I’ve been working with Gun Tote’n Mamas, writing sponsored articles, running social media and wearing their concealed carry purses for several years. Once in a while, as I peruse social media, I see cringe-worthy photos of women wearing their concealed carry purses incorrectly. So, I decided this month to make a public service announcement about fitting your concealed carry purse to you both before and after the purchase.
Sponsored by Gun Tote’n Mamas
The following three steps will help you find the best purse for your needs, whether in person at a brick-and-mortar store or online at the Gun Tote’n Mamas website.
Step 1: Choose Your Style
Gun Tote’n Mamas offers a variety of concealed carry purse styles on its website. Simply open the “shop” dropdown menu to see a list of categories on the left. If you know your favorite style, begin there. Or, if you’re like me, you’ll spend some time shopping all the colors and styles.
Step 2: Confirm Gun Fit
Once you’ve chosen your purse (or purses), it’s essential to make sure your gun fits properly inside the gun compartment. For step-by-step instructions, read my previous post, “Measuring Your Handgun for the Perfect GTM Purse Fit.” Rhonda Moore, a certified Off-Body Carry instructor and part of GTM’s sales, training and consulting team, shared this with me about gun fit, “Consult handgunhero.com for exact measurements of your firearm. It is also a great site for comparing firearms that were used in the testing of the GTM bag (listed in the bag description) to the firearm you will use in your bag.”
Step 3: Determine your Draw
Now, if you’ve never carried off-body, this may not affect you since you are starting from the beginning. However, if you already carry off-body and know what type of draw you prefer, make sure to read the description of the purse you choose. All Gun Tote’n Mamas purses have a left- or right-hand draw. Some offer a side, angled, top draw or all of the above. Make sure you choose the one that has what you need or plan on learning a new draw.
Before we delve into the “after-the-purchase” steps, note that they may not be in this order and that you may need to revisit previous steps. Also, consider what outerwear you may have on when using your purse while working through these steps.
And there are two more EXTREMELY important things to remember when carrying your Gun Tote’n Mamas purse:
Step 4: The Strap
All Gun Tote’n Mamas’ crossbody purse straps are adjustable. When you arrive home with your purse, ensure the strap fits your body and your draw. Ask yourself the following questions and make sure you are comfortable with your answers:
Step 5: The Gun
It’s time to fit your gun into the dedicated gun compartment. First, though, double-check that your gun is unloaded, and put your ammo in another room or walk to another room with your purse. Next, confirm that the holster fits over the trigger guard. Now, while wearing your purse, move your gun around in different positions to determine the best angle with your draw. Readjust your purse strap length if necessary.
Step 6: The Draw
Still using your unloaded handgun, it’s now time to practice your draw. Following are just a few situations you may want to consider and practice:
If you’re new to off-body carry make sure to check out Donna Anthony’s online Off Body (Purse/Bag) Conceal Carry Course. Also, remember, you may need to readjust the strap when seasons change and you have different outerwear. If this happens, use your UNLOADED gun to readjust your holster. Or, better yet, just use a new Gun Tote’n Mamas bag for every season!
Check out all Gun Tote’n Mamas purses here.
Be sure to follow their social media outlets to find out what’s new, read tips and learn about sales.
Michelle Cerino, aka Princess Gunslinger, first entered the firearms industry in 2011 as co-owner, president and trainer at a national training company. She immediately began competing in both 3-Gun and NRA Action Pistol, becoming a sponsored shooter. Michelle is currently a columnist and Managing Editor of Women’s Outdoor News, as well as owner of Pervenio LLC. She also manages social media for Vera Koo and FASTER Saves Lives. Michelle encourages others to step out of the comforts of home and explore. View all posts by Michelle Cerino
