The Concealed Handgun Manual: How To Choose, Carry, And Shoot A Gun In Self Defense

Rating:
Summary: Preaching to the choir
Review: An endemic problem with instructional books is that while the information given is technically correct, it only makes sense to someone who is already expert in the issues being discussed.

Aimed at the novice concealed gun carrier, it is billed as "How to choose, carry, and shoot a gun in self defense." The book starts off with a long treatese on different types of home defense pistols--far more information than can be of possible use to a novice. Weaving in and out between expert advice (advice for experts) and advice than can only be appreciated by doing, the book is neither fish nor fowl. Beginners do not need to be presented with the criterion to select between dozens of different home defense guns, but they do need to know, for example, how to clean a gun.

The problem with so many defensive handgun books is that the authors cannot make up their minds who they are writing for. Is for the experienced hunter/policeman/ex-military? That audience does not need an excess of fundamentals. Is it for the novice who is thinking about buying a gun? they need far more fundamentals than expert authors will bother with.

Nevertheless, there is some interesting information in the book. An analysis of the percentage of concealed weapons permists by state is new, and the discussion about the enormous emotional stress of getting involved in any situation in which guns are drawn for real is a much-needed antidote to the utter horse-pucky one sees on TV.

Rating:
Summary: Best book for getting started. Must have.
Review: For someone new to handguns and/or conceal carry this book is a wonderful introduction with lots of good insights, practical suggestions on everything from what gun to buy to stance, grip, self defense issues, and lots of real life, true stories of people who have had to defend themselves or loved-ones with a gun. I suspect that even those who "already know all that stuff" could learn a few things from this fine book. Thank you Chris Bird for a great learning tool for all gun owners.

Rating:
Summary: A good start
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Highly Recommended
Review: If you are interested in the subject, this is well worth the buy. The features that convincd me to buy it were the appendices that list carry laws state by state, including various reciprocity agreements. I liked the real life stories sprinkled throughout.

Rating:
Summary: Defensive use of handguns - a great place to start
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Third Edition - Take It With a Grain of Salt
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.