It all started for me about four years ago. It was a
sunny, yet cool, October morning. I was sitting on an
airplane reading an article called The Constitutional
Right and Social Obligation to Carry a Gun, by Robert
Boatman.
A good friend of mine had given me the article and said,
“Tim, you just have to read this!”
I wish you could have been there with me. I couldn’t
believe some of the things that I was reading. This
Boatman guy had written words that were going straight to
what matters most to me.
His words were inspiring to say the least.
You see, I was a new father at the time and the
responsibility of taking care of my wife and new child
were weighing heavily on me.
I shifted uncomfortably in my chair as I continued to
read.
Boatman wrote,
“Carrying a gun is a social responsibility.” |
A social responsibility? Come on. I always thought that
only cops were supposed to carry guns. Heck, I grew up
around guns. My Dad had me shooting his .357 Magnum when
I was 10... but carrying one everyday? Now that seemed a
little intense.
Well, I kept on reading.
“A citizen who shirks his duty to contribute to the
security of his community is little better than the
criminal who threatens it.” |
Wow. What he was saying was astounding. I had never
really thought that carrying a gun was really that
important.
And now this guy was telling me that I am “shirking my
duty” if I’m not willing to arm myself?
Hold on for just one second...
Could It Be True?
No one had ever told me I wasn’t responsible. Could it
be? Was it possible that Boatman was pulling my head out
of the sand?
Heck, I live in a small town with almost no crime. We
sometimes forget to lock our front door!
The article went on to cite many interesting statistics
regarding the effects of “good guys” carrying concealed
guns.
“Even though most people do not carry guns, the
mere possibility that an intended victim could be
armed with a handgun eliminates millions of crimes
every year”
“According to the FBI, states with “shall-issue”
right-to-carry laws have a 26 percent lower total
violent crime rate, a 20 percent lower homicide
rate, a 39 percent lower robbery rate and a 22
percent lower aggravated assault rate than those
states that do not allow their citizens to legally
carry guns.”
“Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at
Florida State University, Gary Kleck, in Point
Blank: Gun Violence in America found that ‘robbery
and assault victims who used a gun to resist were
less likely to be attacked or to suffer an injury
than those who used any other method of self-
protection or those who did not resist at all.’” |
I sat in my chair utterly dumbfounded.
The harsh words from Boatman, coupled with the mind-
blowing statistics, had really opened my eyes.
I’d always been fond of saying, “You’re either part of
the problem or part of the solution.”
It was pretty clear to me what side I was on.
Back on the airplane, the person in front of me had put
their seat back. I’m 6’4” and I normally hate it when
that happens! However, I was so absorbed in my reading
that I hardly even noticed.
…Nobody’s Personal Bodyguards.
I continued to read this life-changing article.
“Policemen are nobody’s personal bodyguards. Their
jobs are to find and arrest people who have
committed crimes, not to prevent such potential
crimes from happening in the first place. Clearly,
the responsibility for victim-prevention lies with
the victim-to-be.” |
Incredible. Now that my mind had been opened up a bit, it
was making more and more sense.
Boatman was on to something. I was coming to the
realization that being armed was a responsibility that
I had to accept.
If something ever happened to my wife and kids and I
wasn’t able to protect them... well, I don’t think I’d be
able to live with myself.
The article ended with this:
“Carrying a loaded gun with the ability and will to
use it is not a casual fling meant to bring some
excitement into your boring life. It is an all-
embracing lifestyle and must take precedence over
your respect for law, your fear of social
criticism, your love of humanity, your wardrobe and
your drinking habits.”
“‘Liberty or death,’ the meaning of which is clear
and absolute, is but a trivial phrase if you do not
carry a gun. For freedom-loving Americans, the five
most important words in the English language are,
and always have been – from my cold dead hands.” |
I sat staring at these last two paragraphs for a few
minutes.
I re-read the article two more times.
I came to the obvious conclusion. I needed to do whatever
it took to protect my loved ones. And if that meant
carrying a gun, well then I had better start learning how
to do just that…
The USCCA
So I began my search...
I had a hard time finding any good information on people
carrying concealed handguns.
Sure, there were all sorts of gun books and gun magazines
that talked about every gun and holster under the sun.
But there was nothing out there that talked about the
actual PEOPLE who were making the responsible decision to
always be armed.
