USA Carry

A body cam video from 2023 shows just how quickly things can spiral when emotions override judgment — especially when you’re armed.

In the footage, a man is confronted by police after being fired from his job. Instead of leaving the premises as requested, he insists on getting a “valid reason” for his termination. The officer calmly explains that Florida is an at-will employment state, meaning no reason is required to terminate employment — and refusing to leave is trespassing.

Unfortunately, the man continues to argue. When the officer attempts to detain him, he resists. A taser is deployed, and a brief struggle follows. During the takedown, the man admits to having a knife in his pocket and a concealed firearm on his person.

Whether the man was legally carrying under Florida’s permitless carry law, had a valid permit, or was carrying illegally due to a prior felony is still unclear. But that detail, while important, misses the larger point:

When you carry a firearm, emotional control becomes a non-negotiable part of the responsibility.

Concealed carry isn’t just about holsters, draw speed, or gear. It’s also about mindset. If you allow frustration, anger, or pride to dictate your actions while armed, you’re increasing the risk of a legal disaster — and possibly losing your gun rights entirely.

According to the video and reports, the man was charged with:

Bond was set at $40,000. If he’s convicted of a felony, he may lose his right to possess firearms under both Florida and federal law. Even a misdemeanor conviction could affect his ability to carry concealed in the future.

This video isn’t just shocking — it’s instructive. It’s a case study in what not to do. As concealed carriers, we owe it to ourselves and our community to be the calmest person in the room, especially when tensions run high.

You don’t just carry a gun. You carry responsibility.

Read the original story: When Emotions Take Over: A Concealed Carrier’s Arrest Caught on Camera

In today’s crowded online ammo market, finding a reliable and reputable source can be a gamble. With countless retailers vying for your business, it’s easy to get burned by poor customer service, slow shipping, or questionable business practices. That’s why third-party reviews and verified ratings matter more than ever.

A recent report looked at some of the biggest names in the ammo world, analyzing verified scores from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot. The results show clear differences in customer satisfaction—and one company came out on top.

This independent comparison used a weighted score system based on BBB and Trustpilot data, including:

Here are the results:

Ammunition Depot stood out not just for its high ratings, but also for the consistency across both review platforms.

According to the report:

These numbers gave Ammunition Depot the highest overall score in the report.

Whether you’re buying for training, self-defense, or long-term preparedness, trust in your ammo source is critical. While price and inventory play a role, reliability and customer satisfaction are equally important—especially when buying online.

Verified reviews and BBB records offer insight that flashy websites and ad copy can’t. They show how a company actually performs when something goes wrong, or when a customer needs help.

Online ammo buyers have more choices than ever, but not all retailers are created equal. This latest third-party review data shows that Ammunition Depot currently leads the pack in terms of trust and customer satisfaction.

Ammunition Depot is a current USA Carry sponsor. This article’s rankings are based entirely on publicly available third-party data (Trustpilot, BBB) and were confirmed independently.

Read the original story: Who Do Gun Owners Trust Most for Ammo? Here’s What the Data Shows

KEITHVILLE, LA — A workplace dispute turned violent Friday morning in Caddo Parish, leading to a justified self-defense shooting, according to local authorities.

Around 11 a.m. on June 27, deputies from the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a shooting in the 3200 block of Stagecoach Road. Upon arrival, deputies learned that 37-year-old Joseph Whitaker had been shot in the upper body following an altercation with a co-worker.

According to investigators, the incident began as a verbal disagreement between the two men. The shooter, whose name has not been released, attempted to de-escalate the situation and avoid confrontation by entering his truck to leave. However, Whitaker reportedly followed him to the vehicle and began striking him in the head.

In response to the unprovoked physical assault and fearing for his life, the man drew his firearm and fired two rounds at Whitaker, striking him. Whitaker was transported by private vehicle to Willis Knighton South in Shreveport and later transferred to Ochsner LSU Health for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The shooter left the scene immediately after the incident but returned shortly afterward when deputies arrived. Following an investigation, authorities determined the man acted in lawful self-defense. Whitaker was later issued a summons for simple battery.

This case highlights the critical importance of attempting to de-escalate volatile situations whenever possible. The defender in this incident made a clear effort to disengage and retreat, which significantly bolstered his legal standing. Also, it’s lawful to leave the scene if you are still in fear for your life—but you must call 911 immediately to report the shooting and your location. Prompt notification demonstrates you’re not fleeing wrongdoing, and cooperating with authorities strengthens your self-defense claim.

