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Women have good reason to think about self-defense. Lately, there has been an increase in the number of women who have begun to concealed carry. Statistics released in reports by the National Shooting Sports Foundation show increases in women shooting guns in ranges and carrying firearms for their protection. The NSSF says that there has been a 77% increase in female gun ownership since 2005. The NSSF also states that there are 5.4 million women who target shoot. These reports indicate that women own firearms for 3 main reasons: self-defense, hunting, and sport shooting.
In the recent past female gun ownership was very different from what it is today. Deb Ferns, who runs Babes with Bullets, an all-women traveling firearms academy, attributed the rise in women buying guns to the increase in the number of single professional women seeking to protect themselves. More women are working, single, and in their own homes, Ferns explains. If you belong to this group and are wondering how to concealed carry for women, or even if you’re here for other reasons, read on for tips on concealed carrying.
BUYING YOUR FIRST CONCEALED CARRY GUN
Successfully concealed carrying for women depends on many factors. One of the keys is finding the right firearm. Choosing a firearm for your protection is something that you should not take lightly. The gun you choose can have a huge impact on your ability to defend yourself when faced with a threat. When choosing a firearm, you will want to choose a weapon that offers stopping power but that can also be easily controlled. Here are some factors you should consider when buying your first concealed carry firearm.
Size and Weight
Experts say that in a women concealed carry, most carriers opt for a smaller handgun. The benefits to a smaller gun are obvious. Compared to larger guns, smaller guns are easier to conceal and they are much less cumbersome to carry around while going about your day. However, you do not want to buy a tiny, low-caliber firearm. Consider a firearm with adequate stopping force for self-defense such as a .38 caliber or something just as powerful but with a smaller design. The obvious drawback to many smaller firearms is their lack of stopping power. You will need to find the right balance for yourself.
When thinking about how to concealed carry for women, keep in mind that smaller caliber guns are easier to control, have less recoil, and require less strength to wield than larger handguns. Many smaller guns, however, require more training and practice in order to be effective in stopping an attacker. Make sure that whatever gun you choose fits your hand. This will help reduce your perceived recoil and will make it easier for you to shoot your gun.
Revolver or Semi-Automatic?
Two types of handguns that are perfect for concealed carrying for women are the revolver and the semi-automatic. Your choice will depend on what your needs are. Both the revolver and the semi-automatic can be safely used for self-defense and one is not necessarily better than the other. But let us take a look at their features to help you better decide whether to carry a revolver or semi-automatic.
Generally, revolvers are much simpler and there is less chance with a revolver that anything will go wrong. The mechanics for using this style of gun are basic and they are easy to clean. In general, even if you don’t clean them meticulously, revolvers will still shoot straight. One of the best revolvers is the .38 Special. This gun features enough stopping power to be useful in an attack but also has minimal recoil. Revolvers have a different trigger setup than semi-automatics and for this reason are less likely to misfire.
Yet semi-automatic pistols are still an option for women concealed carry. Compared to revolvers, semi-automatics are smaller, lighter, and slimmer. They are easier to wear and conceal than revolvers. They carry more ammunition, shoot more rapidly, and are easier to reload especially if you are using a clip or magazine. They have trigger safety switches that require flipping before the firearm ignites. The best semi-automatics for women include the .380, .9mm, .40 S&W, and .45ACP.
Consider Other Options
When looking for a handgun to carry, you can also try these other options.
Get a gun that is easy to use under stress. It should be easy for you to load the gun and pull the trigger mechanism. If your gun has a habit of locking or sticking, maybe that’s fine for the range but it’s certainly not okay for self-defense.
Choose a handgun with a laser sight. Seeing a red dot on your attacker’s chest can give you confidence. You can add spotlights to different styles of guns, increasing your visibility during a night attack.
If you are worried that your gun will fire before you are ready, go for a handgun with a long trigger pull. Because these types of weapons require a deliberate and strong pull to fire, they will not accidentally fire before you are ready.