I thought, “Wow, there are over 4 million U.S. citizens
who have concealed carry permits. There must be something
out there!”
Everything in the “mainstream media” made it sound like
people who carried concealed guns were a bunch of
paranoid red-necks.
So...
I decided to start the United States Concealed Carry
Association and Concealed Carry Magazine.
I have been working hard for the last two years to put
this thing together and let me tell you something...
The USCCA and Concealed Carry Magazine have become
something bigger than I EVER imagined.
The USCCA is much more than just a good magazine. It is
an organization that supports the armed lifestyle.
Just listen to what some other members have said about
the USCCA and Concealed Carry Magazine…
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I joined the USCCA after discovering the organization while researching the NRA web site. That was the best research I have done. I'm an NRA Instructor and also teach Nebraska Concealed Handgun Permit classes. The |
information available on the web site has been invaluable as a teaching tool.
As a member, it is refreshing to get no B.S. reviews on equipment. Other magazines and forums have the ring of influence on the article from the vendor of the item being reviewed. Then there is the information on tactics that is useful to keep current on what is out there. I also like the magazine articles. Where else can you find articles about normal people in everyday jobs that have carry a concealed weapon and why?
Courtesy of USCCA, I am a better informed permit holder and instructor. I am hopeful that my students will also join this organization to keep informed and current on what is out there for their use.
Leslie G Cable, MSgt(ret) USAF
NRA Life Member
NRA Certified Instructor and Range Safety Officer
North Platte, NE |
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"I love to read and learn about people just like me. There is nothing quite like the USCCA. It is a reliable, informative & comprehensive go-to resource."
Ginny Schweiss
St. Louis, MO
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And here here is a member who really appreciated the instant access to over 4 years of back issues of Concealed Carry Magazine.
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I just had to write to commend you for the great service that you provide all of us members. The thousands of archived articles are an amazing resource! |
They highlight and explain defense methods, discuss a wide variety of new or emerging equipment, and some even give us a good laugh along with imparting knowledge.
The video clips that are included with the on-line newsletter are always something to look forward to. Some are serious, some are humorous, some are both, all are informative. As a member, the USCCA magazine we receive keeps us informed while away from the computer. Of equal importance, it allows us to easily share important information with friends and other people we know.
I especially like the magazine section that reports instances of folks providing for their own personal safety and those of others through the use of a personal firearm. We do not find that kind of important, positive reporting in any of the large public media. Your forum and the many other areas in your website continue to keep us enlightened!
Terje A. L. Bolef
St. Louis , Missouri |
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"The USCCA has helped me immensely in deciding what to carry and how to carry it. I can't say enough about the USCCA and CC Magazine. "
Scott Smart
Hastings, MN
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What’s in it for me?
As a member of the USCCA, you’ll get 8 issues per year of
Concealed Carry Magazine. You'll have access to exclusive "members-only" website articles that are updated every week.
You'll receive instant access to our private, members-only forum. This form has over 28,474 members and over 66,608 posts on concealed carry and self-defense topics!
I think you’ll find that I’m offering a membership
package that will be hard to pass up!
Join the USCCA today and here’s what you’ll get:
- 8 issues per year of Concealed Carry Magazine.
- Exclusive "members-only" website articles that are
updated every week.
- Private members forum with over 104,608 posts on concealed carry and self-defense topics.
- Concealed carry classified ads and photo-sharing directory.
- Searchable database of over 4 years of back issues of Concealed Carry Magazine (CCM).
- Downloadable PDF back issues of CCM from 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.
- USCCA Membership card.
- Defensive shooting guidelines cards.
- The Best of Concealed Carry Magazine - Volume 01: CD
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New Member Welcome Package
You'll receive your "new member" welcome package packed with all sorts of goodies. It will arrive in a discreet, brown envelope to help you maintain your privacy! |
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Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about YOUR
benefits as a new USCCA member!
What is so different about Concealed Carry Magazine? Isn’t it just like all
the other gun magazines out there? ANSWER - The USCCA’s official magazine
is bold, no-nonsense and pulls no punches. If you’re looking for
Concealed Carry information, you’ll never find more solid info in one place.
You’ll get to read about other “every-day” people who carry in our “CCM
Profiles” section. People just like you.
