Concealed-Carry Options for Women: Pros vs. Cons

Learn how to simplify your concealed-carry choices in this latest video from Smith & Wesson's GUNSMARTS series.

posted on August 3, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Smith & Wesson's Julie Golob may have been carrying concealed (not to mention winning shooting competitions) for years, but she does remember what it was like trying to figure out how to carry a concealed gun comfortably. Women who choose to carry a firearm for personal defense have some choices to make about how to do that ... and every choice you'll make has both pros and cons.

In this video from S&W's GUNSMARTS series, Golob takes the gun-industry jargon ("on-body carry" and "off-body carry") and boils it down to its component parts. Is it better for a beginner to carry a concealed gun in a purse or backpack, or does it make more sense to wear the gun directly on the body? The answers are different for everyone, but you won't know what your answer is until you ask the right questions. Watch this video for some very simple tips that will lead you to the right concealed-carry solution for you!

Latest

NRA Women The Armed Citizen Pistol
NRA Women The Armed Citizen Pistol

The Armed Citizen® Reload June 12, 2026

One man's idea of brotherly love didn't exactly align with his sister's philosophy.

Sally Talbott Earns High Woman Honors at 2026 CMP Bianchi Cup

Talbott, a member of Team Accuracy X and a former member of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Service Pistol Team also earned Open .22 Champion honors and finishing 2nd overall in the Open Division.

Team Remington's Madison Sharpe Wins Top Honors at the 2026 Southeast Regional Championships

Team Remington’s Brandon Powell also won his second consecutive NSCA regional championship.

National Bowhunter Education Foundation's Marilyn Bentz Receives Ann Hoyt Award

The award is reserved for those deserving women who have demonstrated excellence in career achievements and service to the archery community as an administrator, bowhunter, businessperson, coach, competitor or official.

Why You Should Buy a Duck Stamp

The story behind how we got the federal duck stamp and why you should consider buying one even if you don’t hunt.

 

Ruger Safety Bulletin: LCP MAX Manual Safety Models

The recess that retains the safety lever detent spring may not be machined properly, but the other safety mechanisms, including the trigger safety, are not affected and will still function properly.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.