In recent years, more and more women have taken active roles in their own personal safety and security. This comes as the general sense of security in our country has slowly diminished, and women are rightfully starting to take matters into their own hands.
As this movement of women choosing to arm themselves continues to grow, many are exploring the increasingly popular option of carrying a concealed firearm. This ability to carry a concealed firearm is quintessential, as women who elect to concealed carry find that they are more empowered, secure, and in control of their own protection and safety.
Still, as any gun owner well understands, there is a level of responsibility and training that is needed for gun owners to be informed on the best methods, tools, and practices of carrying a concealed firearm.
For that reason, we have decided to give you a 10,000-foot view of women carrying concealed firearms in the United States, from the how and why down to what the best practices may be.
So, if you’re a woman thinking about getting a CC firearm for personal defense, you’re in the right place.
Why Women Need to Consider Carrying a Concealed Firearm
Now, before we dive into what type of firearms women should consider and why, we first need to cover the importance of concealed carry, why more women are choosing to concealed carry every year, and the benefits that are likely motivating that trend.
Personal Safety and Protection
As crime rates and personal safety concerns continue to be a pressing issue in America, women are increasingly seeking out ways to take matters into their own hands and protect themselves. More and more we see women who are concerned with going out for a run after dusk, or that don’t feel comfortable going on a first date. This has led to women increasingly looking into how they might be able to give themselves an edge in an increasingly dangerous world.
According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program, women account for a very significant portion of violent crime victims, which often includes crimes such as assaults and harassment. As these unsettling statistics continue to come out and continue to get worse, self-defense has rightfully become a huge priority for an increasingly large group of women.
Carrying a concealed firearm offers a strong, and probably the most effective means of protection available to citizens of the United States. Not only can a concealed firearm act as a general deterrent, but it can also provide a sense of security knowing that in an extremely dangerous situation, if need be, a woman can defend herself and do so with confidence that her firearm will put an end to whatever threat stands in front of her.
Now, beyond protection against crime, carrying a concealed firearm also fosters a naturally occurring sense of situational awareness. Through training, which we will get into later, women will learn how to best keep an eye on their surroundings and be able to identify any potential threats. This not only helps women stay safe and avoid situations or people who might be a threat, but also allows women to identify and assist other women who might not have the same training or who may not be as well equipped as them.
In the end, this all helps build towards a stronger sense of safety for women, as well as a safer community.
Empowerment and Confidence
Another important aspect of carrying a concealed firearm as a woman is the psychological and emotional benefits it provides.
Carrying a firearm can empower women, making them feel confident and in control of their safety and more willing to do things they would otherwise feel unsafe doing. For many women, this is a huge boost in confidence and directly translates into how they navigate public spaces and events. The product we see from all of this is a general improvement in their sense of independence and a reduction of fear in uncertain environments that otherwise made women feel uncomfortable.
Training is absolutely a key factor in this empowerment. Women who invest real time in learning how to properly handle a firearm, carry it, and develop their basic shooting skills often report feeling a stronger sense of security and are more comfortable carrying and using their CCW.
Gun ownership also introduces an extra layer of responsibility and accountability into a woman’s daily life, both of which further contribute to the personal growth and confidence improvements we see and their ability to protect themselves and others, as mentioned before.
Different Ways Women Can Carry a Concealed Firearm
Every woman who carries a concealed firearm has her own reasons as to why she does, and has different places or occasions when she would carry concealed.
Thankfully, there is an extremely wide range of ways women can concealed carry, and there is a perfect fit for every lady looking to carry. For that reason, we’re going to dive into those three primary options and the role they play.
On-Body Concealed Carry Options
As we just mentioned, there is a wide variety that women can choose from, several of which are on-body options that each offer different levels of comfort, accessibility, and concealment.
Waistband holsters are among some of the most popular choices, particularly inside-the-waistband (IWB) holsters. These holsters provide excellent concealment without sacrificing any level of accessibility. However, comfort can be a concern when it comes to IWBs, especially for women with different body shapes and clothing preferences that might make it hard to carry inside the waistband.
Next, shoulder holsters offer a great alternative, providing better comfort for those who may not find the waistband carry option ideal. With that being said, they can sometimes be harder to conceal depending on the outfit and the activity for which the firearm is being carried.
Another option for women is ankle holsters, which are a perfect option for backup firearms or for those who are accustomed to wearing long pants. While ankles are a super easy and out-of-the-way option to carry, you will need a smaller firearm and clothing that will cover the ankles.
The key to choosing the right on-body carry method is finding a balance between comfort, accessibility, and the ability to adequately conceal the firearm based on the woman’s lifestyle and clothing choices.
Off-Body Concealed Carry Options
For women who prefer not to carry a firearm on their person, off-body options such as concealed carry purses or bags offer a great solution and have become quite popular as of late.
These bags are specially designed with compartments for firearms, making the weapon easily accessible while also secure and hidden. With that being said, off-body carry does come with its own set of risks and shortcomings.
A purse or bag can be easily separated, misplaced, or lost, potentially leading to the firearm ending up in the wrong hands if the bag is lost or stolen. This touches on the importance of taking care of your firearm and being a responsible gun owner.
To mitigate these kinds of risks, it’s important to invest in a high-quality bag designed specifically for concealed carry. Features like quick-access compartments, reinforced straps, and secure closures and latches can ensure safety and reduce the chance of any issues.
