Reviews (29)

As usual, an excellent comportment of the facts...
An excellent, factual read.I tried to pick apart the book, but Lott is far better a statistician than I, so his work holds up.
Well-written, rigorous, but a bit dry for the average reader
"Too often, the debate over guns is a philosophical one, pitting the freedom of gun owners against the safety of everyone else," says economist Dr. John Lott in The Bias Against Guns: Why Almost Everything You've Heard About Gun Control is Wrong.
A wake up call about gun control
This is a follow-up to his 1998 book "More Guns, Less Crime", which showed that rising gun ownership was resulting in lower violent crime statistics. He proves with statistical facts that Gun Control laws do not reduce Gun Violence, but have increased gun crime every time they are tried. Since the 1998 book came out before 9/11 happened, he now talks about how gun ownership surged after 9/11, and that again gun crime has gone down (further proving his point). He also talks about how the public falsely believes that guns don't do any good, because the press never reports on stories where a gun in a citizen's hand saved lives. Everything has all the statistics to back his claims up. This book proves once again that the gun-grabbers argument is only based on emotion. Highly recommended!
Read more

Subjects:  1. Firearms    2. Gun control    3. International Relations - Arms Control    4. Law and legislation    5. Political Freedom & Security - Law Enforcement    6. Political Science    7. Politics / Current Events    8. Politics/International Relations    9. Public opinion    10. United States    11. Violent crimes    12. Political Science / Arms Control    13. Social issues   

Reviews (69)

Wisdom From the Motor-city Madman!
Mr. Nugent's treatise on the rights of lawful citizens to be armed for their own defense, and the value of hunting as a vital life skill. It is also somewhat biographical. Mr. Nugent tells it in the style that only he can! Ted Nugent has recieved an undue barrage of criticism from screaming hysterical leftists, merely because he is one of the very few people in the public spotlight to really speak his mind. The part that enrages the leftos the most, is that Nugent's opinions are based on fact and logic. The best they can do is disparage him for some long past alledged immature behavior in the earlier years of his music career. However, when compared to the absolutely repulsive behavior of the vast majority of so-called "celebrities" of "pop-culture", Ted Nugent's so-called scandals are quite minor.
what about the 14-year-old?
Back in the 70s, Ted petitioned a court for guardianship of a 14-year-old so he could have sex with her.
An entertaining book
Even if you don't agree with Ted, this book is an interesting read.I can certainly appreciate his bold and outspoken interpretation of social issues.Nugent does not shy away from child raising, gun control, welfare, and other issues.I think many of the reviews of this book are based upon Ted's personality and reputation.Give the book a chance - I bet you won't be able to put it down.I laughed out loud several times and thought his lack of "political correctness" was refreshing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography/Autobiography    3. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    4. Firearms ownership    5. Government - U.S. Government    6. Gun control    7. Political Process - General    8. Politics / Current Events    9. Public Policy - General    10. United States   

Reviews (7)

Good overview, not definitive
Unlike one of the other previous reviewers, though I am generally a conservative, I would agree with this book's primary conclusion: the NRA has had a disproportionate impact on the politics of gun control.
Politics of Gun Control - Another liberal hatchet job
I read this book because I was required to in College. It is painfully, obvious that it was written from a predetermined conclusion. The history of the NRA is especially vicious. The author chastises the NRA at several points for the NRA early support by Government by subsidies, use of Nat'l parks to train WWII soldiers how to shoot, etc. The author essential argument that anyone that has ever received support from Gov't has duty not to ever to oppose the government in anything. In the beginning he points out that this book he will not examine gun control polices in foreign countries, yet on several instances he cites them (Canada for instance) to make his point, but nevertheless totally neglects gun control failures such as England and Austrailia (See London Times 1/16/2000 for details on this) . He quickly glosses over concealed weapon laws citing statistics showimng their failure, when a number of policy studies have concluded the opposite that Concealed weapon laws do in fact reduce crime.If you want one-sided reading of gun control this is your best bet.

