Rating:  Summary: Outdated Tactics of a Regrettable Era Review: After perusing the previous reviews and reading the book, it appears Mr. Suarez is an old soldier of another time and era. Police tactics have changed due to the political climate, but more out of necessity than as a matter of choice. The post-LA riots, post-Chief Darryl Gates (Chief Bratton) LA police force is a prime example of this shift in sensibilities. Governments, whether they be 'liberal' or 'conservative', are in fact fiscally conservative as a result of having to pay out huge chunks of resources to defend a police force in criminal and civil courts trained to deliver maximum force in urban assaults against minority populations. The culture of the LA police force was targeted by the Christopher Commission as in dire need of change to promote civil harmony. The Darryl Gates' officers were gradually weeded out in the early nineties and they were replaced by an opportunistic bunch, chosen more for their availibility than their dedication. The training of police officers has changed greatly in the last ten years, and focuses more on community policing and much less on urban assault. This training reflects a distinct change in police culture, and therefore the tactics and attitudes here seem to reflect the worst parts of the Darryl Gates policing policies. Mr. Suarez seems to fit in with this culture, and for this reason, I don't think his books and training are relevant for civilized police forces. They may find a more enthusiastic audience among totalitarian states, rather than responsible democracies.
Rating:  Summary: The Truth About Gunfighting Review: As a Federal LEO, I can safely say that I have seen a lot of firearms training and Gabe is in the leage of Master Trainers. He tells it like it is in this book and doesn't paint gunfighting with the rose colored glasses that cloud this sometimes PC topic. Gabe's techniques work and they work in the real world. I have used them on duty and they are far better than what is being taught at many of the so called high speed low drag schools. Gabe teaches Gunfighting, not shooting. real gunfights are violent and while violence seems to offend some of the more timid readers, it is reality and anyone that is carrying a gun has a responsibility to be trained in its use. This book is a big step toward that training. Unlike many of his detractore, Gabe has actually been in gunfights and won. He knows what happens when it is time to sling lead and he knows how to win. I highly recomend this book for anyone interested in using a firearm for self defense.
Rating:  Summary: An excellent resource Review: In his book The Tactical Shotgun, Mr. Suarez clearly explains how to take full advantage of the shotgun's devastating and versatile capabilities. Among other topics, he explains the importance of using the right ammo for the job, how distance effects the shot pattern, the different types of slugs available, and even the mental mindset one must have during a conflict. Best of all, Mr. Suarez relays all this information in a clear and concise manner. If you want to become a master of what some have called the ultimate urban tactical weapon, start here.
Rating:  Summary: A review written by the initiated policeman Review: In my state, police shotgun training is kept to a minimum due to fiscally-motivated time restraints. I found Mr. Suarez's book to be well-written and completely appropriate for its intended purpose. For those who bought this book and found it offensive that cops or citizens sometimes have to use deadly force, I have to ask, why did you buy it? For those who want a non-realistic, 1970s television look at deadly force, do not buy this book. For those living in the real world, like myself, please do. Tactical Shotgun is a short and, though not perfect, a very informative book.
Rating:  Summary: Best combat tactics book for the shotgun! Review: The best book on shotgun tactics I've ever seen! Covers all the bases: weapon selection, ammunition, carry and presentation, and CBQ. The CQB tactics section is better than anything I've seen to date.
Rating:  Summary: What I Leared About Shooting at the Police Avademy Review: The contents of this book are largely lifted from Police training manuals, and are not suited for the average citizen, unless you happen to be in a militia or you are a member of Al-Queda. I can't imagine why ordinary gun-enthusiasts would be interested in combat with fellow citizens, clearing and entering houses with hostile foes, and all the other techniques on offer here. Suarez makes a big deal about how he is a decorated officer, but no police officer worth their salt would put out books teaching citizens to be members of a tactical SWAT team. The author obviously isn't a police officer in good standing anymore because no commanding officer would permit someone to profit off the tactics presented here. If you are a gun-enthusiast, you would be better off buying something by John Farnam or Andy Stanford. Their books are written for citizen gun owners, and they don't teach how to indiscriminately kill people.
Rating:  Summary: Clear, Accurate, and Readable. Excellent. Review: There can be no doubt that Mr. Suarez writes well. Though I am not an expert with the shotgun, everything in the book jibes with the shotgun training I have had. After reading The Tactical Shotgun and some more practice, I am a few steps closer to being an expert. While it is impossible to learn any physical skill only by reading about it, The Tactical Shotgun is a huge help. This book makes an excellent supplement to professional instruction as well as an excellent introduction to the topic. The photographs are clear and serve the text well. I will certainly be buying the author's other books.
Rating:  Summary: A review written by the initiated policeman Review: This book was not what I expected at all. It's for people who want to be policemen, not for ordinary enthusiasts like me.
Rating:  Summary: This book sucks Review: This book was not what I expected at all. It's for people who want to be policemen, not for ordinary enthusiasts like me.
Rating:  Summary: Tactical Shotgun Review: This is not the author's best work. Flipping through the pages reminded me of a cut and paste approach to preparing this manuscript from other writing projects. I was hoping for a more comprehensive approach to a complex and important topic. There are important concepts presented (use a highlighter when you find them). There is a lot of filler. If you can, look before buying.
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