The Best Books for Any Gun Owner’s Library

Some gun owners bought their first firearm with the bare minimum knowledge, and some may have done everything possible to understand every aspect of ownership. Whether it was a class, getting advice from an experienced shooter, or reading books, any effort is a good effort. However, when it comes to a worst-case scenario, claiming ignorance won’t work (spoiler). So, if you haven’t yet, reading any of these books would make for a great base of knowledge about guns as well as little things left ignored most of the time.

Gun Basics

Of course, we start with the item itself. Knowing your firearm inside and out makes a good gun owner, and learning everything you need to know can be done in several ways. Some of us have family members, friends, or acquaintances that can aid in the learning process, but there’s a chance some information is flawed or missing. So, consider adding these books to your library to create a well-rounded understanding of firearms.

The Complete Book of Rifles and Shotguns by Jack O’Connor

Long guns are a basic in a gun owner’s arsenal and a common first purchase. If you need to know just about anything about rifles, it’s in this book. O’Connor offers a section for nearly every part of a rifle and tells you the difference each item makes.

It seems like many in the hunting community assume all hunters know information about which cartridge is best for what game, or why one scope is better than another when hunting for specific game. In reality, many base their ideas on hearsay from their peers or fake it till they make it. Luckily, with this book, no faking is needed after a thorough read (and this book may be worth some annotation for quick reference). It’s not hard to come by either, costing around $5 for e-books, and typically less than $10 for a used physical copy. Plus, Jack O’Connor was a legend in his own right.

Gunsmithing Modern Firearms by Bryce M Towsley

Once you know your gun, it’s time to learn how to work on or modify it. Any car guy knows the ‘basics,’ but not every car guy is a mechanic. This book will help learn the basics of gunsmithing, encompassing simple upkeep that can be done at home, simple to advanced modifications, and even how to build from scratch. Towsley’s book is a great choice even if you’re not all that interested in gunsmithing as a hobby since it can teach common repairs, too. Digital copies cost around $17, while physical copies average around $25. Overall, it’s another good reference to keep on hand, for pistols and long guns alike. And it helps that Towsley is a skilled gunsmith who knows his stuff.

The Legal Stuff (don’t skip this section!)

Something that many gun owners may not consider is that understanding the legal system should be a huge building block in your ballistic journey to being a responsible gun owner. Yes, you know how to use it, but do you know when to use it and the legal consequences? If the answer is no, the following books are a great resource.

Black’s Law Dictionary by Bryan A. Garner

While this book doesn’t have a focus on guns, it will help navigate the legal lingo you’re assured to encounter. It’s unlikely that if things do go south, all information would just be handed to you in layman’s terms. Black’s Law Dictionary is a necessity for law students, with Garner being a trusted voice above all. This will cost a pretty penny, typically retailing $60-$100+, but it will be worth it, in the long run, to make sure you understand local and state laws about your firearm. Make sure you get the most recent edition. This is a must-have for any gun owner focused on self-defense.

The Ayoob Files: The Book by Massad Ayoob

Massad Ayoob is a well-known figure in the gun industry. Just as Garner is a trusted voice, Ayoob follows suit but with everything guns, self-defense, and gun-specific legalities. This book isn’t necessarily limited to legal information, though. I suggest it under this section because of how Ayoob takes an additional focus on what happens after the (sometimes) good guy defends himself, and how the legal system looks at gun owners. This is rarely focused on when observing these situations, yet Ayoob does just that and more; he tells true stories and gives insight into the tactical side of things followed by the legal realities of what happened.

This isn’t a boring read either, Ayoob does a great job of keeping the reader’s attention and educating them simultaneously. It is priced moderately at $20 and is less common in an e-book format, sadly. But, this can help give gun owners a reality check on their heroic daydreams about saving the day, how it actually turns out, and the aftermath. Really, any book by Mas is worth a read.

Foresight: a Forgotten Tactical Skill

On top of legal knowledge, knowing the warning signs of a threat can stop a situation from going really, really wrong. You may have gotten your firearm for self-defense, hunting, or for a hobby, but one thing remains the same across the board — everyone could benefit from some situational awareness. The following books give great perspectives, stories, and tips on recognizing a threat before it comes.

Creepology: Self Defense for your Social Life by Anna Valdiserri

A ‘creep’ following, harassing, or stalking women is a story as old as time — which is horrible, but a world most women face. For many women, being able to pick up on a creep’s red flags is a learned skill, but understanding what to look for can benefit literally everyone.

Though it seems as if women are a common target, anyone can become one in the wrong situation. This book explores the uncomfortable reality that ‘creeps’ squeeze into social lives with ease and what the worst-case scenario can become. Aldiserri tears the very fabric of these situations apart piece by piece by investigating how creeps think, why they act, and how you can react preemptively or after the fact.

Now here’s the bad news: finding a copy of this book can be hard. Its textbook-like style mixed with its seemingly intense scarcity on the internet makes it increasingly difficult to buy a copy. However, it’s worth the search!

Left of Bang by Patrick Van Horne and Jason A. Riley

“Trust your gut” would be another great title, since Horne, a retired Marine, compares military techniques to civilian life and the differences in how they approach potential threats. He sees everyday situations as an opportunity to ask if you’ve noticed the boogeyman waiting around the corner or not. His analysis creates an eye-opening book full of real-world hard evidence and advice that could save your life. This book retails just under $20 for a physical copy, and around $10 for an e-book. Gun owner or not, this is a must-read.

Self-Defense

You have your firearm, legal know-how, and keen situational awareness, and now something goes wrong for real — it’s time to act. Practicing at the range is one thing, but rushing adrenaline can shake even the most confident shooter to the core. Though there’s only so much you can do to practice working through that immediate stress, these books can offer examples of self-defense scenarios, thoughts, and advice on how to deal with it (and this advice comes from those who have actually experienced the worst-case scenario).

The Truth about Self Protection by Massad Ayoob

Ayoob returns with more expertise to teach the next generation and for good reason. As a cop, he experienced and witnessed crime for years. He takes his own experiences and discusses what it’s really like to be a victim of a crime and how to respond. He specifically goes over firearms quite often but also brushes over other self-defense techniques.

Any book by Ayoob is worth a read, but this is one of his very affordable options packed with plenty of information, typically costing less than $10 (so there’s no excuse to not read this eventually). The only critique is that some discussion revolving around technology is outdated due to changes between its publishing date in 1983 and modern day.

To Ride, Shoot Straight, and Speak the Truth by Jeff Cooper

If you prefer fiction over nonfiction, consider Cooper’s book. These are real stories, but his writing style aids in keeping the reader’s interest. This is an illustrated anthology that explores self-defense and the many aspects of it. Some may even be relatable to many, making it easy to consider how you would have responded and how to properly react after reading. Paperback copies range between $16 (used) and $28 (new), and hardcover averages around $60. This book may cost more, but its anthology style serves as a great resource for picky readers looking to learn.

Conclusion

Though the cost of these books adds up, I minimally recommend trying one from each category at some point. Whether you’re a new or seasoned gun owner, these books are worth your time and money to assure that you’re educated as a responsible gun owner. Remember, this kind of education can save money, time, and even lives.