Additionally, women should practice drawing their firearm from an off-body carry bag before putting it to use in public. This can help to ensure that they know the feeling of drawing from the purse and that they can respond quickly in an emergency situation.
Concealment Clothing for Women
In recent years, there has been a steady rise in concealed clothing options specifically designed for women. This industry has made it substantially easier for women to integrate a firearm into everyday attire, whether it be active wear or everyday clothing.
There are leggings, jackets, and tops that are all designed for concealed carry and offer discreet options that combine fashion with function. Many of these clothing options feature built-in holsters or pockets that securely hold a firearm without sacrificing style or comfort. Some also pair well with holsters women might already own, creating a nice system of plug-and-play clothing and holsters.
Women's concealed carry clothing is ideal for anyone who wants to maintain a more active, fashionable, or flexible lifestyle while still carrying a firearm for protection. As with any concealment method, the goal is to ensure that the clothing and holster allow for quick and easy access to the firearm, because in cases of emergency, seconds can be the difference between life and death.
Considerations When Shopping for a Concealed Firearm
So now that we’ve completely covered why and how women can and should carry concealed firearms, let's get into what women should carry and our best tips and tricks for choosing the best concealed carry pistol.
Choosing the Right Firearm for Women
When shopping for a concealed firearm, the leading factors women should consider are what you might guess:
- Size
- Weight
- Recoil
- Ease of use.
Small-framed pistols, like the Glock 43 or Smith & Wesson M&P Shield, are popular options among women due to their lightweight design and manageable recoil.
Pistols like these are easier to conceal and their smaller size makes them all around more comfortable for women with smaller hands to manage.
Another important factor is the firearm’s grip. A properly sized grip is super important when it comes to having better control over the firearm and better accuracy in general. Women shopping for CCWs should test out different models and brands at a gun range to see which firearm feels the most comfortable and natural in their hand based on overall size and shooting style.
Firearm Features for Comfort and Concealment
In addition to going with the right size firearm, women should also pay attention to the specific features of a pistol that might improve the concealment and comfort of the CCW.
A lot of gun manufacturers are producing more and more compact designs, such as those with shorter barrels and slim profiles, that are easier to conceal under clothing. These make for great options for women. A lot of these compact options have smooth edges and are made from lightweight materials, like polymer frames, which all contribute to the comfort of the pistol, especially during extended wear and use.
Lastly, firearms with adjustable grips and interchangeable backstraps are also a great option for someone looking for a more customized fit. Options like that can be ideal for women who prioritize both comfort and concealment.
Holsters and Accessories for Women
One of, if not the most important aspect of a woman’s concealed carry set-up, is the holster. Choosing the right holster is the key to ensuring the firearm is secure and in place, while still being easily accessible. Aspects such as the type of holster, the holster material, and even the color of the holster must be taken into account.
Women-specific holsters, such as belly bands, thigh holsters, and bra holsters, are designed to accommodate different body types and clothing styles. This variety makes it easier than ever for women to carry in just about any situation.
Belly bands, for instance, are an extremely versatile option that can be worn under various outfits without compromising any comfort or accessibility.
Women should also keep in mind holster retention, which is the measure of how secure their firearm stays in the holster, even through rough movement and long periods of carrying. Quick-draw holsters with retention straps are a great option that offers a balance of security and accessibility, allowing for fast response times in an emergency.
Training and Safety Considerations for Women Concealed Carry Holders
As mentioned earlier, one of the most important factors to consider for women looking into getting a concealed carry firearm is ensuring they know how to properly carry and use the firearm. The best way to stay safe in dangerous areas is not only carrying a firearm, but also knowing how to use it.
Here, we’ll break down the training as well as the legalities behind carrying a concealed firearm.
Firearm Training and Skill Building
Owning a concealed firearm, as you might have guessed, comes with a need for a high level of responsibility and ongoing training.
Proper firearm training not only ensures the safety of the carrier, but also builds the skills necessary for effective self-defense. Women should seek out professional training courses in their areas that cover basic gun handling, marksmanship, and defensive shooting techniques. Regular practice at the range is also important for maintaining these skills years after they are learned and building general muscle memory.
For those looking to take their training further, advanced courses in situational awareness and tactical shooting can also provide valuable experience in responding to real-life threats.
Legal Considerations and Concealed Carry Laws
Lastly, understanding the legal responsibilities of concealed carry is crucial.
Laws surrounding concealed carry permits and firearm ownership vary from state to state, so it's important for women to be familiar with the regulations in their area. This includes, but is not limited to, knowing where they are legally allowed to carry their firearm, how to properly store it, and the requirements/timelines for renewing permits.
In addition, women should be aware of self-defense laws, such as “Stand Your Ground” or “Duty to Retreat,” which can directly impact how and when they can legally use their firearm in a self-defense situation.
Final Shots
In today’s world, you never know who you are going to walk past on the sidewalk or who wishes to do you harm. The only thing you can count on 100% is yourself, and so the best thing women can to do ensure they are well protected at all times is to invest serious time and resources into arming themselves with a concealed firearm.
Women who are armed not only increase their general level of safety, but do so for all of the women around them. An armed society is a safer society, and the fact that more women each year are adopting concealed carry ideals is only going to improve that level of safety.
Written by Jeremy Merchant.