The Role of the Firearm in Personal Protection - In the Gravest Extreme

While this was written quite a while ago, many of the topics and points are still valid today.

For anyone that may be carrying a concealed weapon to defend themselves, this should be required reading.

Great book, especially for those CCDW holders that wonder what the do't and don't are concerning the use of deadly force. Also talks about many other aspects of gun ownership, I would recommend this book to anyone that handles guns of any type.

Classic book from Massad Ayoob. Back ordered for several months, but well-worth the wait. Mr. Ayoob tells you what you need to know, but may not realize. I wish I had a dozen copies to give out for Christmas, to friends who carry concealed.

Although the section on types of holsters and guns to carry is dated all other info in still current. Such as "What would a reasonable man do" or "disparaging of force" or "when to NOT shoot". See a more detailed review at [...]

Although written 35 years ago, just as valid, if not more so today. The techniques of shooting a firearm are covered elsewhere, this is for the mature adult who needs to think of the consequences (moral, legal, what comes after) of using a gun (and the consequences of being defenseless when predators come for your family). A timeless classic, written by an influential thinker in the field.

Thought I had to have this. Written before the advent of the electronic age and all info contained is readily available online. I still love the printed word and the feel of a book in my hand. Worth the cost...

It's a classic and must-read for anyone interested in firearms, particularly for self defense inside or outside the home. Massad Ayoob is the master of weaving artful storytelling with precise information to provide a clear and complete picture of what self defense with a firearm is really about.

Anyone that carries a gun should be forced to read this book!! It is vitally important to know EVERY word of advice and instruction.
Massad Ayoob is the master, and this book should be required reading.

Massad Ayoob is one of the best gun writers around. "In The Gravest Extreme" is the seminal work on the topic of concealed carry and the use of handguns for self-defense.

Nevertheless, this book is in dire need of revision. It has not been updated since its publication in 1980. As a result, many popular new calibers (such as the .40 S&W and the 10MM) and more recent gun designs (like the ever-popular GLOCK) are not covered. While the book still contains useful information on the justified use of deadly force and the basics of carrying a concealed weapon, it has been overshadowed by Chris Bird's "The Concealed Handgun Manual". Bird covers the same material as Ayoob, only in much greater depth and with an emphasis on more recent calibers and handgun innovations. Bird also goes into the many varieties of holsters availiable and discusses current concealed carry laws in all 50 states.

In short, Ayoob's was a groundbreaking book--but Bird's is better and much more current.

Massad Ayoob wrote this in 1980, and after 27 years, there have been a lot of changes in the US legal system. For example, concealed carry is legal in most of the US. The big trouble with this book is there is no way for a lay person to know what's no longer valid. Basing personal actions on the out-of-date book can cause you to have a very bad day.

I recommend The Concealed Handgun Manual: How to Choose, Carry, and Shoot a Gun in Self Defense (Concealed Handgun Manual: How to Choose, Carry, & Shoot a Gun in Self Defense) instead of this book. "The Conceal Handgun Manual" has been updated and provides a great wealth of information for about the same price.

Massad, please update this book!

Quick Delivery of classic book by a terrific author. Book provides experience-based, insightful, practical information. It is down to earth, easy to read and a definite asset to my book collection on guns, self defense and the second amendment. Even though it was written a long time ago, as a classic it remains a timeless, great authority on the subject. Minor details are dated, but this does not detract in my humble opinon, it just adds color and texture to the telling.

Yes this book is outdated in the section relating to handguns/calibers however; most people probably already have a good idea of what they'll be buying for self defense anyway.

Most of this book gives a very practical approach to the use of a handgun in self defense situations although I would personally recommend that in addition to this book, the reader also find their state law pertaining to defense justification and read it thoroughly. As Ayoob touches on in this book, you should be prepared for how you'll react before the situation occurs so that you'll avoid precious seconds lost to hesitation.

An excellent book, but should be read with an understanding of the writers perspective (northeastern US) and the time in history. In 1980, when this book was published, licensed concealed carry was rare in the US. There were few small concealable firearms available to most citizens, i.e. Chief Special, Detective Special and PPK, and hollow point ammunition was new on the market. Jimmy Carter was president, Iran was holding our citizens hostage and the Mariel boatlift was in progress. We were in a period of high taxes, inflation, crime, etc...

All that said, this book still offers excellent advice and great stories. Ayoob definitely has a talent for presenting information and then explaining why things are the way they are. He does not just dump his opinions into your lap, he helps you to understand.

If you read this book and then stop, you will have a good working knowledge of the issues concerning concealed carry in 1980. If you read this book and follow up with more current ones (i.e. The Complete Book of Combat Handgunnery), then you will have a better understanding of the issues relevant to today.

Should be part of everyone's library, along with Cooper's Principles of Personal Defense, but definitely should not be the only reading you do on the subject.

Ayoob writes some great stuff - surprisingly, i learn something out of everything of his i read. This was written in the 80's, before the advent of the 40 caliber, but otherwise is still very applicable to today

Ayoub Massoyb's battle tactics for self defense. What can I say? If you use a firearm for self defense you need this book. Remember its not the gunfight its the legal battle that follows is where the real fight is.

Using deadly force in a violent encounter is something that should never be desired but planned for. This book is required reading for anyone who carries a weapon to explore the morality taking the life of another human being in defense of oneself or one's family

"In the Gravest Extreme" should be required reading for anyone intersted in handguns, handgun safety or concealed carry advice. It is a classic, in that it is a great book and was published almost 30 years ago. But the information the author covers is as current as the latest edition of American Rifleman. One area that shows its age is the author's evaluation of handguns, because it was written before Glocks and many modern semi-automatic handguns. Other than that it is very informative and extremely helpful.

An excellent read for those interested in utilizing a firearm for home protection. It really gives the reader numerous things to think about and consider before, during and after protecting one's home and family with a firearm. A must read for any firearm owner!

I liked the concise information provided on this subject. M Ayoob presents great advice and scenarios to watch out for improper use of the personal protection's afforded by the Constitution. An interesting and thought provoking read.

This book is the cornerstone book when it comes to a citizens personal protection with firearms. Though it is somewhat outdated, this book clearly spells out the cornerstones and building blocks to personal defense. This is an excellent book that should be in the library of any person who is serious about self defence.