In the Gravest Extreme: The Role of the Firearm in Personal Protection is a phenomenal book written by police training expert Massad Ayoob.
Ayoob wrote this book as an introduction to the defensive use of firearms. Ayoob discusses the legal implications and practical aspects of owning and using a firearm for self defense. Although this is not a book to teach you to be an expert with a firearm, In the Gravest Extreme is one of the best first steps anyone can take to learn to defend themselves.
The book is written to a broad general audience, not specifically to police officers. However, the information that Ayoob provides is equally useful to the armed citizen and the sworn law enforcement officer.
I often find myself in discussions with citizens in my city regarding self-defense and the use of force. I try to offer them a broad understanding of the use of force as it applies in my state. I always suggest they read this book.
Massad Ayoob has distinguished himself as a master trainer, marksman, and writer. I have found all of his work to be worth every penny. Without hesitation, I recommend In the Gravest Extreme to anyone looking to enter police work or wanting to own a firearm for self protection.
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I’m a great admirer of Ayoob, but this book BADLY needs an updated edition. It came out roughly 30 years ago, long before the CCW revolution, Airweight guns, even Glocks. I know Mas is a busy man, but dang, I wish he’d take a couple months out to bring his first important book into the 21st century.
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[...] “Massad Ayoob,” I said. [...]
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