Book Review of a Blogger's Work.

Sumdood named Frank James wrote a book: Effective Handgun Defense: A Comprehensive Guide to Concealed Carry.

Of course he was a gun writer long before someone abbreviated 'web log' to blog... Or before broadband existed.

It is my understanding that the author wasn't pleased with the title, but was saddled with it by the publisher.  I'm wondering what title he would have preferred?  Maybe Fighting Handguns: Selection and Mental Preparation for Concealed Carry? 

That aside, I liked reading it.  I recognized a lot of the guns pictured as they've appeared on Frank's blog a few times.  His blog is a daily indulgence I rarely miss, and this book is like getting a good long post where he can flesh out themes a bit better, so thanks for the extras.   

Frank James' firearms philosophy is similar to mine in many areas so I found myself nodding in agreement with his revolver love, liking shoulder holster utility where they are appropriate, et. al.  Where he and I diverge it's often for geographic reasons.  I don't have to drop varmints on vast acreage, and he doesn't have to tote around suburban DC, across the river.  I don't need a .41 so much, where it makes more sense on pest control.  Add that to the expense of a newbie shooter feeding a .41.

Now, as to the utility of this book...  Had I gotten this book back in 2005 it would have not have changed my preferences in the ensuing 6 years.  I was heading down the same road, and would have made similar purchases along the way that I have sans book.  It would have reinforced my decisions, yes, had I had this book for my guideposts.  I'm pleased my gut instincts match those of a more seasoned shooter like Frank.

But... I run into a lot of VERY newbie shooters.  And I will be loaning this book out to them if they need some thoughts on forming a first gun purchase.  It would convey the way I have been trying to guide new shooters with more authority than I can demonstrate.  Mr. James has preferences, but he's certainly not the fanboi internet forum source I'd otherwise have to point my friends to.  The inside baseball "Glock vs. 1911" sorta fights we love to engage in online might not be the most conducive to firearms introduction.  And Frank's tone is more serious in his tone and that matches the seriousness of the topic a bit better than standard web-silliness, where separating the wheat from the chaff is sometime a challenge without a lot of attention.

Aside from the parts that were sort of a review for me, I did enjoy the 19th Century gunfight examples he drew upon, and, more importantly, the details of the response to the 1986 Miami Dade shootout that Mr James was able to impart because he paid close attention to the events that unfolded when they happened, as well as a good summarized history of handgun technological development over time.  He also has a revolver reloading drill I'm going to practice, the fine motor skill required being a weakness, attention to reloading must be paid.