Women’s Interest in Firearms Triggers Demand for Feminine Gun Accessories

The increasing number of female gun owners has spawned a new industry: firearms accessories with a feminine touch.

Purses with hidden compartments for guns, garter belt holsters, and shoulder holsters for women are just a few of the items available by mail order and at gun shows.

“Finally, a holster handbag which can be used for evening wear,” reads one advertisement for a red clutch purse with an optional gold-tone shoulder strap.

“It’s only good if you can draw it in time,” says another ad for a holster purse.

The women in Cathy Tolley’s firearms class used a holster handbag in one shooting exercise and praised its practical design. The fashion value of the oversize brown handbag was questionable, however.

“That purse is just tres chic ,” Lori Jones joked.

Also available are pink sweat shirts and T-shirts with a picture of a woman’s hand wrapped around a handgun. The slogan reads, “The ultimate in feminine protection.”

And this year, a new monthly magazine called Women & Guns was launched. The publication includes such articles as “The Big Gun for the Little Woman” and “Ladies Review the Colt .45.”