Maybe it’s your primary self-defense weapon or maybe it’s a back-up for dire emergencies. Either way, there are definitely some things you should know about off-body carry.
1. You must secure any access to your bag.
Choosing to carry off of your body means that your firearm can be accessed without your knowledge. It’s necessary that you always keep your purse or bag close to you.
The probability that you’ll leave your firearm behind is a risk of off-body carry.
The need to manage children’s access is a high priority for off-body carry. Children know that purses and bags usually contain gum, candy, or interesting items like smartphones. A locking zipper and a sharp eye are required if children may have access to your bag.
Just as with carrying on your person, consistency is the key for off-body carry. The more often you carry, the better your ability to protect yourself. Carrying only occasionally sets you up for mistakes.
2. You must practice drawing and firing regularly.
It’s imperative that you bring your off-body carry bag with you to the range. Just as you’d practice drawing and firing from your holster if you were carrying on your hip or shoulder, you must practice accessing and using your firearm from your bag.
Don’t feel embarrassed about pulling your defensive weapon out of a backpack, purse, or messenger bag at the range. If off-body carry is what works best for you, you also know what type of practice you need to improve your accuracy and speed.
3.You must consider options made specifically for off-body carry.
If you’re considering off-body carry, you probably have a purse or other bag that you use regularly. A concealed handgun is very different from your other items like a laptop, wallet, or cosmetics. If you misplace, mishandle, or drop items like these, there is no danger to your life or the life of anyone nearby.
A handgun however, is a weapon that has the potential to cause serious injury or death if it’s not properly handled.
If at all possible, switch to a bag that is made for off-body concealed carry. There are many options that feature secure zippers, sewn-in holsters, and hidden pockets sized specifically for your handgun. The ways that carrying your handgun haphazardly in a random pocket of your purse or messenger bag can go wrong are just too numerous.
