Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(53)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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 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

I just finished the second edition (year 2000 printing) of Chris Bird's "The Concealed Handgun Manual." The book is VERY well written, providing real life examples for Bird's major points. I'm not providing a glowing review just because the author and I live in the same city, but I am aware of most of the examples that were San Antonio events and his telling of the events conforms to my recall.

The section that had the greatest impact on me is his discussion of the results of actually USING deadly force. I'm not talking about the emotional impact, but the legal and financial consequences.

The first two reviewers took Bird to task on several issues to which I want to respond. No, the book is not racist in any way. I suspect his writing is probably influenced by his reporter skills. Greater details improve the accounting of any factual event.

I don't recall Bird writing that the woman was correct to enter her home while burglars were in action. Bird was just telling the reader what happened...the book is not fiction, he just reported the events.

I feel certain that Bird would not recommend any one use his book exclusively to select a weapon and strap it to his hip. Much can be discovered by renting various handguns for an hour at the range. Further more, I doubt if he would think it proper to decide to carry concealed without ever having spent time practicing at the range and taking some lessons. Also, if a person practices, he will quickly learn about cleaning a firearm.

If you are don't own a handgun, but are thinking about it, or even if you already own a weapon and have a concealed carry permit, this book is beneficial.

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.

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

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 MUST for new and old CHL holders! Many examples of what happens when a handguns is used inself defense. It also covers how to react to a shooting and what to way and not to say to law enforcement in the aftermath of a self defense shooting.

If you do not have this book, you OWE it to yourself to buy it and read it and then read it again.

This book provides a great "once over" of handgun basics and is more than adequate for those who possess limited knowledge of firearms. Too often, someone will buy a gun armed (pun intended) with only bits and pieces of knowledge that he/she has picked up by reading magazines or what they have heard from their uncle who was in the army. If you feel as if there is any aspect of handguns that you don't understand, then you need to acquire a book authored by an expert that touches on all the issues. "The Concealed Handgun Manual" does that, and Chris Bird knows handguns.

The book is complete with detailed accounts of actual shootouts (including the legal ramifications - not always favorable), mentions popular concealed firearms choices, holstering options and a list of contact information for manufacturers along with phone numbers (great info. for those without internet access). Mr. Bird explains the fundamentals of semi-autos and revolvers and expounds upon the various bullet calibers available for defensive handguns.

Chris Bird claims that 9mm and .38 special hollow points are adequate rounds for defensive shooting while one reviewer of this book cautions that for experienced shooters, anything less than a .40 Smith and Wesson cartridge has insufficient stopping power and then you should read "Combat Hand Gunnery" by Chuck Taylor. Well, data on caliber stopping power (or "Knock Down" power) abounds and this issue can be argued all day long with winners and losers on both sides of the caliber equation. BOTTOM LINE is this - if you can consistently hit your target with a 9mm but can't hit the broad side of a barn with a .40 Smith and Wesson, then go with the 9mm. Chris Bird addresses this along with the importance of aiming for the "cardiovascular triangle" in lieu of the "center of mass."

The skinny - great book, you will not be displeased if you buy it. The only topic that Chris Bird could have spent more time on is gun cleaning. Only a page and a half or so is dedicated to this topic. It would have been nice to see a few well-written, illustrated pages on this. Hope this review helped someone. Please be safe.

This is an excellent book for people interested in concealed carry. It is not a how to shoot or tactical book, but rather discusses the ins and outs of concealed carry issues. Why might you need concealed carry, what happens in a given situation if you are unarmed vs. carrying, revolvers or semi-autos, a few basic tactics, and what happens after an incident if you must shoot.

I shoot cowboy action and pistol silhouette. It's not uncommon for me to outshoot about half of the riflemen at a public range while using a pistol. This book still gave me insights into concealed carry. For instance a 9mm Glock is a popular carry weapon... but do you (or your girlfriend/wife) have the hand strength and presence of mind to rack the slide if it jams? Drilling for jams I'd thought of, but checking her hand strength, especially worst case after a long day at work, I hadn't.

The chapter on what happens when you must shoot is also very enlightening. I was surprised at the likelihood of being arrested, charged, and the correlation between how you treat and answer officers and the chance of being arrested. Despite the stress and trauma of the situation it may be up to you to act properly and say a few key phrases.

All things considered this book is an excellent investment.

I fall into the first category, and I appreciate the topics written about. The book talks about situations before, during and after your decision to carry....and god forbid, your need to use your firearm for self-defense. It also goes through a discussion of the characteristics of various handguns and the decision making process. A very simple read that IMHO is packed with good information.