Read the original story: Louisiana Man Shoots Co-Worker in Self-Defense After Co-Worker Repeatedly Strikes Him in the Head

ELKHORN CITY, KY — A home invasion turned violent in the Elkhorn City community of Pike County on the evening of June 30 when an armed intruder reportedly attempted to shoot a homeowner and a woman inside the residence. Kentucky State Police responded to the incident on West 5th Street following a 911 call and discovered a man had been shot during the confrontation.

According to investigators, 44-year-old George Standifur of Elkhorn City entered a private residence while armed and made threats toward the occupants. Family members told troopers that Standifur first attempted to shoot the male homeowner in the head, but the firearm malfunctioned. The homeowner then retrieved his own firearm and shot Standifur in the leg.

Despite being wounded, Standifur allegedly turned his gun toward a woman in the home and attempted to fire again, but the weapon again failed to discharge. The family managed to force him out of the house and called 911.

Standifur fled the immediate scene but was found nearby in an alley still in possession of a firearm. Kentucky State Police troopers engaged in several hours of negotiations before safely taking him into custody. He was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Standifur has since been charged with Attempted Murder, Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree (Police Officer), Terroristic Threatening 3rd Degree, Resisting Arrest, Disorderly Conduct 2nd Degree, Menacing, and Alcohol Intoxication in a Public Place. He is currently lodged at the Pike County Detention Center.

This case highlights the importance of preparedness and the critical nature of firearm functionality in self-defense situations. The homeowner’s quick response and ability to protect his family from a potentially deadly threat likely prevented a tragedy.

Read the original story: Homeowner Shoots Armed Intruder After Suspect’s Gun Misfires During Alleged Attack

Washington, DC – In a fast-moving turn of events, Congress has moved forward on the massive reconciliation One Big Beautiful Bill, but key pro-2A reforms have faced a Senate Parliamentarian blockage setting the stage for a fierce fight ahead. Below are two must-watch videos embedded to help explain what just went down and what comes next.

Jared from Guns and Gadgets delivers a concise and impactful update on the latest developments as the bill returns to the House. He highlights Representative Andrew Clyde’s strong push to reinsert the original pro-2A provisions stripped by the Senate Parliamentarian. Clyde presented a compelling argument during the Rules Committee hearing, using actual NFA tax stamps to demonstrate how the $200 tax and the registration requirement are inseparably linked. Jared emphasizes the significance of Clyde’s amendment and the potential to reignite the fight for full repeal as the bill heads back to the Senate.

Brandon Herrera takes a broader approach in his video, unpacking both the political and legal dynamics of the situation. He explains how the original pro-2A provisions made it through the House and were strengthened in the Senate before being struck down by the Parliamentarian, whom he criticizes sharply. He also outlines a potential silver lining: if the tax is reduced to zero while registration remains, it could weaken the legal foundation of the NFA and open the door to a constitutional challenge. Despite the setback, Brandon urges continued pressure on lawmakers, emphasizing that past activism has worked—and that this is no time to back down.

The Senate passed the bill by a 50–50 margin, with Vice President Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. However, Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough ruled that removing silencers and short-barreled firearms entirely from the NFA violates the Senate’s Byrd Rule, which limits non-budgetary items in reconciliation bills. In response, Senate Republicans pivoted to a compromise—reducing the $200 tax stamp on these items to $0 while still maintaining NFA registration and controls.

Historic-ish Gain? Dropping the $200 tax stamp is a meaningful step but falls short of full deregulation. The NFA’s registration framework remains intact, including background checks and other hurdles.

Political Leverage Parliamentarian rulings only apply to reconciliation. Now, the amended bill returns to the House Rules Committee where Clyde’s amendment hopes to reinstate full HPA/SHORT provisions, sending the bill back to the Senate.

Leaving registration on the books despite removing the tax opens a constitutional challenge. Clyde notes that courts previously upheld the NFA as a “tax,” tying registration to taxation. Zeroing the tax could invite a judicial challenge to the system.

Contact House members, especially Rules Committee reps, urging support for Clyde’s amendment to restore full NFA repeal language. Push Senate GOP leaders to publicly overrule or remove the parliamentarian holding leaders accountable to pro-2A voters. Stay informed and engaged. Activism drove gains so far and pro-2A pressure could force another round of debate in D.C.

We’ve seen the power of grassroots pressure: wins in committee, the House, and Senate momentum. Though the parliamentarian’s intervention is a setback, it’s not a dead end. Full repeal remains possible, and this “half measure” creates legal leverage and buying time. That’s how real reform takes shape from the halls of Congress to the courts.

