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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Summer Concealed Carry: Comfortable Gear and Clothing for Hot Weather
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…
Continue Reading →Mossberg Maverick 88 Security Review: Best Budget Home Defense Shotgun?
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…
Continue Reading →The Many Models of the SIG Sauer P365
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…
Continue Reading →Weapon Lights vs. Flashlights: Which Is Better for Self-Defense?
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…
Continue Reading →Revolver vs. Semi-Automatic Pistols: Pros, Cons and Key Differences
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…
Continue Reading →Ruger LCP II Review: A Lightweight Pocket Pistol That Still Holds Up
Originally published in November 2016. Updated May 2026. Back in 2009, I had the opportunity to test the then-new Ruger LCP: an ultra-compact, double-action, 6+1 capacity .380 ACP pistol designed for…
Continue Reading →What You See Is How You Shoot: Picking the Best Pistol Sights for Your Eyes
The most user-friendly pistols generally have good-to-excellent ergonomics, a smooth trigger and a rugged set of well-made iron sights that work with your eyes. Sights must be sturdy enough not to…
Continue Reading →Hi-Point HP-15 5.56 Rifle Review: Promising Budget AR With Serious Reliability Problems
Hi-Point Firearms is an Ohio-based company that began manufacturing handguns and later carbines in Mansfield, Ohio, in 1990. The company built a reputation for producing affordable American-made…
Continue Reading →Taurus TX9 Review: Affordable 9mm Performance for Everyday Carry
Founded in 1939, Taurus has been offering affordable handguns for personal defense, target shooting and hunting for decades. After fulfilling a contract to supply Beretta-designed 9mm handguns to the…
Continue Reading →SKS Carbine Review: A Classic 7.62×39 Rifle That Still Delivers
If you became a gun owner after 1994, you may be unaware of how much the federal “assault weapons” ban changed the rifle market. The law restricted newly manufactured semi-automatic rifles and…
Continue Reading →Smith & Wesson Model 67 Review: A Classic .38 Special Still Ready to Serve
Many handguns on the used gun market are still capable of providing reliable performance for today’s concealed carrier or home defender, often at a much lower price than newer models. And if you…
Continue Reading →How to Choose and Buy a Suppressor for Self-Defense
Key Takeaway: Buying a suppressor involves working with a licensed dealer, submitting an ATF application and receiving a tax stamp. Wait times have improved significantly, often taking days to weeks.…
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