Carry Purse Suggestion

[CindiSu]

Hi All,

I'm new to CHL, just recently receiving my license within the past couple of weeks. After looking all over the web for a purse to carry, I found one I like a lot. Here is the link:

http://ladiesprotection.com/

I like it because it has a top entry, rather than a side entry. The purse is well made and attractive. And customer service is terrific. I was also impressed by the two videos on the website - informational and instructional videos.

Good luck!

[Charles L. Cotton]

Cindysu: You may find that you really like the top access, but I would suggest you try comparing both a top access and a side access purse before you decide. Watching the instructional video exemplifies what I believe to be a disadvantage compared to the side entry purses like those made by Galco.

A side access purse allows you to discretely get your hand on your gun without it being a provocative move. You are thus ready to defend yourself without your attacker and witnesses knowing what you are doing. Granted, putting your hand on your gun with a top access purse is less provocative than me reaching under my coat to put my hand on my gun in a strong-side hip holster, but it's still much more telling than doing so with a side access purse.

Top access also changes the purse draw stroke dramatically and, in my opinion, not for the better. The gun can be brought into play much faster with a side access purse. Also, if necessary you can fire through the purse. This can be critical, perhaps even life-saving, if your attacker has his hands on you. If an attacker has you in his clutches, you won't be able to draw your pistol from a top access purse; it's just too easy to prevent the draw.

The NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home course has a segment on drawing from a purse. A key element in the draw is that your gun/gun-hand stays in firing position (a retention shot position) while you rip the purse off the gun, rather than drawing the gun from the purse. There are very good tactical reasons for this, not the least of which is gun retention.

Again, you may find you like top access purses better, but please give both a try before staking your life on either.

Chas.

[agbullet2k1]

As always

If you are in the Houston area, ProDefense in Webster has a fairly good selection of purses in store to get your hands on. I'm more of the try-it-on-before-buying-it type, and it would give you a chance to try practice drawing in both styles before buying (not with a real gun of course). I'm sure other people can help you out with stores that carry them in stock if you're not in Houston.

[Mike1951]

http://www.coronadoleather.com/browse.aspx?c=2&n=316507

[Venus Pax]

CompVest, one of the moderators here, can also give you tips on converting a regular purse to a gun purse.

I would also like to recommend an attempt at on-the-body carry.

I hope you'll join us at the CHL forum day in September. It's a lot of fun, and I've learned a lot of new information each time I've attended.

I'll be happy to let you try on anything I use and see if it might work for you. It's alway better to borrow someone else's to see if you like it before you buy it.

[CompVest]

CindiSu, welcome to the Forum and especially the Ladies' section!

All the above have given excellent advice. I strongly agree with Charles, however, if you are set on your choice and it will insure that you carry get it I think you should get it. (It is a very nice looking purse.) You may decide like a lot of us that you will need several different purses and carry options to fit your lifestlye.

I have always been a purse carry woman and it will always be my primary means of carry, but I am starting to carry in a holster more often. It is the best way to carry. The reason I have started to switch is I got Tucker at Tuckergunleather.com to make a strong side outside the waistband holster with a full grip guard. This eliminates one of my biggest complaints about holster wear; the gun rubbing on my skin or clothes.

I will see about getting a pic soon.

[CindiSu]

Dear Charles,

Thank you so much for the input. Your logic is sound when it comes to accessability, as well as safety. The NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home course sounds like something I should study as well. I shall look at Galco and some of the other purse makers.

Thank you for your response and advice!!! Also, thank you for all you do here on the Forum!

[CindiSu]

Hi,

I appreciate your suggestion. I don't live in the Houston area, but am only about 2 hours from the DFW area. Trying out different styles is a great idea.

Thank you for taking your time to help this newbie!!!

[CindiSu]

Hi Mike,

I appreciate your suggestion. I wil check into this line of purses as well.

Thanks for your assistance!

[CindiSu]

Hi Venus,

Thank you for the reply! I never considered the possibility of converting a regular purse to a gun purse.

CHL Forum Day sounds like a great opportunity to learn more, as well as a time to meet with the super people who make this great Forum possible.

Thanks again for your suggestions! People like yourself make a big difference.

[CindiSu]

Hi CompVest,

Gee, thank's for the warm welcome. I would like to thank you for being a moderator on this super Forum.

It makes perfect sense to carry on the person, rather than in a purse. I need to look around and find some different styles that would work with my body type. I will also check out Tuckergunleather.com and see what they have to offer.

Looking forward to the pic!

Again, many thanks for your help!!!

[Dex Sinister]

Hi there! Here's another possibility: http://www.mygunpurses.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hope that helps!

Dex }:>=-