Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals

by Michael Martin

This is a comprehensive introduction into issues of personal and home defense including environmental awareness, development of personal and home defense plans, handgun/shotgun/AR-15 basics, legal issues, the physiology of violent encounters, shooting fundamentals, suggested drills for basic and advanced skills, and suggestions for gear and gadgets. This ebook emphasizes the great responsibility that goes with using firearms, and the legal ramifications of ever having to use one. In fact, the book encourages the reader to develop safety awareness and tactics to avoid ever having to use deadly force.

249 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Michael Martin lives in Woodbury, Minnesota, with his wife Sara, and two little boys, Jack and Sam. Michael is an author and firearms instructor, and serves as a Lieutenant with the Woodbury Fire Department. Michael is the author of the “Fundamental” series of firearms books, available online; and through Gander Mtn. Academy, Gander Mountain retail stores, and through dozens of training organizations nationwide. Michael is also the owner and director of Minnesota Tactics, a firearms training organization specializing in introducing beginners to the world of self-defense, firearms, and the shooting sports. Michael is an NRA-certified instructor; and is a member of the International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors (IALEFI) and is a graduate of the IALEFI Master Instructor course.

Reviews

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as a gift to review from Goodreads. I prefer to approach books with a healthy dose of skepticism and caution, so I don't believe the "free book" factor biased my opinion of Michael Martin's book. I have been searching for some time for a gun handbook that would 1. validate my desire to protect my family as a constitutional right 2. give me some great beginner advice on how to go about owning a handgun 3. not talk down to me because I am a woman, and 4. give me concrete "What now?" and "What next?" steps. I did a little pre-reading homework and discovered that Michael Martin has extensive law enforcement instructor training and even owns a firearms training organization. I was ready to read what he had to share, while nervously preparing myself for another droll walk through an egotistical "I know it all and you know nothing" handbook. I was pleasantly surprised! This book hit one out of the ballpark for me. No only did it generously fill my above-mentioned requirements, it added MUCH more than I expected. Upon receiving it, my son, Andrew (8) and I devoured nearly all of it in one sitting. The author's use of instructions, rules, codes, suggestions, photos (with the author and his family modeling some of the principles), illustrations, and etc. were captivating and engaging, while maintaining their professionalism. Not only did my son and I have an enjoyable time reading this book, it also acted as a catalyst for sharing some wonderful, long-forgotten memories about my experiences with my father's guns and rifles as a child. I love the straightforward clarity of the chapters in this book. I can easily find what I need on personal and family protection fundamentals, gun safety, universal safety rules, finding the right firearm, malfunctions and what to do about them, accuracy and stance, what happens physically and emotionally in and after violent encounters, legalities and rights, "Gear and Gadgets," and training drills for beginners and more advanced skill levels. Kudos to the author for including sections on women "Getting Your Spouse Involved" and children "Raising Kids Around Guns" (with tidbits of wisdom on both mixed into the other chapters). My sister wants to borrow this book from me which I was perfectly willing to allow before I actually opened it, but now I'm hesitant to let it out of my hands. Frankly, it has also become a handy reference book, and I have assigned myself some work to do based on what I've learned so far (especially: read "The Cornered Cat," play the awareness game whenever I'm out with my boys, and find a local women's shooting club to join). After reading this book, I believe it's possible for someone like me to actually have a concealed weapons permit and to carry it well and wisely. This book was geared specifically toward self and home defense. Now, I want to read one by Michael Martin about game hunting! If he doesn't have one, I'm hoping he'll consider writing one within the next couple of years. I'm looking forward to sharing with my boys what my dad would have shared with them (hunting rabbit, deer, duck, and etc.) had he lived.

[Jamie Steagall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been tossing around the idea of getting myself a handgun now that my state has jumped on the wagon (finally) in allowing concealed carry here. Up until reading this, I only knew the basics from friends, family, and a little online research. I knew I wanted to feel safe, and feel like I had a "last resort" in the worse-case scenario. I love that idea of feeling safe. However, after reading this book I now realize that there is just so much more to it! There's so much more thought that I need to put into it, so much more I need to consider before deciding on which gun to buy. Is it right for me? I now have a "to do" list that's three times as long that must be completed before finding the gun for me. Now not only did this book cover the ins and outs, pros and cons, but there's so much information on everything from what ways you can keep yourself out of harms target to begin with. Ways to help build a plan for you and your family in preventing ever having to reach for that gun. The book covers the basics for those of us who have never even looked at guns yet, to the advanced skills that even those who have been shooting for years still need to learn about or refresh in regards to self defense. This book is over-flowing with useful information, I recommend it to anyone who owns a firearm, and especially those who are considering owning one...it's a must-read!

