Deadly Force: Understanding Your Right to Self Defense

by Massad Ayoob, Jeff Weiner (Foreword)

In a long-awaited update of the world's most authoritative work on the subject, Massad Ayoob draws from an additional three decades of experience to educate responsible firearms owners about the legal, ethical, and practical use of firearms in self defense-the armed citizens' rules of engagement. Deadly Force discusses:

Genres: Nonfiction, Law, Reference, Survival, Politics

240 pages, Paperback

First published November 21, 2014

About the author

Massad Ayoob is an internationally known firearms and self-defense instructor. He has taught police techniques and civilian self-defense to both law enforcement officers and private citizens in numerous venues since 1974. Ayoob has appeared as an expert witness in several trials. He has served as a part-time police officer in New Hampshire since 1972 and holds the rank of Captain in the Grantham, New Hampshire police department.

Ayoob has authored several books and more than 1,000 articles on firearms, combat techniques, self-defense, and legal issues, and has served in an editorial capacity for Guns Magazine, American Handgunner, Gun Week, and Combat Handguns. Since 1995, he has written self-defense- and firearms-related articles for Backwoods Home Magazine.

Reviews

[Medusa]

2.75 stars. Ayoob has a lot to teach, even for those of us who went to law school, have been in trials, and are familiar with the law of self defense. If you haven’t read anything on these topics you could do worse than to read this book. There are important concepts here armed citizens need to master and learn. The teacher isn’t as important as the content.

If you do read it, though, be prepared for lots of filler of the sort you’d fault in a high school student (Wikipedia and online dictionary quotes, anyone ?) reprints of articles, self aggrandizement, and above all, smug privilege - especially in the discussion of the Trayvon Martin case. For him to say the case had nothing to do with race,and to gloss over Zimmerman’s provocation and escalation of the situation by following him, feels like it’s implausible credulousness or straight up disingenuousness. His discussion of the “real meaning “ of the civil rights movement, or his nauseating assertion that persons of color no longer have to worry about lynchings or overt racially motivated violence and their real concern is violence within their own community - reveal exactly what kind of blind spots and privileges this man has. Again I say this with due deference to his lifetime of work in the criminal justice field.

In this he is much like many other conservative authors who speak on gun rights. I wish there were more pro second amendment voices from LBGTQ people, women, and people of color - marginalized people for whom taking responsibility for our own defense in appropriate circumstances is every bit as or more critical as it is for the populations doing the marginalizing.

If I find a better book on the topics here I’ll amend this review. Until then, hold your nose at times, but read and learn. You don’t have to agree with all of it - I certainly don’t - but it’s worth reading.

[James]

If you have a CCL you need to read this book. Explains Castle Doctrine and Stand your ground, and a whole lot more that you would never think of.

[Ruben]

A must read for anyone who carry a firearm.

A very easy to read book about the responsibilities and possible consequences of using a firearm in self defense. Highly recommended.

[Nick]

If you're concerned about self defense at all, if you carry or own a weapon of any sort, then you need this book.

The author is a subject matter expert, well known in shooting circles and goes into details about the legal ramifications of using and carrying a weapon.

The case studies inside are sobering and he dispels many of the stupid myths that abound in the world of those who own guns for defensive purposes.

Get it, read it, apply it, or forever run the risk of ending up in prison and/or losing everything you own.

[Benjamin Page]

If you carry or plan to carry a concealed firearm, this is a must-read book. In this book, you will learn how to avoid many possible pitfalls to concealed carrying. Ayoob dispels mainstream firearm myths and persuades you to prepare yourself factually, mentally, and physically for an altercation, so that in case an altercation occurs, you will make the wisest (lawful) decision with the available information. You have the right to self defense, but Ayoob wants to be sure that at least 12 others are able to see that in your case, should you have to go to court.

[Kbullock]

Because I'm a graduate of one of Mas's week-long courses, I expected this book to be a review. I was pleasantly surprised. There is a lot of material in this book that was new to me. The only drawback is that one chapter is cut-and-pasted from his blog with minimal editing. The chapter is good material, but it gave the book a bit of a cheesy feel. If Mas had asked me, I would have volunteered to edit it for him.

[Vincent Sargenti]

This is the gold standard for anyone who wants to even think about starting to apply for their concealed carry permit. I would recommend this book to anyone who ever put a loaded firearm in their pocket and walked out into a public place with it on their person. Don't even leave the house with a pistol until you have read this book and understood everything it describes. Ayoob is just keping it real.

[Maxx Crypto]

Thought provoking book on the triad of self defense. This is the second book I have read by Massad Ayoob and found it very informative. This is the first time I have read an analysis of the Zimmerman trial and defense and found it eye opening. One of many must read books for anyone in the CCW permit community.

