open/conceal carry

melzh · August 2013

I usually carry with a belt holster. With my expanding belly my belt will soon not fit. I am thinking of investing in the thigh holster or the over-shoulder ones... both are pretty expensive comjng in over $100 for my choice gun. My question is if any mamas have experience with either of these type holsters.

KNSATX · August 2013

What a great question! I just carry in my purse- I have a bunch with center pouches that zip. They aren't special concealed carry bags but I see no reason to buy specialty bags for that reason. What do you carry? I have a s&w .38 bodyguard, and occasionally my husband's SA .45 XDS. He suggests you check out a kangaroo holster (it sits between your boobs).

Edit- added models

melzh · August 2013

Haha thanks! I am all for women carrying weapons. When you have childred you are usually destracted with getting them in or out of the car. It is a big red flag for criminals. When you are putting children into a car your back is to the parking lot, you are not aware of your surroundings.. if it is something you are comfy with I would definitely look into it.

melzh · August 2013

That is great! I need a smaller gun for between my boobs. I carry a baretta 9mm which is HUGE.. I actually just looked at a 380 which would totally fit in my boobs.

Teresa1896 · August 2013

I wish my boobs were big enough to hide a gun. :-(

I never wanted a handgun until having a child. Now I think about getting one. My DH has a couple of rifles for hunting but not great for personal/home protection, since they're in the basement.

KNSATX · August 2013

Check out the s&w bodyguard @melzh. It has a built in laser and I love it. It's pretty small and I think it would fit comfortably in a kangaroo holster. I haven't given much thought to holsters since you can't really hide them in shorts and dresses so easily. That's another reason I'm looking forward to winter clothes! There are some fabric ankle holsters that look nice, but I love my skinny jeans. That's why the purse works best for me. If you get a revolver, just remember to get a few speed loaders, too.

Btw- the kangaroo holster came highly recommended by a retired cop in our CHL course.

KNSATX · August 2013

Annnnd PS- I want this! https://www.etsy.com/listing/85581176/bronze-pistol-packin-mama-handstamped

hlm184 · August 2013

I'm a firearms instructor and I'm going shoulder holster. Thigh will be unreachable soon enough. I'm just spending the dough on a miami classic (hoping for a labor day sale this weekend actually). there are some other good work arounds if you carry a different gun than I do or aren't left handed.

Check this one for ideas: https://www.palmettoshootersforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=5558

melzh · August 2013

I like that bodyguard.

Good point on the thigh not being reachable. Such decisions

J&NL · August 2013

KNSATX said:

Annnnd PS- I want this! https://www.etsy.com/listing/85581176/bronze-pistol-packin-mama-handstamped

Omg I DIE! I think I may ask DH for this.

DemoDoll · August 2013

Ugh I want my permit to carry. DH's just expired a month ago so we will both go soon, I can't wait!

ericafaeolbrych · August 2013

I work at S and W and fully support this discussion thread! Ha ha.

KNSATX · August 2013

@ericafaeolbrych heeeeey new bestie!

ericafaeolbrych · August 2013

hlm184 · August 2013

ericafaeolbrych said:

I work at S and W and fully support this discussion thread! Ha ha.

I'll pimp my compact M&P40 in that case...

KNSATX · August 2013

I don't know about elsewhere, but it's ok in Texas. It was actually recommended during the CHL class. Yes, I plan to carry with little ones around. My dad is a (retired) cop and never goes annnnywhere without his glock. That included elementary school field trips. We grew up with a very healthy respect for guns and were taught to shoot as soon as we could handle the kick.

hlm184 · August 2013

I don't carry off body, generally speaking, but that's a personal preference, not a legal one. State laws vary.

And yes, I certainly will carry. Safest place for a loaded gun with a kid around is on my body under my constant and direct control.

KNSATX · August 2013

Concealed carry purses were recommended as an alternative to holsters for women, especially during the summer.

Re: where you can't carry- anywhere that has a 51% sign (indicating 51% or more of their business is alcohol related, like bars), and places that prohibit weapons and have proper signage. Schools are a no-go too (obviously?) but parking lots are ok. I keep a safe in my car in case I need to leave it behind unexpectedly.

melzh · August 2013

I have an almost 2 year old. I carry still.... especially at night.

