Best Gun Toten Mamas Concealed Carry Purses (2026)
Gun Toten Mamas Concealed Carry Purses — Tested, Reviewed, and Ranked
By Mary K. — Updated June 2026
Gun Toten Mamas (GTM) is one of the most recognized names in concealed carry purses. Founded by Claudia Chisholm in 2007, the brand built its reputation on a simple idea: a concealed carry purse should look like a purse. Not tactical gear in a handbag costume — an actual handbag a woman would want to carry whether or not she was carrying.
We’ve stocked Gun Toten Mamas at Gun Handbags for years, and the line has earned its spot. Here’s an honest look at what GTM does well, where it falls short, and which models actually deserve your money.
What Makes a Gun Toten Mamas Purse Different
GTM bags share three design choices that set them apart from holster-pretending-to-be-a-bag competitors:
- Genuine leather, not vinyl. Most GTM styles use full-grain or buffalo leather. They look like leather, smell like leather, and develop the patina real leather develops. After three years of daily carry, a vinyl bag looks like a three-year-old vinyl bag. A GTM looks broken in.
- Ambidextrous concealment compartments. Almost every GTM model has a dedicated concealment pocket accessible from both sides. Right-hand draw, left-hand draw, switching hands while juggling kids — it works without re-rigging the bag.
- Adjustable holsters included. GTM ships an internal velcro holster system with most bags. The holster panel adjusts to fit anything from a Ruger LCP up to a full-size Glock 19. You’re not stuck with a one-gun bag.
What they don’t always do well: the hardware. GTM uses solid brass on premium lines but cheaper plated hardware on budget models. If you carry every day, spring for a model with brass clasps — the plated stuff wears.
Who Gun Toten Mamas Is Right For
Best fit:
- Daily carriers who want a bag they’ll still like in three years
- Women carrying a compact pistol — Sig P365, Glock 43/43X, S&W Shield, Ruger LC9
- Buyers who prefer classic, less-trendy styling — leather and structured shapes, not nylon and zippers
- Anyone who wants a single bag that works for office, errands, and dinner out
Not the best fit:
- Carrying a full-size service pistol like a Glock 17 — GTM concealment compartments aren’t quite long enough for most full-size pistols. Consider our larger crossbody and tote styles instead.
- Budget under $100 — GTM starts around $130 and goes up. If price is the priority, we have more affordable lines that still carry safely.
- Anyone who wants a “tactical” aesthetic — that’s not GTM’s vibe. Look at our tactical and unisex backpacks instead.
Our Picks From the Current Gun Toten Mamas Line
102 published GTM styles are in this store right now. These are the ones worth your time — picked for leather quality, carry style, and real-world usefulness. Use our Find My Bag tool to filter by your specific handgun, or browse the full selection.
Best Everyday Crossbody
Crossbody Organizer Concealed Carry Purse Cowhide ($105.95) — GTM’s most practical daily driver. The organizer layout keeps your phone, cards, and keys separated from the concealment pocket so you’re not digging when it matters. Fits compacts and sub-compacts with room to spare.
Slim Crossbody Concealed Carry Purse Cowhide ($170.95) — If you want the smaller profile, this is it. Pebble grain leather, ambidextrous concealment zipper, and structured enough that it doesn’t collapse on itself. Sized for sub-compacts.
Best Tote
Dramatic Shoulder Tote in Pebble Grain American Cowhide ($199.95) — Big enough to actually carry your life in, with a dedicated locking concealment compartment that sits completely separate from the main bag. The pebble grain finish hides wear better than smooth leather on a daily-use tote.
Concealed Carry Classic Town Tote with Pebble Finish ($194.95) — Same structured Town Tote silhouette but with a crossbody strap included. Best pick if you want tote capacity without committing to shoulder-only carry.
Best Backpack / Sling
Sling Backpack Concealed Carry Bag — Distressed Buffalo ($184.95) — GTM’s most gender-neutral option. The distressed buffalo leather looks better the more you beat it up. Single-shoulder sling design means you can swing it to the front fast — critical when carry style is also your draw style.
Sling Backpack Concealed Carry Bag Cowhide ($154.95) — The cowhide version costs $30 less and offers the same dedicated CCW compartment. Good option if you want the sling style without spending Buffalo leather prices.
Best Satchel
Avenue Large Satchel Concealed Carry Bag ($264.95) — GTM’s most polished piece. If you want a bag that reads as professional in a meeting room and still carries your gun, this is the one. Large enough for a full-size pistol if the concealment compartment spec checks out for your gun — use Find My Bag to confirm.
CCW Crossbody Satchel, Distressed Buffalo with Antique Brass Hardware ($155.95) — The distressed finish and antique brass hardware give it a rugged, lived-in look that the Avenue doesn’t. Better pick for casual carry. At $155, it’s one of the better value propositions in the GTM leather lineup.
Best Hobo / Shoulder Bag
HOBO Concealed Carry Purse — Distressed Buffalo ($154.95) — RFID blocking built in, tassel and rivet details that look intentional rather than tactical, and a concealment compartment that sits against your body. If you’re drawn to the boho-leather look, this is GTM’s best execution of it.
