+1 for USCCA. I've had my carry permit for about a year and a half and joined USCCA on day one. The protection provides piece of mind and they have weekly emails that provide good training tips. You also get a magazine once a month or so (might not be 12 issues a year but it's at least 8-10) which concentrates on many facets of CCW.
Fwiw, I'm a life member of the NRA but the Carry Guard is new. I don't know much about it but I was a bit put off by the way they snubbed USCCA which has always supported NRA. I realize it's business but it still bothers me.
Good luck
John