Mamaengen · August 2013

I'm glad you posted. I usually just stick it in my diaper bag (a compartment), but i hate doing that bc of the risk of a purse snatch.

twinlove314 · August 2013

Have you looked at the flashbang holster? The owner of the company's wife carried with their flashbang holster when pregnant. I have one, and it's one of the only ways that I feel comfortable carrying

melzh · August 2013

Is that the bra one?

Twirple · August 2013

That flashbang is cool. I'm would just be concerned that your belly would get in the way of a quick draw.

hlm184 · August 2013

KNSATX said:

Concealed carry purses were recommended as an alternative to holsters for women, especially during the summer. Re: where you can't carry- anywhere that has a 51% sign (indicating 51% or more of their business is alcohol related, like bars), and places that prohibit weapons and have proper signage. Schools are a no-go too (obviously?) but parking lots are ok. I keep a safe in my car in case I need to leave it behind unexpectedly.

I'm sure you know, but just in case others reading this don't, the above only applies to one particular state. Your laws in your state may be, and probably are, different. Always do good research on your particularly location before carrying.

hordol · August 2013

My husband wants us to get our permits, but I'm a bit nervous!

I feel like I'd be more likely to have some sort of accident than to use it for something I'd need it for. Love that you ladies carry, though, that's awesome!

Andrewsgal · August 2013

We are a pro gun household. That being said I have been a mother for seven years and never ever felt like I needed a gun in any situation. I travel alone all the time all over the country with my kids, I really can't wrap my head around this.

AcaAwkward · August 2013

Andrewsgal said:
We are a pro gun household. That being said I have been a mother for seven years and never ever felt like I needed a gun in any situation. I travel alone all the time all over the country with my kids, I really can't wrap my head around this.

All of this. I grew up in Texas with a very healthy respect for guns. I learned to shoot (mostly hunt fowl but I'm also familiar with handguns) safely from a young age, and my family always kept secured guns in the house... That said, I have a hard time understanding why most private citizens feel the need to carry on their person. Situations in which deadly force would actually be necessary are so few and far between (like in the situation @melzh described above...someone snatching your purse or jacking your car at the grocery store? Are you seriously going to attempt to shoot your aggressor while juggling your kids?), and accidents are much more likely to occur.

Didn't really mean to start a debate here, oops.

Andrewsgal · August 2013

If I was in a situation where someone was firing a weapon and I had my kids my first instinct would be to shield them with my body, not open fire back.

KNSATX · August 2013

I've traveled alone for work almost five years and there were so many times I wished I could carry. Between flying and working on military installations it wasn't practical, but it would've made me feel better.

I'd rather carry and not need it than not have a gun when it's needed. I hope I never need it.

Thanks for recommending the flashbang holsters @mselliott08. I like the Marilyn, but I wish it didn't have a leather snap.

hlm184 · August 2013

I don't carry because I think I will have to use it. I carry it because if, god-forbid, I was in that sort of situation, I want to be able to do everything I can to protect myself and my family, and I have had the training to do so.

My husband has almost had to draw twice - once when someone pulled a knife on him in a restaurant parking lot. Fortunately they ran away when they saw him reach for it.

homediva · August 2013

As a Canadian this thread is blowing my mind. I honestly did not realize that moms carry guns in their day to day activities. Is this the norm? What percentage of moms would you guesstimate carry a gun through their daily activities?

carlatron · August 2013

I'm also Canadian, and there is such a cultural difference in this respect. Guns scare the bejesus out of me. Here, people have rifles if they hunt, and that's it. The only people I know who have handguns are police officers. And I'm pretty sure they leave their guns at the station when not on shift.

I suppose it's just how, and where, you are raised.

Andrewsgal · August 2013

@homediva I don't think a lot do. Although I am with you in the fact that I am constantly shocked at the number of people that carry a loaded weapon and a child it sounds like a recipe for disaster. Statistically kids are more likely to be hurt by an available loaded weapon than you are to actually use said weapon to protect yourself.

hlm184 · August 2013

LalaMama81 said:

KNSATX said:

I've traveled alone for work almost five years and there were so many times I wished I could carry. Between flying and working on military installations it wasn't practical, but it would've made me feel better.