Read the original story: NFA Tax Removed but Fight Continues as ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Heads Back to House

BISMARCK, ND – We recently received a question from a reader that prompted a deeper look into North Dakota’s reciprocity laws for concealed carry. Specifically, the question was whether North Dakota recognizes non-resident concealed carry permits from other states. The answer, as it turns out, is more complicated than it should be.

A reader reached out to point out a potential error in our concealed carry reciprocity maps, stating:

“North Dakota does not recognize a CCL license/permit from another state unless there is reciprocal reciprocity and the licensee actually resides in that other state.”

This sparked an immediate review of North Dakota’s laws, and I found conflicting information.

On the North Dakota Attorney General’s official website, the reciprocity section clearly states:

“North Dakota will honor a valid concealed carry license/permit (resident and non-resident) issued by a state that has agreed to recognize a North Dakota license.”

However, House Bill 1293 passed by the 67th Legislative Assembly in 2021 includes this language:

“An individual may carry a firearm concealed under this chapter if the individual qualifies for reciprocity under section 62.1-04-03.1 and the individual has the equivalent of a class 2 firearm and dangerous weapon license from the state in which the individual is a resident.”

So which is it—resident permits only, or both resident and non-resident permits?

To clear this up, I contacted the North Dakota Attorney General’s office directly. Here’s a portion of the response I received from the Concealed Weapon Licensing Unit:

“I believe there is some contradiction in our reciprocity between 62.1-04-02(3) and 62.1-04-03.1. 62.1-04-03.1 appears to allow individuals who possess non-resident concealed licenses from other states with reciprocity to carry in our state. However, 62.1-04-02(3) says they must be a resident of the other state. We may look at amending one of these statutes in an upcoming session…”

They went on to clarify that due to the rule of lenity—a legal principle requiring that unclear criminal statutes be interpreted in favor of the defendant—they do not believe someone could be prosecuted for carrying under a valid non-resident permit in North Dakota.

They also reminded us that anyone with a valid driver’s license or ID can legally carry under the state’s permitless (constitutional) carry law.

Given this explanation, we’ve updated our reciprocity maps to show that North Dakota accepts both resident and non-resident permits from states with reciprocity agreements. While the legal text is still in conflict, the Attorney General’s office has made it clear they do not consider carrying on a non-resident permit to be a criminal offense under current law.

We’ve also added a note below the map linking to this article to provide transparency about the change and ensure our readers understand the nuances behind North Dakota’s policy.

I’ll continue to monitor this issue and update our content if any laws are amended or policies shift.

If you ever spot something that doesn’t look right on our reciprocity maps or in any of our guides, reach out to us—we investigate and verify every tip that comes in.

Stay safe and stay informed.

Read the original story: Does North Dakota Accept Non-Resident Carry Permits? Here’s What We Found Out

HIALEAH, FL — A heated argument between groups of UPS employees escalated into a shooting outside a Hialeah shipping facility, resulting in one man being wounded and facing felony charges.

The incident occurred Thursday at the UPS facility located at 969 East 56th Street. According to Hialeah Police, two groups of employees became involved in a verbal confrontation after their work shifts. During the argument, one individual reportedly threatened to summon a friend who was armed.

Shortly thereafter, Anthony Oliver Ernest, 21, arrived at the scene. Witnesses reported that Ernest approached the scene with his hand inside a bookbag, leading one of the involved men to perceive a threat. That man ran to a nearby vehicle occupied by family members. When Ernest continued his approach, the man’s brother, fearing for their safety, opened fire, striking Ernest in the leg.

Police arrived to find Ernest hiding in a car with a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Following an investigation, Ernest was charged with aggravated assault with a firearm.

No other injuries were reported, and the individual who fired the shot has not been charged, with authorities determining the action was taken in self-defense.

This incident underscores the importance of de-escalation and the legal right to defend oneself from a credible threat. Individuals carrying firearms should always prioritize avoidance and retreat when possible, but the law supports self-defense when faced with imminent danger.

Read the original story: UPS Employee Argument Ends in Gunfire; One Man Charged

RALEIGH, NC — As expected, Governor Josh Stein has vetoed Senate Bill 50, the Freedom to Carry NC bill, which would have allowed law-abiding North Carolinians 18 and older to carry concealed handguns without a permit. The move sets up a major showdown in the state legislature over constitutional carry and the fundamental right to self-defense.

In his veto message, Governor Stein claimed the bill would “make North Carolinians less safe” and criticized the removal of permit training requirements and the lowered age to carry. He also argued that the bill would make law enforcement’s job harder.