Try Them Out
Many gun shops and ranges will rent guns for you to shoot and practice with. Take advantage of this opportunity and do some target shooting with different types of guns before deciding which firearm to purchase. The only way to know if a handgun is right for you is to practice shooting with it. It’s always a good idea to consider recommendations but, at the end of the day, only you can decide which is the right concealed carry weapon for you.
Head to the Range
If you are just a newbie, the best way to address how to concealed carry for women is by practicing regularly. There are shooting ranges that offer indoor and outdoor shooting areas. You can even take part in events, clubs, and competitions. Start with guns with smaller calibers as these will have less recoil. Practice learning gun skills and proper shooting techniques as well as gun control and perfecting your draw. Take note that all gun owners should routinely practice, not just new owners.
BEST CONCEALED CARRY GUNS FOR WOMEN
When it comes to concealed carrying for women, you need to consider four important factors: reliability, stopping power, wearability, and user-friendliness. It is not uncommon for a woman to own several firearms so that she will be able to choose the right pistol to match her day. The type of pistol you are carrying could depend on clothing for that day or on activities you might be getting into. Here is a look at 5 of the best concealed carry weapons for women.
SIG Sauer P238
The P238 features a stainless-steel slide with slide serrations and an anodized alloy 1911-style beavertail frame. It is a single action handgun that offers minimal recoil. It is a compact and lightweight pistol with a single stack 7+1 capacity with an extended 7-round magazine capacity. It is perfect for women who struggle with racking the slide or do not have a strong grip. It offers an acceptable trigger and comes out of the box with many upgraded options.
Smith & Wesson M & P Shield
The Shield is a striker-fire double-action pistol that is less than 1” thin which makes it easy to conceal. With its 9-round capacity and single-stack 9mm magazine, you can get a lot of rounds in this small carry handgun. The Shield features a Melonite barrel and steel, white dot, dovetailed sights with good trigger so you do not have to modify it or make huge investments after initial purchase. It comes with a thumb and striker safety and is lightweight, making it ideal for women concealed carry.
Glock G43
The Glock G43 is suitable for those who want a smaller frame 9mm without the biting recoil of a small pocket gun. It has a lever-incorporated trigger safety, firing pin safety, and drop safety. Designed with a polymer frame grip and a built-in beavertail design, the G43 has a 6+1-round capacity.
Bersa BPC99
The Bersa BPCC pistol is a double-action 8+1 capacity of a 9mm. It has an excellent trigger press that is really nice and smooth for better shot placement. The 3.3-inch deep-rifling barrel comes with a polished bore. It is built with a slim high-impact polymer frame. The grip is just right for the hand and will not leave the pinky finger out of play.
Beretta Nano
The Beretta Nano is a 9mm double-action pistol made of fiberglass reinforced technopolymer with a low-profile design. Featuring a sleek frame, the Nano features a 6+1 round magazine capacity. It includes a reversible magazine release button and user-adjustable sights.
CONCEALED CARRY FOR WOMEN – CLOTHING AND HOLSTER PLACEMENT
Proper clothing for concealed carrying for women may be a little bit difficult to get used to. This is because women’s clothing tends to be more form-fitting than it is loose and concealed carrying is harder with tighter clothing, due to printing. The good news is that a wide range of clothing will be possible in pulling off a concealed carry. That is due to the wide range of carry styles. Different holsters can be worn on different parts of the body such as the hips, the ankles, in the bra, around the belly, and or in other places. Each style of carry one has its pros and cons. Here is a breakdown on women preference for concealed carrying.
40% at the waist/hips, inside the pants
15% in a belly band wrap
13% in a concealed carry purse
10% on the waist, outside the pants
8% in a bra holster
7% in an underarm/shoulder holster
5% in a deep concealment pouch
1% on the thigh
1% at the ankle
THINGS TO AVOID WITH CONCEALED CARRYING FOR WOMEN
When practicing how to concealed carry for women keep in mind the following list of things to watch out for.
