There were also some unconventional holsters that left me stunned. "Hey big boy is that a M&P 9C in your pocket or are you glad to see me?". Heh. She did point out that particular rig might have a use for a woman wearing a skirt.
She also brought out an array of bra attachable holsters. Me back in the day tried to detach bras, not attach more stuff to them. She showed the pluses and minuses involved in each method of carry. I have my box of holster fail, this brought me up to another level when it comes to teaching Women in concealed carry classes. As my classes continue to be mostly Women, I needed this information. I work really hard to not be the "Here little lady, this revolver is what you need". I hate that.
Kathy makes the case for off body carry in limited circumstances. I get that. She also points out the shortcomings of it. I concur with her assessments. So I wander off and get one of these things, it arrived today.
A Maxpedition jumbo LEO messenger bag. First, to me it screams "GUN". Second, I have no idea now how to make this thing work.
Off body carry to me was simple in the day. My Curmudgeon presented me with this some time ago.
He carried it. It is an El Paso Saddlery and Leather "Shaving bag" back when they cared about products and customers.
Here is another shot of the other side with this old little kit in the side pouch:
Guess what. One of these was inside it during his travels.
This rig I think would be even better now with a Colt Defender or New Agent! That would keep the spirit and memory alive to me and be a bit more manageable than the full steel Colt Commander.
I need a purse holster rig for show and tell during class. I really don't want to pay full retail for one. If any Ladies out there have an old one I will pay for it. Shoot me an email if you do!
I have several holsters and options for women including a flashbang for the LCP... I keep in my "training" holster box along with the regular suspects of common CCW holsters...
ReplyDeleteYou might check this vendor's web site for an inexpensive concealed carry purse. Call Jeff, he's provided discounts for instructors in the past...
http://www.stonerholsters.com/
I picked up an inexpensive holster purse there to use in my courses... although I'm still not the biggest fan of off-body carry for women... but I educate... they decide...
Dann in Ohio
Thanks Dann! As you say, throw the options out there, tell them the pluses and minuses. Let them decide.
DeleteYep, ladies have a LOT more options to deal with than we do... Good point about 'expanding' your training to include some of them!
ReplyDeleteThat is expressly why I wanted to take this class. I am trying to keep up!
DeleteSo many holster options, but one that attaches to a bra just sounds awkward, and well painful. I can't imagine adding the weight of a pistol to what is already being held up by bra straps. That would cause some serious shoulder fatigue if worn for a long time. Basically, if a woman is endowed well enough to conceal a weapon there, the bra is already working at maximum load capacity. And as Brigid has mentioned in some of her posts, the motions to draw from such a holster would be less than ideal.
ReplyDeleteI can see the point of a purse holster with some of today's tight clothing styles that make it impossible to conceal much of anything.
LOL! "Maximum load capacity"! I get that. I understand the box of wallet fail even for me for conventional carry methods. I wanted to learn what other options are available for Women. Good, bad, or ugly. Kathy did that.
DeleteI love her holster presentation!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt was worth the trip just for that to me. I try to be better every time I teach.
DeleteI really dislike off body carry. That said, during the hottest months it can be viable for us ladies, as carrying in the pocket or the waistband is more difficult without obvious 'imprinting'.
ReplyDeleteAs for bra carry? LOL! No, thanks.
I don't like off body either, but at times it has a purpose.
DeleteLOL on the bra carry!
Oh - and the pistol pouch from dragon leatherworks is another way to carry kinda sorta like a phone case...got one for my Five-seveN (don't mock - I get the LEO rounds. Heh.) It is a rather large box for the hip but I can easily see it on a belt over a skirt or dress and not looking weird.
ReplyDeleteCool! I will check it out.
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