Please, do not read this letter unless
you believe that self-defense is a natural
born and inalienable right.
A violent crime occurs
every 23.1 seconds.
How will you protect your loved ones
when they become a target?
Dear Friend,
I can't wait to tell you all about U.S. Concealed Carry and Concealed Carry Magazine (CCM).
My wife, three kids and me.
I think the best way to introduce myself is with a little story. This is the story of how U.S. Concealed Carry came to be.
You see, U.S. Concealed Carry and Concealed Carry Magazine were not started by a high-falootin consortium of big-time, gun industry muckity-mucks. It was started by me, Tim Schmidt. I'm just an every-day guy. I've been married for 13 years to a great wife. I've got three, fantastic little kids. But my garage is a mess and sometimes I sleep through church on Sunday mornings.
Are you going to like this story?... I sure hope you do. This story means a lot to me... I still get goose-bumps when I tell it. I hope it will inspire you to at least consider the life of the armed citizen.
My Awakening
It all started for me in the fall of 2002. It was a cool, sunny 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 children 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...
U.S. Concealed Carry
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 U.S. Concealed Carry Association and Concealed Carry Magazine. I have been working extremely hard since the summer of 2003 to put this thing together and let me tell you something...
U.S. Concealed Carry and Concealed Carry Magazine have become something bigger than I EVER imagined. I have been completely overwhelmed at the response we have received from Americans just like you!
The people who have joined U.S. Concealed Carry over these past few years are people just like you and me. They are people who are self-reliant, people who believe in their natural born right to self-defense, people who will do whatever it takes to protect their loved ones... people who I respect.
Check out what a few members have had to say:
US Concealed Carry - Testimonial
Dear Tim,
FINALLY, a magazine for me! I'm not a: hunter, police officer, bounty hunter, soldier, solider of fortune, gunsmith, gun collector, camper, urban warfare specialist, political activist, secessionist, re-loader, wilderness recluse with interest in bomb shelters, MREs and windmill electrical generators. I don't know how I got on so many mailing lists, but someone presumes I fit those categories plus more.
Until recently, I've had to purchase all kinds of magazines to get pieces of helpful information about concealed carry. That ended with the advent of your magazine... excuse me, MY magazine.
My wife and I have thoroughly enjoyed every issue and always wait with anticipation of the next issue. Concealed Carry Magazine addresses absolutely every self-defense issue of concern to intelligent Americans today, provides vital information regarding products, services and organizations relevant to concealed carry and communicates critical self-defense information.
Thanks. Please keep up this good work!
William M. Splawn
Columbia, SC
US Concealed Carry - Testimonial
Dear Tim,
I congratulate you for creating U.S. Concealed Carry and Concealed Carry Magazine, and that you are still surviving!
Before CCW became commonly lawful across the country, magazines like Guns&Ammo and American Handgunner from the 80's and early 90's, would discuss concealed carry... but their editorial posture was so prudish towards decent people carrying illegally, that their tone seemed oriented to an audience of police and detectives only.
I have been a member since last year and I find Concealed Carry Magazine and U.S. Concealed Carry to be more substantial, and more directly oriented to decent people like me. It is much more focused than any other defense or gun-oriented magazine.
Karl George,
Wisconsin
U.S. Concealed Carry 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 U.S. Concealed Carry and Concealed Carry Magazine...
Member Testimonials
US Concealed Carry - Testimonial
Dear Tim,
I have received several issues and I am thoroughly convinced that Concealed Carry Magazine would be the ONE magazine to choose if only one magazine was allowed to each person! I just put up a post to those of us in "Nebraska Gun Owners" yahoo group recommending the magazine. I even said that I'd send one of my copies to the first person who provided any sort of postal address.
Thank you for placing one article right after the next, rather than having us page through the entire magazine to finish one article. Also, thank you for providing the content that you do!
One recommendation to improve your magazine: make it with more content! I hate finishing CCM just as one hates finishing their favorite dessert...
Steve
Omaha, NE
US Concealed Carry - Testimonial
Dear Tim,
Congratulations on a great magazine! The cover story article, "The Constitutional Right and Social Obligation to CARRY A GUN," by Robert H. Boatman hit the nail right on the head. Especially cogent and well worth repeating many times, was his paragraph declaring:
"There are criminals among us who are both homicidal and incorrigible. Their parents took a shot at civilizing them and failed. Their school teachers took a shot at them and failed. The odds are overwhelming that government welfare programs and penal institutions took a shot at them and failed. If it ever becomes your turn to take a shot at them, don't fail."
