Tactics books

[Zero_G]

I'd like to get some recommendations on good books on handgun tactics for personal defense. [I understand that the best training includes personal instruction and range time, but I learn best by reading and understanding the background and theory, then getting the hands-on part after I've got the book learning drilled into my head.] I've been learning lots of things piecemeal here on this forum, just wondering if there are some good resources that pull it all together.

Keith

[LedJedi]

ditto that. I'm a reading learner too.

i'm especially interested in tactics and anything to do with developing and improving natural aim (not using the sights).

specifically, has anyone read this:

To Ride, Shoot Straight And Speak The Truth (Paperback)
by Jeff Cooper



I hear he's highly recommended.

[Skiprr]

I hear he's highly recommended.

You bettcha.

If you're a music major in college, you should know Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms.

If you're a hangunner, you should know Colonel Cooper.

[yerasimos]

I obtained a copy of Jeff Cooper's To Ride, Shoot Straight and Speak the Truth, and I found the first two sections (The Present and The Pistolero)useful. Interesting and useful philosophical commentary, ideas on mindset, and much more. Cooper called things as he saw them, straight up/neat, holding nothing back, uncowed by liability concerns, and it is very refreshing to read, particularly in these times. There is a lot of material toward the end that is not applicable to CCW, but it can be interesting reading. It is a book worth buying new, particularly if you do not have an prior experience with the Modern Technique or are not interested in the schools that promote it.

Cooper was never a big fan of unsighted gunfire (or point shooting), insisting upon, at minimum, a rough flash sight picture (or blitzblick, as it is sometimes called). Someone correct me if I am wrong, but the derivative Modern Technique/Gunsite crowd are even less enthusiastic about unsighted fire. However, the NRA's PPOH doctrine covers some "point-shooting", and I know there are other trainers out there that address this type of shooting.

I am not deliberately being unduly critical here, but I would prefer to separate the word handgun from tactics. To me, the word "tactics" denotes how one moves within a potentially- or known-hostile environment to maximize your advantage and minimize your disadvantage vis-a-vis one's opponent. Handgun marksmanship and how one chooses to manipulate a handgun of one's choosing can be treated seperately, particularly for a beginner.

[Charles L. Cotton]

I obtained a copy of Jeff Cooper's To Ride, Shoot Straight and Speak the Truth, and I found the first two sections (The Present and The Pistolero)useful. Interesting and useful philosophical commentary, ideas on mindset, and much more. Cooper called things as he saw them, straight up/neat, holding nothing back, uncowed by liability concerns, and it is very refreshing to read, particularly in these times. There is a lot of material toward the end that is not applicable to CCW, but it can be interesting reading. It is a book worth buying new, particularly if you do not have an prior experience with the Modern Technique or are not interested in the schools that promote it.

Cooper was never a big fan of unsighted gunfire (or point shooting), insisting upon, at minimum, a rough flash sight picture (or blitzblick, as it is sometimes called). Someone correct me if I am wrong, but the derivative Modern Technique/Gunsite crowd are even less enthusiastic about unsighted fire. However, the NRA's PPOH doctrine covers some "point-shooting", and I know there are other trainers out there that address this type of shooting.

I am not deliberately being unduly critical here, but I would prefer to separate the word handgun from tactics. To me, the word "tactics" denotes how one moves within a potentially- or known-hostile environment to maximize your advantage and minimize your disadvantage vis-a-vis one's opponent. Handgun marksmanship and how one chooses to manipulate a handgun of one's choosing can be treated seperately, particularly for a beginner.

Your post isn't hijacking the thread, but mine would be so I'm going to start another thread on "Point Shooting."

As for training books, much will depend upon what your skill level is at this point in your training. I would suggest that the NRA Guide to the Basics of Personal Protection Outside the Home would be a very good book to study. It covers far more than just shooting and it also does as good a job as is possible when it comes to teaching defensive shooting from a book. (As you noted, nothing takes the place of training and practice - in that order. Don't learn bad habits, then have to "unlearn" them later.)

Chas.

[G.C.Montgomery]

I'd like to get some recommendations on good books on handgun tactics for personal defense. [I understand that the best training includes personal instruction and range time, but I learn best by reading and understanding the background and theory, then getting the hands-on part after I've got the book learning drilled into my head.] I've been learning lots of things piecemeal here on this forum, just wondering if there are some good resources that pull it all together.

Keith

Here's some additional material you may find useful. By no means is it a complete list...There are many, many other resources out there. There are just what I came up with off the top of my head.

"The Farnam Method of Defensive Handgunning" by John Farnam.
"Women Learning to Shoot: A Guide for Law Enforcement Officers" by Vicki Farnam and Diane Nicholl can actually be a good resource for any new shooter.
"Surgical Speed Shooting" by Andy Sanford
"Tactical Pistol Marksmanship" by Gabe Suarez
"The Combative Perspective" by Gabe Suarez

Do not get sold on the musings of a single "authority." As you mature as a shooter, you will eventually develop your own opinions and there will be times that concepts you thought were fundamental are suddenly challenged in such a way that you completely change your way of thinking. Also, DO NOT under estimate the importance of hand-to-hand combative skills or alternative systems such as OC or compliance devices. We've said over and over again that not every defensive problem can or should be resolved with a gun.

