Recommended reading re concealed carry?

[vito]

I know that there is a huge number of books out there on the subject of concealed carry and self defense. I'm just looking for recommendations on what books members here feel are the most valuable. Here in IL we are getting concealed carry as of 2014; I've taken the required class and will submit my application as soon as it is available. I am just hoping to be more prepared that just relying on "common sense". Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[Smoke]

I would definetely reccomend "In The Gravest Extreme" by Masaad Ayoob

I also reccomend this

http://www.tactical-life.com/tactics/10-commandments-of-concealed-carry/

 

[Hapworth]

It's revolver-centric, but Grant Cunningham's excellent "Defensive Revolver Fundamentals" covers much general concealed carry and self defense information.

And I'll second Ayoob's "In the Gravest Extreme", too, but read especially critically -- it hasn't been updated in decades and although the majority of the information and advice is superb, there are little things (like recommending warning shots...outside...on the street...in public ) that are way out of date.

 

[66Park]

It's revolver-centric, but Grant Cunningham's excellent "Defensive Revolver Fundamentals" covers much general concealed carry and self defense information.

I read this recently, and agree it's a great book, worth reading even if you carry an auto.

 

[major bumm]

I would definetely reccomend "In The Gravest Extreme" by Masaad Ayoob

I also agree; excellent book. Mas has another updated book called The Gun Digest Book of Concealed Carry: Massad Ayoob, Massad F. Ayoob: 9781440232671: Amazon.com: Books@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Gqfoh9sEL.@@AMEPARAM@@51Gqfoh9sEL.

 

[cmort666]

I know that there is a huge number of books out there on the subject of concealed carry and self defense. I'm just looking for recommendations on what books members here feel are the most valuable. Here in IL we are getting concealed carry as of 2014; I've taken the required class and will submit my application as soon as it is available. I am just hoping to be more prepared that just relying on "common sense". Thanks for any suggestions.

The "Gun Digest Book of Concealed Carry" and "Combat Handgunnery", both edited by Massad Ayoob.

 

[millisec]

First thing I would lookup online and read repeatedly are the laws of your state regarding guns, carrying and use of force. For that matter being IL I would read multiple interpretations of the laws until engrained into your head. IL is a state that was forced begrudgingly into allowing CCW and I don't expect they will make life easy for you and your fellow citizens. I suspect you will see more rules and regulations than most other states combined. Florida where I live is a non-preemption state meaning local governments can't make their own gun laws. I suspect every city and county in IL will have their own addon rules and regulations making life even more difficult. Makes me think of Philly days where the city ignored PA state law and would throw you in jail for carrying permit or not (now I believe a PA permit bans carrying in Philly). Think Chicago and dear leader Emanuel.

 

[shouldazagged]

Ed Lovette, The Snubby Revolver: The ECQ, Concealed Carry & Backup Standard. Excellent little book even if you don't elect to carry a snubby (my choice for EDC). Lovette is a former CIA operative, among other credentials, and has served as an instructor to various military and LE units.

 

[Der Biermeister]

Hopefully any book you read will hammer home Rule #1


NEVER ASSUME

 

[vito]

Thanks for the recommendations. I bought the Ayoob book and have read about half of it already. Seems to contain a great deal of what I would call common sense, especially its continuous reminders about what a world of **** you will find yourself in should you ever shoot someone, no matter how justified the shooting.

 

[RobzGuns]

Hopefully whoever's teaching your Concealed Carry class will cover MOST of the basics, including the new IL laws, some suggested (up-to-date) reading and reciprocity. When traveling to other States, you need to be aware of their laws as well as your Home State's.

Hopefully, your Instructors will also cover basic 'Dressing To Conceal' ideas.
Good Luck and Enjoy the class!

 

[vito]

Another interesting part of Ayoob's book that I thought worth noting is something I guess I never really gave much thought to. I always sort of assumed that should I encounter an intruder in my home, where I had him in my sights, I would likely yell "Freeze" or something similar and only shoot if I had to. Ayoob states that my saying anything, you likely will have the thug turn and shoot instantly, and therefore you need to shoot FIRST, including shooting the person in the back. He makes sense in saying that by breaking into your home he has already forfeited the right to be warned. This item alone has made me really think about this and made me especially glad I bought this book.

 

[BloodyThumb]

Thanks for the recommendations. I bought the Ayoob book and have read about half of it already. Seems to contain a great deal of what I would call common sense, especially its continuous reminders about what a world of **** you will find yourself in should you ever shoot someone, no matter how justified the shooting.

Common sense to you, but it is alarming to me how many people see a lot of that common sense as some sort of revelation when they read it.

I have worn out or lost multiple copies of Gravest Extreme over the years when people ask me about getting, in particular, their first gun, or at least first gun for self defense. I usually tell them to read it, seriously consider what is says, and if they still want an SD firearm we will talk further when they bring my book back. (I usually get a little louder when I say the "BRING MY BOOK BACK" part - doesn't always work).

I have been surprised about the number of people who have decided against buying something after reading it.

I have always been of the opinion that if they read it, and make that decision, it was most certainly the right decision.

In any case that book is always where I tell people to start. If something comes along that is better I will change... but it has not yet.