What if I’m just thinking about carrying? Is there any benefit for me to join
now? ANSWER - If you’re going through the process of making the decision
to always be armed, a USCCA membership would be the smartest thing you
could do. The USCCA and Concealed Carry Magazine will give you the
guidance you need to make the best decision.
What sorts of people are members of the USCCA? ANSWER - The USCCA is one of the fastest growing firearms related organizations in the United States! We have people from every state in the union! Our members cover all walks of life. Moms, Dads, Grandmas, Grandpas, young adults, doctors, mechanics, teachers, business owners, retired folks… we’ve got them all.
Will you sell or rent my name to list brokers? ANSWER - I value your
privacy as much as I value mine. The USCCA will never sell or rent your
personal information to anyone!
A lot of people ask me, “Tim, exactly what are the
benefits of joining the USCCA?”
Well, here is a list of some of the benefits that you’ll
enjoy when you become a member.
| You're Just Minutes Away From Discovering the Answers to These Critical Concealed Carry Questions and much, much more... |
- Discover the best way to carry a “pocket” gun. This isn’t theory or opinion, it’s proven… with the facts to back it up.
(Page 18, Concealed Carry Magazine - March 2004)
- The whole story behind your right (and duty) to bear arms. Heck, even the Dalai Lama (who won the Nobel Peace Prize) said it’s reasonable to carry a gun and use it in certain situations. You’ll see the proof.
- The smart way to debate gun rights with an “anti-gunner.” Trust me, there’s a smart way and a dumb way to do this. (Most people try the dumb way…)
(Page 15, Concealed Carry Magazine - March 2004)
- Active Shooter Responses: How you could prevent another Virginia Tech or Lubby's Massacre
(Page 24, Concealed Carry Magazine, Feb. 2006)
- How to Live Through a Gunfight at Ranges of
Three Feet or Less.
(Page 35, Concealed Carry Magazine, Feb. 2007)
- What would you do if you saw a stranger in your shed, that stranger had just dragged your granddaughter or your wife into that shed, you were attacked, someone tried to carjack you, someone began to beat you up, or someone broke into your house? If you answered “I don’t know…” to any of these, that’s the wrong answer. And it could get you killed. You’ll discover what to do instead.
- How to protect yourself from the brainwashing the liberal media spins about guns. You’ll discover why most of it is
dead wrong.
(Page 12, Concealed Carry Magazine - April 2005)
- How to choose the holster you need to make sure your weapon stays concealed and out of the eyes of those who could give you a hard time. (This is important… as in, it could keep you out of jail.)
- Get a step-by-step rundown on the most effective methods for deep concealment. You’ll get the straight scoop on why some methods are far better than others.
(Page 25, Concealed Carry Magazine -May 2004)
- Coping With a Physical Durability in Concealed Carry Defensive Handgun Training
(Page 38, Concealed Carry Magazine, Feb. 2007)
- Practice More, Spend Less Money,
Gain More Skills
(Page 32, Concealed Carry Magazine, May/June 2008)
- Would you take a life to save your own… or the life of someone you love? If you don’t know your answer to this question (it’s not an easy one), you’ll get the help you need to make a decision.
- Little known ways to use normal objects (like a flashlight)
for self defense.
(Page 20, Concealed Carry Magazine - May 2004)
- Why “Condition One” (cocked and locked) is the only way to carry a 1911.
- Why “dry practice” training is so important and how to avoid the expensive mistakes that most people make when doing it wrong.
(Page 18, Concealed Carry Magazine - July 2005)
- Discover one of the biggest assets you have for protecting yourself and the ones you love. Most people don’t even think about this… but use it in the wrong way and, chances are, you’re going to get burned.
- Is Your Handgun Range Reliable?
How About Combat Reliable?
(Page 35, Concealed Carry Magazine, November 2007)
- Does it really work? A Gear Review of
Spitfire Pepper Spray
(Page 32, Concealed Carry Magazine, Aug/Sept 2007)
- If your life was threatened… could you pull the trigger? You’ll discover how to answer that question before you need to act.
(Page 23, Concealed Carry Magazine - April 2005)
- What to do if your religion gets in the way of you carrying and using your weapon. If this has ever been an issue for you, you’ll get the facts you need to make the right decision.
