I'm a 64 year old woman and use to carrying with my shoulder holster. I just received my Skyler cross body today. First off I'm left handed. My main carry gun is an M&P compact 40, I have found that if I carry the purse with the gun on the out side instead of next to my body it seems to workout better. My 40 is a bit heavy for the conceal compartment and getting it out isn't quick. At this point I can see a few draw backs, if you are left handed and wear a wedding ring my center stone gets caught a lot but turning it with the gun to the outside it was a bit better. I must say I have never been much of a purse type lady and don't carry a lot of other stuff in it. My S&W J frame works well in the conceal compartment but to get the gun out with one hand having the weight of my 40 in the purse makes it just right. I haven't given up on it but just wanted to give a heads up. Oh and don't go to the nail salon and spent a bunch on your nails they will take a betting as you practice drawing your gun on the zipper. I'm going to keep trying to use it. Will write another review when I know for sure if it's what I was hoping it would be.