Home on the Range

Thoughts on holsters for women

Dang. Go to the local gun shop and look at the amazing wall of holsters! What to do?

You could find a really attractive carry purse. It’ll have a separate compartment for your gun. This will keep the small items in your purse from wedging into the muzzle or under the trigger, and it’ll cover the trigger safely. Velcro will place your gun at the correct angle for pulling it out when necessary. Wow! Now you have a fashion statement and a safe way to carry.

But is it safe? Do you ever part yourself from your purse? Do you hang it on a chair when you go out to eat? Is it in the food basket at the grocery store? Is it hanging on the door of a restroom stall?

When you part yourself from your purse, you’re parting yourself from your protection. This also allows any Mr. Bad around to whiz by and swipe your purse. And your gun. Now it’s into the wrong hands. And yes, it’s your responsibility what happens next. If you do decide to use a carry purse, will you commit to keeping it on yourself every moment?

I can’t promise that, myself. So, now it’s time to figure how to carry on your person.

Some holsters rate high on the “cool” factor. I think guys in particular like to think women are buying those bra holsters. Imagine, a woman reaching under her shirt to teach Mr. Evil a lesson. She’s bad. She’s bad.

And while the imagination is having a field day, the bra holster presents difficulties. Is the bra sturdy enough to hold the weight of a gun, or is it cute and lacy? Will it hold your gun at a correct angle for quick access?

Will you be able to remove it super fast? Is the bra of sufficient protrusion to disguise a gun? The gun must not be visible. Women’s clothing is often made of lightweight fabric. If you can see the outlines of a gun, it’s “imprinting.” Then it’s not concealed at all.

“Just a minute, Mr. Bad,” you’ll say. “Let me reach into my shirt and flip the snap so’s I can yank out my gun?” Too many things to do in a moment of sheer horror!

And although a thigh holster also makes you know you’re Ms. Super Bad, you’ll likely find it is also not the most quickly accessible one. Spread, lift your skirt, fumble for the grip? And try walking with it! Even a small gun is bulky between your legs. Doesn’t that sound uncomfortable?

And uncomfortable? I’ve never worn a more uncomfortable holster than an ankle holster. Who wants to drag a gun around your ankle?

We’re in Florida. Imagine a nice thick tight belly band. Yes, it can give easy access and correct positioning, but seriously, in Florida? What an uncomfortable way to sweat off weight!

So, what considerations do you, a woman in Florida, need to be comfortable with when wearing a gun?

Since we’ve considered with the bra, ankle, and belly band holsters, you want something that won’t sweat the weight off you. That’s what you go to the gym for. And you don’t want your new gun’s finish to be deteriorating in salty sweat.

The holster must be directed to protect and cover the trigger, while still being accessible. Your gun must be held firmly in place. You want the holster not to hamper your range of motion or to feel bulky, itchy or uncomfortable. This might rule out the cute corset, bra, ankle and thigh holsters.

I wouldn’t go with clothing holsters, either. Why? Well, will you be wearing the same leggings every day? No. So, when you practice your quick draw from say, 4 different items of clothing, will you spend 4 times as much to practice accordingly?

Holsters can be worn IWB which means inside the waistband or OWB which is outside the waistband. How many women’s pants have belt loops? Most men have belt loops, but not women. If you don’t wear a belt, then you can wear the gun in a holster inside your waistband. Since it will be next to your skin, you want it to feel soft and comfortable.

That kinda rules out Kydex and hard leather holsters. Some leather holsters, though, do have soft leather near the body. I still think it’s too hot and prefer the “sticky” holsters. A guy at one of the gun shows was touting sticky holsters saying that they will stay in your pants when you draw your gun.

Really? I took him up on it. He gave me a holster and a fake gun to put in it. I put it in my waistband and yanked that gun out.

Whaddaya know? The holster stayed right there in my pants! And it wasn’t because the pants were tight, either!

For women, I’m sold on sticky holsters. They are comfortable and soft and are as unsweaty as you get.

Now, where are you placing your gun? Women have different curves than men, so this will make a difference in how you carry.

The natural sway behind your back is one spot. However, if you get overpowered before you can take your gun out, you might get thrown on your back. A hard clap of metal won’t do your spine any good.

If you’re able to reach back easily and comfortably, you might be able to move it a coupla inches from your spine into that curve of your back. That could work.

You might place it at the waist of your drawing hand. Can you pull this shoulder upwards with no difficulty? This is another possible spot. Go with your natural curves.

I personally like the appendix carry on the opposite side as the drawing hand. This is a comfortable spot, and easy on the shoulder.

For any carry spot, you need to remember always to keep your finger off that trigger until you mean to fire. When appendix carrying, for instance, if you have your finger on the trigger, you could accidentally shoot the person next to you. Same if your finger is on the trigger in any other position.

Remember to grip your gun high into the beavertail. You want control of your gun from the second you begin to draw.

When you carry, make sure you have practiced shooting your gun. Make sure you have practiced drawing your gun from its holster. I have only 1 carry gun and 1 carry holster. They work the same way every time I draw. I don’t have to consider where I’m carrying or how to get to my gun. It’s always the same. The best way to carry your gun is the way that is safest and most comfortable to you. It’s your body.

Your gun.

Your holster.

Your life.