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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The Byrna CL: Compact Power in Less-Lethal Self-Defense
Byrna products have found wide acceptance from law enforcement and civilian users alike for their reliability and effectiveness. The new Byrna CL (compact launcher) is the latest addition to Byrna’s…
Continue Reading →Ruger Mini-14 Tactical Rifle with Side Folding Stock
Over the years, I’ve owned several models of the original blued-steel and hardwood stocks Ruger Mini-14s. The Ruger Mini-14 Tactical Rifle with Side-Folding Stock always intrigued me, but…
Continue Reading →Springfield Armory Kuna Review: A Modern PCC with HK Roots
Springfield Armory’s new Kuna pistol is a compact 9mm powerhouse that blends retro inspiration with cutting-edge features. This Springfield Kuna review takes a close look at the design, performance…
Continue Reading →Taurus 850 Review: Affordable & Dependable .38 Snubnose
As a revolver enthusiast, few things are more satisfying than the debut of a new revolver like the Taurus 850, tailored for concealed carry, outdoor use such as camping or hiking, or home defense.…
Continue Reading →Is the .32 ACP Still a Good Self-Defense Round?
The 7.65mm Browning cartridge — later known as the .32 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) — is a semi-rimmed pistol round developed by John Moses Browning for the FN M1900. Colt Firearms later adopted the .32 ACP for its iconic M1903 Pocket Hammerless Pistol, a compact sidearm ideal for personal protection.
Continue Reading →Smith & Wesson Model 36 Classic: Retro Snub-Nosed Review
The blued steel Smith & Wesson Model 36, chambered in .38 Special, debuted in 1950 at the International Association of Chiefs of Police convention. It made such an impression that attendees voted to…
Continue Reading →Why I Carry a Manual Safety Pistol for Self-Defense
Let me begin with a disclaimer: I have long been a fan of striker-fired pistols, particularly the Glock series equipped with a trigger-safety lever, also known as a “drop safety.” During my time as a…
Continue Reading →Girsan 2311 Brat Review: A Budget-Friendly 2011 Pistol
The iconic 1911-style pistol design may be more than a century old, but it’s far from obsolete. In fact, with modern upgrades in capacity, ergonomics and carry readiness, it continues to thrive,…
Continue Reading →Best Concealed Carry Guns for Summer: Top 13 Picks
When the weather heats up, staying cool and armed becomes a balancing act. Summer often brings challenges for concealed carriers — less fabric, tighter clothing and fewer layers mean fewer places to…
Continue Reading →How to Choose Your First Gun: Best Handguns and Rifles
Choosing your first gun — whether for self-defense, hunting or sport shooting — is a big decision. With countless models available, finding the best first gun can feel overwhelming. This…
Continue Reading →Liberty .380 Civil Defense Review: Fast, Light & Effective
Sometimes very surprising things happen when you test ammunition to evaluate its ability to deliver energy into what may be a threatening human or animal target. Occasionally, performance falls short…
Continue Reading →S&W Model 10 Classic (No Internal Lock) Review
When I saw the first image of the new Smith & Wesson Model 10 Classic .38 Special revolver — built on the iconic K-frame and featuring no internal lock — I knew I had to own one. The Model 10 was…
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