Abstract: A case has a quick-access weapon holder assembly that moves from a concealed position to an accessible position. The weapon carried by the weapon holder assembly may be a firearm, a chemical-based defense weapon, a baton, or an electricity-based (electroshock) weapon. The weapon holder assembly may include a holster designed to secure the weapon in the manner of a traditional holster so that the weapon is securely held by the weapon holder assembly and so the weapon does not unintentionally fall out of the holder assembly during normal use of the case. The movement of the weapon holder assembly is actuated without the need for the user to remove his hand from the normal case-carrying position. The normal case-carrying position is one wherein the user's hand is positioned on a handle of a hard-sided case or positioned on the lower portion of the front portion of a strap of a soft-sided case or purse.