Tactical Rifle: The Precision Tool For Urban Police Operations (Paperback)

~ Gabriel Suarez (Author) "Any discussion of the deployment of firearms must also include a discussion of safety..." (more)
Key Phrases: Number One, Colt Commando, Photo Courtesy of Cory Trapp (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

In a highly publicized February 1997 shootout, two rifle-wielding thugs managed to outgun LAPD officers armed only with handguns after a botched North Hollywood bank robbery. It was not until responding SWAT officers armed with rifles arrived on the scene that the suspects were finally neutralized, but not without police casualties. Though not the first incidence of police officers being outmatched by criminals' superior firepower, this one was pivotal in bringing about a serious re-examination of the use of the rifle for urban law enforcement. In this book, Gabriel Suarez, founder and senior tactical instructor of his department's Tactical Rifle Team, exposes the myths that have long kept the rifle from being considered for use in urban policing. In addition, he details the many advantages the rifle affords the inner city police officer or SWAT operator in a wide range of deployment situations and presents innovative techniques that are replacing the "traditional" ones among agencies that have adopted the rifle. As we progress into the 21st century, the rifle is likely to become an increasingly integral part of the police officer's tool bag. This book will serve as a valuable guide to police tactical riflemen, making their jobs easier and safer as they make the criminal's job more difficult and hazardous.

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: 264 pages
• Publisher: Paladin Press (November 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581600496
• ISBN-13: 978-1581600490
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #350,400 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Book on AR15, December 6, 1999

By A Customer

As a new owner of an AR15 rifle I was looking for a book that gave me the needed training necessary to be a responsible owner. I've purchased four books on the topic, this is by far the best. His easy to understand writing style and illustrated pictures are very clear. It's the next best thing to a hands-on course. Get this book first, you may not need anymore.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE BEST BOOK FOR POLICE ON TACTICAL RIFLE TEAMS, January 31, 2002

By	McCainWins08 (New Jersey USA) - See all my reviews

I am state certified as an assault weapons instructor and have been tasked with building a patrol rifle team. We utilize semi-auto .223 rifles in selected patrol vehicles. I have used the book in many training exercises. It is easy to read and addresses police tactics rather that military combat tactics which are diffrent. It covers many unusual shooting positions and carry positions. An absolute must read for any Police rifle instructor. Everything is demonstrated with numerous photos.
Buy the book, its well worth the money.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Solid, but not very detailed, March 14, 2004

By	Seppo Vesala (Helsinki, - Finland) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is the second book by Gabe Suarez, who has become a leading figure in realm of defensive shooting. The backround Suarez has in law enforcement is very visible in the book, more so than is his newer books. But then, the book is aimed more towards law enforcement agencies than private citizens.

The book is intermediate level. It does cover the basics, like different firing positions, and principles of marksmanship, but it does not treat the subjects in enough detail to enable its use as basic textbook. On the other hand, there is not much of the advanced stuff, either.

Major portion of the book is devoted to different shooting positions, carry and ready positions and deploying the rifle from sling-arms. Each of the subjects are handled with aid of very good and clear photographs. Although there is not very much text in these chapters, the pictures make it easy to understand what Suarez is teaching.

There is also some stiff on zeroing the rifle, low light operations, shooting on the move, reloading and clearing malfunctions, and so on. The gun-specific techniques are explained for AR-15, because it is the most common rifle in police use, but for the most part the techniques presented are not gun-specific.

To sum it up, this is a good but not very detailed study on use of rifle in police operations. It's very easy to read and the techniques presented seem very realistic. The main drawback is the lack of detail.