I rate a book a nine, if I would spend the time to read it a second time. Of this I felt less certain. The last fifty pages were tangential to the main subject. The last ten pages pages--about the author's experience crossing the Atlantic by ocean liner--had nothing to do with the subject of the book. While I found the chapter fascinating reading, I have no idea why it was included.

Lastly, absent further understanding about pistols, one concludes from Cooper that 9mm pistols have little efficacy for personal defense. This may be so, but I am hesitant to accept his conclusion without corroboration. In sum, the book is very good, written well, and will satisfy the most critical reader looking for a book about personal protection with firearms, pistols, rifles, the use of firearms in hunting, and a personal philosophy that suggests--correctly, I believe--that the person in the morning mirror has responsibility for his life and that of his loved ones.


A Must for Every Man Calling Himself a Free Citizen   November 19, 2000
 22 out of 25 found this review helpful

Colonel Jeff Cooper compresses volumes of information into one well-written, informative, and entertaining volume. He shares his experiences and philosphies with the reader as a father would share them with his son at the fireplace.

As a "Generation Xer" it is a great relief to know that this country will eventually be taken back by those who followed the Ten Commandments, read the Constitution, learned shooting from their fathers, and read Col Jeff Cooper's writings.

Read the book and see.


Wealth of information and entertainment   July 2, 2000
 9 out of 11 found this review helpful

I've enjoyed Cooper's magazine column, seen him profiled on "televisor", and quoted or alluded to by gunwriter after gunwriter. Now I know why. The essays in this book hold the attention of the reader. Cooper's technique and technical knowledge have changed tactics and policy for law enforcement agencies worldwide. Manufacturers produce rifles and handguns to his specs. High-ranking members of the military and those charged with the protection of VIP's all over the world have been trained by him. All this combined with the fact that he is a great writer make this book a necessity. There is far more than instruction here.


This book should be part of your self-defense library   June 19, 2000
 7 out of 8 found this review helpful

This is an excellent general text on the mindset and tactical skills needed to survive an armed encouter. It discusses pistols, rifles and shotguns; and the proper use of each weapon.

I recommend it to any intermediate or advanced student of the art of armed self-defense.


Straight talk on firearms and self-protection   May 27, 2000
 12 out of 13 found this review helpful

This is one of the most thought-provoking books on the often controversial subject of keeping firearms for self protection. Gun enthusiasts would probably recognize the author as a veteran gun writer and the founder of Gunsite. The former marine Lt. Colonel pulls no punches here, all the topics from firearms selection, technique, training, to proper mindset are discussed simply and directly in the manner for which Cooper is famous. A great book for anybody for keeps or intends to keep a personal firearm. An interesting read even if you sometimes don't agree with what Cooper says.