There was a bit of a dust up back before the National Rifle Association’s Annual Meetings (NRAAM) when it was announced that the US Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) had been disinvited to the exposition. Since that time the NRA officially launched its concealed carry insurance program called Carry Guard. This program appears to be in direct competition to the USCCA own self defense insurance products.

Part of both programs is an education and training element. However, with the NRA jumping into the mix, the USCCA significantly sweetened its deal by partnering with the Personal Defense Network (PDN.) This should substantially enhance its training and educational program.

Rob Pincus, a firearms trainer and developer of the Combat Focus shooting system, is the executive director of PDN and will help shape the training offered through the USCCA. Additionally, USCCA members will get an opportunity for more advanced courses through PDN at a discounted rate.

Frankly, I’ve been leery of the training I’ve seen offered in the past by both NRA and USCCA instructors. While many people complained about the USCCA being excluded from NRAAM, I saw it simply as a free market in action. By the NRA now being in competition with the USCCA (and others) for your dollars, it gives you another choice in products.

Since both organizations are competing for your business, they have to seek an advantage – maybe lower prices, better coverage or superior training. In this case, the USCCA partnered with a recognized national instructor and training program. This is good for its members and the those in the market for a self defense protection plan. To effectively compete, the NRA may need to “up” its training game to earn your money. That, by any measure, is a good thing.