Women or Men with Wives/Girlfriends: How do you carry your guns?

[merolpn]

Thank you for all of the responses.

I have a .380 Taurus TCP, so it's small. My concern with carrying in the purse is that, when a robber surprises you, the first thing he's going to want immediately is your purse. You aren't going to have time to pull the gun out, and you're just going to hand it over to the robber.

It's been a busy summer for me but a conversation about guns, I can't resist!

I introduced two ex girlfriends to handguns and they both still actively shoot and carry. Actually, they carry much more than I do now. I asked them both your question. Both carry in their purse. Two of my female friends are police officers and carry off duty in their purse also. The purse is always over their shoulders with their hand on it when they walk.

Although CT is concealed or open carry at your choice (with a permit) I don't know anyone who does open carry. So don't worry that Texas is concealed only. (I know, we now have pretty draconian gun laws thanks to one 20 yr old mentally disturbed individual, but open carry IS still legal here) Personally, I would not do it myself but we do not have to worry about the gun "printing" because of our laws. Generally the gun that wins at the end of the day is the one NOBODY expected to be there (like in some girl's purse). I think it is a realistic way for women to carry. If you feel a little uncomfortable you can always put your hand in your purse like you are just innocently reaching for gum. Nobody will have a clue what you are doing and nobody will feel uncomfortable if they see it. Feel uncomfortable and lift a shirt exposing a gun, may get the police called on you (especially in The People's Republic of Connecticut) if you make others uncomfortable. Just always be aware of your surroundings, use your brain first, feet second and gun last and hopefully never. If you use your brain well enough, it will be hard for a robber to get the drop on you. I don't think any of those leg/thigh holsters are realistic. You aren't going to reach up a skirt or dress to get a gun faster than taking it out of a purse. I didn't see that bra holster but I think most of those things are gimmicky. It is ultimately a personal preference. If you really don't like carrying in the purse, I would suggest in the waistband in the front only. If the gun does print in the back of your pants, someone will be able to disarm you quickly if they want to and you will have a hard time defending it. It is easier to throw a punch forward. One thing that was suggested to me a long time ago is to wrap one $20 bill around a bunch of singles in a money shiny money clip. If someone approaches you aggressively, drop the money clip or gently toss it. Anyone who wants to rob you will immediately let their eyes follow the shiny clip with money to the ground. That will buy you time to run and draw a weapon because you just put them to a major decision. Grab the money and go or commit a felony. If they take the money, what did it cost you? Twenty-five bucks or so is much better than being involved in a use of force situation.

We do not have any stand your ground law here in CT, so we have to be very very cautious when we carry. Here you need to feel, believe and PROVE that there was nothing else you could do but shoot. If you carry in a manner that makes someone uncomfortable the police WILL get called here. There have been a few open carry events in this state so people are much more aware that it is legal. Usually the nicest people in the room are the ones who are armed.

If this is your first gun, welcome to the addiction. Be thankful that you live in a state which still has respect for the 2nd amendment. We still have to fill out our "Assault Weapon" registration papers by January 1st or become an instant felon and put on the newly created "Dangerous Gun offender registry." Yup, the same kinda "registry" as rapists. I don't mean to hijack your thread, but as someone who values our freedoms and heritage in this country, don't ever take it for granted. Learn everything you can about the history and why we have this precious right. In Texas, hopefully you may not have to explain it to many people.