A warning for the ladies - purse carry

[GunnyGene]

Purse carry is popular with the ladies. But requires extra care. A woman in Nashville accidentally killed her 13yo daughter a few days ago while searching for her keys in her purse. Which is also where she carried her loaded chamber .40 cal pistol sans holster. Don't let this happen to your loved ones.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/woman-allege ... 43459.html

[BrokenolMarine]

This can be avoided by buying a proper ccw purse with a separate section for the revolver or semi-auto which is usually velcro lined. This allows the owner to swap out holsters and mag pouches for the EDC of the day, or from purse to purse. Miss T as a couple like this. One has a muff style access, one top zippered, another is side zippered. All hold the handguns securely, in the same position all the time, away from the purse contents...

The major thing I told MY ccw students about this type of carry is you must always maintain control of the bag. Can't walk away from the shopping cart to check out the lettuce with the purse in the little seat, can't turn you back on the stroller for a minute with the purse hanging on the handle, or drape it over the chair back in the restaurant while having lunch with a gaggle of friends in a crowded restaurant.

[markiver54]

Very tragic...but very avoidable. This a case of irresponsible gun ownership and carry.

[North Country Gal]

Okay, no smart alec comments, guys, but I would never put anything I need to find quick in my purse.

Really, though, the reason I have never carried a gun in my purse is that I have lived in areas where purse snatching is very common. Have seen these thieves in action, so I decided long ago that if I carry a gun, it stays with me, not the purse.

As for what I carry, I've carried micro 9s and compact 45 autos, but I just keep coming back to the KISS principal of keeping it simple with small DA only 38 revolvers like my Kimber. I enjoy shooting it and I do practice with it. I'm very comfortable with it.

[fortyshooter]

If had to be a semi-auto in a purse a DA pull would be the choice but still carried in a holster. Yep I like the revolver plan also!
However after reading the report...." Didn't know it was loaded" is crazy stuff. Why would you carry an unloaded pistol in your purse?
Treat all guns as loaded!

[Handloader]

If my wife had to carry a gun in her purse, they would have to send a search party to find it.

[John E Davies]

I won’t comment on the lack of intelligence of the unfortunate woman, other than saying that she should not continue to breed, but this sort of carry violates a prime safety rule about muzzle awareness, always knowing where the gun would send a bullet in the event of a negligent discharge….

Next, where did she get the gun? And how could she not know it was loaded? I predict upcoming criminal charges…

John Davies
Spokane WA

[Redthies]

I predict upcoming criminal charges…

I predict you are correct!

[GFK]

I agree, a purse is not an ideal place to carry a firearm. Yet, it was probably not illegal either. Is it neglect? It depends, would a reasonable or typically woman carry a firearm in her purse? Maybe. Would a well trained or knowable woman carry a firearm in her purse? To NCG's point, probably not.

I agree with Marine's point also, positive control should be kept over the firearm as well. In an purse, that could be a challenge. Typically, it is set down somewhere. A person should be accountable for every bullet that leaves his/her firearm (if not reported stolen), whether in their possession or not. So, involuntary manslaughter may be appropriate. But, I am not expert of the law.

[Sir Henry]

I don’t carry anymore because it’s a big nuisance. I think I would carry more if I could open carry. It’s the concealed that makes it difficult. Open carry is legal here but that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.

Having concealed carry for many decades I know what to look for and can usually spot someone that is carrying. Most of my neighbors carry and I bet at least 50 of the 300 in church carry.