USA Carry

LITTLE ROCK, AR — Arkansas has taken a major step toward expanding protections for gun owners, with lawmakers approving a constitutional amendment that strengthens the right to keep and bear arms across the state. Senate Joint Resolution 11 (SJR11), led by Sen. Justin Payton and Rep. Wade Duffield, has passed both legislative chambers and was officially approved by the Governor on April 22, 2025.

The next step? Voters will decide its fate in the upcoming November 2026 general election.

SJR11 is a proposed amendment to the Arkansas Constitution that aims to make the state’s gun rights language more clear, specific, and robust. While Arkansas already recognizes the right to bear arms, this amendment expands that protection by:

If adopted by the public, this language would be written directly into Article 2, Section 5 of the Arkansas Constitution, becoming law effective January 1, 2027.

This amendment doesn’t create a new right—it reinforces and strengthens existing Second Amendment protections by making them harder to regulate or reinterpret at the state level. By clearly defining what’s protected—including ammo and accessories—it helps prevent future legislation from attempting to ban or restrict common tools used by law-abiding gun owners.

Additionally, by defining these rights as “fundamental” and “individual,” the amendment could potentially elevate the level of judicial scrutiny applied to any gun control measures challenged in court.

The amendment now heads to the Arkansas ballot in November 2026, where voters will have the final say. If a majority of voters approve it, the amendment becomes part of the state constitution. Public education efforts and campaigning—both in support and opposition—are expected to ramp up as the election nears.

For now, Arkansas gun owners can view this as a significant win, with overwhelming legislative support (including dozens of co-sponsors across both chambers) and a clear path forward to enshrining more explicit Second Amendment protections in the state’s highest legal document.

This move highlights a growing trend in states seeking to proactively reinforce firearm rights at the state level, ensuring that courts and future lawmakers cannot easily dilute what many view as a core individual liberty.

Read the original story: Arkansas Moves to Bolster Gun Rights with New Constitutional Amendment—Here’s What It Means for You

HELENA, MT — Montana Governor Greg Gianforte has issued a bold invitation to firearms manufacturers in Colorado following the passage of a sweeping new gun control law. In a video posted to social media platform X, Gianforte extended a public call for gun makers to relocate to Montana, criticizing Colorado’s latest firearm restrictions as out of step with American values.

“Do you want to move back to America?” Gianforte asked, referring to Colorado’s newly enacted law banning the manufacture and sale of semi-automatic firearms—a move he called “one of the most restrictive gun bans ever adopted in the United States.”

The new law, signed last week by Colorado Governor Jared Polis, builds on existing restrictions in the state, including a ban on magazines with capacities over 15 rounds. Colorado is ranked among the top ten states for firearms industry presence, making the legislation particularly impactful for manufacturers operating there.

Gianforte’s pitch to disaffected manufacturers emphasized Montana’s pro-Second Amendment stance. He noted that Montana boasts the highest per capita number of firearms and ammunition manufacturers in the nation—over 150 businesses. The state’s constitutional carry laws and legislation protecting gun industry entities from discrimination further underscore Montana’s commitment to firearms freedoms.

“In Montana, we embrace freedom and the free enterprise system,” Gianforte said. “Come on home to America, right here in Montana.”

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) echoed Gianforte’s message in a recent press release, stating that Colorado’s legislation has left manufacturers “frustrated,” and lauding Montana’s efforts to welcome the industry.

This development follows the advance of Colorado Senate Bill 25-003, which drew significant attention and criticism from gun rights advocates for targeting semi-automatic rifles commonly used for lawful purposes including home defense, sport shooting, and hunting.

Gianforte’s remarks underline a growing divide between states adopting aggressive gun control policies and those positioning themselves as havens for Second Amendment supporters. For many in the firearms industry, Montana’s pro-business and pro-2A stance may present an increasingly attractive alternative.

