 |
Book Reviews of The Gun Digest Book Of Concealed CarryBook Review: Useful for experts and beginners alike - great gift idea Summary: 5 Stars
I could tell that Massad Ayoob's THE GUN DIGEST BOOK OF CONCEALED CARRY was going to be a good read when I saw the first photo of the first chapter: it showed how one should handle getting a hug while carrying a concealed firearm. This sort of practical and useful information is what fills this book. I own other books on carrying concealed firearms, but this is the first one I've seen that was able to do an authoritative and exhaustive catalog of the things that need to be considered. I've been carrying for more than two decades, and I am impressed with this book.
Gun Digest did the right thing in getting Massad Ayoob to author this book. Ayoob is a police officer, competitive shooter and trainer who is also a master writer and riveting storyteller. As an individual licensed to carry a concealed firearm, I've been reading his informative columns and books since the `80s. As a criminal defense lawyer, I'm familiar with the high esteem in which the Bar holds Ayoob as an expert witness on such matters. His training is held in high regard by the firearms community, and he has designed holsters and other police gear that have been very favorably received. Ayoob's ability to precisely and accurately communicate legal information to lay people is renowned - and it's certainly on display in this book. I can't think of a better author for this book.
Ayoob's 254-page THE GUN DIGEST BOOK OF CONCEALED CARRY covers a breadth of subject area that I would have found intimidating to contemplate. Fortunately, it appears that his decades of training police and civilians in firearms matters well prepared him for the task. The book, well illustrated with hundreds of clear black and white photos, begins with an overview of considerations that come with carrying a concealed firearm, as well as thoughts about why concealed carry might be something that would be helpful to a given woman or man. Ayoob then delves in some detail into the legal considerations of where, how and what to carry, modifications, ammunition, etc. He discusses when deadly force can legally be used, illustrating and fleshing out his points with true stories to keep it interesting, but always carefully writing in such a way that accurate information is conveyed. The author is always cautious to ensure that he recommends the safest legal course of action to his readers. There's no macho loudmouthing here - Ayoob is thoughtful and precise in his discussions of legal matters . . . and the subject warrants no less.
The practical matters of what might best suit an individual for carry are delved into in great detail, all illustrated with photos of different women and men of different builds - really demonstrating the points under discussion. Ayoob mentions small but vital considerations that most folks only learn after years of carry. Sitting down with THE GUN DIGEST BOOK OF CONCEALED CARRY gives the reader access to a master's knowledge of how to select a wardrobe for concealed carry, which defensive loads to use, the dangers of overpenetration, the advantages and disadvantages of every type of carry option and well-illustrated tips on the use of such. Open carry and IDPA competition are given consideration as well.
This book is not about how to shoot or how to select a carry gun for a given individual's needs: Ayoob's well-received 2007 sister volume, THE GUN DIGEST BOOK OF COMBAT HANDGUNNERY, provides guidance in these areas. While I've referred new shooters to the COMBAT HANDGUNNERY book, I believe the new 2008 GUN DIGEST BOOK OF CONCEALED CARRY is perhaps more even more vital for them to own. I would recommend that anyone who considers carrying a handgun add both of these books to their library. While they would provide an unbelievable education for a newbie, a veteran concealed carrier will find great and valuable information in them as well.
I have given copies of Ayoob's COMBAT HANDGUNNERY book as gifts to shooter friends, and you can bet that I will be buying copies of this new CONCEALED CARRY book to supplement these gifts. I don't know a defensive handgun shooter who would not derive some benefit from this book, and I'll be ordering some for friends and family members. Amazon has a pretty astonishing price on this book, by the way, at about 35% off the cover price that you'll find in your neighborhood bookstore.
Book Review: For anyone considering carrying a self defense firearm Summary: 5 Stars
Massad Ayoob is legendary in the mastery of firearms. As a law enforcement officer, competitive shooter and advisor to many law enforcement agency, as well as having his own training institute, there is no other person who has the experience and knowledge of the practical methods of firearms self defense.
From the selection of self defense weapons he covers the advantages and disadvantages of revolver and semiautomatic handguns. There are scores of black and white photographs that give the reader a visual, as well as descriptive perspective, to make the right decision of which gun to choose.
