With new concealed carry laws passing state by state, there has been a significant increase in the amount of women who are becoming permitted firearm carriers. While there are many reasons that women feel the need to arm themselves and take advantage of the new concealed carry laws, below are six of the top reasons women are likely to be concealed carriers.
Preparation
The Urban Carry Tote
Carrying a concealed firearm allows women to defend themselves without drawing the attention of would-be criminals. When put in a situation where self-defense is needed, she will have the right tool to protect her own life or the lives’ of others. With the variety or training, gear and firearms available today, every woman has the ability to take control of her personal defense.
Increased Security
When traveling alone or with a small group in rough areas, those who carry a firearm, as well as those traveling with them, will feel safer knowing that they will have the means to protect themselves in the event they are attacked. Most female concealed carry permit holders carry firearms to be prepared for trouble, not to go seek it out.
Less Vulnerability = More Confidence
As a group, women tend to feel more vulnerable when traveling in unsafe areas or traveling alone. Having the appropriate means to defend themselves will allow them to travel with confidence in areas where they would usually avoid or be anxious when traveling through. Being in charge of one's safety is empowering, and with additional training, confidence will grow even stronger.
Increased Situational Awareness
A concealed carrier is prepared to defend themselves and others in the event of a dangerous situation. With this responsibility comes increased recognitions of threats that may be nearby as well as a heightened awareness of their surroundings, including exits and points of safety.
This heightened awareness will help those carrying concealed to respond quickly and effectively to situations that may arise. Once someone has earned their concealed weapons permit, there are follow-on courses that make sense for them to take. These advanced self-defense and firearms courses teach even more in-depth tactical skills, enhancing the combat mindset and overall awareness.
Greater Effectiveness
Before concealed carry permits were available, the primary forms of self-defense for women were pepper spray, whistles, stun guns or other options designed to attract attention to a situation.
While pepper spray can be an effective method of self-defense, it does not always stop the attacker for long and can also blow back in the face of the victim. Likewise, notification defense methods are only effective if there are other people in the vicinity who are willing to help when trouble arises. Knowing that more women are carrying concealed firearms creates an effective deterrent to would-be criminals, who are likely to prey on female victims.
More Options Than Ever Before
There are more styles of firearms available on the market than ever before. These increased options have opened up concealed carry to more women, offering them plenty of options in size, caliber and function of a concealed firearm. No longer are women relegated to carrying either a full-size 1911 or a mini .25 ACP.
Weapons like the Sig Sauer P938 or the Glock 42 (just to name two of many, many choices) offer women a scaled down version of larger firearms, allowing them to train with and use the firearm more efficiently.
Along with the plentiful options in firearms and self-defense tools, there are more learning opportunities as well. Along with any number of practical shooting courses comes self-defense classes, such as Tony Blauer’s SPEAR training, or various martial arts such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Krav Maga.
Firearms are also easy to carry and transport since they can easily fit in a glove box or trunk and can be carried close to the body comfortably with the use of a women's concealed carry holster or women's concealed carry clothing options.
When properly secured, a firearm can be worn without risk of accident during almost any outing. Though ladies’ fashion can present a unique challenge to properly concealing a firearm, concealed carrying is becoming easier. More comfortable and concealable options become available all the time, allowing greater ease of use regardless of clothing style and body type.
The Urban Carry Tote, IWB and Ankle Holsters
Whether it is the ability to handle a life or death situation or to feel more safe and confident when traveling alone in less secure areas, women have many reasons to take advantage of concealed carry law. The truth is, this list of reasons for women to carry applies just as much to men as it does women.
Fortunately, our culture has evolved in such a way that women are being included in these traditionally male worlds. This is a benefit not only to women, but to our society as a whole. With more and more women gaining certification to carry concealed, and training in self-defense, the better protected we are as a whole.
