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Deadly Force - Understanding Your Right To Self Defense
In a long-awaited update of the world's most authoritative work on the subject, Massad Ayoob draws from an additional three decades of experience to educate responsible firearms owners about the legal, ethical, and practical use of firearms in self defense-the armed citizens' rules of engagement.
Deadly Force
Understand the legal and ethical issues surrounding use of lethal force by private citizens Learn about the social and psychological issues surrounding use of lethal force in defense of self or others Preparation and mitigation--steps the responsible armed citizen can/should take
Deadly Force
Understand the legal and ethical issues surrounding use of lethal force by private citizens Learn about the social and psychological issues surrounding use of lethal force in defense of self or others Preparation and mitigation--steps the responsible armed citizen can/should take
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 21, 2014
269 people are currently reading
381 people want to read
About the author
Massad Ayoob
123 books63 followersMassad Ayoob is an internationally known firearms and self-defense instructor. He has taught police techniques and civilian self-defense to both law enforcement officers and private citizens in numerous venues since 1974. Ayoob has appeared as an expert witness in several trials. He has served as a part-time police officer in New Hampshire since 1972 and holds the rank of Captain in the Grantham, New Hampshire police department.
Ayoob has authored several books and more than 1,000 articles on firearms, combat techniques, self-defense, and legal issues, and has served in an editorial capacity for Guns Magazine, American Handgunner, Gun Week, and Combat Handguns. Since 1995, he has written self-defense- and firearms-related articles for Backwoods Home Magazine.
Ayoob has authored several books and more than 1,000 articles on firearms, combat techniques, self-defense, and legal issues, and has served in an editorial capacity for Guns Magazine, American Handgunner, Gun Week, and Combat Handguns. Since 1995, he has written self-defense- and firearms-related articles for Backwoods Home Magazine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
January 31, 2019
2.75 stars. Ayoob has a lot to teach, even for those of us who went to law school, have been in trials, and are familiar with the law of self defense. If you haven’t read anything on these topics you could do worse than to read this book. There are important concepts here armed citizens need to master and learn. The teacher isn’t as important as the content.
If you do read it, though, be prepared for lots of filler of the sort you’d fault in a high school student (Wikipedia and online dictionary quotes, anyone ?) reprints of articles, self aggrandizement, and above all, smug privilege - especially in the discussion of the Trayvon Martin case. For him to say the case had nothing to do with race,and to gloss over Zimmerman’s provocation and escalation of the situation by following him, feels like it’s implausible credulousness or straight up disingenuousness. His discussion of the “real meaning “ of the civil rights movement, or his nauseating assertion that persons of color no longer have to worry about lynchings or overt racially motivated violence and their real concern is violence within their own community - reveal exactly what kind of blind spots and privileges this man has. Again I say this with due deference to his lifetime of work in the criminal justice field.
In this he is much like many other conservative authors who speak on gun rights. I wish there were more pro second amendment voices from LBGTQ people, women, and people of color - marginalized people for whom taking responsibility for our own defense in appropriate circumstances is every bit as or more critical as it is for the populations doing the marginalizing.
If I find a better book on the topics here I’ll amend this review. Until then, hold your nose at times, but read and learn. You don’t have to agree with all of it - I certainly don’t - but it’s worth reading.
If you do read it, though, be prepared for lots of filler of the sort you’d fault in a high school student (Wikipedia and online dictionary quotes, anyone ?) reprints of articles, self aggrandizement, and above all, smug privilege - especially in the discussion of the Trayvon Martin case. For him to say the case had nothing to do with race,and to gloss over Zimmerman’s provocation and escalation of the situation by following him, feels like it’s implausible credulousness or straight up disingenuousness. His discussion of the “real meaning “ of the civil rights movement, or his nauseating assertion that persons of color no longer have to worry about lynchings or overt racially motivated violence and their real concern is violence within their own community - reveal exactly what kind of blind spots and privileges this man has. Again I say this with due deference to his lifetime of work in the criminal justice field.
