The Cornered Cat: A Woman's Guide to Concealed Carry

by Kathy Jackson

The Cornered Cat is the ultimate resource for women who choose to carry a firearm for self defense. It covers everything from cleaning a pistol to methods of carry. It tells women everything they ever wanted to know about how to carry a firearm for self defense. The Cornered Cat is all about women that have chosen or are considering choosing firearms for self defense, sport, or just wanting to understand more about what their menfolk find so fascinating. This book contains a wealth of information presented in Kathy's warm and often humorous style. She tackles the serious considerations of using deadly force in defense of oneself and loved ones in a thought-provoking, non-judgmental, "between girlfriends" prose that is neither threatening nor sugar-coated, just very real.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference

396 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2010

Reviews

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I took the Conceal Carry Permit class, the instructor recommended the book Armed & Female by Paxton Quigley to all the women in the class. That book spends the first third of it scaring the crap out of readers with its many women-as-victims crime statistics. Quite frankly, it was off-putting. I much prefer this book, The Cornered Cat, over that one and recommend it as a gentler introduction for women who might be interested in concealing a firearm for self-defense. Much of the book can be read right on the author's website of the same name. Her information is very practical. She has advice for choosing a gun, for how to take care of it, holster types, and what to wear to help keep your gun concealed on your person. She's a mother and has much to say about how to keep your kids safe and how to eventually introduce them to guns. She introduces you to the psychology and awareness of lethal situations.

I especially appreciated the chapters on Christianity & Pacifism, Is Lethal Force a Sin? and Trusting God & Self Defense. There's enough in this book and on her website to help you decide if getting into guns is for you. I highly recommend the book, especially as a good starting place. I don't think you'll find a better non-intimidating book just for women on this subject.

[Emily Loudon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first part of The Cornered Cat. However, as a more advanced shooter, the end of the book seemed somewhat more trivial. I would definitely recommend this book to the novice shooter.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are new to concealed carry, or simply want a refresher with some well-researched wisdom from an experienced professional, this is the book to read. Jackson provides many citations (most of which are worth following up and reading)and writes in a clear, lucid style. It is all very basic, but still worth the time to read. Lots of examples and stories, and the occasional Q&As from "Gunhilda" are hilarious. There are sections that are geared specifically to women's needs (e.g., holster fit), but most of the book is a worthwhile read for both genders. I wish I lived close enough to take a class or two from her!

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very comprehensive. Really helpful information. I think this book fills in all the little details of information you can’t possibly get in a class. I’m definitely keeping this as a resource.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend this book to anyone purchasing a new firearm & wants to get a thorough understanding of safely handing, using & concealed carrying. Even if you're just curious about firearms, this is a good read! It needs to be updated as it was released in 2010. The author's information is very practical & explained simply. There is advice for choosing a gun, how to take care of it, how to handle it, holster types & concealed carry considerations. The author educates you.

[K.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical information for new and seasoned shooters. Highly recommended.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humorous and factual.

[Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is incredibly comprehensive! I honestly cannot think of anything Kathy Jackson hasn't thought of. She addresses everything a high-quality concealed carry class will cover and then some! Some of the content I found to be most helpful as a woman included ethics, clothing options for concealed carry, and techniques designed for women. I've been shooting since I was 5 and this book had invaluable advice I wish I had learned years ago! Having learned everything I know from men and the military, I really appreciated her perspective as a female, such as this "dirty little secret: racking the slide is not about strength. It is all about technique."

The book is also written in a way that it makes a great reference. Not sure what to do at the range? Take this book with you. Cleaning your gun for the first time? Have a specific technique you wanted to practice? Keep this book handy and you'll have a quick, informative reference at your fingertips.

The only thing that kept this book from a full 5 stars is a lack of visuals. Kathy does a fantastic job of verbally explaining things (shooting techniques, weapon maintenance, etc.) but I am a very visual learner and I would have liked the inclusion of some images that helped support the verbal content. I've also been around guns a lot so it was easy for me to visualize what she was talking about but I could see how someone who had very little experience with guns may find some of the content confusing without visual clarification.

(Caution: it should be noted this book is in no way intended to be the ONLY source of information for handgun safety and training. The author notes several times throughout the book that hands-on, in-person lessons are invaluable and highly recommends everyone attend live training. I completely agree with this advice).

Overall this is an excellent book. Every female gun owner should have a copy of it!

