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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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…
Continue Reading →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…
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