- The huge impact of psychological preparedness. Most people think that CCW is simply about gun training. But it’s the inner game that really separates those who are prepared to act from those who just say they are.
(Page 12, Concealed Carry Magazine - July 2004)
- Carry Concealed When Confined
To A Wheelchair
(Page 28, Concealed Carry Magazine, November 2005)
- Finally: The Laws Regarding Knives
(Page 42, Concealed Carry Magazine, May/June 2007)
- 10 simple steps to keep your Glock clean… You’ll get access to what is probably the world’s simplest tutorial to keep your Glock (or other semi-automatic pistol) in tip top shape.
- Should you wear your gun in the shower? Don’t laugh... If you’ve never thought about this, you’ll definitely want to get your hands on this article.
(Page 18, Concealed Carry Magazine - July 2004)
- Hard-hitting product reviews that will make your equipment choices a whole lot easier… Like how to choose between a Wilson Combat Professional and a Rock River Pro Carry. Which would YOU choose? Do you know why?
- How to train yourself so that, in the heat of the moment, your subconscious already knows what actions to take before your mind even thinks. This might sound hard, but it’s not… It just takes the right knowledge and a little practice.
(Page 14, Concealed Carry Magazine - July 2004)
- You’ll discover how to properly operate the little “safety lever in your head.” Memorizing gun safety rules alone won’t make you safe. You’ll find out what to do instead.
- How to escape a dangerous situation without ever having to use your firearm. If you’re new to CCW, this is always the top priority.
(Page 36, Concealed Carry Magazine - July 2005)
- The 4 things you must be aware of to make up your mind about what caliber you should get. (Most gun owners don’t have the facts they need to make a smart choice.)
- Developing Speed for Drawing and Shooting your Handgun
(Page 33, Concealed Carry Magazine, May/June 2007)
- Are GLOCKs Unsafe?
Hear the TRUTH from an Expert.
(Page 45, Concealed Carry Magazine, May/June 2007)
- Why “Reality-Based” gun and knife fighting is one of the smartest ways to be prepared for the worst. If you’re not doing this already, you’ll want to after you learn why it’s so important.
(Page 28, Concealed Carry Magazine - November 2004)
- A detailed list of the pros and cons of 10 of the most popular calibers, including stopping power percentages. Knowing this stuff is a must.
- Sometimes, defending your family depends more on what you’re thinking than what you’re doing. You’ll discover why and how to use this little known fact to your advantage.
(Page 17, Concealed Carry Magazine - July 2004)
- The 7 principles of personal defense. If you’re serious about protecting yourself and those around you, then you need a whole lot more than shooting skills. These 7 principles will get you started and could save your life.
- What it means when we say, “Carrying concealed starts with ‘one’ finger…”
(Page 24, Concealed Carry Magazine - July 2004)
- Are You Giving Too Much Information to Strangers?
Find out how to keep a lower profile…
(Page 32, Concealed Carry Magazine, April 2007)
- Laser Sights: Life Saver or Light Saber?
Everything you need to know..
(Page 30, Concealed Carry Magazine, April 2007)
- Defeat Laziness in Self Defense Before It Gets You Killed
(Page 18, Concealed Carry Magazine, Issue 06, 2005)
- Do you know when it is universally justifiable to use deadly force? If not, you’re not alone. But getting this clear could save you from a huge legal mess if you ever have to protect yourself.
- How you and your family can steer clear of trouble by knowing what the average thug looks for in a victim. Just knowing this will help you minimize your chances of ever running into trouble.
(Page 32, Concealed Carry Magazine - November 2004)
- When you’re confronted with a threat, do you stand and fight or shoot and move? Knowing how to answer that question could mean the difference between
life and death… literally.
(Page 12, Concealed Carry Magazine - August 2005)
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I am very confident that you’ll find the USCCA and
Concealed Carry Magazine to be everything I claim it is
and more!
Now you’re probably wondering…
So how much is all this going to cost?
You’ll be glad to know that a one year membership is only
$47. That’s right. Only $47 to belong to an organization
that is on the cutting edge of concealed carry topics.
That works out to less than 13 cents per day. Thirteen
cents a day, and you’ll be a part of the most rapidly
growing firearms and freedom organization in the United
States.