In this he is much like many other conservative authors who speak on gun rights. I wish there were more pro second amendment voices from LBGTQ people, women, and people of color - marginalized people for whom taking responsibility for our own defense in appropriate circumstances is every bit as or more critical as it is for the populations doing the marginalizing.
If I find a better book on the topics here I’ll amend this review. Until then, hold your nose at times, but read and learn. You don’t have to agree with all of it - I certainly don’t - but it’s worth reading.
July 2, 2015
If you have a CCL you need to read this book. Explains Castle Doctrine and Stand your ground, and a whole lot more that you would never think of.
September 22, 2023
A must read for anyone who carry a firearm.
A very easy to read book about the responsibilities and possible consequences of using a firearm in self defense. Highly recommended.
A very easy to read book about the responsibilities and possible consequences of using a firearm in self defense. Highly recommended.
March 16, 2019
If you're concerned about self defense at all, if you carry or own a weapon of any sort, then you need this book.
The author is a subject matter expert, well known in shooting circles and goes into details about the legal ramifications of using and carrying a weapon.
The case studies inside are sobering and he dispels many of the stupid myths that abound in the world of those who own guns for defensive purposes.
Get it, read it, apply it, or forever run the risk of ending up in prison and/or losing everything you own.
The author is a subject matter expert, well known in shooting circles and goes into details about the legal ramifications of using and carrying a weapon.
The case studies inside are sobering and he dispels many of the stupid myths that abound in the world of those who own guns for defensive purposes.
Get it, read it, apply it, or forever run the risk of ending up in prison and/or losing everything you own.
September 30, 2019
If you carry or plan to carry a concealed firearm, this is a must-read book. In this book, you will learn how to avoid many possible pitfalls to concealed carrying. Ayoob dispels mainstream firearm myths and persuades you to prepare yourself factually, mentally, and physically for an altercation, so that in case an altercation occurs, you will make the wisest (lawful) decision with the available information. You have the right to self defense, but Ayoob wants to be sure that at least 12 others are able to see that in your case, should you have to go to court.
April 4, 2015
Because I'm a graduate of one of Mas's week-long courses, I expected this book to be a review. I was pleasantly surprised. There is a lot of material in this book that was new to me. The only drawback is that one chapter is cut-and-pasted from his blog with minimal editing. The chapter is good material, but it gave the book a bit of a cheesy feel. If Mas had asked me, I would have volunteered to edit it for him.
July 1, 2018
This is the gold standard for anyone who wants to even think about starting to apply for their concealed carry permit. I would recommend this book to anyone who ever put a loaded firearm in their pocket and walked out into a public place with it on their person. Don't even leave the house with a pistol until you have read this book and understood everything it describes. Ayoob is just keping it real.
November 5, 2018
Thought provoking book on the triad of self defense. This is the second book I have read by Massad Ayoob and found it very informative. This is the first time I have read an analysis of the Zimmerman trial and defense and found it eye opening. One of many must read books for anyone in the CCW permit community.
October 31, 2015
Author updates his recommendations from his first book: In The Gravest Extreme.
Update covers recent Laws & Court decisions including: Zimmerman/Martin in Florida.
Update covers recent Laws & Court decisions including: Zimmerman/Martin in Florida.
May 15, 2020
Must read for all gun owners
Really a must read for all, but especially new gun owners. Great life examples and interesting cases, what to do in real life scenarios and what not.
Really a must read for all, but especially new gun owners. Great life examples and interesting cases, what to do in real life scenarios and what not.
April 21, 2020
Wow. I had no idea what I got myself into with this one. I really just picked this up because I wanted to be able to be more articulate about the principle of self defense with a firearm. But what this book really teaches you is so much more practical in the unfortunate event that you should actually have to use a firearm in self defense. Probably most revealing to me, and yet hard to read, was the damage an attacker can do to a victim with non-firearms, even just feet and fists. And how quickly an attacker can cover ground to get to you, the victim. All these are important things to know BEFORE an unfortunate but likely legal battle after using a firearm to defend life. But don't take it from me. Read this book. Know that self defense with a firearm will sadly lead to a legal battle. And take defensive firearms courses. I will be.