Law enforcement officials allied with the Governor echoed those claims. Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood called the permitting process an “enhancement” to the Second Amendment, while Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead praised Stein for “putting public safety first.”

Opponents of the bill, including gun control groups like Everytown for Gun Safety and its affiliates, cheered the veto. They cited polling and disputed studies to paint constitutional carry as dangerous—arguments that ignore the experience of the 29 other states that already have similar laws in place.

Constitutional carry supporters understand what’s at stake: our right to defend ourselves should not depend on government approval. This bill was a step toward aligning North Carolina with the majority of the country, and the fight is far from over.

To override Governor Stein’s veto, the General Assembly needs a three-fifths majority in both chambers of those present and voting:

That means a successful override will require full attendance from Republicans and likely some bipartisan support. The next few days and weeks will be critical as the General Assembly determines whether to bring the bill back for an override vote.

To find your legislator and contact info, visit: https://www.ncleg.gov/FindYourLegislators

Freedom isn’t granted by a permit. It’s time to finish what we started.

Read the original story: Governor Stein Vetoes Freedom to Carry NC Bill, Override Fight Looms

RIALTO, CA — A domestic disturbance turned deadly in Rialto on June 27 when a 29-year-old man was fatally shot after allegedly stabbing one family member and attempting to stab another during a violent incident at a residence on North Spruce Avenue.

Police responded to a 9-1-1 call at approximately 1:13 p.m. and discovered multiple injured individuals at the scene. The suspect, a 29-year-old male resident of Rialto, was found with a gunshot wound inside the home. Officers administered life-saving measures until paramedics arrived. He was transported to a local trauma center, where he was pronounced dead at 2:04 p.m.

According to investigators, the suspect had stabbed a 31-year-old female family member and physically assaulted a 57-year-old male family member. He then attempted to stab another woman, aged 61, when a 40-year-old male relative intervened with a firearm, shooting the suspect to prevent further harm.

The injured woman was treated at a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries and later released. The 40-year-old man, also a Rialto resident, remained on scene and is cooperating fully with law enforcement. No arrests have been made as the investigation continues.

The case will be reviewed by the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office. The identities of the involved parties have not yet been publicly released pending notification by the Coroner’s Office.

Thankfully, someone in the home had the means to stop the threat before it turned even more tragic. While it’s heartbreaking to be forced to defend yourself against a family member, the armed relative did what he had to do to protect others in immediate danger. His quick response likely saved lives and put an end to a violent assault that was escalating rapidly.

Read the original story: Domestic Dispute Turns Deadly as Man Stabs Relative, Shot by Family Member

CHICAGO, IL — A concealed carry license holder opened fire on two armed robbers Tuesday morning in the West Loop after witnessing them assault and rob a woman at gunpoint, according to the Chicago Police Department.

The incident occurred around 8:45 a.m. in the 1100 block of West Hubbard Street. A 38-year-old woman was reportedly standing outside when two armed male suspects approached, demanded her belongings, and struck her in the head. They made off with her possessions.

Nearby, a 41-year-old man with a valid Illinois concealed carry license saw the robbery unfold and chose to intervene. According to police, the man confronted the suspects, who then pointed their firearms at him. In response, the man drew his own weapon and fired shots. None of the individuals involved were struck by the gunfire.

The suspects fled the scene in a black Lexus sedan bearing stolen New Jersey license plates. The woman declined medical attention, and no other injuries were reported. No arrests have been made as of this writing, and area detectives continue to investigate.

This incident highlights both the potential value and inherent danger of armed intervention in violent crimes. The concealed carry holder acted with courage and possibly prevented further harm to the victim. However, confronting two armed suspects carries extreme risk—particularly when they still have the tactical advantage.

According to the sequence of events shared by police, the man approached the suspects, prompting them to aim their weapons at him. Only then did he draw and fire. This scenario could easily have ended differently had the suspects chosen to shoot first. In such situations, the moment a gun is raised at you may be too late to react effectively.

This is not to criticize the man’s decision—he made a split-second call under pressure—but it underscores the importance of scenario-based mental preparation for concealed carriers. Armed citizens must constantly run through these kinds of situations mentally: What would I do here? What are the risks? What is the safest and most effective way to intervene, if at all?

Being armed does not guarantee safety. It is a tool that requires judgment, restraint, and preparation. When confronting multiple armed suspects, tactical retreat, calling 911, or providing a description may sometimes be the wisest course of action unless there is an imminent and unavoidable threat to life.

Read the original story: Armed Citizen Fires at Robbers After Woman Pistol-Whipped & Robbed in Chicago, Suspects Flee Unharmed