Guns Books

This book has a real stopping power in every "my ammo is the best" discussion. More detailed than I expected, covers practically all types of handgun/rifle ammunition. Not only it can be used as lexicon, it also contains a lot of amusing stories. Unfortunately most of the pictures are ballistic gelatine cavities, I would appreciate also real wounds / authopsy pictures.

Very informative but very long. Goes into very specific ballistics info. Even though it is the most recent book Ive found it could be updated with the most recent ammo products. The info on the FBI and INS ammo testing was very informative. Goes to show that just because a one law enforcement agency uses a certain caliber and kind of ammo, it pays to do your homework and base your choice off of more than just one agency's recommendation. A little pricey but worth it if you are really interested in ammo ballistics.

I don't know if the data and other information presented is valid or not (many apparently believe the latter). Having very little first-hand experience in assessing the comparitive lethality of various types and calibers of handgun ammunition, I can neither agree nor disagree with conclusions made. But it is, at the very least, interesting reading from cover to cover, and is thought-provoking.

I was moderately disappointed with the analysis and presentation of the material.

This Book gives you an idea on what to expect performance wise from various loads through testing and real world incidents ..

This has several interesting doilies, and a fair collection of nice medallions. There are also several crowns and some edgings. I found many of the doilies more interesting than many patterns but they still show off the work nicely. I really enjoyed this book.

I find this tattingbook very interesting. The book is originally from 1967 and it has many nice patterns, specially I like the doilies. It has patterns for beginners and for more advanced tatters. The pictures is to great help for me since I havn't tatted for very long time, to be excact only for 2 months,and I learned to tat from a website. Still I found the patterns easy to follow except for one and thats "Water Lily". But I will not give up and I'm sure that one sunny day I will manage to do that lovely doily. It's the centre that gives me problems, the rest seem to be very easy. I even went to library to have a look at the book in its origin language, swedish, but it's still too difficult for me,yet..
This book is really a "must" for serious tatters!!

This beautiful book was first published in the 60s, went out of print before I could get my own copy in the mid 70s, and then to my delight Dover reprinted it. The original was in Swedish but the translation to English is excellent and there are no difficulties in understanding the requirements of each pattern.

It contains a good introduction to the history of tatting which culminates in pictures of some of the most exquisite tatted lace handkerchiefs I have ever seen.

I do not consider this to be a book for the complete beginner. Many of the patterns are more complex than someone who has never tatted before would be able to manage. The instructions provided on how to tat are extremely brief and you're really better off with a good techniques book such as Rebecca Jones's Complete Book of Tatting if you've never tatted before.

I would still say buy this and keep it for later on though because it's a super book. Over the years I have made most of the patterns in it, apart from the Ace of Hearts doily the instructions are accurate and the patterns look as illustrated in the photographs when made up.

The collection of patterns is quite delightful. We start off with a collection of edgings including some two shuttle work which at the time this book was published was not usually found in any tatting publication. Next the collection of motifs includes some lovely stars and flowers with which to create a mobile. However the patterns could be used for almost any purpose and you don't have to use them for mobiles. There is a collection of simpler designs which include my all time favourite pattern, the large cross pattern, which I have made on many occasions as gifts. Finally there is a wonderful collection of intermediate to advanced doily designs and three tatted bridal crowns finish the book off.

The patterns are written in notational format with absolutely no diagrams at all but the photographs are clear enough that you won't need diagrams. Most patterns are accurate apart from the Ace of Hearts Doily and even it can be made following careful study of the photograph. I recommend this book unreservedly.

This book has several pages of "stars" or medallions to make hanging mobiles, crowns and candlestick frills-- something I've never seen anywhere else. But where would I use these patterns? The doily and edging patterns are limited, although very well illustrated in black and white photographs. If you're an experienced tatter looking for some different doily or edging patterns, this probably won't fulfill your needs. But this book would work well for a beginner. And if you suddenly need a tatted crown, here you go!

The instructions include the basic knot, how to join rings, how to join threads. That's it. Nothing on making chains, hints on when to reverse work, how to use two shuttles, what is "one shuttle, second thread" etc. You do need these techniques to make most of the patterns though. So I would say the book is incomplete. To top it off, the patterns are not all that inspiring.

THIS IS A GREAT BOOOK THERE ARE ACTUALY 6 BOOKS IN THE STORY AND I WILL READ THEM ALL. THIS BOOK WILL KEEP YOU ON YOUR TOES.