A state’s approach to gun legislation doesn’t just affect individual rights—it also influences economic decisions and industry viability. As more manufacturers weigh their options, jurisdictions like Montana stand ready to offer a stable and welcoming environment rooted in constitutional values.

Read the original story: ‘Move Back to America’: Montana Governor Slams Colorado Gun Ban, Woos Firearm Makers to Flee

DEKALB COUNTY, GA — A suspected carjacker was shot and killed Friday evening on North Hairston Road in the Stone Mountain area after allegedly attempting to forcibly take another person’s vehicle.

As reported by 11Alive News, the incident occurred just after 6 p.m. near the Sister 2 Sister Cafe Halal. Officers with the DeKalb County Police Department responded to reports of a shooting and found a man at the scene who had sustained gunshot wounds. He was later pronounced dead. Investigators determined that the deceased had attempted to carjack a vehicle when he was shot by the intended victim in what appears to be an act of self-defense.

At this time, authorities have not released the identity of the deceased, and no information has been shared regarding possible charges for the shooter. Police have confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing.

This case serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a routine activity, such as entering or exiting a vehicle, can become dangerous. Parking lots and vehicle areas are considered “transitional spaces” — locations where people are often distracted and vulnerable. For more on the concept of transitional spaces and how to stay alert in them, check out this detailed article from USACarry.com.

Unfortunately, in some initial reports, the attempted carjacker was mistakenly referred to as a “victim.” It is important to clarify that the true victim in this case was the person targeted in the carjacking — the individual who was threatened and forced to make a split-second decision to defend their life.

For those who carry concealed, this incident reinforces the importance of situational awareness — particularly in and around vehicles. Avoid lingering in your car while distracted by your phone before driving off, as this moment of inattention can make you a target. Always scan your surroundings when approaching or leaving your vehicle, and trust your instincts if something feels off.

Read the original story: SHOT DEAD during carjacking attempt: Armed citizen opens fire on suspect who tried to steal his car in Stone Mountain, Georgia

LOS ANGELES, CA — As of April 23, 2025, California has officially opened its concealed carry permit application process to nonresidents. This change follows legal action brought by the California Rifle & Pistol Association (CRPA) in CRPA v. LASD, which successfully challenged the state’s longstanding refusal to allow nonresidents to apply for a California concealed carry weapon (CCW) permit.

The ruling does not establish reciprocity—California still does not recognize permits issued by other states—but it does mandate that nonresidents must be given the opportunity to apply for a California CCW permit under specific guidelines.

Several counties have already updated their websites to reflect this change and are actively accepting applications:

Key Requirements for Nonresident Applicants:

Once approved, nonresident CCW permits will be mailed to the applicant’s provided address.

In the five years I’ve lived in Nevada, I haven’t stepped foot in California once. That said, I may be heading there later this year—and since it’s right next door, I figured it’s a good time to apply for a non-resident CCW permit. Not only will it allow me to legally carry if I end up going, but it also gives me a chance to walk you through the process and see how long it actually takes. I’ll be starting the application soon and will post updates along the way on our social media channels, so make sure to follow along to see how it all plays out.

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This is a significant shift in policy and marks a win for Second Amendment advocates who argue that the right to self-defense should not end at state borders. While the process remains more involved than in many other states, applicants no longer need to be California residents—or travel there—to begin the process.

Stay tuned as more jurisdictions update their policies and systems to accommodate nonresident applicants in the coming weeks.

Read the original story: Now Everyone Can Pack in California — Out-of-Staters Finally Allowed to Apply for Concealed Carry Permits

TUCSON, AZ — A Tucson store employee shot and killed a man who allegedly assaulted him in a parking lot encounter that police believe may have been self-defense, according to a statement from the Tucson Police Department.

The incident occurred just after 6 p.m. on April 18, 2025, in the 900 block of West Irvington Road. Officers responding to the scene found 39-year-old Michael Alex Montano Mendoza lying in a parking lot near 17th Avenue, suffering from gunshot wounds. Life-saving measures were attempted, but Mendoza was pronounced dead at the scene.

