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The Concealed Handgun Manual
Intended to provide instruction on using handguns to prevent gun owners from becoming the victims of a criminal or terrorist attack, this comprehensive handbook contains information on current state regulations, beginning and advanced shooting instruction, and updated safety advice. Advice for selecting and buying a handgun, discussions of the importance of self-protection, and methods of concealing weapons accompany a discussion of the mental attitude required in case of an armed encounter. In light of the current problem of violence in schools, this edition also offers detailed instruction on how to avoid violent encounters entirely. Information on the psychological consequences of shooting in self-defense is included, as are actual stories of incidents of concealed handgun self-defense.
459 pages, Paperback
First published July 7, 1997
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93 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 9, 2020
Laws for firearm possession vary by municipality, but the intention is always the same. Bird’s book describes the simplest methods to ensure complete compliance with local concealment legislation. This encompassing guide provides tips for safe storage, as well as methods for selecting the right weapon. The text teaches advanced holstering techniques that enable a quick draw for emergencies. Demand for this book has always been high, and it has been updated with six extensive re-releases. It provides a stunning analysis of the different kinds of killers everyone needs to be prepared to face.
January 7, 2025
This was pretty good once you look past the over-the-top aspect of all conceal carry people are good and anyone else is a "scumbag".
So, gives a basic overview of why to carry. This also is a bit over the top. But then it gets to types of pistols, benefits and drawbacks of different kinds. Discusses ammo and why some are better than others, and discusses how to conceal.
Discusses within the stories the downside to carrying and if ever needed for protection. Basically, you will be most likely arrested for using deadly force, basic protocol to how to behave. No brandishing your gun like a tough guy, if you pull it, you intend to use it, period.
I'm still pretty new to this type of activity and any learning is good learning.
So, gives a basic overview of why to carry. This also is a bit over the top. But then it gets to types of pistols, benefits and drawbacks of different kinds. Discusses ammo and why some are better than others, and discusses how to conceal.
Discusses within the stories the downside to carrying and if ever needed for protection. Basically, you will be most likely arrested for using deadly force, basic protocol to how to behave. No brandishing your gun like a tough guy, if you pull it, you intend to use it, period.
I'm still pretty new to this type of activity and any learning is good learning.
November 16, 2017
A good read with a lot of valuable information that seems oriented to the individual that is a newcomer to firearms.
November 12, 2019
Great book on concealed carry
Covers basics to advanced shooting and weapons handling. Well documented and easy to read with valuable references documented and highlighted
Covers basics to advanced shooting and weapons handling. Well documented and easy to read with valuable references documented and highlighted
January 12, 2015
Interesting stories about real life scenarios when citizens have defended themselves with guns when confronted with deadly force (or have been unable to defend themselves because they did not have their guns with them). I appreciated the presentation of the material with logical facts as to why many average people choose to carry without all the nut job conspiracy theories the reader sometimes comes across with second amendment enthusiasts. The author has a very matter of fact presentation and is well served by his background as a journalist who covered a crime beat for years. However, the editor of the book could have been better as I came across a few errors here and there that were obnoxious to me and made the book come off as less professional. The errors were not frequent though.
The more I read this the more I felt like the most logical step to becoming responsible for my personal safety rather than assume someone else would always be there to help me in the unlikely scenario I am ever confronted with deadly force while going about my life. I like that the author lays out the case for why you really would not want to shoot someone unless that is your last resort by going into all the complications of those who have been forced to shoot someone after having their life threatened (post traumatic stress disorder, potential criminal and civil legal problems, attorneys fees, having your gun taken away, etc.).
I skimmed a lot of the more technical descriptions of the handguns and the more detailed training information as it was less interesting to me. I did find the photographs illustrating various techniques very helpful. The reference section in the back must be almost impossible to keep updated on gun laws because they seem to have changed greatly in the last several years. There wasn't even an entry for my state.
As a woman reading this book I appreciated any information that was more pertinent because of my gender. The book seems to be a general reference for all considering concealed carry but in my opinion is more weighted heavily to men. The author could improve information for women by discussing things such as holsters that snap to bras, belly bands for carry around the torso which seems to work well for many women who don't wear jackets or pants with belt loops or sturdy material like jeans. There were photographs of a woman demonstrating various techniques like the Weaver stance which I appreciated. Suggested courses did include references for women's courses. I do know from the book that women represent a very small portion of concealed carry permit holders though so I can't fault him too much for not going into too much more detail than he did on issues that concern women.
