Pistolcraft: Forging Past and Present

I loved this book as it if full of really no nonsense information. Reid was able to share his training and experience in such a way, it is easy to understand, both from the beginner's (which I am not) to the one who has worked with the craft form many decades! I highly recommend this book and the Author!I bought other copies for friends!

This is a good book. Considering the seriousness of the subject, I thought it was worth the price at some 200 pages. It would have been worth the same price to me at 100 or so pages if it hadn't been padded with quotes and references to long past experts. My take is that, if the author is an authority on a subject, evolving or not, then they should simply tell the reader what they need to know. I grant that Mr. Henrichs knows what he is teaching and that I learned a lot from him. It would be worth not being accused of name dropping, or adding page filling fluff, to leave out antiquated quotes from Lieutenant Colonel Jeff Cooper and the rest of the commercial trade. I get enough of that circular mutual promotional admiration in popular gun magazines. I understand the "Forging Past with Present" angle; I could have just done without all the dead hero references. I repeat: this is a good book and belongs stacked and refered to along with the current "Shooters Bible", Ayoob's "Deadly Force", your own state's license to carry and safety training course books, and any other useful firearms' references. I give five stars for what Henrichs' teaching does right; I won't subtract any for my obviously personal preferences and prejudices.

“Pistolcraft” by Reid Henrichs is an invaluable resource for anyone who carries or owns a handgun for personal protection. Reid does an outstanding job in his book at breaking down complex topics into very easy to understand and practical instruction. The book is extremely informative and easy to read. It’s like the author is simply talking to you in your living room. Whether you are new to concealed carry and handguns or have dozens of years of experience under your belt, this book has something for you. It covers a wide variety of topics including; battle tested proven tactics, necessary equipment, the legalities of using deadly force, along with having the proper attitude and mindset to defend yourself with your pistol effectively. There are also loads of pictures demonstrating the techniques discussed in the book for those who are more visual learners. I’ve read the writings of some of the great firearms instructors over the years such as; Cooper, Ayoob, Farnham, and many others. Reid’s new book definitely deserves a spot on the shelf next to them. The information, instruction, history lessons, quotes, practice recommendations, tactics, and techniques are indispensable to the individual interested in modern pistolcraft. I will definitely be signing up in the near future to train with Reid at Valor Ridge. If you aren’t familiar with the author, he has a very widely followed social media presence on YouTube with tons of great content. His consummate professionalism, passion, vast knowledge of his craft, and friendly down to earth attitude will be obvious to you after watching even one of his videos. Those same great attributes jump off the pages of his book as well. I highly recommend you pick up your copy today, you won’t be disappointed! - Randy Mlejnek

I have been following Reid for years on YouTube, so I was quick to pick up this book when I heard about it. I also have his American Rifleman book, which I'd recommend.I do have to give 4 stars simply because of (a) the editor issues and repetitiveness others have mentioned, but more (b) the cost. I know publishing a book and getting it to market is difficult and time-consuming, but it still seems high to me.None of this stopped me from buying it or recommending it to people. Many of the things were covered in pistol classes I've attended, ranging from basic to advanced levels. People should still seek out competent, hands-on training, as Reid recommends. However, the book included some things people do not tend to cover as much, such as mindset. Reid goes into a lot of detail about this, which I appreciate.Reid's a scholar of both the craft and of history, and he is a true American.

Thanks Reid great book. I got this book after buying and reading his rifle book. Both are great.

I had to read the book, first, before I could give an honest review. When I bought the book, there were none. So much for being number one!First, this book is well written. If you've read anything by experienced writers, like Massad Ayoub, you'll notice the same effort for simplicity and clear language. Reid, however, dispenses with formal linguistic rigidity that maks it an easier read.Second, the information is presented with authority by someene who knows and has studied his craft. He gives credit where it is due and names the source of the idea or method he discusses.Third, the information is thorough - ranging from history to drills, ammo to holster requisites.Finally, the spark that caused me to follow Reid on Youtube in the first place is the treatment he gives, albeit brief, on the reasons why this skill set is necessary and basic as a citizen with God-derived rights.Through this book Reid has delivered a sober and compelling treatise fit for reference and practice.And if you got the Kindle version, like me, all the voluminous photos are in glorious black and white.