The Concealed Handgun Manual

By Chris Bird

Reviewed by Dave Shultz

Everyone was a little shocked as news reports started trickling in after Hurricane Katrina about the massive looting and chaos that took over New Orleans.  There weren’t enough police or even National Guardsmen to stop gangs of thugs from stealing or destroying anything the hurricane didn’t get.

That’s what makes Chris Birds book so timely.  Even though gun ownership is a real political hot button, more and more Americans are choosing to control their own fate and not depend on overworked and underpaid civil servants to do it for them.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m an ex police officer and I know how important law enforcement is.  I would not want to be without it.  But, I also have a CCW (Concealed Carry, Concealed Weapon Permit).

Bird is so convinced of the need for people to take their protection seriously that he wrote The Concealed Handgun Manual: How to Choose, Carry, and Shoot a Gun in Self-Defense.  Bird was a commissioned officer in the Royal Military Police of The British Army in the 1960’s where he served a company weapon-training officer.  Since then, he moved to the US and has taken an active role in educating others about the safe and wise use of weapons.

His book provides current or prospective gun owners with insight about owning and using a handgun.  With so many people interested in owning and carrying concealed weapons, there is a very real need for definitive information about what gun to choose, how to carry it and how to use it if necessary.  It’s a fact that 46 states allow people to carry a concealed handgun and it’s estimated that there are more than 3.3 million people who have licenses to carry.  That figure is very heartwarming to me since I personally know about the training you have to complete to receive that license.

Bird and I both agree that not everyone should run out and buy a handgun.  If you don’t feel capable of protecting yourself or others in life threatening situation, a handgun isn’t going to help and may prove to be a disadvantage.  On the other hand, if you are like the growing number of law-abiding citizens that realize your personal and family safety is largely up to you, this book will help you make a decision to take on the responsibility of being a true first-amendment American.

The Concealed Handgun Manual
By Chris Bird
Privateer Publications
PO Box 29427
San Antonio, TX 78299
(210) 308-8191

Available at Amazon.com