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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Urban Carry Hyperion Review: OWB Leather Holster for Lasers
Finding the right holster can be a challenge, especially when your handgun features rail-mounted accessories like a laser or weapon light. In this review, I return to a lingering problem: securing a…
Continue Reading →Byrna TCR Review: Is This Non-Lethal Gun Worth It?
The Byrna gun lineup has quickly become the gold standard in non-lethal self-defense weapons for private citizens. Byrna’s timing couldn’t have been better — civil unrest is rising, and police…
Continue Reading →Smith & Wesson 1854 .357 Magnum: Lever-Action Review
When I heard that Smith & Wesson was introducing its own American-made lever-action rifle, I received the news with enthusiasm. That was because another high-quality, top-tier firearms manufacturer…
Continue Reading →Ruger MAX-9 ReadyDot Review: CCW Excellence
American firearms manufacturer Ruger has a history of manufacturing many innovative and iconic handguns that withstand the test of time. The latest addition to the Ruger Max-9 lineup, Model 3515, is…
Continue Reading →Thyrm CLENS: Simple, Effective Lens Protection for Your Tactical Lights
If you frequently shoot a firearm with a weapon light attached, you’ve likely encountered a frustrating issue: carbon buildup from the muzzle blast that gradually clouds the lens. This carbon buildup…
Continue Reading →Steps in Cleaning Your 1911
In a world of polymer-framed pistols, there’s something enduring about the steel, precision and history of the 1911. A well-made 1911 is a thing of beauty and a reliable carry gun, but owning one…
Continue Reading →Streamlight Sidewinder X Review: A Rugged, High-Output Tactical Light
When companies design products for military use that can also be adapted for civilian use, civilians often come out ahead. The biggest advantage is that gear designed for military use is incredibly…
Continue Reading →XS Sights R3D 2.0 Orange Night Sights
As a 21-year-old seeking a career in law enforcement, I didn’t yet understand the struggle to see firearms sights several “old guys” wrote about in gun publications of the time. But I do now. The…
Continue Reading →Firearm Spring Care 101: How to Maintain, Clean and Replace Springs
Those new to shooting may have a lot of questions about firearms maintenance, including how to clean spring components and when to replace them. It is an important question. Keeping your firearm in…
Continue Reading →Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 Review: A High-Capacity Upgrade to a CQB Defender
The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 is the latest evolution of the Bodyguard series, a name synonymous with deep-concealment firearms for close-quarters defense. Over the years, the Bodyguard 380 lineup…
Continue Reading →House of Grips Review: Premium Custom Wood Grips for Your Handgun
When I became interested in the world of shooting at age 14, the Vietnam War was still raging. The walnut-stocked M-14 7.62mm NATO was the primary battle rifle. And the early Smith & Wesson revolver…
Continue Reading →5.11 5-in-1 Winter Jacket Review
As brisk winter weather made its way to Ohio, I had the unique opportunity to review 5.11’s new 5-in-1 2.0 Jacket. This concealed carry coat is a noteworthy upgrade from the original model I praised…
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