Wife wants Purse with Conceal Carry Pocket

[Larry]

My wife saw a purse kit at Tandy she liked. It was open top but no way to conceal her little .38 snub nose. Where can I get a kit or a pattern for this type of purse. Thanks everyone. Larry

[particle]

I've looked at those kits for my wife - could you perhaps fabricate a box / compartment, and glue it to the inside face of the purse - sort of like a one-sided holster? If you left the sides of the compartment un-trimmed, you could sandwich it between the side/back panels and stitch it all up together so it's fastened more securely. You could also skive the edge of the holster/compartment piece so it doesn't noticeably add to the thickness that's visible on the outside of the purse seams. You could include a flip-top flap with a magnetic closure to keep it concealed. Just some quick thoughts.

[Larry]

Great ideas. But since I'm a beginner, I really need a plan or a kit. I've only made a couple of knife sheaths.

Maybe someone will have a plan or know where i can get a kit. When I get a little more experience, I'll be able to do the things you have recommended. Thanks again. Larry

[bex DK]

The easy way to make a pattern is to use paper and tape or fabric and rough stitches. Perhaps if your wife wants the bag, she would help you back a mockup out of fabric?

[TwinOaks]

Here's an easy way to accomodate a CCW in a kit purse- it isn't necessarily the most secure, but it is easy.

When you assemble the purse, include a couple of small loops or (keychain style) split rings. One should be placed high, one low, and arranged to provide the desired position for the weapon. There are two attachment points to help keep the weapon correctly oriented, and if properly secured in the purse, it allows the weapon to be drawn without drawing the holster with it. Now make a small holster with corresponding attachment points that allow the user to clip the holster into the purse, or remove the weapon and holster as needed. A visit to a government building (courthouse?) is a perfect example of why it's a good idea to have a removeable holster.

Another option would be to just insert a pocket (with closure device) at a seam.

My personal opinion is that a purse is a bad place to keep a weapon. In a purse snatching scenario, the bad guy gets the money AND the gun. As I said, that's my opinion, and YMMV.