Under-Concealing
Under-concealing is when your concealed gun becomes visible. This might be because you are reaching above your head and the shirt covering your waistband holster rises up. Unless you are in a state where open carry is legal and acceptable, concealed carrying for women means that your firearm should be totally invisible. If you want to carry concealed in your yoga pants, for instance, make sure to find the right holster and gun combination. Tight clothing makes concealed carrying difficult due to printing.
Printing Paranoia
Printing is the outline of your gun being seen through your clothing. Aside from printing, you might be betraying your concealment by favoring your gun side, fingering your grip, or adjusting your cover garment. If you are worried about concealed carrying in public, practice wearing your holster and gun at home for about a week until you become comfortable in your movements while carrying. Incorporate your carry weapon into your daily life so that you will not draw attention to yourself when in public.
Ignorance Is Not an Excuse
Before you consider women concealed carry, make sure that you are aware of local, state, and federal laws regarding carrying firearms. These laws vary by state and it is your responsibility to know and obey the rules. You can check your state’s website for information about concealed carry laws.
Develop a Safety Mindset
Concealed carrying for women entails being a responsible gun owner. Always remind yourself that your weapon is for self-defense and protection only. A gun can only save your life if you know how to use it responsibly. When there is an attack or threat, always put your game face on and focus.
Not Practicing
Most people are lazy when it comes to practicing their shooting skills. Remember that if you don’t hit the range and keep in practice your accuracy and speed may deteriorate. Be a prepared and safe gun owner and don’t get caught being rusty when an emergency situation arises.
Buyer’s Remorse
Many women experience buyer’s remorse after they discover that they were sold the wrong firearm for concealed carrying for women. We talked a little bit about gun choice up top and mentioned, for instance, some recommended firearms and the differences between revolvers and semi-automatics. Keep in mind that the role of a retailer is to educate you properly and not just to close a sale. Unfortunately, many retailers are either unhelpful or uneducated and will sell a gun designed for a 6’5” 300-lb man to a 110lb woman. Do your research. Don’t be a victim of buyer’s remorse.
Concealed carry for women is becoming more and more popular. Hopefully these tips will be useful for you as you begin your journey concealed carrying. Best of luck and please share your thoughts with us in the comments section.
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How to Concealed Carry for Women: Concealed Carry for Women
The GMW Concealed Carry Gun Pack. Now available now on Amazon.com.
BUY NOW
BUY NOW
Women have good reason to think about self-defense. Lately, there has been an increase in the number of women who have begun to concealed carry. Statistics released in reports by the National Shooting Sports Foundation show increases in women shooting guns in ranges and carrying firearms for their protection. The NSSF says that there has been a 77% increase in female gun ownership since 2005. The NSSF also states that there are 5.4 million women who target shoot. These reports indicate that women own firearms for 3 main reasons: self-defense, hunting, and sport shooting.
In the recent past female gun ownership was very different from what it is today. Deb Ferns, who runs Babes with Bullets, an all-women traveling firearms academy, attributed the rise in women buying guns to the increase in the number of single professional women seeking to protect themselves. More women are working, single, and in their own homes, Ferns explains. If you belong to this group and are wondering how to concealed carry for women, or even if you’re here for other reasons, read on for tips on concealed carrying.
BUYING YOUR FIRST CONCEALED CARRY GUN
Successfully concealed carrying for women depends on many factors. One of the keys is finding the right firearm. Choosing a firearm for your protection is something that you should not take lightly. The gun you choose can have a huge impact on your ability to defend yourself when faced with a threat. When choosing a firearm, you will want to choose a weapon that offers stopping power but that can also be easily controlled. Here are some factors you should consider when buying your first concealed carry firearm.
