Purse/style L/Color 001 Review

First Thoughts on the Purse/style L/Color 001

The Purse/style L/Color 001, a Quilted Hobo Large in Black from an unspecified manufacturer, immediately strikes me as a budget-friendly option for concealed carry. Its promise of multiple compartments and a universal holster at a mere $9.99 piques my interest. Is it a steal or a potential safety hazard? Only time will tell.

As someone who has spent years advising people on tactical gear, I’m always on the lookout for affordable options that don’t compromise on functionality or safety. I was looking for an inexpensive CCW bag I could recommend to new shooters and those on a tight budget. The Purse/style L/Color 001 seemed like it might fit the bill.

Upon unboxing (or, more accurately, removing it from its packaging), my initial thought was that the design was surprisingly…unassuming. The quilted hobo style is more “soccer mom” than “tactical operator,” which could be a plus for blending in. The lightweight feel, however, did raise concerns about the quality of materials and overall durability.

Compared to other CCW bags I’ve used, like the 5.11 Tactical Lucy Tote or the Gun Tote’n Mamas concealed carry handbags, the Purse/style L/Color 001 is significantly less expensive. The higher-end bags boast premium materials and reinforced construction, but they also come with a hefty price tag. I picked this one to see if a budget bag could provide sufficient concealed carry functionality for those who don’t want to pay premium prices.

My first impression was a mix of curiosity and skepticism. For $9.99, I wasn’t expecting perfection, but I was hoping for a functional and safe concealed carry option. I was excited to see if it could deliver on its promise, but also wary of potential shortcomings due to its low price point.

Real-World Testing: Putting Purse/style L/Color 001 to the Test

First Use Experience

I took the Purse/style L/Color 001 to my local shooting range to assess its usability and accessibility for concealed carry. I wanted to simulate a realistic scenario where quick access to a firearm might be necessary. I carried my compact 9mm pistol inside, secured with the included universal holster.

The weather was mild and dry, so I didn’t have to contend with rain or extreme temperatures during my initial testing. The ease of access to the firearm was my primary concern. Drawing from the Purse/style L/Color 001 proved to be slower and less intuitive than drawing from a purpose-built holster or higher-quality CCW bag.

The universal holster, while functional, lacked the secure retention of a molded holster. This caused the firearm to shift slightly within the compartment. I also found the positioning of the compartments a bit awkward, hindering a smooth draw.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Purse/style L/Color 001 as my everyday carry bag, I’ve noted several things. The quilted material has begun to show signs of wear, especially along the seams. The stitching is starting to fray in several places.

The durability of the Purse/style L/Color 001 is questionable. The straps, in particular, seem prone to stretching and may not hold up to prolonged use with a heavy load. Cleaning has proven difficult due to the quilted texture, trapping dirt and debris.

Compared to my experience with more robust CCW bags, the Purse/style L/Color 001 falls short in terms of reliability and longevity. The lack of reinforced construction and durable materials is apparent. It’s likely to disappoint those seeking a long-term concealed carry solution.

Breaking Down the Features of Purse/style L/Color 001

Specifications

The Purse/style L/Color 001 is a Quilted Hobo Large, marketed as a CCW handbag. It features multiple compartments for organization and includes a universal holster. The color is black, designated as “Color 001.”

The exact dimensions and weight are unspecified. However, based on my experience, it’s lightweight, likely due to the inexpensive materials. The universal holster is designed to accommodate various handgun sizes, but offers minimal retention.

Performance & Functionality

The Purse/style L/Color 001 functions as a basic handbag but its performance as a concealed carry option is underwhelming. The universal holster struggles to securely hold the firearm in place, compromising draw speed and safety. The accessibility and comfort of the Purse/style L/Color 001 is simply unacceptable for serious concealed carry.

Its strengths lie in its affordability and unassuming appearance. However, its weaknesses, including poor retention, questionable durability, and slow draw time, far outweigh any benefits. The Purse/style L/Color 001 barely meets expectations, particularly for those with any prior experience with specialized CCW gear.

Design & Ergonomics

The Purse/style L/Color 001 features a quilted design with a hobo-style shape. The materials used are lightweight and feel inexpensive, compromising the overall build quality. The comfort in hand is adequate for general use, but the straps lack padding and may become uncomfortable when carrying a heavy load.

The design lacks user-friendly features like dedicated magazine pouches or reinforced access points for quick draws. The overall learning curve is minimal, but mastering a safe and efficient draw is difficult due to the design limitations.

Durability & Maintenance

The Purse/style L/Color 001 is not built to last. The materials are prone to wear and tear, and the stitching appears weak. The expected lifespan is likely limited, especially with regular use and the added weight of a firearm.

Maintenance is simple in theory, but the quilted texture traps dirt and debris, making thorough cleaning difficult. Repairing damaged seams or straps may prove challenging due to the construction.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Purse/style L/Color 001 comes with a universal holster as its primary accessory. This holster is designed to accommodate a range of handgun sizes but lacks the security and retention of a custom-molded holster. There are no other included accessories or customization options.

Compatibility with aftermarket accessories is limited. Users might consider replacing the universal holster with a smaller, more secure option, but the compartment size and design restrict choices.

Pros and Cons of Purse/style L/Color 001