Traditional carry typically means carrying a belt holster on your body with no attempt to conceal the firearm. The CCW bag, however, is an off-body carry method that differs from traditional carry in a variety of ways.
So what did I find out about CCW bags that surprised me? Find out when you read my comparison below.
Situational Preferences
Traditional carry is considered open carry. The firearm is clearly visible, usually attached to a belt at your hip or back. While some states don’t even allow open carry, even people who live in states where open carry is the norm may not want to have a firearm easily accessible on their bodies when they’re around strangers or children.
If you live in an open carry state and you primarily practice drawing from a traditional carry position, this may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you feel that a concealed weapon better fits your needs or adheres to state regulations, a CCW purse is the better choice, especially if you wear clothing that isn’t conducive to inside-the-waistband carry.
Accessibility
Many people may think that a CCW purse offers less accessibility than traditional carry. However, you may be surprised to learn that this isn’t actually true. While practice is essential, the brands for CCW purses and bags have put a ton of thought into their product. Some of the ways they’ve made your firearm easily accessible, yet still safe, inside a purse include:
- Magnetic pull tab instead of a zipper
- Dedicated compartment to keep the firearm separate from other essentials
- Velcro holster attachments with trigger guards
- Adjustable crossbody straps and optional waist chains for extra comfort and security
Popping the tab on your belted holster now takes the same amount of time as pulling the tab on a CCW bag. With enough practice, accessibility between the two is about equal.
Concealed vs. Open Carry
Concealed carry and open carry are two very different ways to keep your firearm on you at all times. With open carry, your firearm can be visible, whether it’s in a traditional belt holster or slung from your shoulder. With concealed carry, your firearm must be hidden from public view, either in a bag or underneath your clothes. It may be illegal for even the outline of your firearm to be visible in concealed carry states.
Common carry options for open carry include:
- Outside the waistband holster
- Shoulder holster
- Drop leg holster
- Paddle holster
- Chest rig
Common concealed carry options include:
- Inside-the-waistband carry
- Appendix carry
- Ankle holster
- Concealed carry bag
- Belly band
Your choice of carry can vary due to comfort, clothing style, state laws, and more.
Pros & Cons
There are a variety of pros and cons for off-body and traditional carry options. However, what may be a problem for one person could be the ideal solution for someone else. Here are a few of the major pros and cons of traditional carry and CCW purses to help you figure out the right option for your needs.
CCW Bag Pros
A CCW bag is truly the best choice for women, especially those who wear fitted styles, dresses, or pants without robust waistbands. CCW purses come in a variety of materials, sizes, and colors to help you find one that perfectly balances aesthetics and functionality.
CCW purses also allow you to carry a much larger firearm if you don’t want to provide any clues that you’re carrying at all. You can wear a CCW bag for nearly every occasion, even in places where you wouldn’t be able to conceal a firearm at all, like if you’re wearing a bathing suit or other summer clothing.
Traditional Carry Pros
The best thing about traditional carry is the holster retention. These holsters are generally custom-molded to your firearm for more stability and consistency. Traditional carry may also provide a slight leg up on accessibility, as you can generally release your firearm single-handed, instead of having to pull a tab with one hand and reach for the firearm with the other.
CCW Cons
The main downsides to CCW bags are the extra step of opening the bag to access your firearm and the potential for the bag to shift as you walk. However, bag designers are working to mitigate these concerns. A magnetic tab enhances speed and eliminates the need for a zipper, while a waist chain or belt keeps your bag in place.
Traditional Carry Cons
The biggest downside to traditional carry is usually comfort, especially with larger firearms. No matter how rigid your belt or how sturdy your waistband, there’s simply no way to evenly distribute the weight of the firearm. Traditional carry also limits your clothing options, as you don’t want any pieces that can tangle up in your holster or firearm.
For concealed carry around the waistband, clothing is an even bigger issue, as you need to find the perfect balance between fitted and loose shirts to ensure easy access to your firearm without risking printing. And concealed waistband carry is practically impossible during summer when you wear tighter tanks or skip the shirt altogether!
The Biggest Surprises
I definitely thought traditional carry would be more comfortable, but it turns out that weight distribution is always going to be a bit uneven. I also thought there would be a lot more accessibility issues with a CCW purse, but pull-tabs and compartment control have disabused me of that notion.
Hopefully, these reveals have given you something to think about, and you can make better decisions when shopping for your ideal carry option.