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.
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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.
Continue Reading →Taurus Judge Review: How the .45 Colt/.410 Revolver Has Stood the Test of Time
The Taurus Judge .45 Colt/.410 Shotshell Defender was originally reviewed in October 2015. I have always admired the versatility of revolvers. For example, a .357 Magnum revolver can be loaded hot…
Continue Reading →Smith & Wesson 432 UC Review: Revisiting the .32 H&R Magnum J-Frame
I’ve been evaluating and writing about firearms for civilian and law enforcement use since the early 1990s. In that time, I’ve handled and fired more handguns, rifles and shotguns than I can count.…
Continue Reading →Glock Gen 5 Explained: What Changed and Who Should Consider the Upgrade
*Originally published in Concealed Carry Magazine, February 2018 It doesn’t happen often that a firearms company makes a genuine change to a proven gun. New models may get new finishes, new sights or…
Continue Reading →Beretta 92fs Review: Still the Most Reliable Handgun?
The Beretta 92 has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable 9mm semi-automatic pistols. First adopted by the U.S. military in 1985 as the M9, the 92 series has since served faithfully in…
Continue Reading →SIG P365 Nitron Micro-Compact 9mm Review
Originally published March 2018 It took a little while to get the new SIG Sauer P365 because it was the talk of SHOT Show (2018) and among the sales staff at Vance Outdoors in Columbus, Ohio. Every…
Continue Reading →Bear Edge Sideliner Review: Folding Knife With Glass Breaker for Emergency Escape
Sometimes the changing of seasons or a variation in routine can nudge us toward a new everyday carry gear. But there can also be specific moments in life that force us to rethink our EDC, whether it…
Continue Reading →IWB Holsters vs. OWB Holsters
One of the crucial decisions you’ll make when it comes to concealed carry is choosing between an inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster and an outside-the-waistband (OWB) holster. You may wonder which…
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