best firearm / self defense book?

[Guest friesepferd]

I am looking for a few good books on the topic of firearms and self defense.

Either arguments for, stories of people who have, etc. I'm not too picky. Just something that is a good and informative read.

Preferably something I can get in e-form from the sony store or similar.

[robbiev]

One book that I recommend is Principles of Self Defense by Jeff Cooper (I'm pretty sure that's the one, but I'm not at home or I could be sure). ETA: Yes, that's it.

It's not actually about guns, but it's got some really good principles in it and it's a fairly short read.

Edited May 4, 2011 by robbiev

[RobertNashville]

Aside from Jeff Cooper's book (which is excellent) I'd also pick up "In The Gravest Extreme").

There are plenty of good books out here but Jeff Cooper's book and this one ^ are probably two that should not only be in every library of anyone who carries or is thinking of carrying a weapon on them for self defense but should be read again and again.

[Jonnin]

well, the 5 rings does have some commentary about guns in it as they were just coming into being.... and it might help you shoot better if you are into that self meditation stuff, but its mostly swordplay/zen.

[Will Carry]

Tsun Tsu, The Art of War. Don't read any other book, besides the Bible, until you have read and understand Tsun Tsu. It's like warfare 101.

[BBill_TN]

The Concealed Handgun Manual by Chris Bird: How To Choose, Carry and Shoot A Gun In Self Defense. I read this book early on and thought it had a pretty complete overview. I think his initial book was geared just for texas, but was broadened to bring information relative to all carry states. Would offer to let anyone borrow my copy, but never got it back from the first person I let borrow it

[sigrug17]

A lot of good, sound, and logical stuff by Massad Ayoob, books/ articles/ and instruction.

Massad Ayoob

[Guest friesepferd]

thanks for the suggestions so far. ill certainly check them out.

and ya.. i guess I’m looking more for stories and discussion about self defense and about guns and moral and such, more than a 'handgun carry 101' book.. if far past that. more looking for some good intellectual stuff.

[peejman]

Amazon.com: Lessons from Armed America (9780982248768): Mark Walters, Kathy Jackson: Books

The book presents actual scenarios with details from both a defense and legal perspective.

Kathy Jackson aka "Cornered Cat".

[Guest friesepferd]

ah cool. didnt know she had actually written any books.

not surprised though, as good of a writter as she is.

[Guest RichieRich]

The Concealed Handgun Manual by Chris Bird: How To Choose, Carry and Shoot A Gun In Self Defense. I read this book early on and thought it had a pretty complete overview. I think his initial book was geared just for texas, but was broadened to bring information relative to all carry states. Would offer to let anyone borrow my copy, but never got it back from the first person I let borrow it

The other ones listed in the responses are all good, but this is my choice for "if I could buy just one book to start".

[Smith]

"The Art of War" by Tsun Tsu and "Shooting to Live" Sykes/Fairbairn are excellent. Everything else is based off these.

[TN-popo]

Mindset

LEADERSHIP AND TRAINING FOR THE FIGHT by Paul Howe

EQUAL OR GREATER FORCE by Kit Cessna

ON COMBAT by Dave Grossman

PRINCIPLES OF PERSONAL DEFENSE by Jeff Cooper

THE COMBATIVE PERSPECTIVE by Gabe Suarez

Technique

COMBATIVE FUNDAMENTALS by Jeff Gonzales

HANDGUN COMBATIVES by Dave Spaulding

THE BOOK OF TWO GUNS by Tiger McKee

GREEN EYES AND BLACK RIFLES by Kyle Lamb (rifle specific)

Edited May 6, 2011 by TN-popo