USCCA Firearms & Self-Defense Blog

2026 Update: United States v. Hemani Marijuana remains illegal under federal law. That means if you use cannabis — even legally under state law — you may be prohibited from owning or possessing a…

A representative for Burris Company reached out in early 2025, asking if I’d like to evaluate one of the new Fullfield riflescopes. From the many size and lens configurations, I chose the Burris…

As a firearms trainer for more than 30 years, I often ask my students: “If you went home today and found an invitation stating that you would be attacked at a certain time and location by a specific…

Originally published June 2019. Updated June 2026. The Taurus 856 is a six-shot .38 Special snubby that punches above its price point — and it still deserves a serious look for concealed carry in…

As temperatures rise, so do the number of opportunities to gather at outdoor events, including everything from local fairs to large music festivals. After being cooped up indoors during the cold…

Editor’s Note: NFA laws, ATF procedures and court challenges can change. This article is intended for general informational purposes only. Always confirm current requirements through ATF.gov or…

I’ve been a wristwatch aficionado since I strapped on my first watch. It was a Timex windup from the Kresge’s Five and Dime store for my 8th birthday. Its shiny silver case, white face, black leather band and radium glow-in-the-dark dial were a big deal for a kid in 1965.

Let’s be absolutely clear: If you’re a human being, you have the right to protect your own life. Period. You don’t need to ask anyone’s permission. Doesn’t matter who you are, how you identify, who…

Let’s be honest … while the options have definitely improved over the years, concealed carry clothing and gear still have a long way to go. Whether it’s clothing designed to work effectively with…

When I began my career in law enforcement, we had nowhere near as many options for self-defense ammunition. The available rounds were roundnose lead, full-metal jacket, lead semi-wadcutters or a few…

If you’ve never considered the risks of being the victim of road rage, you should. While it’s difficult to quantify road-rage incidents, a 2024 Pew Research Center survey found that 49 percent of…

Firearms-related headlines continue to shape public conversation and policy discussions across the country. Each month, we’ll gather the notable stories involving firearms, self-defense and the…

Firearm myths have been around for decades, fueled by Hollywood, misinformation and misunderstanding. Whether it’s about gun functionality, self-defense or gun laws, these myths can shape public…

Originally published September 2018. Updated May 2026. The Mossberg Maverick 88 Security 12-gauge pump-action shotgun is an affordable example of a basic tactical pump-action shotgun — and it’s made…

I’ve been carrying a handgun on the trail since I entered law enforcement. In my earlier days of hiking and carrying concealed, that usual meant a compact .38 Special snubnose revolver or small .380…

This article was originally published in April 2023 and updated in May 2026. Before the 9mm became America’s default self-defense cartridge, the concealed carry market was an afterthought, consisting…

Low-light training is often a forgotten factor in a person’s overall skillset. Compared to defensive encounters in broad daylight, the veil of darkness presents a world of opportunity for things to…

The “Expert Witness” column from Concealed Carry Magazine brings real-world self-defense stories into focus through the lens of an experienced attorney. In each installment, actual defensive gun use…

A constant diet of bad news can wear anybody down (my wife regularly tells me to cut back on it) but paying attention to violent crime trends is important. Concealed carriers and ordinary citizens…

Handguns are primarily divided into two categories: revolvers and semi-automatics. Choosing between a revolver and a semi-auto is one of the biggest decisions new handgun owners face. Both platforms…