If you've recently applied for a concealed carry permit in your state, you may be anxiously checking your mail each day in anticipation of the document that will allow you to bring your firearm with you just about everywhere. However, for those who don't like the idea of a loaded handgun rolling around in the bottom of a purse or in the trunk of a car, or who find traditional holsters too bulky or unsightly, some additional accessories may be needed to stylishly and securely transport your weapon from place to place. Read on to learn more about some of the purchases that can help improve your concealed carry experience while keeping you as safe as possible.
Inside the waistband (IWB) holsters
For those who want to keep a handgun within immediate reach but don't like the odd-shaped lump some holsters can create, or who are planning to venture into a crowded area where being disarmed is a real risk, an IWB holster can be the perfect solution. These holsters attach to your belt or waistband from the inside and allow you to draw your gun single-handedly without any external indication that you're armed. Because they help securely hold the gun inside your waistband, these holsters are also much more effective in preventing an assailant from taking your gun.
When purchasing an IWB holster, you'll want to make sure the holster you've selected is designed for your specific gun. This will ensure a proper fit and prevent any inadvertent slips while re-holstering your gun. You'll also want to keep your personal preferences in mind -- if you tend to be sensitive to clothing tags or other irritants, a leather IWB holster may be more comfortable against bare skin than a nylon one. And unless you've already purchased a gun belt, you may want to go shopping -- using an IWB holster with a non-reinforced belt will shorten this belt's lifespan and could cause breakage at an inopportune time.
Bra holster
If you wear skirts or dresses more frequently than jeans or a belt, a holster that attaches to your underwire bra may be the most comfortable and accessible option. These holsters are designed to place the gun in the center of your chest, where it can be concealed with clothing while easily retrieved by reaching into your shirt. As with IWB holsters, these under-bra holsters can render you very difficult to disarm, and because of the length of the straps, they can be used to carry a fair amount of ammunition as well as your gun.
Gun handbag
For someone who is always on the go, a handbag or purse especially designed to conceal a weapon may be ideal. Rather than requiring you to reach into the bottom of an unorganized jumble of items for your gun -- or worse, fumble with the flap of an outside pocket -- these stylish bags contain hidden outer zippers that open on several sides to allow you to access and aim your gun in just a second or two. Most gun handbags are reversible for use by both left- and right-handed shooters.
Because these bags are designed to look just like other modern or designer handbags, they won't signal that you're carrying a weapon, and most are designed with a bit of extra cushioning so that frequent use won't cause your gun to imprint itself into the outside leather. Depending on the frequency with which you plan to carry your weapon on the go, you may want to purchase a single all-purpose handbag or a briefcase or satchel for work and a smaller purse for nights out.
For more information about guns and accessories, check out a retailer like Chauncey's Pawn & Gun.
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