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
The Survival Pie: 5 Readiness Gaps Most Armed Americans Don’t Know They Have
Most gun owners believe they’re prepared. They own a firearm. They’ve taken a class. Maybe they carry every day. But ask them to survive 72 hours away from home after a sudden disaster, like a…
Continue Reading →Rost Martin RM1S Comped 9mm: Just the Right Size for Many Duties
A versatile handgun is one that can handle several roles well. For me, that means home defense, concealed carry and protection on the trail. While I used to rely on different handguns for each job.…
Continue Reading →Cimarron 1911 .45 ACP Review: Classic GI Pistol
One of my favorite western films is Big Jake, set along the Southwest border in 1909. Though it is one of John Wayne’s best performances, what really stands out to me is the time period. The film…
Continue Reading →SCCY CPX-1 Review: A Decade of Everyday Carry for Under $300
“Buy the best gun you can afford” is solid advice — within reason. When it came to my first everyday carry pistol, the problem was that I couldn’t afford very much. What I Needed in a Concealed Carry…
Continue Reading →Stoeger Double Defense Side-by-Side 20 Gauge Shotgun
The double-barrel side-by-side shotgun is the most legendary designs produced, remaining highly recognizable through today. Originally, it gained popularity as a fowling piece because its second…
Continue Reading →CZ P-10 C Ported Review: An Easy Shooting 9mm
Like a friend with a new haircut or outfit, it is always interesting to revisit a familiar handgun that has returned with meaningful upgrades. The CZ P-10 C qualifies as an old friend, one that I…
Continue Reading →Heritage Arms 92 Lever-Action Rifle Review: A Stainless Steel .357
If you’re in the market for a lever-action .357 rifle, there’s no shortage of options these days. I could be wrong, but there may be more centerfire lever-action rifles available today than at any…
Continue Reading →Heritage Range Side Black Lever-Action .410 Shotgun Review
The .410 shotgun shell cartridge should be recognized as one of the most remarkable revivals in modern firearms history. Introduced in 1874 as a small-game hunting round, it served as a training…
Continue Reading →Smith & Wesson 9mm M&P Shield 2.0 Review — Updated for 2026
Originally published in April 2018. Updated February 2026. Smith & Wesson is continually improving pistols. One example over the years is the Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm Shield 2.0 with Integral Green…
Continue Reading →Ruger Security-9 Compact Review: Budget 9mm
Originally published July 2019, Updated March 2026 Sturm, Ruger & Co. has earned a well-deserved reputation for workmanlike, reliable firearms. Ruger has armed Americans for decades, even when good…
Continue Reading →Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy Compact Review: Is This the Best Compact 1911 for Concealed Carry?
Springfield Armory introduced the Prodigy pistol as an enhanced, modern 1911, sometimes referred to as a 2011. The full-sized Prodigy DS (double stack) was the first model, featuring a grip frame…
Continue Reading →Best .22 Guns for Training, Plinking and Beginners
For gun enthusiasts of all disciplines and skill levels, a rimfire handgun, specifically one chambered in .22 Long Rifle, should undoubtedly be part of your collection. Not only is .22LR amongst the…
Continue Reading →
















