The Gun Guide for People who Know Nothing About Firearms

After the author of this book critiqued my critique of this book, I returned to the book for a "re-review." As a result, I've changed my review from two stars (and comments about the simplicity of this book) to four stars. My revised commentary you can read below.This is a good read for basic information on common firearms, meaning handguns, long guns (typically referred to as "rifles"), and shotguns. It also discusses gun rights (the second amendment) and the NRA. Good for the author! If you pay attention to the usual news outlets and many of our elected representatives, you'll read "NRA" as "boogeyman." It's not, and if you look for yourself, past the folderol, you will see for yourself that NRA means firearms education and gun safety. The times when NRA means "second amendment" and "gun lobby" are when gun opponents become vocal or "legislative." I commend the author of this book for bringing the NRA into his gun guide.The one area where I will disagree with the author is in the importance of "live" gun safety and gun knowledge classes. Unless you have a mentor who is an gun expert (parent, sibling, or other close person), I urge gun owners to participate in one or more live classes; the author (in his critique of my critique) would make such classes optional. Neither this book, nor any book will make you competent in safe gun handling or use.For those of you who are wondering how a simple "re-review" could result in changing a two-star (not good)review into a four-star (very good) review: a serious blunder on my part--I wasn't careful when I wrote the first review, it was written about a completely different book (which I will not identify here--I've already caused enough trouble), and posted here in error. My apologies to this author.

You need to take this book for what it is: an introduction to firearms, albeit a fairly detailed little book with information as micro as bore diameter and the differences between calibre and gauge, for example. Its a book that has, as best as I can tell, never been published in a paper version, but strictly for electronic download. There are some spelling and grammar issues, but only in a few places... and certainly not enough to detract from the information contained within the book. I quite enjoyed it, actually, for I learned quite a bit... the author explains what you need to know without getting into an abundance of unneccessary details, which is notorious for some gun fanatic authors. I didn`t care much for the NRA propaganda/rhetoric, and believe it was quite out of place for the book. But minus that, I must admit it was well worth the $4-$5 I paid. Good job, Mr. Gregersen!

Well written, easy to read. A good guide for beginners with lots of good information. The one "problem" to keep in mind is the author is American so the book is naturally focused on laws in the US. Canadian readers should keep in mind that firearms in Canada are federally regulated. Much of the basic material covered by Mr. Gregersen is covered in the Canadian Firearms Safety Course, but his insights regarding the different factors that affect the performance of firearms as well as what to keep in mind when purchasing a firearm are invaluable. Definitely worth the read.

Very easy read and informative for the curious soon-to-be gun owner. Recommend!

I'm just starting to get into guns and shooting and this book gave me enough information that I finally feel ready to enter a gunstore for the first time. This book will do nothing for anybody who is already into guns and shootings, but as the title suggests this book is for the complete newbie. Book covered a lot of the basics on how guns work (what "action" means, etc.), as well as a good starting point on what all the different rounds of ammunition are. A great book for the total beginner. And like I said, it gave me enough knowledge that when I go into a gun store, I won't be totally confused by all the terms.

So I had extremely limited knowledge about gun and was looking for a crash course that would break it down like a "Guns for Dummies" book. This book did a pretty good job. Its short and sweet for the price. It more geared toward those interested in using the guns to go hunting and I am more interested in target practice and home defense. I did feel some of the terms used were not explained and the author may have forgotten that the people reading this were starting from the beginning but most things were explained very well.

It's not that I didn't like this book. It was well written and informative. For me, though, way too informative. Gregersen has given the novice A LOT of information and maybe it's exactly what some folks are looking for and need. But, for me, I was interested in something MUCH more rudimentary. Don't get my wrong. I did get a lot of basic information, and some misconceptions I've held my whole life about certain firearms-related details -- even very simple ones -- have been corrected. I gave this book three stars only because it was not what I hoped it would be for me and my particular needs. I have never been a gun enthusiast and don't plan to become one, but I've taken a new job where it would be helpful for me to have more than a passing knowledge of firearms - but I don't need the minutiae this book gave me. If anyone out there has a recommendation on a TRULY BASIC 1-2-3 book on firearms, without all the trimmings and details, I'd love to have it.

While I already knew a little bit about some guns, this book was great at introducing me to more info about all types of firearms. Written on level, the author never talks down to the reader. He speaks to you on a simple, concise manner without appearing to dummy down the info (which indeed he has!). While he does keep it all simple, this is the best foundation you could start building on. I've gone through it once, about to go back and read again!!

Horrible book. The only book I have ever seen that did not indicate the year of publication. It's supposed to be an introduction to firearms. You would think it would be written clearly, but not. This author (not) barely finished high school and his writing is atrocious. Not only contradicts other authors but also himself. It's the publisher that should be punished for releasing this crap for sale continuing to lower the bar. If you keep 'dumbing down ' the population this is what you end up with. God help us all!

Too broad. Despite the title, assumes the reader knows jargon which should have been explained in the book. Moves from very basic stuff to how to manufacture your own bullets without really explaining anything.Very disappointed.