Not For Those Who Have Already Made Up Their Minds
I wonder if the reader from Glen Ellen CA and I read the same book?That review seemed to my mind an excellent example of tediously shaving facts to fit one's predilections- much more so than the actual work in question.Read more

Subjects:  1. Gun control    2. Political Freedom & Security - Law Enforcement    3. Politics / Current Events    4. Sociology    5. United States    6. Central government policies    7. Crime & criminology    8. USA    9. Violence in society   

Reviews (24)

Libertarian Honesty, from Cover to Cover
Author and journalist Vin Suprynowicz has something to say about the political climate in the United States. He doesn't like the government's excesses of control, the lying, the manipulation, and the almost complete disregard for the constitution. A strong proponent of individual liberty and personal responsibility, Vin covers many topics in this book that relate to government run amok, all with an inspired fervor and a very Libertarian angle. The Ugly Truth
I was originally turned off by the title of the book.However, it had been recomended to me by a friend.I have to say that it turned out to be the most thoughtful, well reasoned, documented accounting of just how far out of control the Federal Government has gotten over the years that I have ever read.The point is driven home over and over again in this book that every Constitutional protection you thought you had can be abused, with no consequences, by the Federal Government.Think the money you worked hard for all you life is yours?Think again.Federal police, with local police support can seize it and any other property they covet with impunity.And the cop that takes it gets to profit in the transaction.Think you have a right to a trial by a jury of your peers?Wrong again.Jury picking has become an art, designed to eliminate anyone who may be sympathetic to your views.Think the Constitutional guarantee in the 2nd amendment means what it says?Well, you are probably breaking one of the 20,000 gun laws already in affect, directed against honest Americans like you and I, and don't even know it.And if you are caught by one of these "Special Militia" ( ATF, DEA, FBI that we were warned against over and over by the founding fathers) you will spend more time in jail than a bank robber.Think you cannot be murdered by the Federal Police without justice being done to the ones who murdered you or your family members?You are living in a dream world.This book should be required reading by every 9th grade civics class in America.But of course, as is pointed out in this book, these "Government Schools" will do everything in its power to ensure that your children will NOT understand the true meaning of our Constitution. Libertarian Bible for the 21st cenutry!
While writing from a Libertarian and non-religious perspective, Vin takes us across the gamut of current attitudes and the hopes and aspirations of self-sufficient, liberty minded, and responsible persons everywhere.Vin really nails it as to the virus and bacteria infection that holds this land in an ever tightening grip as it chokes our very lives.What kind of virus is this?Read more

Subjects:  1. Current Affairs    2. Government, Resistance to    3. Libertarianism    4. Political    5. Political Freedom & Security - Civil Rights    6. Politics/International Relations    7. Radicalism    8. United States    9. United States - 20th Century    10. Civil Rights    11. Crime And Criminals    12. Gun control   

Subjects:  1. Constitutional    2. Firearms and crime    3. Gun control    4. Political Freedom & Security - General    5. Political Freedom & Security - Law Enforcement    6. Political Science    7. Politics / Current Events    8. Politics/International Relations    9. Prevention    10. Public Policy - General    11. United States    12. Violence in Society    13. Violent crimes    14. Law    15. Political Science / Political Freedom & Security / General    16. Political Science and International Relations    17. Political structure & processes    18. Sociology    19. USA   

Reviews (5)

AWESOME-AWESOME
All I can say is that this is by far one of the best books that I have ever read on gun rights.

Excellent book
This book is well-written and well-documented.I would recommend that every American (or anyone else that cares about freedom) get this book and read it through.Though the title is provocative, the facts are laid out clearly inside.

Exposing The Liberal Left
Richard Mack's book, in very literate style, exposes some of the disguised movements the liberal left is promoting to disarm lawabiding citizens of their Constitutional Right of self defense. Mr. Mack illustrates several examples of the propaganda being put before the American Public,by the anti-gun crowd, with misleading titles to lure the unsuspecting into a "this must be a good thing" attitude. A must-read book for any American concerned about the slow erosion of our constitutional rights and in particular The 2nd Amendment. ...the right to keep and bear arms... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Firearms ownership    2. Gun control    3. Reference    4. United States   

Subjects:  1. Criminology    2. Firearms ownership    3. Gun control    4. History    5. History: American    6. Political Freedom & Security - Law Enforcement    7. Politics - Current Events    8. Politics / Current Events    9. Politics and government    10. Social Movements    11. Sociology - General    12. United States    13. United States - General    14. Violence (Sociological Aspects)    15. Violent crimes    16. History / General    17. Small firearms, guns & other equipment    18. USA    19. Violence in society   

