Rating: 
Summary: The best I found on the subject
Review: 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.
Rating: 
Summary: A must read
Review: This book is a must read for anyone thinking about carrying a handgun, and a must-re-read for anyone who already does.It covers all the basics of choosing a weapon, ammunition, and holster, as well as the fundamentals of firearm handling safety, grip and firing technique, and basic self defense tactics. The author also addresses the physiological effects of the stress of a self-defense situation, the psychology of threatening situations (and how to see them coming), and what to do (and what not to do) *after* using your weapon. The author covers multiple styles and approaches to selecting, carrying, and shooting a handgun in self defense, in an objective manner.
Rating:
Summary: A must for EVERY gun owner or prospective gun owner
Review: This book should be required reading for anyone who owns a handgun for self defense or is considering purchasing a handgun. It is an easy and interesting read.
A great resource for everything from self defense techniques to choosing the proper handgun. It does deal with concealed carry, but I think it has universal application. Get this book and read it. Then read it again.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent one volume treatment on this subject.
Review: 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
Rating:
Summary: An excellent guidebook for new handgun owners
Review: This is perhaps the most complete book for new, or even experienced, handgun owners I have seen. Former crime reporter Chris Bird covers the subject of firearms, their efficacy in reducing crime, techniques for concealing them, when to use them and not to use them, and the ethics, responsibilities and legalities involved in their use for self-defense. The book is replete with dozens of anecdotes of people who have had experiences where the use of a handgun saved them or their friends or family from serious injury or death, the massive effects of adrenalin and ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone secreted by the pituitary gland) usually present in life or death situations like gunfights, and instances like the one at Luby's Cafeteria, where a single armed person could have saved many lives. Bird covers the operation and nomenclature of both revolvers and semi-automatics, and discusses the pros and cons of the desirability of one over the other for self protection. He also discusses at minimal length the requirements of the various states with "shall issue" concealed weapons laws, and tells you where and how to get more information directly from the state involved. Gun-control arguments, pro and con, are discussed, although clearly the author is dismissive of the arguments in favor of more gun control laws, and ascribes the effort to disarm the public to people who know nothing about firearms or their use and are afraid of them as a result of their ignorance. Their arguments are usually emotional, anecdotal, resort to ad hominem attacks, and are dismissive of the facts and statistics. I agree with him in that evaluation. Altogether, this is one of the most informative, valuable books on how to choose, carry, and shoot a gun in self-defense around. The author mentions several others that are also very useful. One he does not mention, however, is one by the late George L. Tooley, "George Tooley's Beginner's Book on How to Handle Firearms Safely." Tooley spent 45 years in law enforcement and corrections, and taught generations of officers how to shoot and handle their weapons. His book is also available on Amazon.com. Joseph H. Pierre
Editor: George Tooley's Beginner's Book on How to Handle Firearms Safely
author, Handguns and Freedom...their care and maintenance
Rating:
Summary: Invaluable
Review: This is the type of book necessary for the rest of us who may one day need to protect ourselves and families and NOT become the VICTIM. This book was informative and gave good practical information and examples. I found the information invaluable especially the accounts of real life situations where people actually had to defend themselves and the fallout that occurred from this.
This book is a real eye opener and should be read by anyone who carries or intend to carry a firearm.
Rating: 
Summary: Useful info on guns but I disagree with some of the content
Review: While the factual info on various firearms is good, the author seemingly glorifies violence. Example: 'About the Author' states that he has 'gleefully reported on shootings/killings.' Gleefully? Who would be gleeful about reporting a killing? Also, the constant emphasis on race in the description of felons is unnecessary, i.e., "it is the poor, Hispanic side of the city" "A guy, a black male, jumped her" "a muscular Pacific Islander" Felons come in all colors, including white. Many of his examples of citizens attempting to foil crime with guns were citizens using poor judgement. One woman suspected burglars in her house, armed herself, and went in after them. A wise woman would have stayed out, awaiting police. Plus, the thieves stole another gun from her; antigun forces could argue that she armed a criminal. A man, suspicious of a gang outside a store he was approaching, went ahead into the store & prepared himself for a gunfight before leaving. Why not choose another store and avoid potential trouble? Another example is a shootout during a traffic altercation, just the thing the anti-gun lobby uses to justify denying handguns to the law abiding. While I personally believe law abiding citizens should be free to own guns, this book could be used to provide convincing arguments to the anti-gun lobby. Chris Bird provides a useful chapter on non-violent dispute resolution. However, he also seems a bit too caught up in thrills & excitement of a gunfight. 'About the author' describes him as 'an incurable romantic' Strange as it seems, this romanticism appears in his attitudes towards gunfights, a 'good guy in the white hat wins the shootout' mentality. However, in the today's world, the 'good guy' may find himself in court, trying to justify his use of deadly force. Some of Chris Bird's examples would have a hard time proving their lives were truly threatened if/when they pulled their triggers. Rochelle (p 17) would not have been justified in shooting her burglars, had she confronted them. Her armed re-entry into her home could have turned a nonviolent crime into a homicide. It is doubtful that the man who shot another during the traffic fistfight was in immediate danger of death - he could have rolled up his truck window & then driven away when the light changed. Chris Bird could have used these as examples of heedless, improper firearm ownership and use, but he did not, which leads one to believe he condones their actions. He does do a good job in describing the emotional, financial, and legal ramifications which often result when an armed citizen kills a criminal. While this book has some good info, Paxton Quigley and Massad Ayoob provide more well reasoned, cool headed information on the proper use of deadly force in our world and the responsibilities of gun ownership and self defense, particularly the use of a handgun on the street.
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