by Dean Rieck

When I saw the first issue of Concealed Carry Magazine a few years ago, I thought, "Wow. What a great idea."

Until then, there were all sorts of gun publications, but nothing that focused solely on concealed carry, which I had just become interested in.

It was marvelous. No macho nonsense. Just clear, interesting information about carrying concealed written for ordinary folks like me.

The magazine, and the organization behind it, United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA), was the brainchild of Tim Schmidt. Tim is a Second Amendment supporter who saw an opportunity to help educate a rapidly growing population of Americans who, like him, refuse to be sheep.

I had a chance to talk to Tim recently about USCCA.

Dean: For those who aren't familiar with USCCA, can you describe what it is?
Tim: "The United States Concealed Carry Association is the ultimate resource for the armed citizen. We provide community, support and information to people who believe in the inalienable right of self-defense. Members receive a subscription to our members-only publication, Concealed Carry Magazine. Members also get instant access to our private website. On this site they'll find over 1,147 articles, gear and gun reviews, profiles, stories and tactical scenarios ALL related to concealed carry and self-defense. Members also have access to our private vBulletin forum."

Dean: What prompted you to start USCCA? How did you come up with the idea?
Tim: "I started the USCCA and Concealed Carry Magazine because I felt alone in my desire to be an armed citizen. Heck, even when I'd walk into gun stores, most people thought I was a little weird for wanting to carry a gun. I knew there were over 4 million Americans with CCW permits, but there just wasn't much targeted information or community out there for us."

Dean: Have you always been interested in concealed carry?
Tim: "Not so much concealed carry, I've just always been interested in being able to protect my wife and kids. Carrying a gun just seemed like an efficient way to get this done."

Dean: What does your family think about the work you do?
Tim: "My wife has always been supportive of everything I've ever done, including this. My kids are still pretty young, but I think they're pretty proud of their Dad!"

Dean: What makes USCCA different from other gun organizations?
Tim: "Well, other than the NRA, we're one of the few that publishes our own, private magazine. Every one of our members is protected by our 'Bullet Proof, 100% Money-Back Guarantee' on ANYTHING they purchase from us! We're the only organization with a members-only, private forum. This barrier does a great job keeping the trolls and weekend rambos off the forum."

Dean: I've noticed that you don't use "make my day" photos on the cover of your magazine. Why is that?
Tim: "Because that's not what our members are about. We're not Dirty Hairy type people. We're 'Jim the Accountant' or 'Mary the Schoolteacher' or 'Fred the Grandfather.' We're just normal, everyday people who've made the extremely responsible decision to have the ability to protect our loved ones."

Dean: The concealed carry crowd seem to be very politically active. What makes them different?
Tim: "I think the CCW crowd is a lot more sensitive to the fragility of their natural-born, inalienable rights. The fact that they have to go through a TON of red tape and hoops to be able to carry a gun can make a person realize that it wouldn't be too hard for the government to take away this right!"

Dean: In your experience, what is the primary motivation for people making the decision to carry?
Tim: "There seem to be two types of people who decide to carry a gun. First, there are the people who have been the victim of a crime. Second, there are people who simply have a sense that their safety is their OWN responsibility. Some call these people 'sheepdogs.' I simply call them responsible Americans. It is very unfortunate but far too many in our culture have placed their safety in the hands of others. I call these people SHEEP!"

Dean: Why is training and education important for those who carry?
Tim: "A gun is a powerful tool that when misused can have serious, life-changing consequences. Thus, it is the responsibility of all armed citizens to continually train themselves in the proper and efficient use of the gun."

Dean: Do you have many women who join?
Tim: "Yes, I'd say approximately 10-15% of our members are female."

Dean: How has USCCA changed over the last few years and do you have any surprises for the future?
Tim: "We've continually improved the editing and writing of our magazine and website articles. Heck, I think I wrote over half the articles in our first issue of CCM. Now we have a full-time editor and art director. We also have over 100 writers and contributors! A brand-new website has been under development for the last three months. It's not done yet, but we're getting there. This new site will offer our members unparalleled self-defense community and information."

Dean: What is included with a membership?
Tim: "They get a subscription to the 'Members-Only' print magazine called Concealed Carry Magazine. This publication is loaded with articles, reviews and features on carry guns, training, mindset, holster systems and awareness tactics. The magazine arrives in a discreet brown envelope for the ultimate in privacy.

"Each USCCA member has their own username and password that allows them to log in to our private website. On this website they'll find additional weekly concealed carry articles, an archive of every article that has ever been published in our magazine and downloadable PDF archives of EVERY back issue.

"Our members-only website also hosts our private members forum. This forum has over 105,000 posts pertaining to concealed carry and self defense. Our private forum is a friendly place that allows our members to connect with like-minded people from around the USA.

"The sheer volume of gear and gun review articles helps our members to save a LOT of time and money when it comes to buying new gear. Heck, everyone who carries has a holster drawer. Well, our members get to read detailed reviews on almost anything BEFORE they spend their money!

"Some of the top self-defense and firearms instructors in the world reveal their latest training, tactics, and techniques in every issue of the magazine and on our private website as well.

"And finally, members receive preferred access to special product offerings. We've recently published multi-media programs like 'How to Detect Lies and Liars' and '107+ Handgun Accuracy Secrets' exclusively for USCCA members."

Dean: What would you say to people to convince them to join USCCA?
"Hmmm...when you join USCCA, you'll make new friends with like-minded folks on our private forum. You'll save time and money with our concealed carry gun and gear reviews. You'll enjoy your own subscription to Concealed Carry Magazine. You'll learn the latest in training and self-defense techniques. And finally, you'll enjoy peace-of-mind knowing you're properly prepared for whatever may come your way. Plus, you've got NOTHING to lose.

"With our Bullet Proof, 100% Money-Back Guarantee, if you're not completely satisfied with everything about your membership or ANY product you buy from us, you get your money back. You'll get a prompt and courteous refund!"

CLICK HERE to visit US Concealed Carry and find out more.