Customer Reviews

The Gun Digest Book Of Concealed Carry

5 star:		(53)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

I have known the author of The Gun Digest Book of Concealed Carry for about ten years now, and also know several of the people mentioned and pictured in this book. Reading through it felt like attending an extended lecture from one of Mas's classes at the Lethal Force Institute. I have personally taken a number of those classes and thought I would have a strong feeling of "been there, heard that" reading this book, but instead found myself either learning or remembering something important in almost every chapter. You might expect this book to feel like an advertisement for the latest whiz-bang product from some company advertising in a gun magazine. Not so. Rather, it is a compiliation of Mas's fifty odd years of carrying firearms for self protection, and over thirty years teaching this material to others. Reading it feels like sitting down for drinks and an extended Q&A session with the author.
The chapters are laid out in a logical fashion such that the reader should just start at page one and continue until the end of the book. Too often, books in this category are set out in a pick and choose format, where the reader needs to look at the table of contents or an index to find something relevant. With Concealed Carry, just start reading and continue learning until you hit the back cover.
Mas starts with why people carry firearms, and the lifestyle choices and changes that such a decision will require. Once he has helped get your mind right about the concept, he moves on to choosing firearms and ammunition for self defense. The firearms he recommends are those he has shot, or seen work in law enforcement, shooting classes, and competition. The primary need in a defensive firearm is reliability. Mas shows that you don't have to spend thousands on a custom firearm in order to achieve this. Most firearms shown are off-the-shelf items from your local gun shop with only tritium sights or laser grips added for night use. He only recommends those which work, and which he has used.
Once you have picked out a firearm, you'll need a holster. Mas goes through them by type, including strong side hip, inside waist band, cross draw, shoulder, pocket, and ankle holsters, among others. He goes through the advantages and disadvantages of each, and explains situations where one choice might be better than another. Just like with the firearms, Mas tells the reader which holsters he has used and which work for him. By virtue of having taught thousands of people over the years, Mas also explains what works for different body types that do not necessarily work for him. Many instructors fall into the trap of "what works for me must work for you too." Not Mas. He freely acknowledges that his style of carry may not work for women, large males, those who spend lots of time seated, etc. The holster chapters are extensive and well written. They also allow the readers to obtain information as to what will work best for them. I would advise anyone considering purchasing a "one size fits all" type nylon holster at a gun show to put that same money into this book and learn what works and what doesn't.
Once Mas has the reader squared away as to attitude, hardware, and holsters, he then moves on to the final two topics: clothing and practice. Those who carry learn how to dress around the firearm so as to keep it out of sight in public. Most people do not want to see non law enforcement officers carrying firearms openly in most states. Some hard headed gunnies refuse to acknowledge this. Mas explains the harm that can result from ignoring this fact. He has a whole chapter on clothing choices specifically designed to keep self defense firearms concealed. When you carry firearms for self defense, eventually you learn to dress around the gun. This book will jump start the process.
Most people who carry firearms for self defense will take only one training class, usually the one to get the license, if even that. Mas explains the perils which can befall someone who chooses to carry only some of the time, or not practice the skills needed to draw and reholster a firearm in a self defense situation. He is a big proponent of competition in order to help develop those skills, including IPSC/USPSA, NRA Action Pistol (Bianchi Cup), and especially IDPA matches. The irony of the situation is that those who carry on a daily basis, train with professional instructors, and regularly compete with firearms become less likely to need those skills the better they get.
I rank this book as a "must read" along with In The Gravest Extreme, by the same author. For about the same cost as a box of premium self defense ammunition (useful) or a gun show special holster (not useful), get this book and read it cover to cover. It answers lots of questions about concealed carry and is the next best thing to actually taking a class from Massad Ayoob.

Mas does it again. Everyone who carries has heard an opinion of "carry reloads" or "carry factory" for ammo - not to mention every other opinion for carry purposes. Mas (Massad Ayoob - Principal of Lethal Force Institute) goes through not only logical reasons, but when appropriate he documents court cases for everything he suggests. This includes types of carry guns, ammo choices, holster choices, acceptable levels of caliber, methods of weapons presentation, etc. Tom Gresham said it right - this book is and will be an instant classic for those who choose to carefully and legally exercise their rights under the 2nd Amendment.

Ayoob has been carrying weapons and writing about self defense with firearms longer than most of us have been alive. I recently decided to carry a concealed weapon since I live in a state where it is allowed. We have long had weapons around our home for home defense, but with things as they are these days, carrying a concealed weapon sounded better and better.

Not knowing much about it, I wanted to read whatever I could, and literally everyone I spoke to who knew anything about it referred me to Ayoob.

The book is a little dated - especially some of the photos - but the information is virtually timeless. Ayoob writes in a conversational style that makes it easy to read and understand. This book will give you a decent introduction to the topic.

NOTE: No book, no matter how good, can take the place of hands-on instruction with your own weapon. Get this book and read it if you are considering carrying a concealed weapon; but ALSO be SURE to sign up for a professionally-taught course on the subject.

This book is honest and full of the answers to hundred of questions I had about carrying a firearm for self defense. Having met the author, I can tell you that this is like having the guy with you, explaining little tidbits of his accumulated knowledge and experiences. This is a must have for anyone who has or is contemplating personal defense precautions.

As a long time reader of Massad Ayoob's writings I am always pleased with the way he can take information which he has presented before and present it in an informative, entertaining manner. There is not much that is "new" here but the presentation allows the reader to look at the familiar in a new way. I loaned my copy of "Concealed Carry" to a friend who is a concealed carry instructor and highly experienced shooter; he ordered his own copy after finishing reading the book. I think that that action speaks highly of the quality of Massad Ayoob's work.

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!

For those that have a concealed carry license or thinking about getting one, this is a must read. This book contains expert advice and tactics that you should learn and use on a daily basis.

Another well-written and informative book in the Ayoob series. This is good reading for anyone who wants to or already does carry a concealed pistol. It is extremely important to be well informed about carry and this book is loaded with good information from a respected source.
It is an enjoyable and easy read. You will come back and reread portions as helpful reminders.

I haven't finished reading this book yet, but what I have finished so far is excellent. It is my first book on guns.

Since there is not any "Inside The Book" information on Amazon, I thought I would post the Table of Contents for prospective purchasers:

SOFTWARE
1. The CCW Lifestyle
2. Why We Carry
3. Where You Can (And Can't) Carry
4. Preparation and Aftermath
HARDWARE
5. Gentlemen (And Ladies), Choose Your Weapons
6. Defense Loads of Choice
CARRY METHODS
7. Hip Holsters
8. Cross Draws
9. Shoulder Holsters
10. Pocket Carry
11. Ankle Holsters
12. Non-traditional Carry Methods
13. Concealing Larger Handguns
14. Improving Your Draw From Concealment
15. The Backup CCW
16. Open Carry
ENHANCEMENTS
17. Wardrobe Factors
18. IDPA: How It Helps The Concealed Carry Practitioner
19. Final Advice
Key Things

I will update my review when I finish the book.