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.
More Articles
A Non-Runner’s Concealed Carry Holster Hunt
When I say I abhor running, I mean I’d rather listen to my three children scream non-stop for a week than run a mile. But about eight weeks ago, my wife was visiting the chiropractor for an…
Continue Reading →Tritium Sights for When the Light Runs Out…
Tritium is an extremely rare radioactive element produced artificially for use in a variety of applications. And in the late 1980s, it sparked a revolution in low-light shooting skills. My first…
Continue Reading →Wall to Wall: Testing Penetration of Home-Defense Ammo
“Which gun and what ammo should I use for self-defense in my home?” is one of the most common questions students ask during home-defense classes. The simplest answer is to use the firearm with which…
Continue Reading →One Piece at a Time: Shadow Systems MR920L
It’s like shooting a Glock, only better. Sometimes, you just look at something great and decide that with a few minor modifications, it can still be improved. That’s what the good people over at…
Continue Reading →USCCA Bonus Gifts Reviewed: Hearing Protection and Range Bag
Two weeks ago, my bank card got hacked. Again. As I was getting it replaced, I knew I wanted to update the information on my USCCA Membership account. I don’t want to be without the protection for a…
Continue Reading →Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 19 Carry Comp Review
Some 42 years ago, my first off-duty handgun was a 2.5-inch Model 19 Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum revolver. It had a beautiful, blued finish and slim, checkered walnut service grips. The profile of the…
Continue Reading →The Remington 870 Shotgun
There are many shotguns with merit. The humblest shotguns will put food on the table and save your life. I am going to make a bold statement: For personal defense and all-around tactical use, the pump-action shotgun is the best choice. A pump-action shotgun can be very fast into action.
Continue Reading →5.11 Wyatt Plaid Short Sleeve Shirts
I sometimes find options for comfortable and effective concealed carry of large, high-capacity pistols or all-steel revolvers are limited. Often I end up carrying my handgun on my strong side hip in…
Continue Reading →Five Handguns that Influenced the Firearms Industry
Every now and again, a handgun comes along that has a profound effect on the firearms and self-defense industry. Such guns become important to the manufacture of successors or how we view personal…
Continue Reading →Gear We Love — October 2021
Treasure Chest: AR Elite Range Box AR Elite Range Box MSRP: $299.99 Many shooters know the frustration of constantly bracing a long gun against a leg, a table, the back of a chair … no more. The Otis…
Continue Reading →Faxon Firearms Flame Fluted Pistol Barrels — and Much More!
Located just north of Cincinnati, Faxon Firearms is a family-owned company that specializes in manufacturing custom rifle and pistol barrels, specialized parts and complete firearms. Though I’ve…
Continue Reading →SIG Sauer P229 Legion 9mm Gun Review
Introduced in 1992, the SIG P229 is a compact firearm designed for duty or concealed carry. Its lightweight aluminum frame, high-capacity magazine, inherent accuracy and reliability has made the P229…
Continue Reading →
