I had high hopes for this book. I was hoping for a good 'ol Western. Boy, was I disappointed. The story should have been a good one - a man on a vengeance trail, roaming the West to kill 7 men who murdered his parents and sister. The author took this promising story line and completely butchered it. The book was total trash. I cannot believe the number of times the hero got shot or stabbed. Every time you turned around he was getting shot up. Not close to being realistic.
The author has a most limited vocabulary. There are countless references to varmints, bushwhackers, owlhoots. You get so tired of his repetitions.
I would not recommend this book to anyone. It reads like a serial professional wrestling story.

This book reads like it was written by a high school dropout who posesses a very limited vocabulary. There is no character development at all. The story only moves along by the most convenient of happenings (finding two of the killers names in the newspaper, when neither of the characters were interested in the newspaper for the entire first quarter of the book! Suddenly, luckily there just happens to be the info they need on the day they are looking for it! Horrible.) I would like to buy this author a thesaurus so he wouldn't have to use the same words/phrases over and over again until I got bored and stopped reading for the day.

If you want bland "Saturday Afternoon Action Movie" story, dialog, and characters then this is your author, otherwords stick to the nonfiction of the real west, it is much more worthwhile and daring this trite piece of waste.

There are six books in this series and I loved them all. The protangist, Nathan Stone, became very real to me. I shed buckets of tears reading this series. Truly classic.

I am a rabid fan of Louis Lamour, and like many others have been searching for another author of his stature. Eureeka!!!!! I have been successful in my journey. Mr. Compton has captured the imajination of yet another avid western novel reader. I was totally engrossed in this book, I felt all of Nathan Stone's triumph and pain, each and every bullett and knife wound. I am so excitedly looking forward to reading, "Autumn of the gun" and "Killing Season". I tremendously enjoyed this character.
SUPERB!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is a solid book for what it is and what it covers. However, as was mentioned in another review there needs to be more. The chapters could include more details, exercises & drills, etc. As we know, just reading about a subject doesn't improve knowledge and skills, only the application of the material can lead to improvements. I think the authors could have provided more ways for direct applications. However, it's a book that I would recommend to anyone interested in personal safety with or without the use of firearms.

Ed Lovette and Dave Spaulding believe that if a person makes the desicion to carry a handgun, he has a greater responsibility toward himself - and above else to his loved ones to confront the dangers found in the modern society. They have combined their vast law enforcement and military experience to create a handbook to help in such an effort. But, as the majority of this book is about non-gun issues (mental conditoining, awareness, operating a vehicle in an emergency, medical self-help and so on), also those people who don't carry a gun will benefit form reading this book.

Usually, books like this concentrate on guns and tactics - essentially surviving an armed encounter. This book, however, places emphasis on avoiding such situations altogether. That is such an common-sense approach to the subject, one has to wonder why other gun writers concentrate on surviving the attack, and not avoiding it in the first place.

The book covers just about all the important issues of the subject, and there doesn't seem to be anything essential missing. However, this is such a broad subject that a hundred pages is way too little to cover it in adequate detail. Therefore, this book serves mainly as an introduction to the subject - although a very good one.

IN CALIFORNIA YOU ARE SCREWED IF YOU IF YOU EVER THINK YOU CAN PROTECT YOUR SELF WITHOUT BEING ARRESTED AND GIVING LOTS OF EXPLAINING. YOU BETTER JUST RUN AWAY.

GREAT BOOK A MUST FOR GUN OWNERS.

Ed Lovette captures the essence of self protection. He is clear, concise and obviously knows his subject. The problem is basically space. There is not enough of it. The topics discussed could be expanded quite a bit, especially the aspects of handgun use, carry and choice. More information could be included regarding the psychology of self defence; and, the problems associated with fear, adrenaline and actual application of learned defensive skills in extreme situations. Holding a weapon while paralyzed with fear is a real situational problem. It requires a good deal of learning, practice and conditioning before a working, self defence action can be initiated.

All in all, an excellent book. It just needs to be fleshed out a bit.

The book covers most of the important issues, however, it does not give adequate detail on any of them. If you want a broad overview of those things you should consider, this is a good place to start. If you are looking for specifics, you will have to follow-up this book with several others that contain more details.