Reviews (4)

A dry but comprehensive overview of gun control studies
This is an update of Kleck's earlier book, "Point Blank", which won the Michael J. Hindelang Award in 1993.The award is given by the American Society of Criminology annually for a book published during the previous two to three years that makes the most outstanding contribution to research in criminology. Where Science and Ideology Disagree
Gary Kleck is a Liberal.He is, by his own admission, a member of the ACLU, Amnesty International, Independent Action, Democrats 2000, and Common Cause, among other politically liberal organizations. He is a life-long registered Democrat, as well as a regular contributor to Democratic Party candidates. Interesting reference book, though somewhat dry
Kleck has but together quite a useful overview of the research on guns.Iliked the detailed discussions of the existing literature, and, as anonacademic, I did not find it too difficult to read. ...Read more

Subjects:  1. Crime Prevention    2. General    3. Gun control    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Political Freedom & Security - Law Enforcement    6. Political Science    7. Politics / Current Events    8. Social Law    9. United States    10. Causes & prevention of crime    11. Law / General    12. Police & security services    13. Political structure & processes   

Reviews (5)

Not a how-to book, but very eye-opening
This book is basically an illustrated argument against the concept of gun-banning legislature being effective in keeping firearms out of the hands of criminals.There are many photos and examples of improvised single shot weapons using the .22 catridge that hardly look like conventional weapons.What they lack in stopping power and accuracy, they make up for with relative ease of construction, accessability of materials, and concealment.Many of these examples were confiscated from inmates in prisons.Which raises the question: if criminals can make guns in federal prisons, then how can gun laws prevent them from doing so when they are free in the streets?
Intriguing
This book has a lot of anecdotes and stories, with plenty of photos and commentaries. It makes you think about how useless gun control is. Has a picture of a guy who's pen-gun backfired, talks about prisoners making gunpowder from matchheads and urine, and diagrams of some very cool devices. It's NOT a "how-to" book, but for those who know what they're doing it's definitely got a lot of good(bad?) ideas in it.

interesting
This is a very interesting book on homemade firearms.Many are truly ingenious.It shows a wide variety from Zippo lighters converted to guns to belt buckle guns reminiscent of the show "Wild,Wild,West".It offers many photos as well as some diagrams.It also tells you which ones didn't work as well and the hazardous results of trying to use them.If in a truly desperate situation this book could easily assist you in building a workable firearm from very basic materials.Probably very popular with Guerilla types. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Firearms    2. Gun control    3. History    4. Military    5. Military - Weapons    6. Military Science    7. Modification    8. Technology & Industrial Arts    9. United States    10. History / Military / Weapons    11. Ordnance, weapons technology    12. Weapons & equipment   

Reviews (11)

It's not only about guns it's about the sovereignty of the United States
The Global war on your guns is a well researched and factual account of the efforts of The United Nations attempt at taking over our nation. This is not some alarmist's half-cocked radical viewpoint, but rather a well researched report on the record of the U.N. and how they have become a powerful organization bent on regulating the entire world under their iron hand. Mr. LaPierre points out how the U.N. has failed in it's peace keeping efforts in all of the nations where they have gained control. Worse than that the U.N. "peace keepers" have not been all that peaceful. In fact in many cases they have been more violent and controlling than any of the governments that they have assumed control from.
Educate yourself on the reality of the UN!
This book should be absolutely essential reading for everyone in America (or anywhere, for that matter)--it's not just about guns (though it does eloquently and soundly make the case for the right to bear arms), but it also chronicles story after story after story of U.N. corruption and waste, direct U.N. support of terrorists, U.N. exacerbation of genocides, U.N. attempts at removal of liberty and human rights everywhere, the "rape culture" of their so-called peacekeepers, their legitimizing of the most oppressive regimes...I could go on and on and on. In short, it sums up why the U.N. isn't good at anything but spreading misery and pain, and, consequently, why we shouldn't allow them anywhere near our Second Amendment (or anywhere near the US in any way, shape, or form in my opinion).
Interesting, but goes a little overboard
Guns don't kill people.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Arms Control And Disarmament    2. Constitutional    3. Firearms ownership    4. General    5. Gun control    6. History & Theory - General    7. International Relations - Arms Control    8. Political Science    9. Politics - Current Events    10. Politics / Current Events    11. Politics/International Relations    12. United States    13. Political Science / General   

Reviews (5)

Should have bought this book sooner
I recently obtained my CCW permit.After spending about $1,000 on pistols that don't fill my need, I purchased one of the recommended pistols.I just wish I had read this book sooner.
Good review of different firearms
The book's title is exactly what it is a review of different gun types. It is not a guide for usage or concealed carry. However,how appropriate a particular gun is for concealed carry is covered.