Preliminary investigation revealed that Mendoza had entered a store at 903 W. Irvington Road and then stepped outside with an employee to look at items being offered for sale. At some point during that exchange, Mendoza reportedly physically assaulted the 24-year-old employee.

In response, the employee, who had a firearm, shot Mendoza. The employee sustained minor injuries during the confrontation and was treated at a local hospital.

Shortly after the shooting, the employee called 9-1-1 and remained at the scene. Homicide detectives processed the area and conducted interviews. Based on the initial evidence and witness accounts, the employee has not been charged. The case will be reviewed by the Pima County Attorney’s Office for a final determination.

The investigation is ongoing.

This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of violent encounters and the importance of being prepared. While the law generally supports the use of deadly force only when faced with an imminent threat of death or serious injury, presenting a clear and justifiable reason for such action is critical. Those who carry for self-defense should understand their state’s laws and be ready to articulate the threat they faced in any defensive encounter.

Read the original story: Tucson Store Employee Shoots and Kills Alleged Attacker in Parking Lot After Assault During Merchandise Viewing

For decades the mantra was “you need to dress around the gun.” Of course, most people who dressed around a gun had the luxury of being retired, or in a profession that allowed them to dress like a hobo, wearing the shoot-me-first vest, for example. But in this day and age of modern concealment gear, do we need to dress around the gun?

We certainly do not need to make the radical wardrobe changes that were once required, yet there is still significant consideration that must be put into clothing.

When I was young, carrying a gun concealed entailed putting my all-steel 1911 in a leather holster, strong-side, and covering it with an open button-up shirt or jacket. Afterall, I certainly was not going to carry a “mouse gun” back then. And, mind you, I carried hard ball ammo, because we all knew that “they all fall to hard ball.” My, how things have changed. Mind you, I am only 44 years old, so I am not exactly talking about how it was done in the 1950s. Even so, the change in my lifetime is amazing.

At this point, I think we have the option to “dress to accommodate” rather then “dress around” if we want to carry a full-size primary pistol. Further, we have the option to be armed while wearing pretty much anything imaginable. Most concealed carriers should be set up for both.

To accommodate a larger pistol in the more-popular-than-ever AIWB location, a good holster and belt are needed, and an un-tucked shirt that is loose enough to conceal the gun is essential. This, however, is the default standard for men’s casual fashion today, so the most common form of dress accommodates carrying even serious pistols. For women it still remains more tricky, as even casual wear for women tends to be tighter. However, the deep concealment options that are now available go far to mitigate these issues.

If in a circumstance where you cannot accommodate the larger gun under typical casual clothing, you are still unlikely to need to go unarmed. If there are no legal ramifications to being armed, you can certainly carry even when you must dress formally, with tucked shirts, or when you dress exceedingly casually, such as with board shorts and a light t-shirt. My preferred way to accommodate either of these fashion extremes is with a Phlster Enigma and a small revolver. Even under tucked, formal shirts, this setup is invisible. A small auto works here as well, though I favor revolvers for deep concealment. Such deep concealment options have made it possible to stay armed in any clothing, though we may need opt for a smaller gun.

Pertaining to “alternate carry modes,” as I like to refer to them, we typically do, in fact, have to dress to accommodate. Alternate modes, the two most typical being pocket and ankle carry, require the right clothing. Pocket carry demands pockets that actually work to both conceal, and to facilitate a proficient draw of the gun. the pocket must be wide and deep enough to hold the gun/pocket holster combination. I have found over the years that almost all clothing companies make their pockets different. If you are serious about pocket carry you will find that you land on favorite brands for pants and shorts.