The focus is on awareness and avoidance. Discussion of firearms only makes up a small portion of this book. For those interested in pursuing self defense firearms, Dave Spaulding's Handgun Combatives would be a good follow-up book to read.

A high point is the short discussion on night shooting. This is the first book I have seen that gives clear pictues of all the generally accepted methods of holding a flashlight and a handgun at the same time.

Worth reading if you are starting to think about what you can do to enhance your personal security.

I couldn't top the the 3 previous reviews, they were accurate. I have the revised 2003 book which retails for $27.99 and I bought it at a local gun shop for $25.20. I wish I had checked Amazon's prices first.

I have read all the books available for the Glock line of pistols and this one is easily the best. The author covers history, maintenance, all the models, and the pictures are excellent.

If you are going to buy just one book about Glocks I highly recommend this be the one, it IS that good.

But beware; if you are not presently a Glock owner you may find, after spending time with this book, that you just have to have one.

My review on this one is going to be a bit more critical than most. This is probably one of the worst books on Glock pistols that I have read to date. The author is constantly comparing Glocks to 1911's, and other types of pistols. The book is also loaded with plenty of non-Glock images. Mr. Sweeney, I bought this book because I like the Glock, not because I wanted to see plenty of photos of 1911's... ad nauseam. Perhaps Mr. Sweeney should stick to books writing books like his "Gun Digest Book of the 1911", as he has done Glock more than a bit of injustice.


You know, I recently purchased Massad Ayoob's excellent book "The Gun Digest Book of Sig-Sauer". Mr. Sweeney, please take note... Massad's book on the Sig is FILLED with useful information and photos related to his book's title... SIG-SAUER PISTOLS!

Sorry, but I must recommend a pass on Sweeney's "sort of Glock" book!

Hans

I made the mistake of actually reading the book, rather than skim it or use if for reference. Mr Sweeney is an accomplished gunsmith with years of experience with the 1911 and the Glock. Although he provides a lot of good information on the Glock, it becomes obvious that he truly admires the 1911. Having another, commonly used firearm to use as a reference for comparison is a good thing. But there are many times that the 1911 comes up without benefit to the topic.

The Glock information he provides is great, albeit limited in scope; I learned a lot about magazines, other Glock models, and a holster I'd never heard of; I'm glad I have the book on my shelf for reference. Probably the most practical thing I learned is that all Glock mags of the same caliber will fit and function in other Glocks of the same caliber; consequently it makes good sense to carry a 15 round clip (from a Glock 22) to put in your concealed Glock 27 after the first 10 rounds are gone. Makes more sense than investing in a bunch of mag extensions that yield fewer total rounds.

But the book has some major drawbacks, too. At one point we are led to believe that he will cover trigger pull adjustment in another section, but this is never addressed. The writing is OK, but the editor should find a new line of work. There are contradictions, circular writing, and other mistakes that a good editor would have picked out; it was difficult to read at times. Probably the worst two issues are that it desperately needs to be updated (lots of talk about the old 1994 gun restrictions, copyright 1993) and there is no index. Tough to be a reference book without one.

I haven't read any competing books on the subject, but I can compare it with quality books written on singular subjects. That's how I formulated my rating.

Pat Sweeney writes the best overall book for the firearms industry. His attention to detail and articulation is some of the best work when it comes to general firearms knowledge. The only other book that covers the Glock this well is the Ptooma Guide to the Glock. This book in comparison to the Ptooma book, well that is kind of hard. Sweeney writes as a general knowledge book, while the Ptooma book was written by guys that LOVE Glocks. Sweeney is a 1911 and revolver man, But who wouldn't trust the word of someone that took 3rd place in World Shoot XIV in Standard Revolver? I think he knows what he is talking about. You need a Glock book? Look no further. You found it.

i have had this book since it was released, which was before i started taking classes. it is not the best step by step for beginners. you do need a little more insight on the guns before working on them, but to read from a master all his little stories of past experiences is priceless. i gave it 4 out of 5 stars because you do need to know how your firearm comes apart before reading the book, but once you know how you 1911 comes apart and goes back together you'll love the info in the book.

This book has projects that are truly practical, and you can even do them in your own gunsmithing shop at home.

