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Which Gun Do I Carry When I Go Out?
It all depends on where I’m headed, what I’m wearing, and how I’m carrying it.
As women, we already make a hundred little choices before we leave the house — heels or flats, messy bun or curling iron, jeans or that flowy dress that’s been hanging in the closet waiting for the “right” day.
And if you’re like me and carry, there’s one more thing to decide:
Which gun is coming with me today?
I wish there was a one-size-fits-all answer, but honestly, it changes. For me, it’s all about where I’m going, what I’m wearing, and how I’ll be concealing it.
Let me walk you through my thought process.
1. Where I’m Going
My destination sets the tone.
- Kid-friendly days: If we’re headed to the zoo, a school event, or church, I want something light and comfortable that won’t feel like an anchor by the end of the day.
- Errands in the city: I lean toward a gun with a little more capacity — not because I expect trouble, but because I want to be ready for anything.
- Date night: Discretion is key here. A smaller gun that doesn’t print under my outfit lets me focus on enjoying the night without adjusting my bag every five minutes.
Tip from experience: Think about the crowd, how much moving around you’ll be doing, and how quickly you might need to get to your gun.
2. What I’m Wearing
Let’s be real — our outfits make or break our carry plan.
- Flowy dresses: These are tricky. I go smaller and lighter here, usually in a crossbody or concealed carry clutch.
- Jeans and a tee: I can get away with a mid-size gun here since the fabric has some structure.
- Work clothes: Slim, low-profile firearms work best when I’m wearing blazers or tailored pieces. Comfort matters — I don’t want to feel poked or pinched all day.
Rule I live by: My clothes should work with my carry, not against it. If I’m tugging or adjusting all day, it’s a no-go.
3. How I’m Carrying It
This is the tie-breaker most days. I carry almost exclusively in a concealed carry handbag, so the bag I grab usually decides the gun.
- Smaller purse: Subcompact. Light. Easy to draw.
- Larger tote or backpack: Mid-size handgun plus an extra mag (and yes, still room for snacks and wipes).
- Crossbody: Perfect for errands or travel — I’ll go with something balanced between easy access and all-day comfort.
Non-negotiable: Practice your draw with that exact bag before you walk out the door. It’s a totally different feel than the range.
My Go-To Pairings
Here’s what I usually grab:
- Casual everyday: Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ in my Kinsey Rhea Rissa Crossbody.
- Travel: Mid-size pistol in my Kinsey Rhea Concealed Carry Backpack.
- Girls’ night out: Tiny subcompact in a slim concealed carry clutch.
Picking your carry gun isn’t about “favorites” — it’s about matching safety, comfort, and concealment to your day.
Kind of like shoes — you wouldn’t wear stilettos to a soccer game, and you shouldn’t pick a gun that doesn’t fit your plans, your outfit, or your carry method.
So before you head out, just ask yourself:
- Where am I going?
- What am I wearing?
- How will I carry it?
Once you know those three things, the choice becomes a whole lot easier.