Is $47 a lot of money? You bet it is. Forty-seven bucks can buy
3 boxes of ammo. Forty-seven bucks can buy a new holster. Forty-seven bucks can pay the cable bill for one month...(maybe)
Or...
For forty-seven bucks, you can belong to the USCCA for one
FULL YEAR.
Why join the USCCA?
Because you've got nothing to lose
and EVERYTHING to gain.
Why should you join the USCCA?
I’ll be honest with you, the USCCA is not for everyone.
You may not think the membership benefits are worth $47.
You may even think I’m a little too “right-wing”!
But here is why you should join the USCCA. Because you’ve
got nothing to lose and everything to gain. If you’re
like me, I’ll bet that you’ll find yourself anxiously
looking forward to each and every issue of Concealed
Carry Magazine.
Now you’re probably wondering, “What do you mean I’ve got
nothing to lose?” “I could lose forty-seven bucks!”
Well, here is why you have nothing to lose…
The USCCA “Bullet-Proof” 100%
Money Back Guarantee
As usual, I stand behind this and all my products with my 100% Bullet-Proof, Lifetime, Money-Back, No-Questions-Asked Guarantee.
This is a guarantee I've been living up to since 2003. Heck, I even gave a customer twice his money back one time! (And he was STILL mad at me… until he realized his WIFE, without his knowledge, was cashing the refund checks I kept sending!)
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Here's how this works.
If you're not completely satisfied, I'll give you a prompt and courteous refund.
So there you have it. If you’re not happy, I’ll just give
you your money back. No questions asked. |
What does this mean to you? This means you have absolutely NOTHING to lose. If you decide that this isn't for you, then I don't want your money.
O.K., One more quick thing...
Limited Time – New Member Bonus
In order to make saying “yes” even easier, here’s one
more advantage I think you’ll find irresistible.
For a limited time only, all new USCCA members will
receive “instant” access to download “The Best of
Concealed Carry Magazine – Volumes 1 & 2”.
These two PDF
documents normally sell for $17,
but for now they’re
yours for free!
Free "Instant Savings" for new members!
And that’s not all! All new members will have instant
access to special discounts on other USCCA
products.
So if you want to get your hands on some of our most
popular member products, you can get a 32% discount
by joining today.
When
you click on the join button below, you’ll
learn more about these fantastic special offers.
If this is the kind of information you’d like to get your
hands on... well now you can.
I invite you to join the USCCA, right now, and become a
member of an organization that “tells the truth” about
concealed carry.
Click the button above to start your membership and welcome
to the
USCCA!
Take care and stay safe,

Tim Schmidt
Founder, US Concealed Carry
Publisher, Concealed Carry Magazine
P.S. - I urge you to take action today. If you’re like
me, the distractions of life are too many and I just
don’t want you to miss out on this opportunity.
If you’re like me, you value your privacy. When you join
the USCCA, you can rest easy because we will NEVER rent
or sell any of your personal information!
P.P.S. - As usual, you're protected by my now legendary, bulletproof, 100% money-back, lifetime guarantee on EVERYTHING that is sold by USCCA, Concealed Carry Magazine or Delta Media!
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I belong to a number of organizations aimed at furthering our 2nd Amendment rights, but none of them offer me what the USCCA does.
The magazine is my favorite gun book; the things I've learned are invaluable, and most I haven't seen anywhere else. |
Being an old-timer, the Senior Citizen section talks directly to me, and along with my professional training has made me far more able to survive an armed encounter. I really like the fact that I don't have to hunt for the rest of each article.
Bill Schiffmann
Lago Vista, TX |
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USCCA Membership Activation Information
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Tim, thanks for all the great information you provide each week in your newsletters.
I am a better citizen because of you and the information you provide. |
I am able to carry my gun knowing I am better trained & informed about how to use it if need be. My granddaughter in my arms is the main reason I carry a gun for protection. What else can I say!
Bill Moody
United States |
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"I love the USCCA. There is no doubt in my mind that the USCCA is definitely the ultimate resource for the armed citizen."
Gene B. Geldziler
North Myrtle Beach, SC
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| **Membership Price Notice: The normal USCCA membership price has been $69 per year for over 4 years. The current membership sale prices will continue for an undetermined length of time. However, by joining right now you will lock-in this lower membership price for as long as you remain a member. |
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