The more I read this the more I felt like the most logical step to becoming responsible for my personal safety rather than assume someone else would always be there to help me in the unlikely scenario I am ever confronted with deadly force while going about my life. I like that the author lays out the case for why you really would not want to shoot someone unless that is your last resort by going into all the complications of those who have been forced to shoot someone after having their life threatened (post traumatic stress disorder, potential criminal and civil legal problems, attorneys fees, having your gun taken away, etc.).
I skimmed a lot of the more technical descriptions of the handguns and the more detailed training information as it was less interesting to me. I did find the photographs illustrating various techniques very helpful. The reference section in the back must be almost impossible to keep updated on gun laws because they seem to have changed greatly in the last several years. There wasn't even an entry for my state.
As a woman reading this book I appreciated any information that was more pertinent because of my gender. The book seems to be a general reference for all considering concealed carry but in my opinion is more weighted heavily to men. The author could improve information for women by discussing things such as holsters that snap to bras, belly bands for carry around the torso which seems to work well for many women who don't wear jackets or pants with belt loops or sturdy material like jeans. There were photographs of a woman demonstrating various techniques like the Weaver stance which I appreciated. Suggested courses did include references for women's courses. I do know from the book that women represent a very small portion of concealed carry permit holders though so I can't fault him too much for not going into too much more detail than he did on issues that concern women.
May 16, 2012
The portion of the title "How to Choose, Carry, and Shoot a Gun in Self Defense" is a bit misleading. Close to half of the book is in defense of carrying a concealed handgun and owning firearms in general. I think that most people who decided to read this book already had no problem with concealed carry laws. He is preaching to the choir. I myself have no problem with those laws.
While I was reading, I felt as though I was being recruited into a cult. Also, I felt that some of the deadly encounters described were questionable. There were a number of incidents where the "attacker" was not armed and was shot. Certainly the would be "victim" may have felt that their life was in danger. But it seems that they could have diffused the situation by not arguing and just agreeing with the person and taking down the person's license number to later report them to the police. Was it the concealed handgun that gave them the "courage" to stand up to the bully? And why not carry pepper spray and/or a stun gun in addition to a firearm, instead of immediately going to deadly force?
The best part of the book was the description of the legal nightmares and monetary and personal costs involved when a person uses deadly force. At least that might make people think twice about using a gun as their first line of defense.
There was also an awful lot of unnecessary repetition throughout the book.
While I was reading, I felt as though I was being recruited into a cult. Also, I felt that some of the deadly encounters described were questionable. There were a number of incidents where the "attacker" was not armed and was shot. Certainly the would be "victim" may have felt that their life was in danger. But it seems that they could have diffused the situation by not arguing and just agreeing with the person and taking down the person's license number to later report them to the police. Was it the concealed handgun that gave them the "courage" to stand up to the bully? And why not carry pepper spray and/or a stun gun in addition to a firearm, instead of immediately going to deadly force?
The best part of the book was the description of the legal nightmares and monetary and personal costs involved when a person uses deadly force. At least that might make people think twice about using a gun as their first line of defense.
There was also an awful lot of unnecessary repetition throughout the book.
March 2, 2018
Overall, I think that this book is a "definitely should read" for anyone seriously considering concealed carry or who wants to comment publicly on this subject. The author outlines the rationale for concealed carry in a common sense manner (obviously he has a strong opinion on the subject, but he presents in a very rational and well-supported argument) and then provides practical, experiential advice to those inclined to protect themselves and others. He includes a lot of very good and very practical information, including on shooting stances, clearing malfunctions, and (most importantly) on safety. I found his advice to be very helpful and useful especially when I took a concealed carry course. The author also includes a number of real-life story examples about citizens who have used (or didn't use) firearms. Personally, I thought that a lot of these examples were either unwise or not really justified shootings, but their value was in making the reader realize how serious a thing pulling your gun and shooting is, and you don't want to do it unless absolutely necessary. The last couple chapters read more like appendices in that they cover some training schools and national gun laws - information that is probably in a constant state of change. Overall though, a really good book and highly recommended.
