SHOT Show Coverage

Prolific gun writer Massad Ayoob is recognized around the world as one of the foremost experts on the concealed carry and use of firearms.  Not only has he written for more than three decades on the subject, he has also taught citizens on the use of deadly force through his Lethal Force Institute.  Additionally, he has been called as an expert witness in trials all across the United States of lawfully armed citizen who have been wrongly accused of using force.

Who better is there to write a comprehensive book on concealed carry?

The Gun Digest Book of Concealed Carry was written by Massad Ayoob is designed to be a reference manual to the citizen who has decided to carry a firearm for protection.  Ayoob covers a wide range of topics including hardware, mindset, and the law.


I’ve carried a concealed firearm for more than 15 years, and I found this book to be a fresh look at carry methods and gear.  For the citizen brand new to concealed carry, this book should be one of your first purchases.  It can likely save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in holsters, belts, and even firearms.  Where no such book existed when I started carrying, I tried virtually every holster and carry style before finding out (the expensive way) much of what Ayoob discusses in the book.

The book starts with the fundamental question: “Why do we carry?”  From there, the book moves on to the legal aspects of self defense and the carrying of arms.  Ayoob then discusses in detail the selection of firearms, holsters, and ammunition.  Plus he writes about the pros and cons of different modes of carry and style of dress.  Ayoob wraps up the book with a discussion on the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) and the benefits it can provide to the concealed carry practitioner.

Ayoob does an excellent job in explaining the topics, and answering questions to anticipated questions.  The writing style is matter-of-fact and easy to read.  If you have read and enjoyed any of Ayoob’s articles in American Handgunner, then you will find the reading of The Gun Digest Book of Concealed Carry like a conversation with an old friend.

It is unfortunate that I should feel the need to spend any time talking of Ayoob’s character, but unfortunately there are a few Internet ninjas who have taken unfair shots at Ayoob over the years.  From behind the safety of their keyboards, some people have claimed that Ayoob is a bumbling fool and worse.

Let me state very clearly:  Ayoob is an expert as both an instructor and handler of firearms.  There are few lawyers who are as knowledgeable in the use of force as he is.  When Ayoob states something as a fact, you can bank on that information.

Some of the topics covered in The Gun Digest Book of Concealed Carry include, but are not limited to:

• state laws and regulations
• ammunition selection
• dealing with the aftermath of a shooting
• firearm choices
• holsters
• open carry
• clothing for CCW
• IDPA

Ayoob has written other books that are excellent companions to The Gun Digest Book of Concealed Carry.  In the Gravest Extreme is Ayoob’s book that teaches when deadly force can legally be used to defend oneself.  Although Ayoob talks about it in The Gun Digest Book of Concealed Carry, he states that readers should refer to In the Gravest Extreme for the best information on when force may be used.

Additionally, Ayoob suggests the book Stressfire for learning how to shoot under extreme stress.  I also suggest the video of the same name.  I read Stressfire many years ago, and learned a lot from it.  However, when I picked up the Stressfire video last year, it was a significant step forward in understanding the shooting concepts Ayoob puts forth.

The Gun Digest Book of Concealed Carry is an excellent book, and worth the $24.95 price tag.  As with a great many things, this book can be found much cheaper on Amazon, where $16.49 is a true bargain.