Gun Tote’n Mamas’ Chrome Zip Handbag Review
I purchased the Gun Tote’n Mamas’ Chrome Zip Handbag in 2016 at a local gun show. My husband and I had been discussing ways to jump start my conceal carry journey. Is there a better way to get a female motivated then buying her a new purse? I think not. GTM’s Chrome Zip Handbag was not my first concealed carry bag, so I already had an idea of what I wanted in my newest addition. I was looking for quality, practicality, functionality, all wrapped up in a modern design.
Appearance
How Does it look?
The most noteworthy feature of GTM handbags is they are made with REAL leather. The Chrome Zip Handbag is made with a “full grain tumbled drum dyed leather”, available in black or brown color options. The leather on this bag is silky smooth and has proven it’s durability over my years of ownership.
Another notable trait is the strap on this cross-body style handbag. The shoulder strap is “slash resistant” which means that it is reinforced with wire. Consequently the strap is difficult to cut or break in the event of someone attempting to snatch your handbag. I can’t fail to mention that it is also adjustable to fit different body types and heights.
The Chrome Zip handbag also features two zipper pockets on the front. These pockets are perfect size for carrying smaller essentials. I carry an extra mag in one pocket and lip gloss in the other.
Is it comfortable?
The Chrome Zip Handbag can easily carry a pistol, an extra magazine, wallet, glasses, keys, lipstick, hand sanitizer, and all sorts of other favorite female goodies. The bag only weighs 2lbs when empty and can be adjusted by the strap for a more comfortable fit. The overall measurements of the handbag is 13″ W x 10.75″H x 2.5″D. I find this bag comfortable to wear in the midst of my everyday adventures.
Functionality
Does it easily conceal a firearm?
The Chrome Zip Handbag easily conceals a firearm. The concealed carry compartment is located on the back side of the purse, it measures 9 inches wide and 6.75 inches tall. The size of the compartment allows the carry of typical small automatic pistols. I can easily conceal my Kimber Micro .380 or Sig Sauer P365.
The concealed carry compartment is lined with Velcro and fully padded to protect your firearm as well as to prevent imprinting. In addition to the concealed carry compartment each handbag from GTM comes with a soft holster. The holster is wrapped with Velcro which allows for secure attachment to the inside of the compartment. The Velcro keeps the holster in place when drawing your pistol.
Does it work how it is intended?
A unique feature of this hand bag is that the concealed carry compartment can be accessed three different ways. To accommodate left and right handed carry, the compartment has zippered vertical openings on either side of the handbag. In addition, another opening is located at the top of the compartment and consists of a magnetic closure. When carrying the handbag in the cross-body position, I find the top access of the compartment the most accessible.
Availability
Price: $135.95
Sizing: One size fits all 🙂
Where to Purchase: Gun Tote’n Mamas’ website. GTM handbags can also be found at select retailers, visit the store locator to find one near you. Your local gun show may also set up a GTM booth.
Wrapping Things Up
Pros & Cons
GTM manufactures with a high quality leather that will last. Some of GTM’s competitors are charging the same amount as GTM and their bags are made of synthetic materials. Although the quality is good I wasn’t blown away with the design style of the purse. I would have liked to see a bit more fashion and flare.
Another concern was the universal soft holster. Although the holster was able to stay secure with the Velcro, I found my pistol would easily slide out of the holster into the concealed carry compartment. I would like to see a holster that is specifically designed to my pistol model to allow for a more secure fit. Even if GTM had to charge more for their product, it would be worth it.
I like that this bag is a cross-body styled handbag. I find this style more comfortable to carry and maneuver with when using a handbag to carry concealed. The cross-body position is much more stable and secure, especially accompanied by the GTM reinforced strap.
One of the top selling points to this handbag is that the conceal carry compartment can be accessed in three different ways, that is not common. I have always been concerned with zippers when it comes time for me to draw my firearm. I worry that the zipper will get stuck, we all know zippers can be finicky. It is reassuring that the conceal carry compartment can also be accessed through magnetic closure. That alone is a game changer in the concealed carry handbag industry.
Conclusion
In conclusion I would recommend GTM’s Chrome Zip Handbag. The quality and functionality of this bag are the top selling points. You get more than you pay for. I follow GTM on all of their social media platforms and I am happy to see that over the last 4 years they have designed many new bags with more fashion and flare. And I can not wait to get my hands on the next one.
Happy Carrying!