October 8, 2014
This book was great in that it had everything I had been trying to find through Google fu in one place. Since taking the concealed handgun course and sending off my paperwork for my license, I've been working to try to educate myself even more. In particular, I felt like the class I took didn't go into enough detail about when and how to use your gun, what to expect if you do, and what has happened to other people who have used their concealed handguns.
This book had a multiple stories of firsthand experiences, echoed a lot of the good advice I had heard while digging around on the internet, and gave a lot of really good information about your body's reactions under stress and what that means in a situation that involves a gun.
I read the fourth edition, so the information about gun options for concealed carry was outdated as were some of the laws mentioned in the book. But the vast majority of the information was exactly what someone like me, new to guns and very new to the idea of carrying a concealed weapon, needed. I feel better prepared for the next time I visit the range in terms of what to practice and certainly more knowledgeable about the repercussions of carrying, and more importantly, using a concealed handgun.
This book had a multiple stories of firsthand experiences, echoed a lot of the good advice I had heard while digging around on the internet, and gave a lot of really good information about your body's reactions under stress and what that means in a situation that involves a gun.
I read the fourth edition, so the information about gun options for concealed carry was outdated as were some of the laws mentioned in the book. But the vast majority of the information was exactly what someone like me, new to guns and very new to the idea of carrying a concealed weapon, needed. I feel better prepared for the next time I visit the range in terms of what to practice and certainly more knowledgeable about the repercussions of carrying, and more importantly, using a concealed handgun.
Want to read
July 29, 2023On Greg Ellifritz's recommended reading list.
Recommended by Kathy Jackson on The Cornered Cat's good books list:
Recommended by Kathy Jackson on The Cornered Cat's good books list:
This thick book (over 500 pages for the most current edition) provides an amazing treasure trove of information about concealed carry. It’s a good read, too, because the author includes dozens of true life accounts and encouraging stories about people deciding to protect themselves. Those stories really pull you through the pages and help you grasp the reasons the author makes the recommendations he does.
July 30, 2009
This book contains loads of useful information. Stories of the consequences of using a gun for self-defence are quite eye-opening.The Gun Digest Book Of Concealed Carry and this one will be my two reccomendations to anyone considering concealed carry
April 12, 2012
Lot of stories of real life situations of people using their handgun to save their lives and the consequences of their actions. These are told to hlep you understand the commitment and responsibility of carrying a handgun. Also helpful tips on gun selection, concealment and legal protection. Over all a helpful book for a new handgun owner.
August 19, 2007
This one is full of solid advice on what kind of firearm to carry, how to use it, and potential consequences (especially legal). A great starting point for the beginner. And, from what I hear, the updated version (2004) is even better than this one.
October 8, 2008
Very good basic overview for a concealed handgun owner or soon-to-be owner. I'm sure there are better books out there, but this was all I could find at the library. I wish the author would have gone into more detail behind the philosophy of what type of gun and cartridge one should choose.
October 6, 2009
This is a great, informative, easy read. The real life situations (including recent events such as the Virginia Tech. shootings and Hurricane Katrina aftermath) really interested me. If you believe in the Constitution, read this book!
October 28, 2013
A well written guide for not only those thinking about carrying a firearm, but for those that already do. The Sixth edition has updated material and the bibliography will point to more information on firearms, laws, training, and tools and equipment.
July 29, 2008
A good beginners start if you are interested in carrying a concealed firearm.
October 3, 2008
Very useful reference. I ended up with pages of notes and basically an outline of the primary chapters. Recommended this to my wife.
November 4, 2010
Fantastic book that will go over the basics for anyone who is new in the industry and any experienced person who wants a review. A must read for those who want to carry concealed.
August 5, 2011
This a great book one that you can read over and over and still learn from it. Very informal and easy to understand.
June 9, 2012
Excellent, thorough, informative reference for anyone who does or ever plans to conceal carry
February 19, 2016
Very informative and helpful.
March 10, 2016
Pretty good information. Written more for people completely new to guns. It's pretty helpful overall.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews