Best Concealed Carry Purses
Having the best concealed carry purse can make carrying a firearm safer and more comfortable. However, carrying a concealed weapon in your purse doesn’t have to leave you strapped down with a plain, ugly bag. Thanks to the increased popularity of concealed carry and armed self-defense for women, the options available for concealed carry purses are wide open.
Studies show that 40% of new gun owners are women, and many women do not like to carry in the waistband. In this article you will find off body carry options in the form of a purse or handbag. It is important that if you chose to carry in a purse or handbag that you get the proper training for that style of carry.
Best Purses For Concealed Carry
Below are our recommendations for best concealed carry purses. We included many different types of carry purses, as well as budgets. Most purses come in a variety of colors! We follow up our list of top purses for concealed carry with what you should look for in a concealed carry purse.
1. Browning Alexandria Concealed Carry Purse
This Browning Alexandria Concealed Carry Purse is a great choice if you want extra protection for your concealed carry weapon. It has a pocket holster that provides quick access from the right or left and can be adjusted for your personal comfort. Also, this purse provides a lot of extra storage space and a wide base, so you don’t have to worry about it falling over.
The extra feature that I liked about this handbag is that it comes with a lockable zipper with a hidden key ring that is attached to the purse strap and easily accessible.
Since 1878, Browning has continued to represent “the best there is” In firearms and outdoor products, so it is no surprise that they have made a quality handbag for concealed carry.
A downfall of this purse is there is not an option to carry crossbody because the straps are not long enough. However, if you are looking for a purse to carry crossbody, you can select the Catrina or Sierra version of this purse. Those also come in the same color options as the Alexandria.
Key Features
- Made of soft, premium material (a durable pu leather that provides a rich color and smooth feel)
- A variety of colors available
- Lockable zipper
- Thick and sturdy straps
- removable Velcro positioning holster
2. Browning Women’s Harper Concealed Carry Purse
There are a lot of options that come with the Browning Harper Concealed Carry Purse. This concealed carry purse can be carried as a backpack, handbag, or crossbody as it comes with a crossbody strap.
It is very stylish and roomy. It is made with a durable PU leather that provides a rich color and a smooth feel. People who have used this purse say it definitely has enough room for the things you need. If you are a mom, many women have said that it not only has enough room to hold your things, but also holds a changing pad, diapers, and other necessary items for kids
It comes with a lockable zipper that you can lock by using the hidden keys that are on the purse strap. This provides extra security when you want your concealed weapon to be locked up.
Key Features
- Adjustable straps for backpack, handbag, or crossbody carry
- Quick access pocket with holster
- A removable holster that can rotate and adjust for personal comfort, the right angle, and grip
- Made with premium materials
- Lockable zipper
3. Roma Leathers Locking Concealment Purse
If you are looking for a purse that does not at all give away that you are carrying, the Roma Leathers Locking Concealment Purse is the one. There are no markings that would suggest you are carrying a concealed weapon. The zippers on the gun compartment are covered with a leather strip, therefore, others would not be able to tell that it is a concealed carry purse.
This purse is made of genuine leather and is remarkably designed. It is able to fit a lot of things, yet still look compact. The gun compartment has a zipper on each side so you can access it either way, for right or left users.
This purse has the option to lock the zippered compartments on either side of the purse for extra safety. This is a great option to have if there are kids around.
Key Features
- Made of genuine leather
- Soft cloth inner lining
- Lockable zipper
- Comes in a variety of colors
- Thick and sturdy straps
4. Bulldog Satchel Style Purse with Holster
The Bulldog Satchel Style Purse is durable and has a fully lined interior. It has multiple inner compartments to keep you organized. There is also one main zippered compartment for larger items. It comes with metal bottom feet for extra durability.
This purse is very stylish and fashionable. It comes in a few color choices and one of those is a leopard trim.
It comes with a lock and key compartment, but some people say they wish it had a hidden area for the key.
A downfall to this purse seems to be the size of the concealed compartment being small, so it would work best for a smaller sized firearm.
