The Ultimate Guide to Off-Body Carry: Choosing the Right Holster for Your Bag or Purse

The Ultimate Guide to Off-Body Carry: Choosing the Right Holster for Your Bag or Purse

When it comes to concealed carry, many people gravitate toward off-body carry methods as a practical and discreet solution. Whether you prefer carrying your firearm in a purse, backpack, or sling bag, off-body carry provides a level of comfort and accessibility that’s hard to beat. However, it’s essential to choose the right holster for this style of carry to ensure both safety and ease of access. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how off-body carry works, its advantages and disadvantages, and how to select the best holster for your concealed carry needs.

What Is Off-Body Carry?

Off-body carry refers to carrying a firearm outside of your clothing, typically inside a bag or purse. Unlike on-body carry methods such as using an IWB (Inside the Waistband) or OWB (Outside the Waistband) holster, off-body carry places your firearm in a bag or purse. This method is popular for people who prefer not to wear a holster on their body or for those who carry bags regularly, such as women with purses or individuals who use backpacks or sling bags for everyday activities.

Advantages of Off-Body Carry

1. Discretion: Off-body carry is often more discrete than on-body carry, especially for those who want to avoid printing (the visible outline of a firearm under clothing). A purse or bag provides additional coverage and concealment.

2. Comfort: Many individuals find off-body carry more comfortable, as it doesn’t require wearing a belt or keeping a firearm on their person for extended periods. For people with certain body types or those who are uncomfortable with traditional concealed carry holsters, off-body carry can be a great option.

3. Convenience: If you already carry a bag, purse, or backpack every day, integrating your firearm into your bag may feel like a natural extension of your carry routine. It also allows you to have extra space for other essentials like keys, wallets, and phones.

Disadvantages of Off-Body Carry

1. Access Time: One of the biggest drawbacks of off-body carry is the slower access time to your firearm in an emergency. In a high-stress situation, having to open your bag and draw from a holster may take valuable seconds that could be critical.

2. Security: Off-body carry can be less secure compared to on-body carry, especially if your bag is easily accessible to others or if you set it down in an unsecured location. This increases the risk of someone tampering with or stealing your firearm.

3. Limited Carry Options: Depending on the size and shape of your bag, you may be limited in the type of firearm you can carry. Larger bags like backpacks may accommodate full-size handguns, but smaller purses might only fit compact or subcompact models.

Choosing the Right Holster for Off-Body Carry

Selecting the right holster is essential to ensuring your firearm is secure, accessible, and safe while using off-body carry. Here are some important factors to consider when choosing the best holster for concealed carry:

1. Holster Type

For off-body carry, you’ll need a holster that keeps your firearm secure inside your bag while allowing for quick access when needed. Some popular holster options for off-body carry include:

• Concealed Carry Holsters: Designed for discreet carrying, these holsters can fit into various bags and purses. Many feature adjustable retention to keep the firearm secure without sacrificing accessibility.

• Holsters for Everyday Carry (EDC): These holsters are made for quick access and reliability, making them perfect for use in a bag or purse that you carry daily. Look for an EDC holster with features like adjustable cant and retention.

• Leather Holsters: Leather is a great choice for a holster if you want a more stylish and classic option. Leather gun holsters offer a secure fit and a level of elegance while keeping your firearm protected inside your bag.

• Custom Holsters: If you want a holster tailored to your specific needs and preferences, custom holsters are a great choice. Whether you carry a Glock, SIG, revolver, or any other model, a custom holster can ensure a snug and secure fit inside your bag.

• Holster for Handgun: Look for holsters that are designed to fit your handgun model specifically, whether you’re carrying a Glock, SIG, or revolver. Proper fit is crucial for both safety and accessibility.

2. Security and Retention

It’s crucial that your holster provides adequate retention to prevent the firearm from shifting or becoming dislodged inside your bag. Look for a holster that has adjustable retention, which can keep your gun securely in place while still allowing for a smooth and fast draw when necessary. For a purse, consider holsters with a “snap” or locking mechanism to add extra security.

3. Ease of Access

In an emergency, seconds matter. A holster designed for off-body carry should allow for a smooth, swift draw from your bag. The ideal holster will have a quick-release system or an open-top design, allowing you to access your firearm with minimal effort. Choose holsters that make your firearm easy to grab and ready to use when needed.

4. Comfort and Fit

Comfort is just as important in off-body carry as it is with on-body carry. Consider how your holster fits into your bag or purse. Does it add bulk, or is it streamlined and unobtrusive? A well-designed holster should feel natural and secure inside your bag without causing discomfort.

Popular Holster Options for Off-Body Carry

Here are some top holster options to consider for off-body carry:

1. Cross-Draw Holsters: Ideal for off-body carry, a cross-draw holster allows you to draw from the opposite side of your body, making it more accessible in certain bags or purses.

2. Holster for Glock/SIG/Revolver: If you own a Glock, SIG, or revolver, there are specific holsters designed for those firearms. These holsters provide the proper fit and retention needed for secure off-body carry.

3. Western Gun Holsters: If you prefer a more vintage look, consider western gun holsters, which can be a stylish and functional addition to larger bags or packs.

4. IWB and OWB Holsters: Though typically worn on the body, both IWB and OWB holsters can sometimes be adapted for off-body carry in certain bags or backpacks. Ensure you choose a model with a secure retention system.

5. Holster for Defender: For those who carry compact defensive firearms, a holster designed specifically for your defensive handgun is essential. These holsters are usually small and easy to fit into smaller purses or bags.

Additional Concealed Carry Accessories

When selecting holsters for off-body carry, also consider related concealed carry accessories to improve both safety and efficiency. Accessories like magazine carriers, holster stabilizers, and concealed carry wallets can add to the overall convenience and security of your carry method.

Conclusion

Off-body carry provides a convenient and discreet way to carry a firearm, but it’s important to choose the right holster for the job. Whether you opt for a leather holster, a custom holster, or a simple EDC holster, prioritize safety, accessibility, and comfort. At Saddle Online Shop, we offer a wide range of holsters for all types of concealed carry, ensuring that you find the perfect holster for your purse, bag, or everyday carry routine.

Remember, when it comes to off-body carry, the right holster can make all the difference in ensuring your firearm is safe, secure, and ready when you need it most.

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