The following is part of a continuing series of articles intended to provide a starting point for those new to concealed carry. There is much to learn and great satisfaction to be had but figuring out where to begin can be daunting for newcomers. The intent of the series is to provide useful information for those beginning the transition to the concealed carry lifestyle.
As more people embrace the concealed carry lifestyle, the importance of training and education becomes increasingly obvious. Ironically, the training and education directly related to the firearm is probably the easiest to obtain. But just as important are all the other things that a legally armed citizen needs to know to stay safe.
The primary goal of an armed citizen should be to avoid being in a situation where deadly force is needed to defend life. This involves understanding how criminals behave so they can be avoided. It also includes being aware of your surroundings. Finally if you are involved in a self-defense incident, having the mindset to prevail. You win every fight that you avoid.
The following books provide some of the information to help you be a responsible and safe legally armed citizen:
- Concealed Carry Class by Tom Givens – This is a soup to nuts book on concealed carry. Tom Givens is a legend in the firearms training community and his Rangemaster School is known throughout the country. This book is well written so its easy and enjoyable to read. Subjects Givens addresses include:
- Why Carry?
- Legal Considerations
- Color Codes and Awareness
- Mindset
- Firearms and Holsters
- Training and Tactics
Given’s book is a must read for all new concealed carriers and can be purchased here.
- What You Don’t Know Can Kill You by Marc MacYoung and Jenna Meek – A primary goal of the legally armed citizen is to avoid trouble. MacYoung and Meek focus on criminal behavior and learning what to look for to avoid being selected as a victim. They address the difference between social and asocial violence and the importance of recognizing the signs of each. The book uses a series of case studies involving a fictional character to illustrate everything from avoiding the situation to what happens in the aftermath of a self-defense incident. Their book can be purchased here.
- Deadly Force Encounters 2nd by Alexis Artwohl PhD and Loren W Christensen – This book examines actual deadly force incidents involving both law enforcement officers and legally armed citizens. Through interviews with those involved the authors explore exactly what was experienced during the incident as well as events leading up to the incident and the aftermath of using deadly force. The book is much more than a collection of deadly force incidents and is an entertaining and worthwhile read. The book can be purchased here.
- Understanding Your Right to Self Defense by Massad Ayoob – Massad Ayoob is another legend in the firearms industry. Ayoob is a gun writer, author of multiple books, trainer, former law enforcement officer, and nationally recognized expert witness. In this book Ayoob focuses on the legal aspects of self-defense. Ayoob explains the concept of Ability, Opportunity, and Jeopardy and other critical concepts. He also examines actual cases, including the George Zimmerman case, from an insider’s expert perspective. Ayoob’s book is another must read for all new concealed carriers and can be purchased here.
- From Luby’s to the Legislature by Suzanna Gratia Hupp – This book describes a tragic real life incident from the perspective of the person involved. I’ve written about this incident here for those interested in learning more. Suzanna Gratia Hupp lost her parents in a mass shooting incident in Luby’s Cafeteria in Texas in October of 1991. She was having lunch with her parents when the killer crashed his truck through the window, got out, and started shooting. 21 people including Hupp’s parents were killed. Hupp witnessed her father’s murder from about fifteen feet away. She could have easily shot the killer except she left her gun in the car because of the concealed carry laws in Texas at the time. The reason I include the book here is to reinforce the idea that if you carry, you should always carry. To not carry because you’re just going to the 7/11 or you’re just going out for gas is ill-advised. Violence can happen anyplace at any time. This is the reason we carry. The book is a must read and can be purchased here.
The right to self-defense is a basic human right. Gun ownership is an integral part of that right. If you want to keep your rights defend them by joining San Diego County Gun Owners (SDCGO) in San Diego, Orange County Gun Owners (OCGO) in Orange County, San Bernardino County Gun Owners (SBCGO) in San Bernardino County or Riverside County Gun Owners (RCGO) in Riverside. Support the cause by listening to Gun Sports Radio live on Sunday afternoon or on the internet at your leisure. Join the fight and help us restore and preserve our second amendment rights. Together we will win.
©2020 Joseph T Drammissi