Large Hobo Concealed Carry Shoulder Purse for Large Guns ($135.95) — Specifically sized for larger pistols. If you’re carrying a Glock 17 or a full-size M&P, this is the hobo to look at first.
Best Budget Option
CCW Rose Leaf Pattern Crossbody RFID — Debossed USA Cowhide ($46.88) — GTM’s most affordable genuine leather option. The rose leaf debossing on USA cowhide looks far more expensive than $46. RFID blocking, crossbody carry, and a dedicated CCW pocket. If you want real leather concealed carry without a $150+ investment, start here.
Best Premium / Statement Bag
Croco Look Concealed Carry Town Tote ($245.95) — The croco-embossed cowhide stands out on a rack of plain leather purses. This is GTM at its most fashion-forward — you wouldn’t know it’s a carry purse unless you looked for the zipper. Great pick if you want the bag to do double duty at nicer events.
Town Tote Concealed Carry Purse — Tooled Cowhide ($180.95) — Handcrafted tooled leather that GTM is known for. Ambidextrous CCW compartment, structured shape, and the kind of detailing that improves with age. A genuine heirloom-tier bag at a non-heirloom price.
Will My Gun Fit a Gun Toten Mamas Purse?
Most GTM models accommodate handguns up to ~7 inches long and ~5 inches tall. That covers virtually every popular concealed carry pistol on the market — including:
- Glock 19, 26, 43, 43X, 48
- Sig P365, P365X, P365XL
- Smith & Wesson Shield, Shield Plus, M&P 9 Compact
- Ruger LCP, LCP Max, LC9, EC9s
- Springfield Hellcat, Hellcat Pro
- Bersa Thunder 380
- Most snub-nose revolvers (J-frame, LCR, etc.)
For full-size duty pistols (Glock 17, M&P 9, Sig P320 full-size), check the specific bag’s concealment dimensions before buying. Our Find My Bag tool lists exact concealment-compartment measurements for every GTM model — search your gun and we’ll show you which ones fit.
How to Care for a Gun Toten Mamas Leather Purse
Leather wants two things: moisture and protection. A GTM bag carried daily lives in your car, in restaurants, in offices with dry HVAC air. It gets thirsty.
- Condition every 3–4 months. A quality leather conditioner (Bick 4, Leather Honey, Cadillac) keeps the leather supple. Don’t use mink oil unless you want a darker bag.
- Spray with a leather protector before first use. This isn’t optional. New leather has no waterproofing — one rainstorm without protection and you have permanent water spots.
- Don’t store with the gun inside. If you’re not carrying for a few days, take the gun out. Leaving steel pressed against leather can leave impressions and oxidation marks.
- Stuff with paper when not in use. Keeps the shape. GTM concealment pockets can sag over time if stored empty for months.
Browse the Current Gun Toten Mamas Selection
Every GTM purse we currently stock is below. Filter by color using the sidebar, or use our Find My Bag tool to narrow by your specific handgun.
Explore Other Brands We Carry
Gun Toten Mamas is one of five brands we’ve reviewed in depth. If you’re comparison shopping, our other brand guides cover the full range of what we stock:
- Lady Conceal Concealed Carry Purses — largest selection, leather and faux leather, $80–$290
- Roma Leathers Concealed Carry Purses — Italian-style leather, structured shapes
- Cameleon Concealed Carry Purses — convertible styles, carry 3 ways
- Smith & Wesson Concealed Carry Purses — brand authority, rugged build quality
Not sure which brand fits your needs? Start with our complete concealed carry purse guide — the full comparison with buying criteria, gun-fit chart, and head-to-head brand breakdown.
About the Author
Mary K. has been hands-on with concealed carry purses for over a decade as the owner of Gun Handbags. She’s personally tested GTM bags for everyday carry, evaluating concealment access, leather quality, and holster fit across dozens of handgun models. All product recommendations on this site are based on first-hand use, not sponsored placements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Gun Toten Mamas purses made in the USA?
GTM is an American brand — designed and originally manufactured in the USA. Some current production uses overseas manufacturing for cost control, but the brand’s commitment to genuine leather construction and quality hardware standards has remained consistent. If USA-only manufacturing is a requirement, contact us and we can confirm current production origins on specific styles.
What is the GTM ambidextrous concealment system?
Most GTM bags feature a dedicated concealment compartment with zipper access from both the left and right side of the bag. An internal velcro holster panel is included and adjustable for gun size. This lets right-handed and left-handed carriers use the same bag without modification — and lets you switch sides if needed.
How do Gun Toten Mamas purses compare to Lady Conceal on price?
GTM and Lady Conceal both occupy the $130–$290 price tier for genuine leather. GTM tends to price slightly higher on comparable leather styles — the premium reflects the brand’s longer history and reputation. For faux leather or budget-focused shopping, Lady Conceal’s LC line (starting ~$80) has no GTM equivalent. See our Lady Conceal guide for a direct comparison.
Which Gun Toten Mamas bag is best for a Glock 43?
The Glock 43 (6.26″ long, 4.25″ tall) fits comfortably in most GTM crossbody and satchel styles. The GTM-26 Crossbody and GTM-17 Slim Crossbody are the top picks for 43 carry — both give you a snug fit with room for the included holster panel. Use Find My Bag to confirm fit for your specific 43 configuration (standard vs. extended mag).