By: Kendra Stephens
Introduction
For a beginner, carrying a firearm in a purse can feel a little daunting at first. Sure, on body carry is often considered more secure and accessible, but a purse can offer all that if utilized in a safe way. The trade-off? You might wonder how easy it is to get to your firearm quickly or whether your purse is secure enough to keep everything you need in place. The GTM CCW Purse offers a solution to these points in a high quality made, easy to use purse with a variety of stylish options. Giving users a secure way to carry without feeling like you’re compromising on safety or fashion. After testing it, I can say it does a pretty solid job of checking the right boxes for both security and style.
The bag selection I chose, The Clutch Purse, is perfect for everyday sub-compact carry, while being roomy enough for a wallet, keys, and even some lip gloss. The adjustable strap offered versatility, and I loved how the brass finished hardware added a touch of class to the overall look of the bag.
For some time now, I carried the bag while running errands from toting kids to sporting events to a date with my husband. I am happy to report that it strikes a nice balance between function and style, though there are few considerations to keep in mind.
Features and Benefits
Brand: GTM (Gun Tote’n Mamas)
Product Type: Leather clutch purse designed for concealed carry
Target Audience: Women who want a stylish but secure way to carry a firearm
Price: $149.95 Clutch Purse 175.95 Sling Backpack
Key Features: Premium leather finish with a soft finish
Ambidextrous design of the conceal carry compartment
Multiple internal pockets for organization
Includes velcro holster for key positioning
Initial Impressions
The GTM CCW Clutch Purse immediately impressed me with its high quality leather that was incredibly soft. The sleek design made it hard to believe it was a concealed carry bag over just a luxury purse. The first thing I noticed was how the concealed carry compartment blended into the bag well. It doesn’t scream “gun carrier”. This definitely gives it a discreet, everyday look to the bag.
The clutch is perfectly sized for casual outings, as it just fits the essentials like a phone, wallet, keys and maybe some compact makeup. Still, there is ample space for your compact or subcompact firearm in its very own designated zippered pocket.
Carrying With the GTM Purse
I carried this purse everywhere I went (yes, even to the bathroom.) I did not leave it behind, not once. Here is how it performed:
Concealed carry compartment
The concealment pocket is located on the back side of the clutch, offering a secure space for your firearm. It is roomy enough for a compact handgun, and the velcro lined holster allows for adjustment to your comfort.
Ease of use
With a little practice, I found it easy to access my firearm. I also liked that the holster was ambidextrous, making it comfortable for everybody.
Comfort and usability
The strap was high quality and comfortable, it adhered to solid rings that had reinforced webbing. This was something I find to be important when considering any bag and can make or break it for me, as someone who worked in luxury retail. The interior compartments helped keep everything pretty organized, from my phone and cards to lip balm and other essentials you may have. The purse is not weighted down enough to be bothersome, even when fully packed.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Stylish and discreet– it looks like a high end clutch. Soft, premium leather. Easy access to concealed firearm with adjustable holster. Strong shoulder strap and robust solid hardware. Interior pockets to keep everything organized
Cons:
Best suited for smaller firearms like compact or subcompact. Larger firearms may not fit properly, making for a bulkier bag.
Necessary trigger guard depending on firearm. For those carrying a firearm with a trigger blade-safety, a proper trigger guard may be required for extra safety. The Velcro holster provides some structure but I can see it not always offering the level of protection needed for more sensitive models.
We used various pistols to test the fit of the GTM purses, but mainly we used the Ruger EC9 and the Taurus TX22 Compact.
Final Thoughts
The GTM CCW Clutch is a practical yet stylish option for women who need a discreet way to carry a firearm. It is obvious that it was designed with ease of access in mind, so you can quickly retrieve your firearm when necessary, while also being manageable for daily use. However, the leather holster may feel less secure for some and could require additional accessories for safety, and it’s best suited for smaller firearms. Obviously, you can customize different holster options depending on the firearm you choose to carry.
Priced at 149.95, this CCW clutch is a solid choice for those who value practicality. If you’re looking for something sleek and easy to carry for the basics, the clutch is a great option–but it may not be the best fit if you carry a larger firearm or need more space for everyday items. Nevertheless, Gun Tote’n Mamas offers a wide array of options for your specific needs and firearm sizes.