USCCA Firearms & Self-Defense Blog
Firearms Training
Discover firearms tactics and techniques, training tips, and shooting drills for at home and on the range to help you hone your practical skills and self-defense mindset.
Recent Firearms Training Articles
Train at Home Like a Pro: 5 Firearms Training Tips for Busy Gun Owners
For many responsibly armed Americans, getting to the gun range regularly just isn’t practical. Between busy schedules, limited access and rising ammunition costs, even the most dedicated gun trainee c[…]
Continue Reading →Is Dry-Fire Training Safe?
Dry-fire training is one of the most effective ways to improve firearm handling, trigger control and accuracy — without the cost of live ammunition. But is it safe? The short answer is yes, when done […]
Continue Reading →What-If Games: Building Confidence & Situational Awareness
Law enforcement officers and other professionals, such as emergency responders and security personnel, often use what-if games as a critical part of their training and preparedness strategies. These m[…]
Continue Reading →Couples Firearms Training: Strengthen Your Skills, Safety & Trust
Firearms training is an essential skill for self-defense, but many couples aren’t on the same page when it comes to gun ownership, home defense and concealed carry. While one partner may be enthusiast[…]
Continue Reading →Make a Recreational Shooting Resolution in 2025
The USCCA is in the deadly serious business of personal self-defense involving firearms, knives, less-lethal devices and bare hands. With this as my “raison d’être,” I’m proud to be a contributi[…]
Continue Reading →Shooting Stance 101: Build a Solid Platform
When it comes to handgun proficiency, simplicity and consistency are your greatest allies. I’ve honed a steadfast approach to shooting through my years of diverse training in the police academy,[…]
Continue Reading →Pistol Attachments and Accessories
Accessories and attachments can enhance the performance and usability of your handgun for concealed carry or home defense. From improving accuracy to boosting ease of operation, the right additions ca[…]
Continue Reading →Understanding the 4 Rules for Gun Safety
Every year, countless preventable incidents involving firearms occur, underscoring the critical importance of gun safety. Whether you’re a seasoned gun owner or a newcomer to firearms, adhering […]
Continue Reading →How to Prepare and Train for Close-Quarters Attacks
When considering a potential assailant, we are most often taught the concept of reactionary gap or the least amount of space that ensures time to react when a threat is presented. Most assaults take p[…]
Continue Reading →Firearm Malfunctions: What They Are and How to Clear Them
In a high-stakes situation, your firearm’s reliability is essential. However, even the best-maintained firearms can experience malfunctions. Knowing how to identify and correct these issues could make[…]
Continue Reading →Game On: Reassessing Guns and Video Games
How many people who grew up watching Davy Crockett, The Rifleman and other ’50s and ’60s Westerns, cop shows and World War II flicks attribute their interest in history and firearms to the[…]
Continue Reading →Snap Caps vs. Dummy Rounds
By now, you’ve likely heard of a variety of different training tools that can be useful for safe dry-fire and/or live-fire practice. One popular item is the snap cap or dummy round. These typically co[…]
Continue Reading →