[Big D · Rating 4 out of 5]

For such a short book (205 pages) with plenty of graphics it is pretty amazing the breadth and depth this author was able to cover on this subject. He probably could have published a book 5 to 10 times longer. I have experience with firearms so I was kind of "looking for problems" with this book. I didn't find any. He covered plenty and he covered it plenty well. Personal protection plans, handgun and ammunition basics, shooting fundamentals, conflict avoidance, gear, drills, physiology, psychology, police report "Dos and Don'ts", flashlight holds, etc.!

Also, along with the "cool" subjects like shooting fundamentals, tactics and gear, he covered the two "elephants in the room": 1) legal use of force and 2) violent encounters and their aftermath. It's all fun and games... until somebody gets hurt. Literally.

He covered safety, safety and safety to "my" satisfaction and I'm looking forward to trying out the drills at the back of the book. This book should be great for novices. People with firearms familiarity and experience may not "need" this book... but I would still recommend it!

[Mary Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be read by everyone who is considering purchasing a handgun for personal self-defense. I'm a senior citizen woman of small stature, and I believe that a responsible adult has a duty to provide for their own safety. Therefore, I took a concealed carry class where the instructor used this book. "Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals" covers every aspect of owning and using a handgun, including safety rules, choosing the right firearm, psychological and physiological effects, legal considerations, and much more. After taking the class and buying the gun that best fits my needs (and plenty of practice at the range!), I now feel much more confident. Other older Americans can gain that confidence too - Start by purchasing this book!Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read! Regardless if your new to firearms or an expert and everyone in between. There is something to learn in this book! Well put together with up to date illustrations and real world advice.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for any gun owner. This author does an amazing job of breaking down complex themes into simple to understand examples. Excellent graphics and an easy read.

[Richard Ayalin · Rating 5 out of 5]

definitely a must read

Very good book that everyone who wants to has a CCW should read. Very informative and has drills at the end to practice.

[Fernando · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a comprehensive introduction into issues of personal and home defense including environmental awareness, development of a personal and home defense plan, handgun/shotgun/AR-15 basics, legal issues, the physiology of violent encounters, shooting fundamentals, suggested drills for basic and advanced skills, and suggestions for gear and gadgets.

I liked that this ebook emphasizes the great responsibility that goes with using firearms, and the legal ramifications of ever having to use one. In fact, the book encourages the reader to develop safety awareness and tactics to avoid ever having to use deadly force.

The ebook itself was formatted beautifully! It displayed nicely on my Apple iPad mini. This ebook uses a pleasing mix of high-quality photos, short galleries, short movies, and interactivity, that not only add to the visual appeal but aid in the understanding of the material.

I can highly recommend this ebook for anyone interested in learning more about this timely topic.

[Bonita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually received this book from a self-defense site that was giving it away in a contest. When I got it I actually thought my husband would get more out of it then I would, but I was wrong. It not only covers things that my husband is concerned about like gun safety and information about different guns, but I have found this useful not only in the self-defense information it gives but also in learning how to put safety first in different situations. I also found it useful in teaching my youngest daughter, who is the only one at home, on how to stay safe at home and when she is out and about. I would recommend this book to everyone, especially for those families who are concerned about safety and keeping their children safe. I think this is probably the most read book other then my Bible in our home. We often refer back to it throughout the year, especially when my husband is considering a new gun purchase or other safety needs.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. I entered for this book because I am now the Medical Officer for the 4th RGT of the Texas State Guard. I retired from the Army and always fired a unit weapon and never owned my own. I now need to own my own weapon in order to qualify and this book has everything I need. The explanations, pictures and examples are very clear and complete. The book answered all of my questions. I took it with me to our last Drill and the Logistics NCO reviewed it and agreed the book is a basic and complete review of the fundamentals of choosing and owning a weapon. I appreciate the focus on safety. The occasional historical vignettes were an interesting bonus.

[George · Rating 3 out of 5]

For such a short book (205 pages) with plenty of graphics; the author managed much breadth and depth. The author's use of instructions, rules, codes, suggestions, photos, illustrations, and etc. were captivating and engaging, while maintaining their professionalism. It covers every aspect of owning and using a handgun, including safety rules, choosing the right firearm, psychological and physiological effect. This book should be read by everyone who is considering purchasing a handgun for personal self-defense.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer - I received this book for free as a First Reads Giveaway.

I think this was a really good, comprehensive overview of handgun related issues. The information was well organized and covered keeping yourself safe in ways other than brandishing a weapon and what to do afterwards. The graphics and descriptions were clear and made the information easy to understand.

[Troy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

[Kimberly Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

[Jessica]

Recommended on The Cornered Cat's good books list