How to Draw Your Gun from a Concealed Carry Purse

Odds are you will never have to draw your CCW gun in self-defense. But should the unthinkable happen, you will rely on your training to get you through the incident.

** 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. **

The debate surrounding the merits of carrying on-body versus off-body is so yesterday. The fact is many NRA women simply cannot carry a handgun on their person. If the best option for you is to carry off-body—congratulations, you have still chosen to responsibly exercise your inalienable right of self-defense. And chances are you are stashing your defensive pistol in one of the many available concealed-carry purses.

Most likely you will never have to draw your CCW gun in self-defense. But should the unthinkable happen, you will need to rely on your training to get you through the incident. Are you fully prepared should you be forced to present your firearm from a purse?

Here on NRAWomen.com we’ve provided you the steps to a proper draw from a holstered gun. While it may appear to be one fluid motion, this process should actually be composed of five distinct steps. A similar presentation should be performed when drawing from a purse. Watch this video as renowned Gunsite Academy Rangemaster Il Ling New shows the proper technique. This is an exercise you can perform repeatedly at home with an unloaded firearm to ensure you are ready for any scenario.

Latest

Rao Female Instructor Women In Rifle Class3 Photo By Rao
Rao Female Instructor Women In Rifle Class3 Photo By Rao

Why We Need More Women Instructors

The landscape on the gun range has changed dramatically in recent years, with more women than ever punching holes on paper and ringing steel. Here's one way we can keep them there.

Stoeger V7000 Shotgun Review

This new scattergun offers a pleasant day of shooting, and with a sticker price under a grand, you'll have room left over in the budget for a case of shells and clays.

TKG Teams Dominate 2026 Sporting Clays Championship

Team B&P shooter Karen Miles claimed the Lady Main Event and Lady All-Around titles, among others. In the Ladies Cup, Karen Miles, Kiersten Sales and Madison Sharpe finished first, second and third respectively.

New Guns 2026: Smith & Wesson New Model 22 of 1917 Classic and Model 22 Classic

These new offerings combine period-correct styling and heritage-driven features with the quality and reliability expected from a modern Smith & Wesson revolver.

Self-Defense on Campus and What Every Family Should Know

Here are a few things to consider as you establish clear rules and expectations surrounding personal safety.

NRA Whittington Center's Adventure Camp Youth Program: A Transformational Experience

Beyond learning marksmanship skills and having a whole lot of fun in the outdoors, kids who attend this camp emerge as patriotic leaders.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.