Likewise, to ankle carry, your pants need to be right for the job. I favor ankle carry only for a backup gun, not a primary, though it is better than not carrying if it is your preferred way to go armed in non-permissive environments. Tight, hipster jeans simply don’t work. To accommodate ankle carry the pants need a sufficiently wide bell to both conceal the gun and facilitate the draw. While tight jeans are a no-go, you do not need excessively baggy pants either in order to conceal smaller guns like J Frames or pocket autos. I find that either relaxed fit or boot cut jeans usually work, and almost all dress pants work. Again, though, you will need to experiment and stock garments that specifically accommodate this task.

So, in summary, I don’t think we need to “dress around” the gun anymore, but we do need to use clothing that accommodates concealment needs, at least when wearing larger guns.

Read the original story: Dressing Around the Gun: Is that Still a Thing?

MIRAMAR, FL — A man who fatally shot another during a heated confrontation inside a Walgreens has been cleared of all charges after prosecutors determined the shooting was an act of self-defense.

The incident took place just before noon on February 3, 2025, at a Walgreens located at the corner of Miramar Boulevard and Palm Avenue. According to police and prosecutors, 28-year-old Jamie Taylor was shopping inside the store when he was approached and confronted by 27-year-old Anthony Souvenir, a man he had never met before.

What began as a verbal exchange escalated quickly. Taylor later told investigators that Souvenir accused him of looking at his girlfriend and became increasingly aggressive, ultimately threatening Taylor and pulling a firearm. Fearing for his life, Taylor, who holds a valid Florida concealed weapons permit, drew his own weapon and fired, striking Souvenir.

Souvenir was transported to a local hospital in extremely critical condition but later died from his injuries. Taylor was arrested at the scene and initially charged with manslaughter.

In a major development announced on April 14, 2025, the Broward County State Attorney’s Office dropped all charges after reviewing surveillance footage and other evidence. They concluded Taylor had acted within the bounds of Florida’s Stand Your Ground law, which allows individuals to use deadly force if they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm.

“All charges, including homicide, manslaughter and accompanying charges, have been dismissed,” said Taylor’s attorney, Andy Rier, who emphasized that Taylor was the true victim in the encounter.

Taylor told NBC6 he waived his Miranda rights and spoke freely to police without legal counsel, believing he had done nothing wrong and had acted purely to defend himself.

“Unfortunate that it had to happen,” Taylor said. “I just know that at the moment it was kill or be killed.”

Though the in-store surveillance video reportedly supports Taylor’s account, it has not been released to the public. Authorities confirmed no other customers were harmed, but many witnessed the incident and were offered support from social workers and victim advocates.

This case underscores a critical reality for concealed carriers: even a justified defensive shooting can initially result in arrest and serious charges. Jamie Taylor spent weeks facing the weight of the legal system despite acting within the law.

Carriers must not only be prepared to defend their lives, but also be ready to defend their actions legally. It’s essential to know your state’s self-defense laws, invoke your right to remain silent, and seek legal counsel immediately after an incident. The article “Steps to Take After a Defensive Shooting” offers essential guidance for anyone who may find themselves in a similar situation.

Knowing the law saved Jamie Taylor’s life twice—first in the moment, and again in court. Let his case be a powerful reminder of the responsibilities that come with carrying a firearm.

Read the original story: EXONERATED: Concealed Carry Holder Who Fatally Shot Aggressor Inside Florida Walgreens Cleared of Charges Under Stand Your Ground Law

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — A home invasion in the early morning hours of April 16 ended when a St. Petersburg resident opened fire on two intruders, fatally injuring one while the other fled the scene.

According to a press release from the St. Petersburg Police Department, the incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. at a residence located at 3401 40th Street North. Two unidentified men forcibly entered the home. In response, the homeowner used a firearm to defend himself, striking one of the suspects.

The wounded suspect, later identified as 20-year-old Marcel James Williams of St. Petersburg, was transported to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The second suspect fled before officers arrived and has not yet been identified or apprehended.

Authorities have confirmed that the case remains under active investigation. No charges have been announced against the homeowner at this time.

