small. She has put several mags through it and has declared it better than the Tom Cat. This little gun can fit in a coat, vest, etc. pocket and never print. Give it a try. When you find a good carry method, let us know.
 
sbryce,
I'm rather peewny and I like to wear tighter clothes. I was stumped for a long time as to what and how I would carry. Most holsters just weren't designed for the female body.

I carry a Kahr k40 in a belly band in the SOB (well, a little more off to the right side) position. It works very well. One of my favorite outfits is a rather form-fitting black pants with a black top that goes about four inches past the waist. You don't notice a thing unless you raise your arms up and the shirt rides up, or if you lean over far. It works well, since men like to look at ladies' rear ends, and the last thing I would want is to have a "weird projecting form"!

I've fooled everybody, even people close to me who know I carry. My brother constantly asks: "are you carrying your Kahr?" I say yes, and he gives me this utterly perplexed look because he can't see it.

Being on the backside has not inhibited my movement or reduced draw-time. The great thing about the belly band is that you have a perfectly silent draw and don't do battle with a thumb snap. The drawback is that it can get a little sweaty, but maintaining your pistol properly and washing the belly band will take care of that.

Please don't consider using a gun purse. Purse snatching is such a common crime these days. If your purse is stolen without a gun in it, the the only thing a bad guy can kill is your credit history. With a gun it....well..you don't even want to dream what can happen. Misplacing your purse can also happen.Plus, not having the purse with you at all times is a severe drawback.

For different body types, you just may have to compensate your wardrobe. No more midriff shirts for me. But that's fine, between clothes or my life, I'd rather keep my life.

Hope this helps.
 
Sounds like anything around the waist is out. Thus, I'd have to say go with ankle or pocket carry, or a fanny pack as a last resort. I carry my 342ti, .357 model 60, and PPK in ankle holsters (though usually not at the same time). I find that if you're sitting (ie, desk, car, etc.), it's actually eaasier to draw from the ankle than from around the waist. I'd say that 80% of my carry is done with an ankle holster.

Regarding the pocket, I have a PSP-25 that I often will just put in my pocket without a round in the pipe without a holster (though I usually carry it in a tiny IWB holster). While if I was buying a gun today I'd probably go with the Kel-Tec P32, the mode of carry remains the same. Just remember not to have anything else (ie, keys, pens, etc.) in the pocket or it could scratch your gun or even worse get caught up in the trigger.

Finally, I often carry a fanny pack with guns as large as a Glock 23 or Walther P99. I don't care for them as a fashion statement, though, and anyone who knows about guns will know you have one by the tell-tale zipper tab.
 
Denise,

I won't presume to tell you what is best for you. I can tell you, however, that my wife decided on a concealment purse that has both side and top access.

As for what to carry, that would depend a lot on what you are comfortable with. If you're just getting started with handguns I would recommend a revolver for simplicity and safety. My wife couldn't find a small revolver that was comfortable for her so she decided on a semi-auto.

Personally, I don't recommend anything less than a .38 special for defensive purposes but opinions on this vary quite a bit and I'm not prepared to say I'm an expert so you can take that statement for what it's worth.

I know this probably isn't much help but you did ask for suggestions. :)

Joe/Ga
 
Both my wife and daughter have CCW's and after trying several options they both use a belly band.
Depending on what they're wearing, they can adjust it to ride high or low. I have never seen them print, even when they're wearing tight clothes. They both agree that it's the most comfortable method they've tried.
 
I just saw one of those thigh type holsters in the discount pile at a guns store. It was an Uncle Mikes brand..dont' know if they are made anymore.. It looked bulky and uncomfortable to me.

that's it.

shiro
 
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