Self Defense Fire Arm Reading List

There are dozens of books out there that deal with the safe operation of fire arms, tactics and self defense, and scenarios. Here are several that I recommend as an initial reading list for my basic CCW students. With one exception all can be had from Amazon.com If you have a favorite please include it in a comment. Please include your self in the follower area of the blog so you will automatically receive new blog information as it comes out every few days or so. Here is my list:

Guns, Bullets, and Gunfights
Jim Cirillo 1996

The late Jim Cirillo was a retired NYPD detective and was involved in many gun fights as a result of being assigned to the Armed Robbery Detail for many years and staking out convenience stores in high crime areas of New York City. His account of what an actual defensive gun fight is like and how to prepare for that event is good information to have. He has a chapter or two on reloading, which unless you are into that, you can skip. The rest of the information is very valuable to anyone carrying a defensive concealed fire arm.

In the Gravest Extreme
Massad Ayoob 1980

The author is a police officer and attorney with over 30 years of law enforcement experience. In the book he talks about mind set, preparation, decision making, situational awareness and avoidance of a gun fight. He has a number of books in print and all are excellent and easy to read. This is good information to start off with.

On Killing
Lt. Col. Dave Grossman (Ret US Army) 1995

Col. Grossman is a Psychologist and is considered an expert in the emotional process of using deadly force by a rational normal human being (just like you and I). He also talks about Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. I would also recommend his companion book "On Combat". The book is written in an academic format but for the most part understandable for the average reader. This is a good resource for a college student doing research on any use of force issues; and a recommended read for anyone carrying a self defense fire arm.

Missouri Weapons and Self Defense Law
Kevin Jamison 2003

A required reading for anyone acquiring a Missouri CCW permit. It is a good read for anyone in the USA who is carrying a fire arm for self defense. The author discusses at great length use of force decision making and backs his points up with real life situations he has run into in his 35+ years as a Criminal Defense Attorney. While the title may suggest a dry read the book is filled with personal quips and the author's own brand of dry humor. The author was also a US Army Special Forces soldier in Vietnam.

The book is available at most gun shops in the Kansas City area, at my class room, or from the author at KLJamisonLaw@earthlink.net

Thank God I had a Gun
Chris Bird 2007

The book from beginning to end deals with actual citizen self defense situations with a critique of each one. If you are new to carrying defensive firearms and, especially if you have a significant other who is doubtful about self defense situations, this book is also a "must read".

Terror at Beslan
John Giduck 2005

The author is a retired US Army Special Forces member with a depth of knowledge (and contacts) with the Russian Special Forces. The author was able to get into the public school in Beslan, South Ossetia, Russia a week after religious terrorists took over the school and initially held over 1,000 hostages. When the final battle took place four days later 600 hostages remained. 300 hostages were killed, executed by the fanatics, before the Russian Special Forces were able to take control. Of the 300 people murdered in the last battle 179 were small children. This is a book that goes into great detail about how a terrorist is turned into a merciless psychotic. Can this happen in America? Professionally written and researched this is a must read for anyone who wants to learn more about the terrorist mindset.