Honest and practical
This book is a very down-to-earth guide to selecting the best handgun type and caliber for an individual to carry for self-defense.Holsters, combat tactics, and local laws are not discussed, but that isn't the point of the book.Wiley Clapp is a very respected gun writer, a former U.S. Marine and law enforcement officer.His opinion is rather heavily weighted towards larger calibers of handguns, and rightly so.However, he approaches all of the myriad makes and models of handguns objectively.Part of his book does cover the ballistics and physics of different handgun calibers in simple terms.This makes it easier for people who are unfamiliar with guns to understand what exactly it is that makes a gun or bullet truly lethal.The author provides precise measurements of size and weight of all the popular models of pistols, allowing the reader to get an idea of just how light(or heavy!) some handguns can be.This book seems to have been written to those who are new to handguns, but even seasoned gun lovers will enjoy reading this excellent guide. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Gun control    2. History    3. Military - Weapons    4. Pistol shooting    5. Pistols    6. Reference    7. Revolvers    8. Self-defense    9. Shooting    10. Sports & Recreation    11. History / Military / Weapons    12. Small firearms, guns & other equipment    13. Sociology, Social Studies   

Reviews (5)

Have a big enough lever and you can move anything.
L. Neil Smith is one of the most prolific libertarian writer of the last few decades.With more than 20 sci-fi books under his belt this is his first non fiction book.Full of essays on libertarian philosophy, libertarian politics, the Second Amendment, the media, science fiction, sex, drugs, Ayn Rand, freedom and Robert A. Heinlein.
Lever Action should have been titled "Full Auto"
L. Neil Smith has gathered a no-holds-barred collection of his finest political essays in this book.I first found "el Neil" in "The Libertarian Enterprise" online. I have since read much of his fiction, and found it to be excellent. Please buy lots and lots of his books--give them as gifts, read them and stock them in every room in your house and in every vehicle. I want him to write more, and the sure way to convince him to do so is to pay him.

And the Truth Will Set You Free
I've read and enjoyed most of L. Neil Smith's science fiction novels.I checked out his essays and other non-fiction works almost as an afterthought.I liked them.So when I saw LEVER ACTION, I jumped on it.Read more

Subjects:  1. Current Affairs    2. Political    3. Political Freedom & Security - Civil Rights    4. Politics/International Relations    5. Crime And Criminals    6. Gun control   

Reviews (14)

My favorite book.Period.
Do not let the fact that this text is a "collection of essays" disuade you.Neither should you be dissuaded about the month waiting period for a new copy to arrive.Order several copies and earn a profit by selling via Amazon's Marketplace!
The Ballad of Carl Drega
It is a great eye opener to the tyranny around us all.

Insane by reason of bureaucracy!
That could very well be a legitimate legal defense some day.Certainly this book goes a long way toward detailing the million and one ways that we suffer from a surfeit of government.Read more

Subjects:  1. Civil rights    2. Current Affairs    3. Government, Resistance to    4. Libertarianism    5. Political    6. Politics/International Relations    7. United States    8. United States - 20th Century    9. Crime And Criminals    10. Gun control   

Editorial Review

Multiple regression analyses are rarely the subject of heated public debate or 225-page books for laypeople. But John R. Lott, Jr.'s study in the January 1997 Read more

Reviews (158)