Size and Weight
Experts say that in a women concealed carry, most carriers opt for a smaller handgun. The benefits to a smaller gun are obvious. Compared to larger guns, smaller guns are easier to conceal and they are much less cumbersome to carry around while going about your day. However, you do not want to buy a tiny, low-caliber firearm. Consider a firearm with adequate stopping force for self-defense such as a .38 caliber or something just as powerful but with a smaller design. The obvious drawback to many smaller firearms is their lack of stopping power. You will need to find the right balance for yourself.
When thinking about how to concealed carry for women, keep in mind that smaller caliber guns are easier to control, have less recoil, and require less strength to wield than larger handguns. Many smaller guns, however, require more training and practice in order to be effective in stopping an attacker. Make sure that whatever gun you choose fits your hand. This will help reduce your perceived recoil and will make it easier for you to shoot your gun.
Revolver or Semi-Automatic?
Two types of handguns that are perfect for concealed carrying for women are the revolver and the semi-automatic. Your choice will depend on what your needs are. Both the revolver and the semi-automatic can be safely used for self-defense and one is not necessarily better than the other. But let us take a look at their features to help you better decide whether to carry a revolver or semi-automatic.
Generally, revolvers are much simpler and there is less chance with a revolver that anything will go wrong. The mechanics for using this style of gun are basic and they are easy to clean. In general, even if you don’t clean them meticulously, revolvers will still shoot straight. One of the best revolvers is the .38 Special. This gun features enough stopping power to be useful in an attack but also has minimal recoil. Revolvers have a different trigger setup than semi-automatics and for this reason are less likely to misfire.
Yet semi-automatic pistols are still an option for women concealed carry. Compared to revolvers, semi-automatics are smaller, lighter, and slimmer. They are easier to wear and conceal than revolvers. They carry more ammunition, shoot more rapidly, and are easier to reload especially if you are using a clip or magazine. They have trigger safety switches that require flipping before the firearm ignites. The best semi-automatics for women include the .380, .9mm, .40 S&W, and .45ACP.
Consider Other Options
When looking for a handgun to carry, you can also try these other options.
Try Them Out
Many gun shops and ranges will rent guns for you to shoot and practice with. Take advantage of this opportunity and do some target shooting with different types of guns before deciding which firearm to purchase. The only way to know if a handgun is right for you is to practice shooting with it. It’s always a good idea to consider recommendations but, at the end of the day, only you can decide which is the right concealed carry weapon for you.
Head to the Range
If you are just a newbie, the best way to address how to concealed carry for women is by practicing regularly. There are shooting ranges that offer indoor and outdoor shooting areas. You can even take part in events, clubs, and competitions. Start with guns with smaller calibers as these will have less recoil. Practice learning gun skills and proper shooting techniques as well as gun control and perfecting your draw. Take note that all gun owners should routinely practice, not just new owners.
BEST CONCEALED CARRY GUNS FOR WOMEN
When it comes to concealed carrying for women, you need to consider four important factors: reliability, stopping power, wearability, and user-friendliness. It is not uncommon for a woman to own several firearms so that she will be able to choose the right pistol to match her day. The type of pistol you are carrying could depend on clothing for that day or on activities you might be getting into. Here is a look at 5 of the best concealed carry weapons for women.
SIG Sauer P238
The P238 features a stainless-steel slide with slide serrations and an anodized alloy 1911-style beavertail frame. It is a single action handgun that offers minimal recoil. It is a compact and lightweight pistol with a single stack 7+1 capacity with an extended 7-round magazine capacity. It is perfect for women who struggle with racking the slide or do not have a strong grip. It offers an acceptable trigger and comes out of the box with many upgraded options.
Smith & Wesson M & P Shield
The Shield is a striker-fire double-action pistol that is less than 1” thin which makes it easy to conceal. With its 9-round capacity and single-stack 9mm magazine, you can get a lot of rounds in this small carry handgun. The Shield features a Melonite barrel and steel, white dot, dovetailed sights with good trigger so you do not have to modify it or make huge investments after initial purchase. It comes with a thumb and striker safety and is lightweight, making it ideal for women concealed carry.
