Let’s Talk About Bulldog Cases & Vaults Convertible Hobo/Crossbody Style Purse w/Holster
The Bulldog Cases & Vaults Convertible Hobo/Crossbody Style Purse w/Holster is a purpose-built accessory designed for women who prioritize personal safety and responsible firearm carry. It aims to blend seamlessly into everyday life, offering a discreet and stylish way to carry a concealed handgun. This purse represents a fusion of fashion and function, offering a solution for those unwilling to compromise on either.
I’ve spent years working with customers, observing the challenges women face when seeking comfortable and effective concealed carry options. Traditional methods often involve bulky holsters or uncomfortable compromises in wardrobe. This purse caught my attention as a potential solution to those challenges, promising both convenience and concealment.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the visual appeal of the Bulldog Cases & Vaults Convertible Hobo/Crossbody Style Purse w/Holster. The PU leather felt surprisingly supple to the touch, and the stitching appeared clean and uniform. Its weight, at 1.81 lbs, felt substantial enough to inspire confidence without being cumbersome.
Compared to other concealed carry purses I’ve seen, like the Galco Escort or the Gun Tote’n Mamas purses, the Bulldog Cases & Vaults Convertible Hobo/Crossbody Style Purse w/Holster stands out due to its convertible strap design and external zippered accessory pocket. I chose this model because I was drawn to its versatility and the promise of easy access to both the firearm and everyday essentials. The other purses seemed either too tactical or too obviously designed for concealed carry, lacking the everyday practicality I sought.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I was excited by the design and build quality, but skeptical about how well it would perform in real-world scenarios. I was eager to put it through its paces and determine if it lived up to the promise of being a truly functional and stylish concealed carry option.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bulldog Cases & Vaults Convertible Hobo/Crossbody Style Purse w/Holster to the Test
First Use Experience
I initially tested the Bulldog Cases & Vaults Convertible Hobo/Crossbody Style Purse w/Holster at a local shooting range. This environment allowed me to practice drawing my handgun from the holster in a controlled setting. I also carried it during daily errands and social outings to assess its comfort and practicality in various situations.
The performance was surprisingly good in both dry and slightly damp conditions. The zippered access allowed for a quick and fluid draw. It felt secure while walking and bending, but not overly bulky or cumbersome.
It took a little getting used to at first, primarily adjusting my draw stroke to accommodate the purse’s design. After about an hour of practice, I felt confident and comfortable with the draw. Initially, the snap closure on the holster compartment felt a bit stiff, but it loosened up with use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Bulldog Cases & Vaults Convertible Hobo/Crossbody Style Purse w/Holster has held up remarkably well. There are no significant signs of wear and tear on the PU leather or the stitching. The zippers still glide smoothly, and the snaps remain secure.
The only minor issue is a slight softening of the PU leather where the crossbody strap attaches to the purse body. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth has kept the purse looking fresh and presentable. The fully-lined interior is a nice touch that’s easy to wipe clean.
Compared to other concealed carry methods I’ve used (like IWB holsters), the Bulldog Cases & Vaults Convertible Hobo/Crossbody Style Purse w/Holster offers superior comfort and concealment in situations where dressing around a firearm is difficult. It outperforms traditional belt holsters for comfort during extended periods of sitting or driving. It’s also more discreet when carrying in crowded public spaces.
Breaking Down the Features of Bulldog Cases & Vaults Convertible Hobo/Crossbody Style Purse w/Holster
Specifications
The Bulldog Cases & Vaults Convertible Hobo/Crossbody Style Purse w/Holster boasts several key specifications:
- Material: PU Leather, providing a stylish and durable exterior. This material offers a good balance between aesthetics and resistance to wear.
- Fastener/Closure Type: Zipper and Snap, ensuring secure closure of both the main compartment and the holster compartment. The zipper provides a reliable closure for everyday essentials, while the snap offers quick access to the firearm.
- Pack Application: Casual, designed for everyday carry and blending seamlessly into various social settings. The casual design prioritizes discretion over overtly tactical aesthetics.
- Gender: Female, tailored to the specific needs and preferences of female users. The design takes into account the typical items carried in a woman’s purse and provides a comfortable and stylish carry option.
- Age Group: Adults, suitable for responsible adults who prioritize personal safety. The purse is designed to be discreet and secure.
- Seasonal/Temperature Use: All Seasons, designed to be comfortable and functional in various weather conditions. The material is relatively weather-resistant, although prolonged exposure to heavy rain is not recommended.
- Weight: 1.81 lb, providing a stable and secure carry without being overly burdensome. The weight is well-distributed, ensuring comfort even when fully loaded.
- Pockets: Yes, including an external zippered accessory pocket and internal pockets for organization. The pockets provide ample space for essential items like keys, phone, and wallet.
- Width: 6 in, offering a slim profile that doesn’t feel bulky. The slim width allows for comfortable carry against the body.
- Height: 11 in, providing ample space for a handgun and other everyday essentials. The height is carefully considered to balance capacity and concealment.
