Essential Guide to Handguns: Firearm Instruction for Personal
Defense and Protection

Essential Guide to Handguns: Firearm Instruction for Personal Def...

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Customer Reviews

Strictly for Complete and Utter Novices

Reviewed by Confederate, 2009-05-24

I had high hopes for this book after reading the reviews, but having just received it and read it (or as much of it as I could bear), I have to say, if you're brand new to guns and only know what you've read in the instruction manual, this book may be for you. Despite the fact that there are few photographs, the language is bland and uninteresting, many of the facts and recommendations wrong and having inadequate information, still, you may find something useful in it if you can stay awake. Unfortunately, the cover is the most interesting thing about the book and, speaking of instruction manuals, the book reads like a giant one, itself.

There are numerous technical errors in the book, like referring to the S&W 66 as a .38 Spc. revolver (it's really a .357); bad advice, like recommending the Beretta .32 ACP Tomcat as reliable and dependable (it really has a congenitive problem with frame cracking), and finally, inadequate information (about one and three-quarters page on Smith & Wesson). It also doesn't have a decent breakdown of the various calibers and loads that are effective in home and concealed self defense.

It does describe what a revolver is, and how it's different from an automatic, how a centerfire is different from a rimfire, and safety tips...that sort of thing. The photos that do appear are tiny and many times, indistinct. No personal stories are included and, as I said, the text is dry and uninteresting. It might be a good idea to check out the "Look inside" feature.

All in all, this is the worst book in a collection of many other books, some better than others. My recommendation is to shop around for something better.

Excellent Reference Source

Reviewed by Patrick Carlin, 2009-05-14

This is a comprehensive and informative reference guide to the basics of all things related to handguns. It's a must-read for anyone new to shooting or anyone considering purchasing a firearm. However, advanced shooters can still gain from it. After owning it for over a year I still refer back to this book occasionally and it's worthy of keeping in my home library.

Handgun guide

Reviewed by Samuel Rice, 2008-12-12

I found the book to be very comprehensive for the description and function of handguns. It encompasses the technical specifics of handguns and explains the responcibilites for anyone who owns a handgun or is planning on purchasing one in the future. The contents of the book are concise and too the point. This is definitely a book that should be included in every gun owner and enthusiast's library.

Prep for Handguns

Reviewed by T. Mcindoe, 2008-09-09

This is a good book to obtain if you are buying a handgun for the first time. It gives you an overview of all of the options and rational for choosing a handgun to fit your needs and goals. It helps you buy the right gun the first time, and you can,t take the gun back once you have purchased it.

Essential Guide is the standard!

Reviewed by Larry M. Cliver, 2008-08-19

I have met Bruce Eimer and received my Florida non-resident CCW from his class here in Pennsylvania.
This book should prove a constant resource for those who own it. What I found refreshing about this book was the "no punches pulled" approach when it came to personal recommendations of various products offered in this book. I also found a single resource of practical information not found in other books. As far as a "standard" I couldn't recommend any other. From firearms, flashlights and pepper spray this book is as solid as it gets. If your a novice or expert this book has something to offer and as Gabe Suarez put it: A one-stop-source of information. It's a great foundation for responsible concealed carry. I strongly recommend this book!