Be wary of reviewers here.
It would be in the best interest of those thinking of purchasing the book to scan over a copy of it themselves before purchasing it.The especially negative reviews should be scrutinized.....they are obviously written by people who do not like looking at what Dr. Lotts' data says.They claim that he is a mouthpiece for the firearms industry, but the truth of the matter is that the man never even owned or operated a firearm until AFTER he came to the conclusions he did in the paper that subsequently led to this book.He chose to purchase a firearm only after he learned the effects private ownership had on crime.
Review the reviewers
Poorly researched and using fictional statistics, this book is a great example of how NOT to do research!
Attracted to the book because of the critics...
I have a concealed carry permit and am a member of a number of gun rights organizations.However, I simply am not one to use utilitarian arguments for such positions and so would normally not be interested in econometric modeling to defend something like the right to keep and bear arms.Nevertheless, as I began to find all these attacks on Dr. Lott -- even by miscellaneous gun rights advocates on USNET, I just had to see what it was all about.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Administrative Law & Regulatory Practice    2. Crime And Criminals    3. Crime Prevention    4. Criminology    5. Firearms    6. Firearms and crime    7. Gun control    8. Law and legislation    9. Legal Reference / Law Profession    10. Political Freedom & Security - Law Enforcement    11. Social Science    12. Sociology    13. United States    14. Causes & prevention of crime    15. Social Science / Criminology    16. Social law    17. USA    18. Violence in society   

Reviews (2)

poor science
This book has all the hallmarks of a political work.The stats are creatively interpreted and it lacks reviewed references.There are numerous glaring technical errors that support the sloppy methodology employed.
no supproting data
This book seemed to be written with alot of inconsistancies.Stats were not backed up by any sort of reference or study, and the actual value changed when the stat was repeated later on in the book.References to a particular gun (H&K 303) make no sense since there is no such gun, really discredit any real factual information that this book might have.This book reads like propaganda to anyone with any sort of knowledge on the subject, when it should have been a piece of some merit with factual data to support any if not all of the statements and conclusions, especially since the author is suppose to be a professor.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Criminology    2. Firearms and crime    3. General    4. Gun control    5. Social Science    6. Sociology    7. Violence    8. Arms negotiation & control    9. Small firearms, guns & other equipment    10. Social Science / General    11. Weapons & equipment   

Reviews (13)

A Message That Must Be Heard
Everyone should read this book!I am not a Black man.(In fact, I am about as far from the strong, handsome Black warrior on the cover of this book as a red-headed Clint Howard look alike can get).However, Mr. Blanchard presents a compelling and articulate thesis of which people of all colors should take heed.A well armed citizenry is the foundation on which our freedom is based, and the protection of that freedom and our collective rights is a responsibility that falls to all people.Yes, the Black man should have a gun.He must have a gun . . . for the sake of us all!Personally, I would feel safer from crime and more secure in the health of OUR country if I knew there were more Black Men With Guns and mighty rippling biceps like Mr. Blanchard to protect us.It is high time for law abiding, honest, and attractive Black men to empower themselves.It is high time for us all to empower ourselves!Viva la "Black Man With a Gun."Viva la "Asian and Mexican Man With a Gun."And Viva la "Gay Man With a Gun."

Short, sweet, and hard hitting!
This is one of those rare books that distills its message into a simple, easy to swallow morsel, yet retains all the power to transform you.Long tomes full of statistics have their place to support Second Amendment rights, but getting a doubter to actually read them is another matter."Black Man With a Gun" on the other hand, is tailor made for today's attention-span challenged youth or busy adult. On The Button
Kenn hits the mark, and correctly dispels fears of gun ownership by the masses. Everyone should read this book, and everyone needs to own a gun. When there are no more guns, the politicians and conquerors can do what they want with us. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Firearms    3. Firearms ownership    4. Gun control    5. How-To    6. Personal & Practical Guides    7. Reference    8. Reference / Personal & Practical Guides    9. Safety    10. Shooting    11. Sports & Recreation    12. Sports & Recreation / Shooting    13. Safety measures    14. Self-defense    15. United States    16. Weapons   

Reviews (2)

Articles on the Controversy
This book contains various articles that deal with the natural right to keep and bear arms, for and against. You can read this book to educate yourself on opposing viewpoints. They date from the 1970s and 1980s, but their arguments are still valid. Since then 33 of the 48 states have passed "right to carry" laws. South Dakota and Vermont have virtually no gun controls; you can compare their crime and violence to areas with strict gun controls. But owner-operated small businesses overwhelmingly predominate: no powerful corporations to restrict the rights of the people.