For those seeking firearms training from the very best, Tom Givens, a highly respected firearms instructor with over five decades of experience, offers “The ABCs of Self-Defense Tools & Tactics.” This comprehensive guide covers a wide range of topics, including situational awareness for avoiding dangerous situations, the mental discipline required for everyday concealed carry, and the selection of concealed-carry equipment like handguns and holsters. The book also provides practical training drills to attain and maintain proficiency with a handgun. Drawing on his extensive background in firearms and law enforcement, Givens offers a collection of invaluable tips and tactics for responsible and lawful concealed carry. His personal experiences highlight the importance of proper training in effectively defending against criminal threats. Bear Arms Training has trained with Tom Givens, personally, and we consider him masterful in his craft and a friend.
books
Deadly Force: Understanding Your Right To Self-Defense (2nd Edition) by Massad Ayoob
For serious students seeking an essential addition to their training library, “Deadly Force, 2nd Edition” by Massad Ayoob is a must-read. Ayoob, a renowned authority in self-defense law, has educated countless armed citizens about the legal responsibilities that come with using firearms for protection. This updated edition builds upon his decades of experience as an expert witness and law enforcement officer, offering insights into legal, ethical, and practical considerations in layman’s terms. Ayoob also discusses recent headline-making cases and provides valuable case studies to help readers understand the realities of lethal force court proceedings. This book equips serious students with crucial knowledge for confident and responsible firearm ownership and use. You simply will not find a more complete and thorough book.Â
Handgun Combatives 2nd Edition by Dave Spaulding
For the dedicated and serious student of firearms training, this resource is exceptional. Dave Spaulding is a standout figure in our field, and his impact on our industry is unparalleled.
Widely acclaimed and revered by trainers and officers nationwide, this resource stands out as one of the most comprehensive and realistic firearms guides ever released. It delves into critical aspects such as weapon, ammunition, and holster selection, offering valuable grip tips for enhancing weapon retention, accuracy, and honing weak-hand shooting skills. With over 60 charts and photos providing in-depth insights into the rationale behind combative safety, this resource offers invaluable knowledge for those truly committed to their training.
Spotting Danger Before It Spots You by Gary Quesenberry
Considering your safety and that of your family, situational awareness stands out as one of the most crucial elements. It’s an invaluable resource, and Gary Quesenberry, a US Army veteran and seasoned Federal Air Marshal, has devoted his career to studying violence and predatory behavior. Gary’s dedication extends to creating a comprehensive range of basic and advanced training courses, emphasizing mental resilience, marksmanship, and defensive tactics.
With a wealth of experience in domestic and international counter-terrorism training, Gary has also contributed his expertise to the private and corporate sectors, enlightening others about the importance of situational awareness and personal safety. Gary Quesenberry proudly calls Hillsville, Virginia, his home.
Survive the Unthinkable by Tim Larkin
This book is a highly recommended resource for women seeking to enhance their self-protection skills and personal safety. Authored by self-defense expert and former Navy SEAL Tim Larkin, it presents a unique self-protection methodology suitable for everyday individuals. The book addresses the alarming prevalence of physical assaults against women in the United States and shifts the focus from self-defense to self-protection.
“Think Like a Predator” introduces Target Focus Training, a mind-body approach that empowers women to identify risky situations, recognize behaviors that may compromise safety, and strategically target an attacker’s vulnerable areas for effective counterattacks. Tim Larkin also delves into the psychology of predators, enabling women to better understand and thwart potential threats.
Regardless of physical size or strength, the principles in this book are proven to work, offering women valuable tools to neutralize threats and break free from a victim mentality. “Think Like a Predator” is highly recommended by Bear Arms Training as a vital resource for ongoing personal safety education.
Surviving Workplace Violence by Loren Christensen
This book is a comprehensive resource for individuals looking to enhance workplace safety. It offers guidance on preventing and managing workplace violence, covering aspects such as identifying risk factors, recognizing warning signs, and implementing security measures. The book is organized into sections that address workplace violence before, during, and after an incident. It emphasizes the importance of corporate policies, employee education, and crisis intervention training. Additionally, it provides insights into legal considerations and discusses issues like substance abuse and domestic violence in the workplace. The book concludes by highlighting a model program from the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Thank God I Had a Gun by Chris Bird
Recognized as an insightful read, Chris Bird offers a compilation of real-life experiences from survivors much like individuals in our community. We regard Chris’ contributions as valuable and recommend this as a valuable addition to your self-defense reading materials.
This collection of authentic accounts delves into incidents where ordinary citizens employed firearms for personal protection against criminals. The book examines three primary categories of events: instances of armed defense at home, in the workplace, and in public settings. Each scenario is meticulously analyzed, shedding light on the individuals involved and how their defensive actions either benefited them or could be enhanced. Spanning from convenience-store hold-ups to police encounters gone awry, these stories serve as lasting reminders of best practices and pitfalls in firearm self-defense.
The Cornered Cat by Kathy Jackson
For women seeking an invaluable reading resource to further their education in self-protection, Bear Arms Training highly recommends and commends Kathy’s work.
“The Cornered Cat” is the ultimate guide for women who carry a firearm for self-defense. It encompasses various topics, from firearm cleaning to various carry methods. This comprehensive resource offers women all the information they may desire about safely carrying a firearm for personal defense.
“The Cornered Cat” is tailored to women who have opted for, or are considering, firearms for personal defense, sport, or merely seeking to understand more about the subject that may intrigue their male counterparts. Kathy’s warm and often humorous writing style presents a wealth of information in an approachable manner. She addresses the weighty considerations of employing lethal force in self-defense and safeguarding loved ones in a thought-provoking, non-judgmental manner, akin to a candid conversation between genuine and relatable friends.
The Four Pillars of Fighting by James Yeager
James Yeager dedicated his life to instructing individuals on how to defend themselves effectively against potential threats. The core philosophy behind Tactical Response, which he founded, centers on four key principles: Mindset, Tactics, Skill, and Gear.
Before his passing, James Yeager documented his thoughts and shared insights gained from three decades of experience. He entrusted Paul Markel with assembling these insights, resulting in the creation of “The Four Pillars of Fighting.”
Within the pages of this book, Mr. Yeager elucidates what Mindset, Tactics, Skill, and Gear meant to him and their significance within the gun culture. The book also includes a valuable chapter of Bonus Material covering topics such as:
- Selecting the Appropriate Training Class
- Maximizing Benefits from IDPA
- Techniques for Escaping Dangerous Situations
- Enhancing the Value of Your Training
This book is an absolutely essential read for anyone who owns or carries a firearm for self-protection and seeks a deeper understanding of how to become more adept at self-defense.
The Law of Self-Defense by Andrew Branca
Violence of Mind: Training and Preparation for Extreme Violence by Varg Freeborn
What can be said about Varg Freeborn? There’s simply nothing quite like the profound insight he offers in this book. Varg’s personal testimony and his contribution to the self-protection field are exceptional. In this book, you’ll understand the criminal mindset deeply and learn how to enhance your preparedness. I highly recommend adding this book to your reading library.
This book provides a shocking firsthand perspective on self-defense. It covers a wide range of topics, including criminal violence, self-defense tactics, the use of lethal force, cultivating the right mindset, firearms training, and concealment. Never before have these subjects been so comprehensively addressed in a single source. This powerful, gripping, and introspective journey serves as both a cautionary tale and a guide on how to develop the skills to counter high-order predators. This is a must-read.