USCCA Firearms & Self-Defense Blog

A defensive pistol should be as close to flawlessly reliable as possible, easy to operate and comfortable to shoot. You can purchase the most reliable pistol on the market, but if that pistol doesn’t…

I’ve been using laser sights on my defensive handguns and AR-15s since 1995. I think guns mounted with laser sights are the best option in low light because they do not obstruct the user’s view. I’ve…

The short answer is yes … in some states. Whether you can legally carry a firearm without a permit depends on the laws where you are carrying. Today, many states have adopted constitutional carry,…

Two hands on the gun will usually give you more control, better recoil management and greater stability. That is why most defensive handgun training starts with a two-handed grip. But real-life…

One of the things that keeps me going as a firearms industry writer is that many companies in our industry are never content to rest on their laurels. The second is their willingness to resurrect and…

There is probably no legislation that evokes as much emotion as “stand your ground” laws. While they may vary in details from state to state, these self-defense laws generally remove the requirement…

A popular misnomer among gun-control activists about the AR-15 rifle is that the AR stands for “assault rifle.” Never mind the lack of definition that constitutes what an “assault rifle” is, AR is short for ArmaLite rifle, a name referring to the manufacturer of the firearm in the 1950s.

The world of carry optics has grown a great deal in the past few years. What began as an innovation for winning pistol competitions has become standard equipment among service members and civilian…

Should I shoot a warning shot is a common self-defense question. It may seem like a reasonable middle ground. You avoid shooting another person while still convincing an attacker to back down. But…

I’ve been evaluating Streamlight products ever since the all-metal Scorpion saved me during a late-night traffic stop 17 years ago when my full-sized duty flashlight went out. In all my years of working with tactical flashlights, Streamlight has continued to produce high-quality lighting products, always tweaking, adjusting or improving.

There’s nothing Americans love more than freedom, but someone has to say it: with freedom comes responsibility. Not to worry, though. Responsibility isn’t all homework and early bedtimes.…

Originally published 2024, Updated June 2026 The world of micro-compact semi-auto pistols never ceases to impress. A few years ago, I reviewed the original SIG Sauer P365 — a pistol that truly set…

Key Takeaway: The Supreme Court held that the federal government cannot automatically disarm every unlawful drug user based solely on status. But Hemani did not erase 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3), and…

When I was a kid and the Vietnam War was rapidly expanding, the evening news stories frequently covered the new M16 military rifle. The stories revealing how the tiny 5.56mm bullets were helping to…

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…

Every year, countless preventable incidents involving firearms occur, underscoring the critical importance of gun safety. Whether you’re a seasoned gun owner or a newcomer to firearms, adhering to…

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…

The SIG P365 was introduced eight years ago and quickly became a popular choice for concealed carry. While the original 10-shot 9mm version remains the most popular among several P365 variations, SIG…

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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…