- Length: 9 in, offering a compact and discreet package. The length allows for comfortable carry without being too long or cumbersome.
- Convertible Strap: Allows for both hobo and crossbody styles. This versatility makes the purse adaptable to various carrying preferences and situations.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the comfort, security, and practicality of carrying a concealed firearm. The PU leather provides durability and aesthetics, while the zippered and snap closures offer secure and convenient access. The size and weight are carefully balanced to ensure comfortable carry without sacrificing storage capacity.
Performance & Functionality
The Bulldog Cases & Vaults Convertible Hobo/Crossbody Style Purse w/Holster performs its intended job exceptionally well. It provides a secure and discreet way to carry a concealed handgun.
Its strengths lie in its ease of use, comfortable carry, and discreet design. The zippered access to the holster compartment allows for a quick and fluid draw. The convertible strap adds versatility, allowing you to carry it as a hobo bag or a crossbody bag, depending on your preference and the situation.
One potential area for improvement is the stiffness of the holster itself. A slightly more flexible holster material could improve the speed and smoothness of the draw. Additionally, a reinforced bottom would help prevent the purse from sagging when carrying heavier items.
Overall, it exceeds my expectations for a concealed carry purse. It provides a comfortable, secure, and discreet way to carry a handgun without sacrificing style or practicality.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, with durable materials and sturdy construction. The PU leather feels surprisingly supple and the stitching is clean and uniform. The weight is well-distributed, making it comfortable to carry for extended periods.
The design is user-friendly, with intuitive access to both the main compartment and the holster compartment. The convertible strap is easy to adjust, and the external zippered accessory pocket provides convenient access to essential items. There is a slight learning curve involved in mastering the draw stroke. But with a little practice, it becomes second nature.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience so far, I expect the Bulldog Cases & Vaults Convertible Hobo/Crossbody Style Purse w/Holster to last for several years with proper care. The PU leather is relatively resistant to wear and tear, and the zippers and snaps are sturdy and well-made.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. The fully-lined interior is easy to wipe clean, and the external PU leather can be treated with a leather protectant to prolong its life.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bulldog Cases & Vaults Convertible Hobo/Crossbody Style Purse w/Holster comes with a matching holster that attaches to the inside of the concealed carry compartment via Velcro. There aren’t a lot of aftermarket accessories specifically for this purse.
However, the internal compartment should accommodate most universal holsters of similar size. So, one could use a modular holster system to improve the retention and draw characteristics. The external accessory pocket is compatible with standard magazine pouches and small everyday carry items.
Pros and Cons of Bulldog Cases & Vaults Convertible Hobo/Crossbody Style Purse w/Holster
Pros
- Discreet Concealment: Blends seamlessly into everyday life, avoiding attention.
- Convertible Design: Offers both hobo and crossbody styles for versatility and comfort.
- External Zippered Pocket: Provides easy access to everyday essentials.
- Durable Construction: Built to last with quality PU leather and sturdy stitching.
- Affordable Price: Offers excellent value compared to other concealed carry purses.
Cons
- Stiffness of Included Holster: The included holster could be more flexible for a smoother draw.
- No Reinforced Bottom: Lacks a reinforced bottom, potentially causing sagging with heavier items.
Who Should Buy Bulldog Cases & Vaults Convertible Hobo/Crossbody Style Purse w/Holster?
The Bulldog Cases & Vaults Convertible Hobo/Crossbody Style Purse w/Holster is perfect for women who prioritize personal safety and responsible firearm carry. It is ideal for those who want a discreet and stylish way to carry a concealed handgun without sacrificing comfort or practicality. It is also a good choice for women who live in areas with restrictive gun laws and need a non-obvious carry method.
This product isn’t for someone who prioritizes a purely tactical aesthetic or who requires lightning-fast draw speeds for competitive shooting. Those who prefer open carry or those who are unwilling to dedicate time to practicing their draw stroke should also skip this product.
A must-have modification would be a higher-quality, modular holster. A second essential addition is a quality flashlight for low-light conditions.
Conclusion on Bulldog Cases & Vaults Convertible Hobo/Crossbody Style Purse w/Holster
Overall, the Bulldog Cases & Vaults Convertible Hobo/Crossbody Style Purse w/Holster is an excellent product that offers a compelling combination of style, functionality, and affordability. It provides a comfortable, secure, and discreet way to carry a concealed handgun without sacrificing practicality.
The price of $75.59 is justified given the quality of materials and construction, as well as the thoughtful design features. It’s significantly less expensive than some other concealed carry purses on the market, making it an accessible option for budget-conscious buyers.
I would absolutely recommend the Bulldog Cases & Vaults Convertible Hobo/Crossbody Style Purse w/Holster to any woman looking for a discreet and stylish concealed carry solution. It is a well-designed, well-made, and affordable product that offers excellent value.
If you’re seeking a comfortable, convenient, and discreet way to carry a concealed handgun, the Bulldog Cases & Vaults Convertible Hobo/Crossbody Style Purse w/Holster is definitely worth considering. Take the first step toward responsible and confident carry by securing yours today!