[Robyn Sandoval · Rating 5 out of 5]

It doesn't get more comprehensive than this book! The author addresses all aspects of what it means for a woman to conceal carry a handgun, from the why to the how to the where and when. She offers new insights and poses serious questions for the reader to mull over. I greatly appreciated her personal recommendations (always with the caveat "this works for me, but you decide what's right for you"). I highly recommend this book to any woman who owns a gun, even if she doesn't want to conceal carry. As a mother my world view is different than my husband's, and Kathy Jackson wrote directly to my concerns and offered encouragement and preparedness.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and well thought out. The author does a great job of clearly walking the reader through the considerations of owning or carrying a firearm. In addition to the gender-neutral considerations, the author thoroughly addresses the considerations that are particular to women (at least in the U.S.), such as whether to carry on one's person or in a purse, and other fine points.

The only way to improve this publication would be to reissue it in a larger font, which would make it much easier to read.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for all women (and men) shooters from beginners to advanced levels interested in using their pistol for self-defense. Very comprehensive, easy to read and relate to, and funny. It covers the basics of pistols and pistol safety, choosing the right hand gun and holsters for your needs, and shooting techniques. It also mentions the legal aspects of owning a gun.

I read it all the way through and now I am sure I will use it frequently as a resource for myself, as well as recommend it to all my students.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything a woman might possibly need to know about concealed carry can be found in this book written by a female firearms instructor.

Includes:

- the pros and cons of carrying a firearm

- self defense tactics that don't require the use of a firearm

- advice about choosing the most appropriate firearm for your individual needs

- advice about ammo, holsters, bags, etc

- firearm safety and laws

- true stories from women who have potentially saved their life by owning and carrying a firearm

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jackson gives a well written and simple to understand over view of not only the reasons one should or should not consider Concealed carry, but also a review of holsters, fire arms, clothing and other issues that pertain to the subject. she is able to put forward a well written argument for those that want to carry and was also able to explain some of the decision points that are needed for those that are unsure if they want the responsibility. I can see that this will be a book that I will be going back to for review

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the single best book available for the beginning female shooter. It's a good book for all beginning shooters to read, but it has a lot of female-specific issues that you won't see anywhere else.

Virtually every question one could have will be answered in this large text. It also has a very complete glossary of shooting terms. My only criticism is that it could have more photos to better compliment the text.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is PERFECT for an intro into handguns and about concealment too. I bought the e-book first, read it, then bought the hardcopy book to highlight and take notes. Topics include social issues, safety, holsters, etc. A big section in this book is about when to use a firearm in self defense and using it as a last resort. For anyone who is considering owning a handgun, then I would recommend this book to you.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this book. She covers everything someone who has no idea what to do with guns needs to know (I started as someone who never grew up around them at all). Anything from bullet sizes, what size gun, how to conceal carry and what clothes you can wear to keep from 'printing'. It's funny, in depth and very helpful. I'm about go purchase my first gun (I've taken classes at my local range but not bought one yet) and i feel more confident about doing it. GREAT book! I highly recommend it!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very helpful for someone that is thinking about concealed carry. It helped me understand what to expect and about different ways to carry. I would recommend anyone that wants to carry a gun to please read this book. Kathy Jackson make you really think about it and she puts humer in the facts.

[Michelle Maud · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO amazing! I loved this book, I have highlighted so much it looks like I colored in it!!! Wonderful reference and excellent for beginners! I can't recommend it enough!!! (Make sure to join the website too for blog updates and other great info!)

[C.S. Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been a defensive shooter for going on ten years and I learned so much from this book! Kathy does a great job of taking a topic that could be boring and overwhelming and makes it "real". It's now a book that will go in my teaching bag to take to classes.

[Jean Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great information

Great information

Wonderfully packed with information about using and carrying a firearm for the Newbie or more experienced firearm Owner. Would highly recommend reading if you are considering owning a firearm.

[Sharon Wilbur · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you've taken the steps to get a permit to carry, between the time you get it and the time you actually do it, this is a must read. It's almost a carry handbook for women. It was very informative.

[Stacey Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic! It is a must read for all women who are just starting out with shooting or just mulling the idea around. The author provides a lot of information in an easy to read, conversational tone.

[Tracye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a MUST read for any woman who is considering conceal carry as an option for themselves.

[S Hinchcliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a book for the woman who is trying to decide to purchase a firearm.

Strongly recommend it for this purpose

[Stephen6868 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got it for my wife, and it was an excellent way to help her learn and understand more.

[Yvonne Mortensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've considered using a gun for self-defense, read this book. Great information, easy to read style.

[Kiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding read! Loved the chapters on legal myths and holsters. Gone to the range for years, but learned a lot from this book. Highly recommend for any woman interested in guns or carrying

[Stealth Journals · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written and highly informative!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author posted articles on her website.

[Beth Mowery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative guide to concealed carry for women.