This incident highlights the unpredictable and fast-moving nature of home invasions. Defensive gun use in the home is legally justified when a person reasonably believes that they or others are in imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm. It’s a reminder of the importance of understanding both the legal framework and the practical realities of self-defense within the home.

St. Petersburg Police urge anyone with information on the second suspect to contact the department’s media relations line.

Read the original story: Florida Man Shoots and Kills Home Intruder at 2AM After Duo Storm House — Second Suspect Still on the Run

How confident are you that you will be able to shoot accurately and quickly stop an assailant who has surprised you and already has a gun in their hand? What if they are already shooting at you? How about if they are charging at you with a knife? What if there is a family member or other innocent person partially blocking your view of the bad guy? These are questions we should all ask before we sit back and tell ourselves our accuracy with our handgun is ‘good enough’ for defensive shootings.

According to statistics collected by the FBI, most police shootings occur at a range of three to six feet, consist of 2 to 3 shots fired, and last about 3 seconds. This gives many people the opinion that being able to draw and get off a couple of close-range shots that hit the bad guy is plenty good enough. But is it? In July 2022, Elisjsha Dicken saw a man open up with an AR rifle in a mall food court, immediately killing 3 people and wounding 2 more. Fifteen seconds after the shooter fired his first shot, Dicken drew and started shooting at a range of 40 yards with a Glock 19. He had to pause several times as panicked bystanders ran across his line of sight. He fired a total of 10 shots, striking the shooter 8 times and killing him. The shooter managed to return fire at Dicken once, missing him. The gunfight took around a minute and a half. That’s a long time when the lead is flying, believe me. It takes better than average accuracy to shoot a rifle-wielding psycho at 40 yards without hitting the screaming people running back and forth between you and him. “Most” is not “all,” and it is a mistake to assume your gunfight will fit some set of statistical averages.

The only safe assumption we should make is that we will be behind the power curve and forced to react to our assailant. We will not know for sure if there is an actual threat until after he acts. That means we must train for the worst-case scenario so we are prepared and do not get rattled when things go south. Go far beyond what you think is good enough. Here is some food for thought:

You have about an 85% chance of being hit if you are standing still, like you are when shooting on a static range. If you are moving, your chance of being hit goes down to around 47%. If you are using cover and returning fire, the chances of being shot drop to around 26%. Elisjsha Dicken took cover behind a pillar and rested his arms on the top of a tall trash receptacle as he engaged the mall shooter. Those numbers alone should tell you that being able to put five shots into the black ring at 7 yards on a static range is not good enough. 

Criminals do not follow any rules except to maximize everything in their favor. That means you may suddenly find yourself faced with some wild cards you did not anticipate, and that a day at the indoor range did not prepare you for.

The Armed Citizens’ Legal Defense Network reports that the ranges in civilian defensive situations are usually between 3 and 15 feet, especially in a home invasion or an assault in a store or gas station. But usually it is not the same as always, and averages are just that – an average. Ranges can vary from point blank to forty or fifty yards, and you should be training to be accurate at both ends of the spectrum, including while moving.

About 60% of civilian shootings occur during darkness, most often between the hours of 6 PM and 2 AM. Many of those involve people who are either looking for trouble, dealing drugs, or going to places they shouldn’t go to, so the figure for innocent citizens being assaulted could be lower. Nevertheless, it is safe to say there is probably a 50-50 chance that if you are assaulted by an armed criminal, it will be in conditions of poor visibility. 

Most people are shot with a 9mm, but there are all kinds of guns in the hands of criminals and crazies. Many of these shoot 5.56 NATO and 7.62×39, both of which have longer range than a handgun. Police began carrying rifles in their cars because they frequently found themselves outgunned by the criminals. An armed citizen could find themselves in the same situation, especially in the case of an active shooter.

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) National Crime Victimization Survey, about 20-25% of violent crimes (sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, etc.) involved multiple offenders. That means that if you are the victim of a violent crime, there is around a 25% chance you will be outnumbered. 