Key Features
- Affordable
- Durable and stylish
- Easy access to your firearm
- 2 handle options
- Able to lock concealed compartment
5. Bulldog Cases Carry Tote
This cute and stylish Bulldog Carry Tote is admired for its look! Many people have said they receive a lot of compliments on the look and others have no idea they are carrying a firearm.
This purse includes a matching holster that fits small framed compact pistols and revolvers. It will certainly not attract attention to what is inside.
It does come with a lock and key for that extra security, especially if you have children around.
Key Features
- Cute and stylish
- Doesn’t attract attention to carrying a firearm
- Could be a little more sturdy
6. Montana West Large Concealed Carry Leather Hobo Purse
This Montana West Hobo Purse is affordable and comes in a large variety of colors. It is made of high-quality faux leather that is anti-scratch and durable. It can be carried hobo style or with the crossbody strap that is adjustable to meet your body’s needs.
There is a double zippered center pocket to hold your firearm in the holster safely and securely instead of on the side of the purse. It is hard to tell that you are carrying a firearm. There is plenty of room for all the other items you need to carry in your purse.
Key Features
- Affordable
- Durable and stylish
- 2 handle options
- Easy access to zipper and holster
7. Montana West Concealed Carry Tooled Leather Shoulder Purse
This Montana West Tooled Leather Purse is made of a stylish floral tooled leather. It is durable and sturdy with tight stitching. Montana West also offers a well-made matching wallet that can convert into a wristlet when desired. The spacious room will be able to fit all your belongings and your firearm with no problem.
The separate concealed carry compartment is located on the back and has a right vertical access. It will fit a small to medium size framed firearm with ease.
A downside is that it does not have a lock and key with the firearm compartment if you are looking for that extra security.
Key Features
- Durable and sturdy
- Separate compartment for firearm
- Very spacious
- Matching wallet available
- Easy access to firearm
8. 5.11 Women’s Sarah Satchel
This is a great budget buy with its low price tag!
Whether you prefer a handbag or a crossbody bag, this 2-way bag has got you covered! The 5.11 Sarah Satchel comes with a detachable body strap that you can easily put on or off depending on your style. This satchel is strategically built using an ultra-durable waterproof material.
It has a stylish and versatile design that supports everyday use. It’s pistol compartment is made secure by a magnetic quick access closure and is compatible with the TacTec system by 5.11.
Key Features
- Media pocket
- Stopping lugs on the bottom
- Extra wide opening
- Roomy interior
- Waterproof
9. Gun Tote’n Mamas Leather Tooled American Cowhide Crossbody Organizer Bag
This GTM Leather Shoulder Bag is a beautiful vintage wearable work of art! A hand carved mold creates this embossed understated rose leaf pattern on American cowhide leather. The strap is adjustable and is made of a slash resistant material.
The gun compartment is designed for either left or right-handed use. The pocket opens on 3 sides and includes a holster that is adjustable to your most comfortable draw angle.
The main compartment is zippered and holds all your daily necessities. It also includes a side pocket and a zippered privacy pocket.
Key Features
- Beautifully designed
- Adjustable holster
- Zippered compartments
- Slash resistant strap
- Roomy interior
10. Gun Tote’n Mamas Bucket Tote
This elegant full grain leather cowhide GTM Bucket Tote is practical and versatile. It is highly durable, and its tumbled drum dyed leather creates a one of a kind tote. No two are the same.
It works well as a regular or crossbody tote and fits a medium sized firearm. It has a left or right zippered pocket that makes for easy draw. The holster on the inside can be re-positioned for comfort and opens on the front.
This is a good, sturdy carry tote and a lot of people like that it can stand on its own.
Key Features
- Made from full grain leather
- No two are the same
- Holster can be re-positioned
- Comes in brown or black
- Exceptionally durable
11. Universal Purse Holster Insert
If you do not want to purchase a concealed carry purse, but still want to carry in a purse, this is a great option for you. This Universal Holster Insert fits any size handbag small or large from 10 to 16 inches in length. This platform sits against the inside wall of your purse and takes up minimal space leaving plenty of room for belongings.