Like what? I've traveled a ton and am in a major US city on a regular basis. I have never once felt like I needed a gun.

I just can't wrap my mind around thinking you need a loaded weapon on your person at all times. I think it's completely ridiculous.

Isn't it great we live in a free country where you can choose to not carry a gun and I can?

DemoDoll · August 2013

LalaMama81 said:

KNSATX said:

I've traveled alone for work almost five years and there were so many times I wished I could carry. Between flying and working on military installations it wasn't practical, but it would've made me feel better.

Like what? I've traveled a ton and am in a major US city on a regular basis. I have never once felt like I needed a gun.

I just can't wrap my mind around thinking you need a loaded weapon on your person at all times. I think it's completely ridiculous.

The reason I am getting my permit to carry is because with my job I am put in dangerous situations when I'm alone all the time with nothing to defend myself. I am a woman, a man can definitely think they can take advantage of me. I wish I would have gotten my permit to carry sooner. There have been times where I left a job site because I didn't feel safe to continue even with having a tazer on me.

carolinaBK18 · August 2013

Wow, I had no idea so many people carried guns!

AcaAwkward · August 2013

homediva said:
As a Canadian this thread is blowing my mind. I honestly did not realize that moms carry guns in their day to day activities. Is this the norm? What percentage of moms would you guesstimate carry a gun through their daily activities?

I really hope the answer is not very many...although living in gun-happy TX, I guess you never know. For every person who carries / owns responsibly, there are many others who do so recklessly...which terrifies me WAY more than the chance I might be violently attacked.

Andrewsgal · August 2013

Sure I am glad we have the right, but knowing that a mom on the playground with me carries a loaded weapon scares the crap out if me. I can easily pass the CC gun test and I am by no means a great shot. Knowing this I have little faith that people carrying could actually use a gun efficiently in a dangerous situation.

hlm184 · August 2013

AcaAwkward said:

As a Canadian this thread is blowing my mind. I honestly did not realize that moms carry guns in their day to day activities. Is this the norm? What percentage of moms would you guesstimate carry a gun through their daily activities?
I really hope the answer is not very many...although living in gun-happy TX, I guess you never know. For every person who carries / owns responsibly, there are many others who do so recklessly...which terrifies me WAY more than the chance I might be violently attacked.

No. It's the other way 'round. For everyone who is reckless, there are many more who are perfectly responsible.

Sorry, y'all, don't mean to fight but this is my subject. I'm a firearms instructor and active second amendment proponent. I do this day in and day out.

KNSATX · August 2013

LalaMama81 said:

KNSATX said:

I've traveled alone for work almost five years and there were so many times I wished I could carry. Between flying and working on military installations it wasn't practical, but it would've made me feel better.

Like what? I've traveled a ton and am in a major US city on a regular basis. I have never once felt like I needed a gun.

I just can't wrap my mind around thinking you need a loaded weapon on your person at all times. I think it's completely ridiculous.

People who are afraid of guns and don't understand them or aren't comfortable with them shouldn't carry. My revolver doesn't scare me because the trigger isn't going to pull itself and go off on a rampage.

When I wanted it doesn't have to much to do with where I was, although St Louis and parts of Dallas didn't make me feel great. Shit, parts of San Antonio skeeve me out. It was more about being alone and not fitting in in remote areas, coming and going from hotels early and late, etc. I'm mentally stable and know how to use my weapon; I'm not the danger. At the same time, I'm not paranoid. I'm just realistic that bad things can happen and I prefer to be prepared.

Edit- spelling

DemoDoll · August 2013

Andrewsgal said:
Sure I am glad we have the right, but knowing that a mom on the playground with me carries a loaded weapon scares the crap out if me. I can easily pass the CC gun test and I am by no means a great shot. Knowing this I have little faith that people carrying could actually use a gun efficiently in a dangerous situation.

All of my friends, men and women, that carry also target shoot for fun and hunt. My husband and all of his friend's shoot weekly as a hobby. I have 100% faith that my husband can protect my daughter and I in any circumstance. My husband and I hunt often. I am in a shooting league at work.

I personally won't carry a gun on play dates with my daughter but I will carry it at work and my husband carries his at all times so when I'm with him I won't have a reason to.

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