Customer Reviews

Essential Guide to Handguns: Firearm Instruction for Personal Defense and Protection

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I have been carrying handguns concealed for over 10 yeras and this book is probably one of the top 5 books I've read on the subject. It's not about tactics but more on what handguns and accessories work and tips on cleaning and what to buy to clean your gun. They get into specifics with revolvers and autos. I actually went through the book after reading it once and highlighted parts to use as reference. Whether you're new to shooting or looking to carry concealed, I highly recommend this book.

I highly reccomend this book. I knew very little about handguns, when I bought this book. This book takes you through everything you need to know when you don't know anything about guns. From selecting a self defense handgun to handling, ammunition, shooting, holsters, Psychological factors, and more.

I believe this is the best book out there for someone just starting out.

I had high hopes for this book after reading the reviews, but having just received it and read it (or as much of it as I could bear), I have to say, if you're brand new to guns and only know what you've read in the instruction manual, this book may be for you. Despite the fact that there are few photographs, the language is bland and uninteresting, many of the facts and recommendations wrong and having inadequate information, still, you may find something useful in it if you can stay awake. Unfortunately, the cover is the most interesting thing about the book and, speaking of instruction manuals, the book reads like a giant one, itself.

There are numerous technical errors in the book, like referring to the S&W 66 as a .38 Spc. revolver (it's really a .357); bad advice, like recommending the Beretta .32 ACP Tomcat as reliable and dependable (it really has a congenitive problem with frame cracking), and finally, inadequate information (about one and three-quarters page on Smith & Wesson). It also doesn't have a decent breakdown of the various calibers and loads that are effective in home and concealed self defense.

It does describe what a revolver is, and how it's different from an automatic, how a centerfire is different from a rimfire, and safety tips...that sort of thing. The photos that do appear are tiny and many times, indistinct. No personal stories are included and, as I said, the text is dry and uninteresting. It might be a good idea to check out the "Look inside" feature.

All in all, this is the worst book in a collection of many other books, some better than others. My recommendation is to shop around for something better.

Like most books on the firearms, this one spends a lot of time on self-defense issues. I wasn't particularly interested in that topic but the book does offer a lot on safety, how to clean and maintain your firearms, and many of the issues relating to owning a firearm. The book touches on legal issues, scenerios to be aware of, and of course self-defense and practical concerns. A good basic book for beginner to intermediate skill levels, experts should probably look elsewhere.

Very Comprehensive book.
It covers many aspects of owning a handgun, from actually using & maintaining one to some important aspects of what is allowed under the law.
I only wish the author included a few more diagrams to explain some basic concepts such as the difference in shape & sizes of various bullets and also when he described certain parts of a handgun.
All in all a 5 star book.

I found the book to be very comprehensive for the description and function of handguns. It encompasses the technical specifics of handguns and explains the responcibilites for anyone who owns a handgun or is planning on purchasing one in the future. The contents of the book are concise and too the point. This is definitely a book that should be included in every gun owner and enthusiast's library.

This is a good book to obtain if you are buying a handgun for the first time. It gives you an overview of all of the options and rational for choosing a handgun to fit your needs and goals. It helps you buy the right gun the first time, and you can,t take the gun back once you have purchased it.

We all have an idea on what we should and should not do with our guns, but this book takes it up a notch. You will learn to hone your skills maintaining/storing your gun of choice, learning different self-defense tactics, and ready yourself both mentally and physically protecting you and your loved ones. Be prepared and you will have a better chance to live free.

This is a comprehensive and informative reference guide to the basics of all things related to handguns. It's a must-read for anyone new to shooting or anyone considering purchasing a firearm. However, advanced shooters can still gain from it. After owning it for over a year I still refer back to this book occasionally and it's worthy of keeping in my home library.

Amazon's fine offering of books on weapons and assembly/disassembly makes a shooter general weapons knowledge much broader and is key to having info improved skills in handling and defense.