People get shot in gunfights. I have seen people who were shot, and even a noncritical wound in the arm or leg will impact your ability to fight back. A leg or hip wound could immobilize you, and an arm or shoulder wound could mean you must shoot one-handed, perhaps even with your off hand. Even minor scalp wounds bleed copiously, which could affect your vision.

To prepare to shoot accurately under adverse conditions, training must be varied and intense. Critical self-defense shooting skills closely match the IDPA competition classification qualifiers. For those who are not familiar with it, IDPA stands for International Defensive Pistol Association. These skills can be practiced at outdoor ranges that allow shooting from the draw, which I call a dynamic range, but will be difficult to practice on the usual indoor range that requires you to shoot down a lane while standing still. If you don’t have access to a dynamic range, you can practice in your home or yard using dry fire, laser trainers, or even airsoft pistols.

Unlike shooting on an indoor range, it is unlikely you will have your gun in your hand when you need it. You need to be able to instinctively clear your cover garment, get a good grip on your gun, and draw it cleanly from your holster.

This is getting the gun aligned with your target. That may mean extending your arms for targets beyond arm’s length or holding your gun more tightly against your body in a protected stance if your target is very close to you.

When we shoot on a range, we have plenty of time to stand still, get a good sight picture, and squeeze the trigger. That will not be the case in a defensive shooting. We will be rushed, and the other guy may already be shooting at us. Under these circumstances, it’s often better to focus on the target and not the sights, but that takes practice.

Since there is a chance there will be more than one bad guy, and they may all be armed, it is critical to be able to transition from one target to another quickly. Start with two and work your way up to three or four.

Shooting one-handed is very different from shooting with a solid two-handed grip. It takes practice, especially with your off-hand.

Everyone knows a stationary target is easier to hit than a moving one. Don’t give the bad guy any more of an advantage than he already has. Learn to shoot while moving.

You hear and read all kinds of things at ranges and on gun forums. Some, like ‘if you can’t do it with one shot, you can’t do it at all,’ are just hot air. Others, like people saying defensive encounters occur at three feet or that only three shots are fired, are true to a point, but they do not consider all the possibilities. Personally, I choose not to stake my life on something called the “average encounter.” I would rather do the extra work to ensure I beat the average.

Read the original story: How Accurate is Good Enough for Self-Defense?

CROCKETT COUNTY, TN — A deadly domestic violence incident is under investigation after a pregnant woman fatally shot a man who allegedly assaulted her during a late-night altercation at a rural Tennessee residence.

According to the Crockett County Sheriff’s Department, deputies responded to a 911 call around 11 p.m. on April 17 at a home on the 6000 block of Chestnut Bluff-Maury City Road. When they arrived, they found 32-year-old John A. King III deceased at the scene. An autopsy has been ordered and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has joined the case due to the nature of the incident.

Authorities say King was armed with both a knife and a gun when he assaulted the female victim inside her residence. During the struggle, the woman—who is several months pregnant—shot King. It has not been confirmed whether she used her own firearm or King’s. She was transported by EMS to a local hospital to be treated for injuries sustained during the attack.

As of now, no charges have been filed, and officials state that the investigation is ongoing. The Crockett County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that this appears to be an isolated incident and that there is no threat to public safety.

This case closely follows another recent self-defense shooting in North Carolina, where a woman shot an alleged attacker during a domestic dispute. That story, which you can read here, underscores the alarming frequency and danger of domestic violence situations.

In both incidents, armed women were able to defend themselves against life-threatening assaults—one while pregnant. These are sobering reminders of why it’s vital for individuals, especially those at increased risk of domestic violence, to have a self-defense plan and, if legally permitted, access to a firearm. For more on how concealed carry and home defense can be part of that plan, see our articles on domestic violence and concealed carry and home carry considerations for domestic violence victims.

Read the original story: Pregnant Woman Shoots and Kills Armed Attacker in Domestic Violence Incident