This is a collection of books that I have found helpful in my training. I have found some of these books recommended by others on similiar such lists and I have found some while browsing Amazon or the local bookstore. I'll emphasize those that I like best and hopefully someone else will benefit as I have from the written word.
Best Overall
Practical Shooting: Beyond Fundamentals (Brian Enose)- The best book on shooting in existance. This book will change the way you think about shooting, whether defensive, offensive or competitive. The chapters on awareness and types of focus are worth their weight in gold. I didn't find the chapters on competition as helpful but they should be important for anyone that shoots competitively.
The Book of Two Guns (Tiger McKee)- Great all around book that is a compilation of his training notes. It covers much of the material that is taught in various schools. It is a great companion and refresher for formal training.
Leadership and Training for the Fight (Paul Howe)- I'm only half way through this one but it is so good that it has prompted this thread. This should be required reading for any military or LEO. I can see how it could literally save lives. I am neither and I have found the book incredibly insightful. The mindset he describes is just as applicable for a civilian protecting themselves and their family. The best read on mindset that I've found.
Other Very Good Books
Surgical Speed Shooting (Andy Stanford)- Very good coverage of the fundamentals of shooting. The historical background on iso vs Weaver is interesting and makes a compelling argument. Good book despite Yeager's mug on the front.
Shooting from Within (Michael Plaxco)- Also good fundamentals. Enos' book is a perfected version of this book. Good stuff for a competitive shooter here. He covers some shotgun and carbine as well.
The Book of the Five Rings (Musashi)- Any warrior should read this book.
Sniper (Adrian Gilbert)- Interesting and brief history of the sniper. Some good info on ballistics.
Understand the Enemy
A History of the Middle East (Peter Mansfield)- Excellent overview that puts current events into perspective. Very balanced until the last chapter that was an addition to the second edition. Ignore the last chapter that's by Nicolas Pelham.
The Persian Puzzle: The Conflict Between Iran and America (Kenneth Pollack)- Excellent history of Iranian-American relations that puts current events into context and shows just how dangerous they are. Great book.
Others I'm Reading Now
Inside Delta Force (Eric Haney)- Interesting read about the formative years and training of Delta operators. Some lessons about mindset can be found here.
The US M1911/M1911A1 Pistols and Commercial M1911 type Pistols: A Shop Manual (Jerry Kuhnhausen)- THE reference book on the 1911. Good if you want to understand how the 1911 works.
The Tactical Shotgun (Gabe Suarez)- Very good coverage of many facets of tactical shotgunning. Very good so far.
On the Shelf to Read Next
On Combat (Dave Grossman)
Deep Survival (Laurence Gonzales)
Gates of Fire (Steven Pressfield)
The Naked Soldier: A true story of the Frence Foriegn Legion (Tony Sloane)
Will Buy Next
Cold Zero: Inside the FBI Hostage Rescue Team (Chris Whitcomb)
To Ride, Shoot Straight and Speak the Truth (Jeff Cooper)
The Gift of Fear (Gavin de Becker)
These are all I can think of right now, but I'll update when appropriate.
Enjoy.
Best Overall
Practical Shooting: Beyond Fundamentals (Brian Enose)- The best book on shooting in existance. This book will change the way you think about shooting, whether defensive, offensive or competitive. The chapters on awareness and types of focus are worth their weight in gold. I didn't find the chapters on competition as helpful but they should be important for anyone that shoots competitively.
The Book of Two Guns (Tiger McKee)- Great all around book that is a compilation of his training notes. It covers much of the material that is taught in various schools. It is a great companion and refresher for formal training.
Leadership and Training for the Fight (Paul Howe)- I'm only half way through this one but it is so good that it has prompted this thread. This should be required reading for any military or LEO. I can see how it could literally save lives. I am neither and I have found the book incredibly insightful. The mindset he describes is just as applicable for a civilian protecting themselves and their family. The best read on mindset that I've found.
Other Very Good Books
Surgical Speed Shooting (Andy Stanford)- Very good coverage of the fundamentals of shooting. The historical background on iso vs Weaver is interesting and makes a compelling argument. Good book despite Yeager's mug on the front.
Shooting from Within (Michael Plaxco)- Also good fundamentals. Enos' book is a perfected version of this book. Good stuff for a competitive shooter here. He covers some shotgun and carbine as well.
The Book of the Five Rings (Musashi)- Any warrior should read this book.
Sniper (Adrian Gilbert)- Interesting and brief history of the sniper. Some good info on ballistics.
Understand the Enemy
A History of the Middle East (Peter Mansfield)- Excellent overview that puts current events into perspective. Very balanced until the last chapter that was an addition to the second edition. Ignore the last chapter that's by Nicolas Pelham.
The Persian Puzzle: The Conflict Between Iran and America (Kenneth Pollack)- Excellent history of Iranian-American relations that puts current events into context and shows just how dangerous they are. Great book.
Others I'm Reading Now
Inside Delta Force (Eric Haney)- Interesting read about the formative years and training of Delta operators. Some lessons about mindset can be found here.
The US M1911/M1911A1 Pistols and Commercial M1911 type Pistols: A Shop Manual (Jerry Kuhnhausen)- THE reference book on the 1911. Good if you want to understand how the 1911 works.
The Tactical Shotgun (Gabe Suarez)- Very good coverage of many facets of tactical shotgunning. Very good so far.
On the Shelf to Read Next
On Combat (Dave Grossman)
Deep Survival (Laurence Gonzales)
Gates of Fire (Steven Pressfield)
The Naked Soldier: A true story of the Frence Foriegn Legion (Tony Sloane)
Will Buy Next
Cold Zero: Inside the FBI Hostage Rescue Team (Chris Whitcomb)
To Ride, Shoot Straight and Speak the Truth (Jeff Cooper)
The Gift of Fear (Gavin de Becker)
These are all I can think of right now, but I'll update when appropriate.
Enjoy.
