Does your concealed handgun legally have to be in a holster? Can it be carried in a pocket without a holster?. In addition I like to carry mine in my purse but I like it unholstered so I can have it ready. Is this legal?

Perfectly legal

Concealed is concealed. Hide it somewhere. Lay it beside you and cover it with a towel. It is all good.

Thanks for the amazingly quick reply!

I wear khaki cargo pants as a nurse, and sometimes that pistol may or may not be in my pocket. By the way, it’s a Sigg 938 sub compact 9 mm with personal defense rounds.

The main problem with carrying one in a purse would be something getting in the trigger guard and causing a discharge.

If it is a revolver or pistol with an exposed hammer you can snag it trying to get it out.

Its a hammerless S & W 38

Pocket carry without a holster is probably the #1 don't in carrying. Some think it is cool because the bad guys on TV do it. It's actually stupid and dangerous to you, not the bad guy.

While carrying it in a purse is perfectly legal, there are good reasons to be careful about that. If you need it, you are likely to need it in a hurry. It should be in the same spot and same position at all times. In addition, it needs to be protected from foreign objects obstructing the barrel, obstructing the cylinder rotation, or obstructing the trigger arc. I strongly recommend that if you carry in a purse, you acquire a purse manufactured for concealed carry, with:
*Strong straps and attachments (don't make it easy for a purse snatcher).
*A separate compartment for the firearm (and only the firearm), with a holster stably positioned (velcro is a popular option) to place the revolver in an accessible orientation for an instinctive grasp and draw.
*The firearm compartment configured so that in a tense situation (perhaps a dark parking lot at night?) you can readily grasp the firearm inside the purse so as to appear neutral, but ready to present it quickly and smoothly if needed.

A good "pistol purse" used to cost several hundred dollars (when you could find one) before so many states began issuing CHLs / LTCs etc. Now there is a better selection and many good ones available for a fraction of the price of your firearm. Having a separate compartment assures that nothing will interfere with the function of your firearm, and that people in close proximity will not see a firearm when you open your purse to retrieve a wallet, credit card, cellular phone, etc. Please, look into it.

Situational awareness is absolutely a must!!

YES

Legal, yes.

Wise? Not so much, for the reasons given above.

You would also think that the perp would want your purse first so there goes your advantage in most situations.

Get one of these. Tie the cord to the inside of your bag. The trigger is guarded, but when you need it, just yank the gun out and the guard will pull off.