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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What Is Gun Insurance
People collect firearms for a range of reasons — from hunting and sport shooting to historical interest and, increasingly, for home defense and self-defense. But does your insurance policy provide…
Continue Reading →Best 9mm Pistols for Concealed Carry (2025 Update)
Best 9mm Pistols for Concealed Carry When it comes to choosing the best firearm for concealed carry, the 9mm pistol stands out as a top contender. Known for its balance of power, manageable recoil,…
Continue Reading →Yeet Cannon Review: Hi-Point Firearms YC9 9mm Pistol
Hi-Point YC9 Yeet Cannon Review (Originally reviewed November 2023) “Yeet,” according to the dictionary, means to throw, often forcefully and without care for the object being thrown. It has been…
Continue Reading →Streamlight ProTac 2.0 HP: A Tactical Upgrade
Back in 2023, I reviewed the Streamlight ProTac 2.0 personal flashlight, an excellent compact, rechargeable, multi-use flashlight. Featuring Streamlight’s typical rugged construction and…
Continue Reading →Gerber Armbar Drive-Onyx Compact Multi-Tool
I’m always an eye out for new tools that fit the concealed carrier’s lifestyle not just for self-defense support, but for daily use as well. During my years as a cop, I learned that carrying only a…
Continue Reading →Red-Dot Sights for Handguns: What You Need to Know for Self-Defense
Many shooters have used red-dot technology on long guns for upward of 30 to 40 years. Since Aimpoint AB’s introduction of the first electric red-dot sight in 1975, micro red-dot sights have exploded…
Continue Reading →Stauer Knife Review: Testing the River Canyon Bowie Knife
I’ve seen several ads recently in shooting and sporting magazines, showcasing Stauer watches, walking sticks and knives. The Stauer Cherokee Stone Works River Canyon Bowie Knife caught my eye. And…
Continue Reading →Choosing the Best Concealed Gun: Accurate, Reliable & Easy-to-Carry Options
If you’re in the market for the best handgun for self-defense carry, it’s important to first think about your needs. Each year brings improved pistols for concealed carry with new designs and…
Continue Reading →Streamlight TLR-1 HP Review: Serious Illumination for Serious Defense
When it comes to weapon-mounted lights, the Streamlight TLR-1 HP is one of the highest-powered compact tactical light options. Built for professionals, civilians or anyone serious about low-light…
Continue Reading →Should You Carry a Backup Gun? Pros, Cons and Carry Tips
It wasn’t until I had three or so years on the job as a cop that I began to carry a backup gun on a regular basis. Working at a mostly rural sheriff’s office in Ohio in 1980, I didn’t feel the need.…
Continue Reading →Kel-Tec PR57 Review: Top-Loading Power in a Lightweight Concealed Carry Package
Kel-Tec never fails to amaze me, and their new PR57 is no exception. Known for their innovation and engineering, Kel-Tec has delivered a standout addition to the firearms market with this slim,…
Continue Reading →Colt King Cobra Review (.357) – Concealed Carry Test
Colt Firearms, a legendary name in the firearms industry, has experienced a remarkable resurgence in recent years. Known for precision and quality since the early 20th century, Colt has been one of…
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