The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Books About Self-Defense

Glamdring · March 17, 2001, 10:32 AM

If only one book then Cooper's The Principles of Personal Defense. Provides instruction/advice for mental aspect of defense, only lacks specific technique [ie just how do you attack this 300 lbs goblin effectivly]

Next to buy would be Dead Clients Don't Pay: The Bodyguards Manual by Leroy Thompson. Covers the nuts and bolts techniques needed to avoid trouble, spot it comeing, or stack odds in your favor. Teaches the basics of home/building security very well. Covers the basic types of weapons [handguns, shotguns, SMG's, rifles] and what they are realistically suited for. Also covers vehical security.

IMO if you buy those two books and read them [many times] and apply them you will be well covered. They will give you enough understanding to determine what specific skills you need to master to satisfy your needs/wants for personal, home, & family security.

For more specific skills related to self defense, but that don't really deal with self defense holistically.

For guns/handguns get:

Gabe Suarez's The Tactical Pistol
And Suarez's The Tactical Advantage
Rex Applegate's Kill or Get Killed

As to Ayoob his stuff is not worth buying to be honest. Most of what he has to offer, that is worthwhile, deals with the legal issues involved with shooting. Those issues would be bettter addressed by a local lawyer or thru CCW classes that some states require. Because they will reflect your state's specific laws.

March 17, 2001, 10:32 AM	#10
Glamdring Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2000 Location: MN Posts: 1,388	If only one book then Cooper's The Principles of Personal Defense. Provides instruction/advice for mental aspect of defense, only lacks specific technique [ie just how do you attack this 300 lbs goblin effectivly] Next to buy would be Dead Clients Don't Pay: The Bodyguards Manual by Leroy Thompson. Covers the nuts and bolts techniques needed to avoid trouble, spot it comeing, or stack odds in your favor. Teaches the basics of home/building security very well. Covers the basic types of weapons [handguns, shotguns, SMG's, rifles] and what they are realistically suited for. Also covers vehical security. IMO if you buy those two books and read them [many times] and apply them you will be well covered. They will give you enough understanding to determine what specific skills you need to master to satisfy your needs/wants for personal, home, & family security. For more specific skills related to self defense, but that don't really deal with self defense holistically. For guns/handguns get: Gabe Suarez's The Tactical Pistol And Suarez's The Tactical Advantage Rex Applegate's Kill or Get Killed As to Ayoob his stuff is not worth buying to be honest. Most of what he has to offer, that is worthwhile, deals with the legal issues involved with shooting. Those issues would be bettter addressed by a local lawyer or thru CCW classes that some states require. Because they will reflect your state's specific laws.