Welcome to all of you responsibly armed Americans who are looking to learn and share with like-minded individuals! You’ve all got something special to bring to this group that will help others no matter what spot you’re at on your self-defense journey.
Gun-shy about talking about yourself? Here are some questions to help you get started!
Who are you?
What got you interested in carrying and self-defense?
How long have you been training for your self-defense?
What formal training have you had?
What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten regarding your self-defense?
What’s your favorite gun?
How often do you train?
How have you gotten your friends and family involved?
What do you hope to learn from others in the USCCA Community?
THIS THREAD IS NOT FOR SUPPORT. PLEASE DO NOT ASK A QUESTION HERE. THIS IS FOR INTRODUCING YOURSELF AND ANSWERING THE QUESTIONS ABOVE ONLY. Please post your questions in the appropriate topic area.
Please be judicious with how much personal information you share. Remember, your posts on any social media can be used if you ever have to legally defend yourself after a physical self-defense situation.
Please do not post any personal information on this forum. You share your personal information here at your own risk.
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I am a Marine veteran and also a first responder. I have been carrying for over a decade and whether open or concealed, carry for the same reason - I value life. I am a hunter and hunt deer and love the outdoors. I also do not get out there as much as I would like, as work keeps me very busy indeed. I carry a small 380 most times because it can fit nicely under a suit or in an ankle holster too. A nice, versatile weapon.
Hi guys and gals, I’m glad to be here. I’m from Cape Cod Massachusetts, been shooting competitively for about 4 years now, IDPA, USPSA,
3 GUN, and NDM. I’m a certified NRA RSO, and an IDPA certified SO. I carry everyday no matter where I go and have been for about 32 years, I shot my first gun when I was about 4 years old, (a bolt action mossberg .22, still have it) and I love the way of life that comes along with everything listed above.
We’re so excited to have you guys here. I’m in the very early stages of my self-defense journey and I can’t wait to learn from all of you here. I know I’m in good hands with this community and I can’t wait for the adventure.
hi, everyone! excited to be part of this community.
So - my name is Jonathan, and I’m from South Carolina. I work for the USCCA on the technology side. Carrying daily is new to me but something I plan to change this year. I completed a CCW permit class near the end of last year. I had been planning to carry my Glock 43, but I’ve had a rough time with misfires. As far as I can tell it’s due to my grip and stance. Need to train more!
anyways, looking forward to connecting
oh and @Steve-G, my wife and I were just talking about planning a weekend trip to cape cod. we’ve never been. also, the instructor of my CCW permit class talked a lot about his participation in IDPA. made it sound awesome.
I’m a massage therapist and a mom of three teenagers. I’ve been carrying for a few years now. Really started carrying regularly when I went on my own for massage.
I go into people’s houses to do massage - only by referral! But even then there are some unique people I’ve worked on who made me glad I had my holster under my scrubs! My patients don’t always know I carry - and some would be dead set against it. However, it’s for their protection as much as it is mine.
I’m looking forward to learning more about shooting - including competition shooting! - from everyone here.
Hello everyone, my name is Shawn I’m currently disabled. I’ve never been one to carry a firearm, I did however admire the people that believed in exercising their right to do so. After becoming disabled I realized I wasn’t able to protect myself or my family without owning or carrying a firearm. I currently study every piece of information I can and learn as much as I can about firearms and the functions of them. I carry a Smith and Wesson SD40 VE. Always keep a round in the chamber a full magazine and an extra magazine with me. I also carry a knife, and small flashlight. Nothing can be planned but everything should be expected.
I read every one I get and start before recieving it using the dashboard. I’m also reading all of the back issues. I watch all training videos and follow into the fray as well. I’m planning a trip for this summer to come out to Wisconsin for a tour of the facility. I think the U.S.C.C.A is an amazing and vital part of my concealed carry journey.
Hi all, I’m Thad. I got interested in owning firearms shortly after Wisconsin started offering CCW permits. Prior to that at didn’t have a reason since I don’t hunt and, didn’t see the point to a handgun you can’t carry. When I first started out in 2012 I really didn’t know anything about what I was doing and, made the mistake of putting the cart before the horse. I got my CCW permit then my first gun. After my first time to the range I decided not to carry till I believed I was ready then spent the next two years learning everything I could about guns and, carry before actually starting to carry. About 2 1/2 years ago I went for the USCCA instructor program but, am not an active instructor. I can’t compete with the prices of other instructors in the area. I can’t really decide on a favorite carry gun since I have five different options to choose from that I thoroughly enjoy. I don’t get to the range anywhere near as often as I would like due to cost but, I dry fire train two to five days a week. I’m always up for learning something new.
@ShawnT, Im hearing impaired on my left side. I don’t let that slow me down and if someone has an issue with it, I’ll invite them to the range and let that leave them speechless. Hearing impaired, wheel-chair bound, limitations are only limitations if we allow them to be. I wont allow limitations to define me. I define myself in how I respond to them by not allowing them to get me down.
I am pleased to be here too. I am partially deaf and lost my hearing on my left side recently. But that hasn’t deterred me in the least. But I am still active with shooting and plan to take part in a shooting competition this summer.
Hey everyone, I’m Mike. I’ve just begun my fourth year as a USCCA member and avid supporter.
I purchased my first firearm back in the 80’s. I then worked at a Nuclear facility where we received our firearms training from a State Police instructor from that state.
I’m a firm believer in our God given right to defend ourselves and the Constitution the defends that right by saying it will not be infringed. The more the government wants to infringe on our right to own and bear arms the more we need to, and be proficient with it.
My usual EDC is a 9mm with Black Hills Honey Badger ammo, which I recently discovered.
The best self-defense advice I have every received is, be aware of your surroundings, keep your mouth shut and don’t look for trouble. If trouble finds you, take care of business.
I’ve gone on long enough for the first time. Be happy, be careful, and be safe my friends.