The Gun Digest Book of Concealed Carry

by Massad Ayoob

In addition to tactical aspects of self-defense, practical information like choosing the right firearm and ammunition, used gun purchases, and all legal aspects of self-defense with a gun are also extensively covered in this complete and authoritative look at concealed carry.

Genres: Nonfiction, Outdoors, Reference, Self Help

254 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

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

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoy reading Massad Ayoob's books. I find them very informative and fun to read as they easily go page to page and chapter to chapter, just a great writing style.

[Jeffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a citizen decides to exercise their 2nd Amendment right to purchase & carry firearms in the general public, thus begins their education. Responsible & conscientious gun owners are well aware that every right they exercise brings with it responsibilities, obligations, and consequences. They also know that to become skilled and proficient with firearms requires training, practice, and knowledge. For those people, that Concealed Carry class certificate is just the beginning of a long journey. Technology changes, but the fundamental principles of firearm safety and personal self-defense do not.

From how to choose a firearm, advantages & disadvantages of semi-autos & revolvers, ammunition/bullet selection and cartridge effectiveness, safe firearm storage and handling, attire, methods of concealed carry and the pros & cons of each, proper holster construction, selection, legal and psychological aspects, concealed carry mindset, lifestyle, and personal insights, "The Gun Digest Book of Concealed Carry" is one of the books that should be on the shelves of every gun owner including those considering carrying a firearm in the general public.

As a police officer, professional instructor/trainer, competitive shooter, author, speaker, and expert legal witness, Massad Ayoob has been there, done that. Ayoob presents his considerable knowledge and expertise into a format that's easy to read and digest. The material is informative, pragmatic, enlightening, and indispensable to those who seek to become more knowledgeable, informed, and experienced in concealed carry.

Don't get your training from Youtube videos. Get personal training and quality reading/reference material from trusted, reputable professionals. If you think it will be expensive and time consuming, you're right. However, ask yourself this: How much do you think lawsuits, court costs, legal fees, and a court decision rendered against you will cost? "I heard that..." can land you in very dire circumstances with grievous financial and potentially fatal consequences.

[Jessica]

Recommended by Kathy Jackson on The Cornered Cat's good books list:

A giant treasure trove of information, this large book—it’s in 8×11 format—provides detailed pictures of concealed carry methods and the products that make those methods work.
Understandably since the author is male, the book doesn’t provide a lot of detail about “stuff for women,” but it provides so much good general material that it’s worth picking up anyway.

[Dav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ayoob Readers, Gun Fans, Wary Newbies & Know-It-Alls can find helpful aspects of gun safety, handling and use. This is not a "my way or the highway" book, but a thoughtful presentation of finding what will work best for you. Some of the noteable chapters cover: Ladies Choose A Weapon, Why Carry A Gun, Concealing A Big Handgun, Competition Shooting & so much more.

[Mark Stolz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book with a lot of valuable information. Highly recommend this to anyone considering CCW.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book that discusses important principles of self defense with a firearm.

[Richard Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful Information

The book is worth the read. It has been updated, but technology marches on so it is a bit dated. That being said, there's a lot of good information and the author gives the reader many real world examples of what one could expect when carrying concealed.

[Scott Holstad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the ultimate reference guide for concealed carry. No matter what side of the fence you're on, this topic is becoming increasingly more popular, so it's good to get critical information on the subject. Ayoob is a very well known expert in the field and he's written a good book. Among the things it covers are the concealed carry "lifestyle," why someone might carry, where a person can carry (with breakdowns on the various states), the aftermath of using a gun, castle doctrine and stand your ground laws, numerous carry guns, holsters, etc., and it's got tons of pictures to help you see what he's writing about. I really learned a lot by reading this and strongly recommend it for anyone interested in the topic.

[Greg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm on about page 30. It appears to have some information.

Doesn't seem as complete as the "Concealed Handgun Manual" by Chris Bird, in my opinion. But the author himself admits this several times - that there was not sufficient room to cover all the aspects of this subject in a book this size. The Author refers to several other books he has written on these 'other related subjects'.

Overall, it seems like a very good reference on the rationale to carry, methods of carry, and draws upon the authors experience as a police officer, professional trainer, and expert witness.

[Ian G · Rating 4 out of 5]

great book for anyone considering carrying a concealed firearm for personal safety. Gives an overview of all aspects of concealed carry from gun choice, to correct drawing methods and even to the best clothes to wear. I can't imagine anyone more knowledgable on the subject than the author. He also gives reverences to other materials if you are interested in going more in-depth on specific subjects of concealed carry.

[Kynnie Mckinley]

This book was recommended to me by a friend when I started looking into self-protection. I have basically no knowledge of weapons, so the book is over my head in most areas. It is well written with explanations in plain language and pictures. I will continue to read the book with an eye to re-reading when I have more experience in actual ownership and use of a weapon.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased this book in paperback, but it was so large, it was unwieldy to read. Now I'm reading it on Kindle. Did I mention it's large? Despite it's massive fwappiness in 3-D format, it's full of a ton of great information; I'm surely going to be going back to the print copy with a pen and highlighter.

[Greg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great review over most topics related to cc

Great review over most topics related to cc

Great review over most topics related to cc. it introduced me to many things I hadn't even considered yet and now have good direction to continue my ccw training and defense studies

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of useful information. Would definately reccomend it to anyone considering or currently carrying a concealed hand gun.

[Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice book. Ayoob has a great deal of experience which has him well-qualified to write such books.

Highly recommended.

--Wag--

[Troy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good book very informational. Learned a lot and helped alot to. I would very much rcomend this book.

[Nik · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started out very interesting, then became a book about holsters

[Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably one of the best resources for concealed carry information. Lots of very practical stuff here, from legal to clothing to how to give hugs or buckle your seat belt.

[Brian A. Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Information

This is a book that must be read by those intending to Conceal Carry. The knowledge continues with the renown Massad F. Ayoob.

[Mark Newmeyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful

[Emmett Tullia · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you conceal, or are thinking about conceded carry, then you need to read this book.

[Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mass(ad) gives very good tips and mindsets for concealed carry

[Robin Halvorson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of good information but nothing earth shattering.

[Jose · Rating 4 out of 5]

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