By John Markwell | Contributing Editor
A Glock 19 partially inserted into the concealed carry compartment of the Eberlestock B2 Undercover Briefcase.
We have to acknowledge that we have a weakness for bags, packs, totes and other sundry contrivances designed to haul around all that necessary stuff that seems to clutter up our lives on a daily basis. You all know the drill; laptop, phone, wallet/money clip, business cards and other personal and business-related stuff; and yes, a defensive firearm and support gear.
At last year’s SHOT Show we acquired a new briefcase from Glen Eberle and it has proven to be quite functional, unobtrusive and even somewhat stylish in appearance. Eberlestock (eberlestock.com) is best known for their line of hunting and tactical packs designed to carry long guns in their unique back scabbards that are incorporated into the packs. A concealed carry briefcase is a logical extension of their product line and the B2 Undercover Brief is the result.
The magnet closed top flap of the concealment compartment is barely discernable below the brief case’s carrying handle.
The B2 is constructed from either a black, coyote, or cobalt blue ballistic nylon with vinyl reinforced corners. Measuring 11.5”h x 15.5”w x 4”d, the B2 Undercover Briefcase would appear, to a casual observer, to be just another nylon briefcase. However, a more detailed analysis would reveal not only a functional tote for everyday essentials but a simple and yet sophisticated off-body concealed carry system.
The easiest way to describe this versatile briefcase is to look at it from both the front and back working towards the center concealed weapon compartment. Both the front and back panels of the B2 zip completely open. The rear compartment has a padded laptop compartment and on the outside of the back panel there is a Velcro closed slip pocket that also incorporates a slot for hooking the Brief over the handle of a rolling suitcase for transport.
The B2 is about as innocuous as a briefcase can be. The handgun carried in the center compartment is not evident at all.
The front compartment and its zip-closed panel are a bit more complex. There are two small slanted facets on the face of the front panel that appear to be cosmetic but are actually small slip pockets; one Velcro secured and the other with Molle type webbing loops sewn to the panel. The Velcro secured facet/pocket would be just right for stashing glasses or a spare pistol magazine. The Molle webbing inside the other is an ideal attachment point for any item that can be secured with a clip such as is common with many folding knives. On the Inside of the front flap there is a full width, Velcro closed slip pocket while the interior wall of the front compartment has an assortment of pockets that will accept writing implements, a calculator, phone, multi-tool, or other similar items. This front compartment has enough space to hold a pretty good bunch of stuff; the available volume would probably hold a medium size telephone book or ballistic plate.
Molle webbing is perfect for clipping a knife, mag pouch or flashlight for easy accessibility.
At the heart of the B2 Brief is the center section designed to discreetly carry a handgun. The handgun compartment is accessed via a flap located at the top of the B2 that is under the carrying handle. This flap is secured with rare earth magnets and blends into the lines of the B2 Brief in such a way as to be almost invisible. The design of this opening, and its location under the carry handle, make this one of the most unobtrusive systems for concealment of a firearm compartment we have ever seen. The actual compartment that contains the handgun is unique in that it tapers from top to bottom thus positioning the handgun in an upright attitude regardless of the size of the weapon; the weapon just seems to settle barrel down in the tapered internal nylon sleeve.
With the front and back panels zipped open, the center section of the briefcase and its access through the magnet-closed top flap is shown here
We have toted guns varying in size from S&W J Frames to full sized Government Models and a Glock 19 with no discernable difference. All remained appropriately oriented for presentation. Most other off-body concealment systems require some sort of holster or elastic bands to properly position the weapon for presentation and to hold it securely. The B2’s tapered gun pocket properly positions one’s handgun without any additional parts. Being symmetrical, the handgun can be positioned in the pocket for either a right, or left hand, presentation depending on the user’s preference. It should be noted that, depending on the weapon being carried, the tapered gun pocket of the B2 has a lot of additional room, especially towards its top, and the tendency will be to put other stuff in there with one’s weapon. Don’t do it! This is a dedicated gun pocket only and the last thing one needs is assorted “stuff” rattling around in there with a handgun of any sort.
This is the position of carry when the Glock 19 is inserted into the concealment compartment.
For those using a briefcase on a daily basis for work, or school, or just hauling one’s computer around as many do these days, Eberlestock’s B2 Undercover Briefcase provides a low-profile method of off-body carry that will definitely not stand out in a crowd. Particularly when made from black or blue material, the B2 will blend in in any situation where a briefcase is appropriate.
In this day and age when most everyone seems to carry a tablet or laptop everywhere they go, the B2 UB, slung by its nicely padded shoulder strap, should blend in without notice in just about any environment. Rest assured that with the B2 one’s personal defense weapon will go totally undetected yet be close to hand if needed. Like all of Eberlestock’s gear, the B2 Brief is of “bomber” construction and is covered by the company’s lifetime warranty. MSRP on the B2 Undercover Briefcase is $99 from eberlestock.com. Good shooting.
