The Tactical Advantage: A Definitive Study Of Personal Small-Arms Tactics [Paperback]

Gabriel Suarez (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0873649753 | ISBN-13: 978-0873649759 | Publication Date: March 1, 1998

Read this book and learn the combat-proven techniques big-city cops use to stay alive and effective when the bullets start flying. Maintain the tactical advantage in any situation by knowing how to search buildings for armed intruders, use cover and concealment, maintain proper distance intervals and much more.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Gabe Suarez is a veteran of Southern California law enforcement, where he has served for many years. His extensive field experience includes single officer patrol, gang enforcement, special operations and tactical training. He was one of the founding members of his department's Special Weapons and Tactical Precision Rifle teams.

Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: Paladin Press (March 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873649753
• ISBN-13: 978-0873649759
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #217,410 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Whole-heartedly recommended by "The Gun Guy.", November 25, 1998

By 

Rick Jennings ([e-mail]) (Pennsylvania, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Tactical Advantage: A Definitive Study Of Personal Small-Arms Tactics (Paperback)

Gabe Suarez was awarded the Medal of Honor as a police officer, has studied under Jeff Cooper and is an accomplished instructor in his own right. Better still, for us --the shooter trying to better himself-- Gabe is a good author. This book is *information* from beginning to end. You will have difficulty finding another book that graphically illustrates the methods used by professionals when "clearing" a home or apartment. This book does just that and that information, alone, would make it a "best buy." Also covered are the proper use of cover and concealment and operating in reduced light among other topics. Gabe Suarez, however, goes further and explains various methods of controlling your firearm in a struggle and its effective use in close-quarter defense. This book is one of the few that describes how to handle those situations where you do NOT have to shoot, which make up a majority of home encounters. The individual who carries a firearm as a part of his profession or for personal defense will find enough of value in this book to warrant its purchase. In addition, Gabe explains and illustrates proper tactics for teams that, even if you do not use them in your profession, will be informative -- and entertaining when you see it done so poorly in the movies and on TV. I whole-heartedly recommend this book to "The Gun Guy" readers.

49 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars advantageous tactics, January 7, 2003

By 

Seppo Vesala (Helsinki, - Finland) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Tactical Advantage: A Definitive Study Of Personal Small-Arms Tactics (Paperback)

In the introcuction, Suarez tells that in his opinion, this book is "the most complete study of tactical principles ever written". That's a "minor" overstatement. It is not a bad thing that a man has confidence on his ability, but he should be realistic also. I don't mean to say that this is not a good book, because it is. It just isn't "a definitive study", as it claims to be.

The book covers a variety of topics, and has separate chapters on different tactical obstacles (like stairs and doors). But the text is not clear enough; without the pictures and drawings (which there are plenty) you would be hard pressed to understand some of the things Suarez is trying to say. Luckily the pictures and captions are very informative.

There are several things that bother me. First, it seems like Suarez didn't know to whom he is writing the book. Part of the text seems to be aimed to a SWAT team member, part is intended for armed civilian, and the rest to military personnel. Secondly, Suarez just gives his opinion on certain matters (like the best flashlight technique or shooting stance) without explaining why or referring the alternatives. You are just supposed to believe what he says, whithout thinking it out yourself. The third complain is that although there is some humor in the text, the book is a bit too "gung-ho" to my taste. I just don't like the attitude that "if you encounter a hostile, neutralize him and continue the search".

All things considered, this is a good book, but it has it's flaws.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rare discussion of actual tactics more than gun-handling, June 28, 2003

By 

C. J Rives "pyrolyzer" (Amarillo, TX United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Tactical Advantage: A Definitive Study Of Personal Small-Arms Tactics (Paperback)

Suarez's best work and one of my favorite books the topic. If you want to learn how to clear a building or move tactically in and through close quarters this is the book that I recomend. Suarez covers the topic very well with his text and illustrations. This book is different from many others of the same genre. It covers the actual tactics involved in confrontation more than gun-handling.

This is an intermediate to advanced level book. If you're new to firearms, or self defence, you may find it more usefull to read Suarez's more recent book: Tactical Pistol Marksmanship: How to Improve Your Combat Shooting Skills.