[yerasimos]

Here's some additional material you may find useful. By no means is it a complete list...There are many, many other resources out there. There are just what I came up with off the top of my head.

"The Farnam Method of Defensive Handgunning" by John Farnam.
"Women Learning to Shoot: A Guide for Law Enforcement Officers" by Vicki Farnam and Diane Nicholl can actually be a good resource for any new shooter.
"Surgical Speed Shooting" by Andy Sanford
"Tactical Pistol Marksmanship" by Gabe Suarez
"The Combative Perspective" by Gabe Suarez.

Good choices. If I may, I would like to add Suarez' "The Tactical Advantage", both in its 1998 book and 2006 DVD formats, as studies in "tactics". SouthNarc's "Fighting Handgun" DVD is another take on handgun shooting, and is very highly spoken of. Thunder Ranch and Gunsite also put out DVDs, though I am sure they come short of delivering the full instructional experience at those facilities.

Do not get sold on the musings of a single "authority." As you mature as a shooter, you will eventually develop your own opinions and there will be times that concepts you thought were fundamental are suddenly challenged in such a way that you completely change your way of thinking. Also, DO NOT under estimate the importance of hand-to-hand combative skills or alternative systems such as OC or compliance devices. We've said over and over again that not every defensive problem can or should be resolved with a gun.

VERY WELL SAID!

Having read, seen and learned material from a variety of sources, one thing I have noticed is that sometimes a particular instructor or author may have a particular idea or ideas of what a fight would be like, or they may emphasize a particular type of fight in their instruction, based upon their fight experiences and/or the training venue.

To prepare for success vis a vis the proverbial "elephant", it makes sense to get pictures of "elephants" from as many angles as possible, before you find yourself face to face with one. Learning from a wide variety of sources, and finding and using what works well for you and setting aside what does not, can help without actually going "elephant hunting" as some of these instructors and authors have done.

[Zero_G]

Also, DO NOT under estimate the importance of hand-to-hand combative skills or alternative systems such as OC or compliance devices. We've said over and over again that not every defensive problem can or should be resolved with a gun.

That's why I've started taking Krav Maga classes - especially since they teach defense against weapons and what to do if/when you get control of the weapon.

Thanks for the book references!

Keith

[Zero_G]

As for training books, much will depend upon what your skill level is at this point in your training. I would suggest that the NRA Guide to the Basics of Personal Protection Outside the Home would be a very good book to study.

I don't seem to be able to find this title on the NRA website nor on Amazon. Could you please post a pointer to where to find it?

Keith

[stroo]

I would start with four books: Cooper' Principles of Self Defence, Ayoob's In the Gravest Extreme, Chris Bird's The Concealed Handgun Manual and an old one, Fairbairn and Sykes Shooting to Live.

The other books mentioned in this thread are all good but those are the four I would start with and in that order. You will find a lot of repetition between all of the books mentioned in the thread.

You can find a number of these books online at Pallidin Press.

[Paladin]

I'll put in seconds for Tactical Advantage and the NRA PPOH book.

The books aren't the same as doing coursework, but they are great to get you thinking.

In my mind paying $20 for a Tactical book and getting maybe 50% of the knowledge of a $400 Tactical course is a great deal.

And as you say Zero_G, reading the book first really drills the hands-on training into your head.

[fm2]

Fighting handgun DVD from Shivworks

Here's three essays from the site that are very good reading.
http://www.shivworks.com/mythproparm.asp
http://www.shivworks.com/commitment.asp
http://www.shivworks.com/systemsapproach.asp


Paul Howe's Leadership and Training for the Fight.
"On War" - Carl Von Clausewitz
Boyd : The Fighter Pilot who changed the Art of War by Robert Coram

[LedJedi]

hey, thanks to all for speaking up and adding their input. i have several books on order at amazon :)

Cant wait to try some of this stuff in application at the range :)

[Paladin]

Paul Howe's Leadership and Training for the Fight.

I recently picked up a copy. Still reading the book, but it's quite good so far.

Howe primarily writes from the military perspective, but his info is certainly useful for law enforcement and the rest of us. The amount of first hand experience Mr. Howe has really shows through in the book. He gives his genuine perspective, not politically correct answers.

I don't know how useful the book would be to beginners, but it is something new for the more advanced crowd.

[Charles L. Cotton]

Paul Howe's Leadership and Training for the Fight.

I recently picked up a copy. Still reading the book, but it's quite good so far.

Howe primarily writes from the military perspective, but his info is certainly useful for law enforcement and the rest of us. The amount of first hand experience Mr. Howe has really shows through in the book. He gives his genuine perspective, not politically correct answers.

I don't know how useful the book would be to beginners, but it is something new for the more advanced crowd.

Where did you find the book?
Chas.