David I. Capla
Delray Beach, FL
US Concealed Carry - Testimonial
Dear Tim,
I was very impressed upon looking over and reading my first issue of Concealed Carry Magazine. I was especially impressed with the CCM Profile article about Kate Graham. I could really relate to where she has been and where she is coming from. Your magazine looks like it has a bright future.
Alex Alicki Sr.
Cairo, NY
US Concealed Carry - Testimonial
Dear Tim,
Kudos on another great issue, May-2005. It's full of great and relevant information. I'm especially impressed with your journalistic integrity as reflected by George Hill's excellent review of the Springfield Ultra Compact 1911. His honesty is refreshing. I have no doubt that had he submitted that article to any other magazine (save one that takes no advertising, but doesn't accept outside tests), it would never have made it to print in the form that it did. Not only is George highly entertaining as a writer, but he tells it like it is and pulls no punches.
We all know the drill; read a raving review in one of the main line publications, get excited (at least those of us with 1911 fever), rush out and buy one, only to find that it doesn't work. It's not just Springfield (and I share George's enthusiasm for their products), but just about all of them. To be sure, Springfield is super on after-purchase service. But, terrific as they are, that doesn't overcome the fact that the gun ought to be ready to go out of the box.
Please make sure George reviews the small Springfield 1911 in .45 GAP after it comes out later this year. I think I speak for all of us when I say that we trust him.
Dr. Neal Trent
Fort Hood, TX
What's in it for me?
As a member of U.S. Concealed Carry, you'll get a subscription to Concealed Carry Magazine.
Within the private, members-only area, you'll find a comprehensive source of in-depth information, including hundreds of articles, gun reviews, gear reviews, profiles and interviews. All of these are 100% focused on concealed carry and self-defense.
I think you'll find that I'm offering a membership package that will be hard to pass up!
Join today and here's what you'll get:
8 issues per year of Concealed Carry Magazine delivered to your mailbox in a plain, brown envelope so you're the FIRST person to read it!
Instant access to our members only website. Downloads, discussion forum, classified ad directory, searchable article archive, audio & video content & lots more!
Membership Benefits
Subscription toConcealed Carry Magazine (Delivered in a plain, brown envelope for privacy). ($39 value)
Download the current issue of Concealed Carry Magazine.
Instant access to ALL back issues of Concealed Carry Magazine. ($99 value)
Searchable database of all past articles from Concealed Carry Magazine. (Value?... priceless)
Instant access to hundreds of exclusive articles, reviews and interviews.. ($99 value)
Tip of the Week. (Value?... priceless)
But that's not all...
U.S. Concealed Carry - A.C.F. Armed Citizen Foundation
Your membership in U.S. Concealed Carry will also help in our fight to maintain and expand our natural-born rights to self-denense.
We do this critical work through our 501c3 Non-Profit Organization, U.S. Concealed Carry - Armed Citizen Foundation.
Here is what we're working on!
Create and promote a series of emotionally compelling, "FLASH" videos that provacatively demonstrate the value and benefits of the responsibly armed citizen. These videos will be distributed on the internet and on cable television networks.
Sponsor & promote "Bring A Friend to the Range" shooting and self-defense awareness clinics.
Create, distribute & promote FREE guides such as "The Armed Citizen Solution - 12 Critical Steps to Self-Defense You'll Never Learn From the Mainstream Media".
Buy "education and awareness" advertising in national "general cirulation" publications. (USA Today, Wall Street Journal, etc.)
With U.S. Concealed Carry - A.C.F., we're out to educate every American about the benefits of the armed citizen.
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about YOUR
benefits as a new U.S. Concealed Carry member!
· What is so different about Concealed Carry Magazine? Isn't it just like all the other gun magazines out there?ANSWER - U.S. Concealed Carry'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. You will learn all of the benefits and responsibilites that are involved with carrying a concealed gun. U.S. Concealed Carry 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.
19 benefits people like YOU are enjoying from their U.S. Concealed Carry membership.
