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
Glock 43X Review: The Best Balance for Concealed Carry Pistol?
Originally reviewed and published June 2019, Updated February 2026 As the great philosopher Jimmy Buffett once said, “Indecision may or may not be my problem.” True words, especially when talking…
Continue Reading →Beyond the Bullet: Why FBI Standards Matter for Civilians Too
When discussing handguns and ammunition, one topic that often surfaces is the FBI ammunition testing protocol, the standardized system used to evaluate duty ammunition performance. While this…
Continue Reading →Tisas PX-9 Tactical Comp Review: A Full-Size 9mm That Punches Above Its Price
There’s a lot to be said for being a gun buyer these days. Shooters are spoiled for choice when it comes to viable, reliable pistols for nearly every use. The floor for performance has never been…
Continue Reading →SCCY CPX-2 Review: A Budget 9mm That Gets the Job Done
The SCCY CPX-2 was originally reviewed in October 2014 and tested again in August 2019. This article is a compilation of previous blog posts authored by Kevin Michalowski and Scott W. Wagner. There’s…
Continue Reading →New Gear From SHOT Show 2026
The world of concealed carry and home defense is ever evolving. Each year brings a new influx of gear designed to support responsible gun owners. Whether it be a new gun, holster, optic or anything…
Continue Reading →What Is a Carbine? Types, History and Modern Uses Explained
I first heard the term “carbine” growing up in the 1960s, when westerns and WWII shows filled the TV airwaves. Carbines, firearms that are compact, fast-handling and distinct from a full-size rifle,…
Continue Reading →Guns I’m Looking Forward to in 2026
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably been keeping a close eye on the onslaught of new product releases that inevitably come this time of year. It certainly is a fun and exciting time of year…
Continue Reading →Fitness and Concealed Carry: How to Balance Working Out and Personal Safety
With 2025 in the rearview mirror, many of us have entered the new year with the best of intentions for whichever New Year’s resolution we’ve committed to. It goes without saying that one of the most,…
Continue Reading →Bond Arms Honey B Review: Lightweight Derringer for Concealed Carry
I’ve been a fan of Bond Arms for many years, since the handling quality of the heavy-framed Texas Defender first impressed me at a writers’ conference in Florida. Company founder Gordon Bond was…
Continue Reading →The Best Compact Defensive Handgun
Few topics generate more debate among gun owners than identifying the best gun for self-defense. That’s because defensive situations vary widely, and what works well for one person may not be ideal…
Continue Reading →Urban Carry Signature Shoulder Holster: A Modern Take on a Classic Design
When I made my foray into the field of law enforcement in 1980, shoulder holsters were a common and practical way for officers to carry handguns while working plainclothes or off duty. Back then,…
Continue Reading →The Ultimate Guide to Firearm Maintenance
Key Takeaways Clean your firearm after each range session to prevent buildup and maintain accuracy. EDC guns should be inspected weekly for lint, dust, and corrosion. Field-strip and deep clean at least once a month for frequently carried guns. Over-oiling, ignoring magazines, and skipping inspections are common mistakes to avoid.
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