Armed: The Essential Guide to Concealed Carry Paperback – June 30, 2012

If you are looking for a book on the topic of concealed carry, there are plenty from which to choose. The recent increase in the number of concealed carry permits issued, along with the record-breaking sales of small handguns designed for this purpose makes this a popular topic. But, amid the field of "me too" books on this very important subject, "Armed" rises far above most and offers a depth of insight and advice that others either do not, or do so only in parroting others.Dr. Bruce Eimer is not only a certified firearm and defense instructor, but also a practicing clinical psychologist. He has dedicated a good portion of his life and career to helping others deal with preparedness to own their own safety and defend themselves, as well as dealing with the mental and societal anguish and trauma that can accompany it. In "Armed", Dr. Eimer shares with us many elements of the subject that have gone previously un-discussed, and punctuates many of the common knowledge best practices from a unique and fresh perspective.If you carry a firearm for the legal defense of yourself and those within your mantle of protection, or are considering doing so, you owe it to yourself to read this book. I keep this book on my Kindle, and have referenced and re-read it on many occasions. This is not a once-and-done book, but one that you can refer to many times, and should. Some hard realities are presented and discussed. The author is neither trying to frighten the reader, nor reassure the reader - but to frankly talk about issues, impacts, feelings, and social and legal repercussions that every responsible permit holder should understand. The right to bear arms for the defense of self or others is a precious right, but it comes with a heavy responsibility as well. This book is a must-have among your collection on this topic.

Although not the most well written book I've read, I was glad this was the first one I've read on Concealed Carry. The reason I like it so much is that it hammers home the message that carying a weapon does not make you a policeman or a cowboy. The author emphasizes over and over again that your first responsibility is to keep from getting into trouble. Only if you cannot extricate yourself from the situation should you be prepared to use your weapon. But even then he cautions that the amount of force you use should only be enough to keep you from becoming a victim. To sum up, the message of this book is this: be VERY WELL prepared to use a weapon when it becomes necessary; but also do your best to not get in those situations in the first place.

Review by Donn G. Ziebell, Ph.D., Never kicked by a horse nor a mule, and author of the 5-Star non-fiction Amazon book,” My Letters to a Prisoner -- I had not met.” Become an insider to the humor and private life of the writer’s encounters and adventures home and abroad; a selection from over 100 letters written in six years. Each letter is a different and interesting story.Eimer has provided a very helpful source of information that covers many subjects within this manual and it is a pleasure to read. It is a fine book that Amazon helps making it so available to purchase. The topics and writing holds the readers attention and it is impossible to not increase you knowledge about details associated with conceal carry that you need to know. Like OODA that Dr. Himer coined to guide one before getting into a tight confrontational situation and during the situation.as well as coaching on the rules of engagement. The book helps educate so you avoid the "What you don't know can kill you" category.

I am preparing to enter the world of concealed carry even though I have not owned a handgun is 20 years. This book should be a must-read for anyone who wants to buy and/or carry a handgun. It is an easy read but a huge amount of needed information. The author has a writing style that is first informative, but also entertaining. His delivery is very matter of fact, but never boring. His book is an absolute encyclopedia of vaulable information regarding concealed v. open carry; how to choose a handgun; how to choose a holster; the importance of practicing shooting in less than desirable situations; excellent web sites for more info; and so much more. His laundry list of shooting drills makes you realize how more difficult a gun battle can be from the shooting range. He also discusses the psychology of having to shoot someone - before and after the attack. This is an exceptional book for anyone interested in hand guns for self defense in this wacky world where no one is safe.

Bruce Eimer does a fantastic job of balancing out the information required for an individual to be aware of when considering concealed carry of deadly force or "emergency rescue tools." He is fair and balanced when describing various types of equipment for concealed carry and gives the reader many choices and options with well written sugestions on how to choose and provide for each individual need. The sequence of information in the short chapters is logical. The suggestions for training and practice are not complicated or expensive. There is a sensitivity toward the reader's budget with recommendations for quality equipment that covers the spectrum from affordable to very expensive. This book will not stand alone and the information in it should be reinforced and supplimented by taking classroom and hands-on instruction.

Although I have been carrying concealed weapons for a few decades I read this book to freshen my perspective now that my wife is also willing to carry. It provides a good survey of the various issues and will get you pointed in the right direction. The specific instructions are great for folks that have not spent a lot of time thinking about exactly how to handle both practical mechanics of carrying and shooting and the psychological implications of carrying. I recommend this book for folks who are new to concealed carry and old hands that are needing to bring others up to speed.