[Stan Bartkus]

Author updates his recommendations from his first book: In The Gravest Extreme.
Update covers recent Laws & Court decisions including: Zimmerman/Martin in Florida.

[Artyom Sklyarov]

Must read for all gun owners

Really a must read for all, but especially new gun owners. Great life examples and interesting cases, what to do in real life scenarios and what not.

[Rebekah Mccune]

Wow. I had no idea what I got myself into with this one. I really just picked this up because I wanted to be able to be more articulate about the principle of self defense with a firearm. But what this book really teaches you is so much more practical in the unfortunate event that you should actually have to use a firearm in self defense. Probably most revealing to me, and yet hard to read, was the damage an attacker can do to a victim with non-firearms, even just feet and fists. And how quickly an attacker can cover ground to get to you, the victim. All these are important things to know BEFORE an unfortunate but likely legal battle after using a firearm to defend life. But don't take it from me. Read this book. Know that self defense with a firearm will sadly lead to a legal battle. And take defensive firearms courses. I will be.

[Trandt Bullis]

Not a fun read but fulfills its stated purpose. The author is prominent legal expert in the use of lethal force and full of sage advice. The writing is good.

The book got a little deeper into the legal system than I wanted, even spending pages rating the performance of various attorneys. Many of the defendants he assisted made boneheaded decisions that he glossed over - for example, saying it was perfectly legal for the defendant to leave their car and follow the person they ended up shooting. Legality was the point, and I think there were some missed opportunities to instruct on what not to do.

[Michael Venokur]

Excellent and a must read

Anyone considering a concealed weapon permit or just having a firearm for home defense should read this book. What you might think is commonsense will surprise you. Learn what makes a good / justified shooting and even then that is not enough. You will learn the minimum that should be said in the event you are involved in a shooting and the importance of selling an attorney before fully cooperating with law enforcement to protect yourself.

[Bryan Kerr]

This is an absolute must read for anyone thinking about carrying a firearm for the defense of themselves and those that depend on them. The reader would benefit from this book even if they do not intend to carry a firearm, but simply keep a gun at home for self defense in that setting. Massad Ayoob is a very clear cut, no BS writer and this book will leave the reader much better informed about what to expect in the event that they are ever forced to use deadly force.

[David Skeen]

Provides valuable insight for civilians to determine if the use of deadly force is justified in a given situation. Ayoob uses trials where he was an expert witness, and other newsworthy cases, to explain how courts will view a shooting. A worthwhile read for anyone who carries a weapon for self defense.

[Sidney Sanders]

Required reading

Any and all newbie to conceal carry must buy this book. Parts of it are information overload but are very important. It is the resource needed to make what truly is a life changing decision.

[Jarrod]

This is a nice and comprehensive guide on self defense with the primary emphasis on how to do so in the context of firearms. He covers several areas including use, prevention, common sense and application of laws. This is a good complement to any firearm enthusiasts library.

[Diane L Rayburn]

Essential Information Engagingly Written

Ayoob's experience and expertise, spanning decades, are part of the reason for reading his work. His teaching ability and writing skill make learning a pleasure!

[Rick]

Massad Ayoob stands as one of the preeminent authorities on both the practical use of firearms and the intricate legal framework surrounding self-defense. In the 2nd edition of Deadly Force, he goes far beyond basic principles, using actual case law to explain how the justice system treats lethal force.

No matter how educated you think you are on self-defense law, Ayoob reveals critical lessons and legal pitfalls that most people overlook. It isn't a casual or easy read—it is heavy, sobering material—but it is indispensable knowledge for anyone who may one day need to protect themselves or their family.

[Douglas Purdy]

Excellent read with great information.

I recommend this book to anybody that carries or is thinking about concealed carry. At a minimum it will provide you with invaluable knowledge.

[Jason Stewart]

A must read for anyone licensed to carry.

[Thomas Hunt]

if you carry, you should read this book. Anything by Mass should be required.

[Morgan S]

Great case studies. Interesting statistics and facts. Learned a lot!

[Eric Molicki]

Required reading

This should be required reading of all Concealed Carry practitioners. I will be highly recommending it to all my students. .

[Cathy Ryan]

Topically, this is right on the mark. It's a bit over-written. Still, this is authoritative, informative, and sound written by an expert in the topic.

[Bill Zawrotny]

Great book...a must read for anyone who carries a firearm for self-defense.

[Steve Kemper]

Second time I've read it. Worth every minute

[Paul Lannuier]

Deadly Force: Understanding Your Right To Self Defense is an outstanding guide to your rights and responsibilities that everyone who carries a concealed firearm should read.

[Will Riordan]

Everyone who conceal carries should read this book & learn the laws/tips. Especially in these crazy times. May save you a lot later.

[Robby]

Excellent! Should be considered required reading by anyone who values the right to self defense.