This concealed carry purse holster carries your firearm horizontally with the barrel facing downward which adds to the safety of this holster. You will be able to draw quickly if you ever need to protect yourself.
You can carry your purse on your dominant shoulder for an upward draw or on your non-dominant shoulder for a cross-draw.
Key Features
- Inexpensive
- Can be used with most regular purses
- Easy access to firearm
- Holds gun snugly to keep it safe
- Accommodates all firearms
12. ComfortTac XL Ultimate Belly Band Holster
The Belly Band Holster is a high-quality option is you want to carry on your person. It is made of Neoprene which is soft against your skin. Most belly band holsters are made of elastic and can pinch your skin or hair which is extremely uncomfortable. Neoprene is thicker than elastic and handles the weight of a gun very well.
While this is not a purse, it is a great option for when you have to go without one. It is very popular to use while jogging and exercising.
The holster will fit just about any pistol you own up to a full size 1911. It also includes an accessory pocket and an extra magazine pouch. A metal snap retention strap is provided to keep your gun secure.
It can be worn in any position including high up like a shoulder holster or concealed carry shirt.
Key Features
- Can be worn in any position
- Made with high quality material
- Fits most firearms
- Hard plastic trigger guard
- Comfortable
What to Look For in a Concealed Carry Purse
Buying a concealed carry purse can be a complicated process. Be sure to purchase a purse that is right for you and your lifestyle. Some areas to consider when purchasing a carry purse are style, safety, and accessibility of your firearm.
Style
Before you shop for a concealed carry purse, think about the style you like most in regular purses that you have already carried.
Are you someone who likes a lot of pockets to keep things organized, or more of a “throw it all in and I’ll find it when I need it” kind of person? Do you like a structured or hobo style? What kind of material do you prefer? Think about your preferred purse style carefully because you want to ensure that this will be a purse you are totally comfortable wearing and using when the time comes.
Once you have chosen the style, it is time to look at the concealed carry features of the purse. It is essential to choose a purse with a separate compartment for your firearm, where it will be safely holstered and kept separate from keys, pens and other items that could conceivably get caught around the trigger and cause a negligent discharge. Almost all concealed carry purses come with this and it is the main reason that you should not conceal carry with a regular purse.
Purse Carry Tip
If you are purchasing your first concealed carry purse, you may want to consider a classic style and go with a brown or black color. That way it will go with a wide variety of outfits and can be carried in formal and casual settings. The goal is to always be carrying.
Safety
Be sure to look at how the concealed carry compartment zips when deciding on the purse that is right for you. Some purses have two zips on either side of the purse that can be used for right or left draw while others have only one zip that goes around three sides.
You will also want to be able to adjust the draw angle for the holster in your purse, so look for purses that have this function. Many purses have Velcro to attach the holster to allow for adjusting the holster to ensure a comfortable and clean draw.
Having a lock and key on the zip to the firearm is another safety feature to consider. This can give you peace of mind that others are not able to access your firearm especially if you have children.
Also, consider how you are going to carry your purse. Do you like over the shoulder? Crossbody? Backpack? Crossbody is probably the safest way to carry because it is a natural way to draw your firearm and less likely to be taken from you. There are a lot of handbag purses that come with a crossbody strap.
Accessibility
Knowing how to access your firearm from your concealed carry purse is essential and you should feel comfortable with the way your firearm draws. Choose a purse that has easy access for you to draw if ever needed.
Practicing regularly will ensure that you feel comfortable with where your firearm is stored in your concealed carry purse. Be sure that the purse strap is adjusted to help with a smooth draw if ever the case arises.
Getting proper training for this type of carry is extremely important. Training with your purse will make accessibility much easier.
Conclusion
Purchasing a concealed carry purse is something you want to do with careful consideration. You want to be sure that the purse is not only suitable for carrying your firearm, but also able to carry everything else in your purse. Look for something that is convenient for your lifestyle.
Some women prefer to carry on body using a holster. If that is you, please check out our article on the Best Concealed Carry Holsters. Many women prefer this as it gives you a faster draw time at the cost of giving up the convenience of off body carry.
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