The Concealed Handgun Manual: How to Choose, Carry, and Shoot a Gun in Self Defense

I found the book very informative and it has motivated me to dig deeper into the area of concealed carry. I've kept a gun handy around my business for years, but never REALLY considered all the possibilities of potential danger and the subsequent ramifications. I'm grateful to the authors for opening my eyes. Now a whole new range of potential scenarios run through my mind as I consider how I should be physically and mentally prepared to meet any threats. I will also take seriously the need for regular practice. The stories in the book were great (tragic, yet informative) and they are what really opened my eyes. In reference to other critiques here, I never got the impression that the author was prejudiced or concerned about race at all. His descriptive comments about people were simply the detailed observations of a reporter and given in the context of the narrative, NOT so that he could say something about a group, or race, of people. Also, I did not get the feeling that he wanted to glorify violence at all. If anything he is adeptly explaining the reality of the consequences of violence. In fact, I'd advise you to totally disregard the review from the Michigan lady. It is really an excellent read and will help you to help yourself by giving you some great info. Like so many other crucial issues in life, you need to read broadly in order to get a well-rounded education. The author never claimed to know it all, so this may not be a comprehensive work, but I'd say it is a darn good try. So, now I'll go check out some other authors on the topic and get some other expert viewpoints. Hopefully the day will never come when I'll need this knowledge, but if it does then I should be ready.

This book is a bargain, chock full of good information. I am surprised to not see more reviews from satisfied readers - perhaps because this is a recent edition. The book is very thorough and very readable, and the author seems to have anticipated every one of my questions as someone considering handgun ownership for personal protection. His sections on gun selection, operation, and security are excellent. Especially good are the many anecdotal accounts from handgun owners who used their weapons and found themselves embroiled in subsequent (...) legal battles. I surveyed perhaps 10 books, and purchased 5 on the subject, and this was the best.

The Concealed Handgun Manual caught me by surprise. Most books purporting to be a guide to acquiring a gun for defense, or training for handgun defense become either an exercise where the author promotes his personal choice for a handgun, or a defense technique book for someone who has been in police or other law enforcement service for 20 years. This book is a valuable exception. What The Concealed Handgun Manual has to offer is knowledge, knowledge that would suit anyone considering a defensive handgun purchase, as well as 90% of the people who have already purchased a gun for self defense and have had a difficult time initiating proper training.There is an early section dealing with the types of situations where a defensive handgun was, or could have been helpful. I don't think the author was selling, I think this was intended to be affirmation of the notion that guns can, in a very practical setting, save lives. This is followed by a large section addressing the question, "Why carry a gun?". Then immediately after this section is the best chapter possible for this type of work, a chapter covering how to stay out of trouble and the use of nonviolent resolution.There is very complete and balanced coverage of pistols and revolvers; pro's and con's, application, caliber and relative value. No pushes or shoves, just some very objective information the reader can pick and choose from, more than "This is the best of what each has to offer", rather than "This is the type you should pick". There is a good section on holsters, holster types and manufacturers, as well as other vehicles for concealed carry. Shooting methods and alternatives under various situations are covered extensively; basic and advanced techniques are both covered. This rolls into an overview of what it's like, and how to conduct yourself in a gun fight, then how best to practice, and finally the handgun concealed carry laws in each state. No, you can't read this book and become an expert in these areas, but you could read this book and be set in the right direction for developing this expertise.Summary - valuable book, well thought out, wish there were many more like it.

This is an excellent introduction to the subject of self-defensive handguns. The author has managed to condense in one volume the information that I personally have spent years gleaning from various books and magazines. In addition, through the use of real-life illustrations of the main point of each chapter, he has managed to keep his book from becoming a dry textbook on the subject. Be sure to read it twice, as a lot of information is packed into this one volume. Along with Massad Ayoob's "In the Gravest Extreme", this is a must-read book for anyone thinking about buying a handgun for self-defense. I wish I had written this book!- jbj, NRA firearms safety instructor