July 18, 2017
Excellent and a must read
Anyone considering a concealed weapon permit or just having a firearm for home defense should read this book. What you might think is commonsense will surprise you. Learn what makes a good / justified shooting and even then that is not enough. You will learn the minimum that should be said in the event you are involved in a shooting and the importance of selling an attorney before fully cooperating with law enforcement to protect yourself.
Anyone considering a concealed weapon permit or just having a firearm for home defense should read this book. What you might think is commonsense will surprise you. Learn what makes a good / justified shooting and even then that is not enough. You will learn the minimum that should be said in the event you are involved in a shooting and the importance of selling an attorney before fully cooperating with law enforcement to protect yourself.
September 23, 2020
This is an absolute must read for anyone thinking about carrying a firearm for the defense of themselves and those that depend on them. The reader would benefit from this book even if they do not intend to carry a firearm, but simply keep a gun at home for self defense in that setting. Massad Ayoob is a very clear cut, no BS writer and this book will leave the reader much better informed about what to expect in the event that they are ever forced to use deadly force.
February 25, 2025
Provides valuable insight for civilians to determine if the use of deadly force is justified in a given situation. Ayoob uses trials where he was an expert witness, and other newsworthy cases, to explain how courts will view a shooting. A worthwhile read for anyone who carries a weapon for self defense.
July 22, 2018
Required reading
Any and all newbie to conceal carry must buy this book. Parts of it are information overload but are very important. It is the resource needed to make what truly is a life changing decision.
Any and all newbie to conceal carry must buy this book. Parts of it are information overload but are very important. It is the resource needed to make what truly is a life changing decision.
February 18, 2019
This is a nice and comprehensive guide on self defense with the primary emphasis on how to do so in the context of firearms. He covers several areas including use, prevention, common sense and application of laws. This is a good complement to any firearm enthusiasts library.
September 22, 2020
Essential Information Engagingly Written
Ayoob's experience and expertise, spanning decades, are part of the reason for reading his work. His teaching ability and writing skill make learning a pleasure!
Ayoob's experience and expertise, spanning decades, are part of the reason for reading his work. His teaching ability and writing skill make learning a pleasure!
March 25, 2017
Excellent read with great information.
I recommend this book to anybody that carries or is thinking about concealed carry. At a minimum it will provide you with invaluable knowledge.
I recommend this book to anybody that carries or is thinking about concealed carry. At a minimum it will provide you with invaluable knowledge.
May 29, 2018
A must read for anyone licensed to carry.
July 7, 2018
if you carry, you should read this book. Anything by Mass should be required.
December 14, 2018
Great case studies. Interesting statistics and facts. Learned a lot!
January 20, 2019
Required reading
This should be required reading of all Concealed Carry practitioners. I will be highly recommending it to all my students. .
This should be required reading of all Concealed Carry practitioners. I will be highly recommending it to all my students. .
December 4, 2019
Topically, this is right on the mark. It's a bit over-written. Still, this is authoritative, informative, and sound written by an expert in the topic.
March 14, 2020
Great book...a must read for anyone who carries a firearm for self-defense.
March 17, 2020
Second time I've read it. Worth every minute
September 30, 2020
Deadly Force: Understanding Your Right To Self Defense is an outstanding guide to your rights and responsibilities that everyone who carries a concealed firearm should read.
April 29, 2021
Everyone who conceal carries should read this book & learn the laws/tips. Especially in these crazy times. May save you a lot later.
August 7, 2021
Excellent! Should be considered required reading by anyone who values the right to self defense.
June 6, 2023
Learned a lot - outstanding book.
August 31, 2023
a must read
If you carry for protection and self defense this a must read. Shopbop explains in clear detail the heavy responsibility and repercussions of doing so.
If you carry for protection and self defense this a must read. Shopbop explains in clear detail the heavy responsibility and repercussions of doing so.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews