Concealed carry involves securing a firearm on one’s person, usually in a holster directly attached to the body. However, off-body carry is an alternative that employs containers such as handbags, briefcases or even the colloquially termed “man-purse” to secure the firearm instead. This method offers a balance of convenience and security while adapting to various lifestyles and physical needs.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Off-Body Carry
Off-body carry offers significant advantages, particularly in terms of convenience and comfort. For many, carrying a firearm in a shoulder bag or similar is part of daily life; a discreet way to incorporate a sidearm without altering one’s attire or comfort. Moreover, it allows for the concealment of larger firearms and additional equipment like emergency medical gear or extra magazines, which might be cumbersome to carry on-body.
However, these conveniences come with notable drawbacks. The most significant is security. A firearm that isn’t attached directly to the body can be more easily targeted in a theft or accidentally accessed by an unauthorized person, such as a child. The risk of a firearm being grabbed during an assault is also higher when it’s not on the body, where it can be more effectively shielded against snatching.
Best Practices for Off-Body Carry
Carrying off-body requires adherence to several best practices to mitigate risks, particularly those related to access and retention. It’s crucial to ensure the carry bag has a dedicated holster compartment to prevent the firearm from tumbling and to aid in swift access. The bag should have a robust strap system to prevent easy removal by an assailant and should ideally be carried in a manner that allows quick access by the carrier but not by others.
Retaining control of the carry bag at all times minimizes the risk of accidental exposure or loss of the firearm. Ensure the off-body carry method keeps the firearm from bing visible to bystanders to prevent unwanted attention and reduce the likelihood of being perceived as a threat. While off-body carry offers flexibility, laws regarding where and how one can carry vary by location.
Gear and Accessories for Off-Body Carry
Selecting the right gear for off-body carry is crucial. A suitable carry bag should include an integrated holster section to secure the firearm firmly, reducing the risk of accidental discharge and ensuring the firearm remains in position. The bag itself should offer both comfort and functionality, with straps that can withstand attempts to snatch the bag away without breaking.
Choosing the right off-body carry method depends on your specific circumstances, lifestyle, and security needs. While purses and backpacks offer greater versatility and comfort for daily use, a briefcase might be more appropriate in professional or formal settings where discretion is paramount. Each method has its pros and cons, and the optimal choice should align with the user’s primary concerns for security, accessibility, and comfort.
1. Purse Carry
- Example: Concealment Purse by Gun Tote’n Mamas
- Accessibility: Medium to high, depending on purse design. Models with dedicated gun compartments offer quicker access.
- Safety features: Many models include lockable zippers and reinforced compartments that reduce the risk of accidental discharge and unauthorized access.
- Comfort: High, as it integrates seamlessly with everyday attire and usage habits.
- Pros: Highly discreet, fashionable and allows for larger firearms.
- Cons: Risk of theft or forgetting the purse can be higher than with body-attached methods.
2. Backpack Carry
- Example: Maxpedition Entity Series Backpack
- Accessibility: Medium; requires the user to possibly remove the backpack to access the firearm, which can delay response time.
- Safety features: Features secure compartments with lockable zippers and often RFID-blocking materials.
- Comfort: High, especially suitable for longer durations of carrying or when additional gear is needed.
- Pros: Suitable for larger loads, including multiple weapons or additional gear like medical kits.
- Cons: Not as quick to draw from compared to on-body options and can be cumbersome in crowded places.
3. Briefcase Carry
- Example: Blackhawk Diversion Carry Board Pack
- Accessibility: Low to medium; suitable for environments where carrying a briefcase is routine but may require setting down to access the firearm.
- Safety features: Includes diversionary designs that mimic everyday items, reducing the likelihood of identifying it as a carry case.
- Comfort: Medium; carrying a briefcase can be less comfortable over long periods or in fast-moving scenarios.
- Pros: Extremely discreet in professional settings, with ample space for larger firearms and additional items.
- Cons: Slowest access among the listed options and can be awkward to carry constantly.
Techniques for Quick Access and Handling
Quick access is a critical factor in off-body carry. Techniques such as practicing drawing from the bag and familiarizing oneself with the feel and opening mechanism of the carry compartment can significantly enhance response time in a critical situation. Training to access the firearm swiftly and safely should be an ongoing practice.
Maximizing Safety and Efficiency with Off-Body Carry
While off-body carry introduces specific challenges, particularly in terms of security and quick access, it remains a viable and sometimes necessary option for concealed carry. Off-body carry can be particularly useful in scenarios where on-body carry is not feasible, such as at the beach or in tight, crowded spaces. By choosing the right equipment and continuously training to handle the carry system efficiently, carriers can effectively mitigate the drawbacks and leverage the benefits of off-body carry.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is off-body concealed carry safe?
- While it presents specific risks, off-body carry can be safe if practiced with the correct precautions and awareness of one’s environment.
- How can you access your gun quickly from off-body carry?
- Quick access can be achieved by regular practice with the carry bag, ensuring the firearm is always in the same position within the bag, and using a bag designed for concealed carry with easy-access compartments.