Glock G43
The Glock G43 is suitable for those who want a smaller frame 9mm without the biting recoil of a small pocket gun. It has a lever-incorporated trigger safety, firing pin safety, and drop safety. Designed with a polymer frame grip and a built-in beavertail design, the G43 has a 6+1-round capacity.
Bersa BPC99
The Bersa BPCC pistol is a double-action 8+1 capacity of a 9mm. It has an excellent trigger press that is really nice and smooth for better shot placement. The 3.3-inch deep-rifling barrel comes with a polished bore. It is built with a slim high-impact polymer frame. The grip is just right for the hand and will not leave the pinky finger out of play.
Beretta Nano
The Beretta Nano is a 9mm double-action pistol made of fiberglass reinforced technopolymer with a low-profile design. Featuring a sleek frame, the Nano features a 6+1 round magazine capacity. It includes a reversible magazine release button and user-adjustable sights.
CONCEALED CARRY FOR WOMEN – CLOTHING AND HOLSTER PLACEMENT
Proper clothing for concealed carrying for women may be a little bit difficult to get used to. This is because women’s clothing tends to be more form-fitting than it is loose and concealed carrying is harder with tighter clothing, due to printing. The good news is that a wide range of clothing will be possible in pulling off a concealed carry. That is due to the wide range of carry styles. Different holsters can be worn on different parts of the body such as the hips, the ankles, in the bra, around the belly, and or in other places. Each style of carry one has its pros and cons. Here is a breakdown on women preference for concealed carrying.
THINGS TO AVOID WITH CONCEALED CARRYING FOR WOMEN
When practicing how to concealed carry for women keep in mind the following list of things to watch out for.
Under-Concealing
Under-concealing is when your concealed gun becomes visible. This might be because you are reaching above your head and the shirt covering your waistband holster rises up. Unless you are in a state where open carry is legal and acceptable, concealed carrying for women means that your firearm should be totally invisible. If you want to carry concealed in your yoga pants, for instance, make sure to find the right holster and gun combination. Tight clothing makes concealed carrying difficult due to printing.
Printing Paranoia
Printing is the outline of your gun being seen through your clothing. Aside from printing, you might be betraying your concealment by favoring your gun side, fingering your grip, or adjusting your cover garment. If you are worried about concealed carrying in public, practice wearing your holster and gun at home for about a week until you become comfortable in your movements while carrying. Incorporate your carry weapon into your daily life so that you will not draw attention to yourself when in public.
Ignorance Is Not an Excuse
Before you consider women concealed carry, make sure that you are aware of local, state, and federal laws regarding carrying firearms. These laws vary by state and it is your responsibility to know and obey the rules. You can check your state’s website for information about concealed carry laws.
Develop a Safety Mindset
Concealed carrying for women entails being a responsible gun owner. Always remind yourself that your weapon is for self-defense and protection only. A gun can only save your life if you know how to use it responsibly. When there is an attack or threat, always put your game face on and focus.
Not Practicing
Most people are lazy when it comes to practicing their shooting skills. Remember that if you don’t hit the range and keep in practice your accuracy and speed may deteriorate. Be a prepared and safe gun owner and don’t get caught being rusty when an emergency situation arises.
Buyer’s Remorse
Many women experience buyer’s remorse after they discover that they were sold the wrong firearm for concealed carrying for women. We talked a little bit about gun choice up top and mentioned, for instance, some recommended firearms and the differences between revolvers and semi-automatics. Keep in mind that the role of a retailer is to educate you properly and not just to close a sale. Unfortunately, many retailers are either unhelpful or uneducated and will sell a gun designed for a 6’5” 300-lb man to a 110lb woman. Do your research. Don’t be a victim of buyer’s remorse.
Concealed carry for women is becoming more and more popular. Hopefully these tips will be useful for you as you begin your journey concealed carrying. Best of luck and please share your thoughts with us in the comments section.