1. Learn the best way to carry a “pocket” gun. (Page 18, CCM March 2004)
2. How to effectively debate gun rights with an “anti-gunner”. (Page 15, CCM March 2004)
3. Learn why most of what you see in the media about guns is wrong. (Page 12, CCM April 2005)
4. Discover the most effective carry method for ultra deep concealment. (Page 25, CCM May 2004)
5. How you can effectively use a flashlight for self-defense. (Page 20, CCM May 2004)
6. The proper way of “dry-practice” training. (Page 18, CCM July 2005)
7. Discover the answer to the question “Can you pull the trigger?” (Page 23, CCM April 2005)
8. The hidden power of psychological preparedness. (Page 12, CCM July 2004)
9. Find the answer to “Should You Wear Your Gun in the Shower?” (Page 18, CCM July 2004)
10. React on the sub-conscious level. (Page 14, CCM July 2004)
11. Escape a dangerous situation without using your firearm. (Page 36, CCM July 2005)
12. Be prepared by learning “Reality-Based” gun & knife fighting. (Page 28, CCM November 2004)
13. Defend your family with the right psychological mindset. (Page 17, CCM July 2004)
14. Learn that carrying concealed starts with “one finger”. (Page 24, CCM July 2004)
15. Discover what your average thug looks for in a victim. (Page 32, CCM November 2004)
16. Learn the answer to, “Stand & fight or shoot & move?” (Page 12, CCM August 2005)
17. Learn from the experiences of “The Ordinary Guy”. (Page 32, CCM May 2005)
18. Discover the importance of carrying a gun 100% of the time. (Page 23, CCM February 2005)
19. Listen and learn from “The Armed Senior Citizen. (Page 32, CCM January 2005)
I am very confident that you'll find the U.S. Concealed Carry 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?
A U.S. Concealed Carry membership is an investment in the safety of your loved ones.
We've got a few different membership options. I'm sure you'll find one of them to your liking.
MEMBERSHIP INVESTMENT Option 1
A one-month FULL membership costs just $6.97 per month. (That is only 23 cents per day!) You'll have instant, uninterrupted access to the ultimate source of information for the armed citizen. This includes ALL of the member resources on the website along with a hard-copy subscription to Concealed Carry Magazine.
Option 2
A one-year FULL Membership costs just $69 per year. You'll save 15% compared to paying by the month. This includes ALL of the member resources on the website along with a hard-copy subscription to Concealed Carry Magazine.
Option 3
A one-year "Magazine ONLY" Membership costs just $39 per year. You'll get the hard copy version of Concealed Carry Magazine..."The Ultimate Resource for the Armed Citizen".
Why join U.S. Concealed Carry? Because you've got nothing to lose and everything to gain.
I'll be honest with you, U.S. Concealed Carry is not for everyone. You may think that the police will always be there to protect you. You may even think I'm a little too "right-wing"!
But if you're like me, I'll bet you'll find yourself anxiously looking forward to each and every issue of Concealed Carry Magazine. You'll also enjoy the freedom to be able to search for, download and print ANY article, review or column whenever you want!
You'll enjoy the benefits of belonging to a very tight-knit community of people who share the same values as you!
Now you're probably wondering, "What do you mean, I've got nothing to lose?" Well, here is why you have nothing to lose...
U.S. Concealed Carry "Bullet-Proof" Money Back Guarantee
If you are unhappy with your membership
for ANY REASON whatsoever, we will refund 100% of the unused portion of your membership. We won't even ask any questions!
Well, now you know my story and the story of U.S. Concealed Carry. I love sharing this story, and I hoped you enjoyed it.
I hope you decide to become a member of U.S. Concealed Carry. If you feel the same way I do about family, responsibility and self-defense, I'd be honored to have you as a member.
Best regards,
Tim Schmidt
Founder
U.S. Concealed Carry
Why would anyone want to carry a gun? Here I am with MY four reasons!
P.S. - Be sure to check out the U.S. Concealed Carry "We're Giving Away Cool Stuff" Sweepstakes! You'll be instantly entered when you join today. Click the button below to learn more!
Membership Expired? Renew here.Want to join by phone? Call our toll-free number at 877-677-1919. We're available between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm Monday thru Friday. (Central)
Prefer to pay with a check or money order? click here for details.
QUESTIONS?
Feel free to use our speedy contact form.
