USCCA Firearms & Self-Defense Blog
Guns & Gear
Read no-holds-barred reviews of both personal- and home-defense firearms and stay up-to-date on the latest concealed carry gear offerings on the market. Discover everything you need to know to select the best, tried-and-true self-defense gear — from holsters, knives and ammunition to flashlights, first-aid kits and alternate weapons.
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Choosing the Best Revolver for Self-Defense
There are several types of revolvers on the market today. Choosing between single-actionA single-action (SA) trigger is the earliest and mechanically simplest of trigger types. Single-action means…
Continue Reading →SIG ROMEOZero 1x18mm Micro Reflex Sight Review
If there’s one trend experiencing steady growth, it’s red-dot love for carry guns. There was a time when red-dot users were viewed as gear-dependent. If you used a red dot, you must not be able to…
Continue Reading →Comparing the Past and Present: Hydra-Shok vs. Federal Premium
When my law enforcement career started back in 1980, it was still somewhat the “dark ages” of handgun ballistic science (even though jacketed hollow-point pistol and revolver ammo had been available…
Continue Reading →Ruger PC Charger and Crimson Trace CTS-1000 Tactical Red-Dot Sight
The 9mm Ruger PC Charger is Ruger’s first pistol-caliber entry into what can best be labeled the “personal-defensive weapon” — or “PDW” — category. This is a compact self-defense arm best fired with…
Continue Reading →Springfield Armory’s 911 Alpha Micro .380
Springfield Armory continues to deliver innovative and well-thought-out defensive, target and sporting handguns. And there’s a strong emphasis on 1911-type pistols as a major component of its lineup.…
Continue Reading →Streamlight Waypoint 300 Rechargeable Spotlight
At the start of the great coronavirus panic — you know, when toilet paper became worth its weight in gold — I thought of a couple things a person might want to have on hand should this whole thing…
Continue Reading →The Bag Sent Packing … and the 5.11 RUSH24 Backpack
I’m usually pretty good at making smart purchasing decisions. I like to do research before I buy. I love to compare and contrast various options. And I’ve definitely learned my lesson about passing…
Continue Reading →Springfield Armory 1911 EMP Champion Concealed Carry Contour 9mm
Every handgunner should have at least one 1911-style handgun in his or her personal battery. Quality 1911s are very accurate and reliable and are relatively easy to carry. The 1911 has lent itself to…
Continue Reading →Spring Training Challenge Week 2: Gear Up for Personal Defense
Carrying a concealed handgun is a great responsibility. You need to conduct more research than if you were purchasing a bicycle but less outlay than if you were purchasing a Harley Davidson. And the…
Continue Reading →Five Guns to Purchase With Your Tax Returns
Tax season is upon us. For those lucky enough to receive a refund, I’ve gathered the top five guns on my wish list. This is not a selection of apocalyptic survival guns. These are guns I would buy…
Continue Reading →Behind the Name: Guns Named After Animals
April 11 is National Pet Day. Most people have a dog, cat, fish or some other animal as a pet. Humans are fascinated with animals. We all can remember what our favorite animal was growing up —from…
Continue Reading →Go Big or Stay Home: Carrying Larger Handguns During Times of Crisis
We are living in unprecedented times. Because of all the panic, fear and bizarre behavior (the great toilet paper wars will forever be a part of 2020 history), things are very unpredictable. Frankly,…
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