Carrying the gun with various methods are extensively discussed with the proper techniques of concealment, drawing and carrying on with daily life. The Pros and Cons of each method, as well as anectdotal experiences give the reader a 360 degree perspective, explaining all aspects in great detail. He also covers Open Carry options that is allowed in certain states, methods of carrying and other nuances of that lifestyle. Clothing and tactical gear are also presented.
The writing style is easy to follow and entertaining. The text complementary to this guide is the Gun Digest Book of Combat Handgunnery. In that book, more tactical techniques, methods of training and the proper mindset are outlined. Lastly, if you are a Florida State Resident, Florida Firearms - Law, Use and Ownership by Jon H. Gutmacher is indispensable to close out your minimum recommend reading that I suggest for deciding to make carrying a gun for defense. If you want more practical and real world tactics, Gabriel Suarez, has many books on tactical shooting.
If you are a concealed carry or concealed weapons license owner, or are considering acquiring one, this book as well as the others that I have mentioned are a must read. You owe it to yourself, your family and fellow citizens to be educated.
Book Review: Excellent Book for the CCW Holder Summary: 5 Stars
Excellent book! Mr. Ayoob's writing style and advice are the best in the business. This book details everything about concealed carry including the BUG - Back Up Gun. I had been thinking about a backup gun for a little while and after reading this book, I purchased a S&W 642 Airweight revolver and then a Galco ankle holster. It's excellent.
Massad includes information on guns and defense ammo and I like that he goes through the many different types of holsters including pocket and ankle and how to draw from them. He also discusses the controversial open carry issue and often refers to "don't frighten the horses" when referring to concealed carry - I like that, he's right on the money!
While the chapter on IDPA was ok and he's a proponent of it, I particularly don't like the 'competition' side of CCW. I carry for defense, not competition. My defense gun doesn't have special sights or trigger jobs (which can get you into trouble - and he mentions this) and I'm not afraid to throw it into the dirt.
One thing I love about Massad's books is the real world experience he brings to his books, including this one. His 'final thoughts / advice" is alone worth the price of the book!
As an NRA Pistol Instructor and long time CCW holder, I highly recommend this book - You won't be disappointed!
Book Review: Great info in one place. Summary: 5 Stars
"GDB: Concealed Carry" should be your first read if you are contemplating carrying a handgun for self-defense...or using any gun in home-defense, for that matter. The discussions of holsters and carry methods are extensive (nine full chapters!), including detailed, illustrated explanations on drawing techniques from various carry locations.
In a refreshing change of pace, the section on defense ammunition is based on practical results from investigated shootings and insights from law enforcement instead of the usual laboratory ballistics testing.
A critical undercurrent throughout is what to expect if you ever have to face a prosecutor or plaintiff's attorney in court after a self-defense shooting, i.e. Why did you choose THAT bullet to shoot the victim? (Yeah,that's the word they'll use.)
As I say, this book should be your first read on the subject. Your second read should be Ayoob's classic In the Gravest Extreme: The Role of the Firearm in Personal Protection. Both make fine additions to a reference library on self-defense weaponry.
Book Review: Well-written introduction to concealed carry Summary: 5 Stars
I found this book to be a great ranging look at the topic of concealed carry. It wasn't so deeply detailed to be irrelevant, nor was it so wide-ranging and shallow to be superficial. It opened my mind to things I might not have ever thought about, like calling 911 before your attacker does, different holsters and why/when they work well, and some good reasons behind ammo choices. I especially liked the info on police department experiences and the choices they made regarding handguns and ammo. The stories on citizen experiences after they had to use or display their firearm serve as a sobering reminder that carrying a firearm also carries with it a big responsibility.
The book makes good use of pictures. The images illustrate the points well, plus there are a good number of product shots that show the differences between the holsters and firearms that the author talks about. However, I have to wonder why so many images (maybe 4 or 5) are so blurry and low-contrast. The book is so well-written otherwise that these stand out more.
I was looking for a good comprehensive jump-start on learning about concealed carry. This book did not disappoint.
More Customer Reviews: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
|
 |