An excellent book with truly practical advise - projects that can be done in a home gunsmithing workshop!

unless you already know all the parts and peices of a gun and how to take it down to exploded view level of dissasembly and put it back this manual is worthless, i got a willson combat trigger for my 1911 i turned to to the section for installing it, it says remove trigger and install new one and went in detail over how to file it down if it didn't fit right but nothing on how to actually get the trigger out or get it back in, same thing with my revolver it says to remove the cylinder but dosen't say how to remove the cylinder, its like a chiltons manual that says remove transmission but dose not go any further than that, this book is fine if you already know what your doing but if you know what your doing then you would not need a manual to begin with

I'm sure the info is okay, and the auther seems like a really nice and experienced person.. BUT, the writing style makes it difficult for me to follow.. Some sections of the book literally have no paragraphs- just pages filled with margin to margin text! Other sections have a paragraph every other sentence!! I'm not some kinda grammer buff or anything, but I do get frustrated when the formatting of text is so bad that the text is difficult to follow or read! I mean, we pay good money for books- they should be done right.

Additionally, the focus of what is being talked about jumps around too much- he'll be talking about doing some gun mod or other, then throw in an little side story that's not 100% relavent, and then he won't tie it back into what he was talking about- he'll just move on to a new, unrelated topic! It's like stream of thought poetry in some parts, and is so hard to get through that I've stopped trying to read this book for a while- maybe I'll come back to it.

I want to like this book- it seems like the author has a lot he can teach, but I just can't stick to reading it because of the style. I didn't want to post this review because I hate to smash someone's work. But, I bought this book based on the other, glowing reviews- and I think people considering purchasing this book should know the whole picture.

It was a complete but not very detailed overview of Guns N' Roses. It was a good introduction to the band but if you're a hardcore Gunner's fan it just wont satisfy your craving. It mentioned some of the band's antics but I'm sure they get up to a lot more mischief and mayhen than what was written. It was mostly about Axl. Good picy's but only in black and white.

Excellent book, very nice pictures too, fun to read. One of the best about Guns n' Roses. If you're a fan, don't hesitate!

Although I found "Over the Top: The True Story of Guns N Roses" the most complete history, and probably most insightful that I have ever read, I had some problems with the book that left a sour taste in my mouth by the end. First off, somewhere in the middle of the book, Putterford is discussing the declining "style" of the concerts during the Illusions tour, he refers to W. Axl Rose as pulling a Donny & Marie by singing a duet with "female singer, Shannon Hoon" on Don't Cry. His complete disregard for who Hoon really is astounded me and made me be suspicious of his credibility. Also, I cannot stand it when music journalists criticize the Illusion albums. Most fans know that Appetite was the defining album for GN'R, no one disputes that, but journalists rarely give credit where credit is due. The Illusion albums showed a band that no longer lived off of Sunset Strip, I don't think anyone expected them to sing about drugs and alcohol forever, they're in the thirties. In my opinion, the Illusion albums were musically better than Appetite could ever be. Also Putterford's book seems to give a lot of new information, but all it really does is take all the rumors and press releases over the last decade and link them together. He criticizes the band for being in it for the money, but then you have to wonder....what's his purpose in writing this book?

this book is good for fans who don't know much about the band trying to pick up information on them. Since i didn't tune into the band until 5 years or so after their last tour i found it very helpful. it is pretty good and interesting reading if you are really that interested in the band.

Its really unconfortable for a fan to read this book, it tells you everything you don't want to know as a GNR worshiper. It's the damned truth, all the prima dona stuff from Axl, and his personal feelings, make you see Axl as a human being, and lower him from his demi-god state. Its a great book, I recomend it to GNR fans who CARE ABOUT THE TRUTH...

I bought this book for my son, the racing fanatic.He loved it and said that he learned some "unknown facts" on Tim Richmond who was a racer way before my son's time.Being well informed on all forms and decades of racing
is what I was after by wanting this book for him. He was pleased with the book.

I have been a Tim Richmond fan since I met him at Pocono in 1983. This book brings back memories and tells all who don't know what the NASCAR community has missed since Tim's passing.
A truly shining star snuffed out way before his time.

good book, a must read for a nascar fan. quick read, entertaing, and informing.

In viewing various articles online about Tim Richmond, it is not hard to become a fan of the driver and probably off track as well. Yes he had some vices, but look at the times he lived in. Most people then got off lucky in terms of STD's and effects. Seeing old races with him in it make one appreciate his talent. The book did seem to have some poor research, such as Bill Elliott winning the Daytona 500 during the Sudafed fiasco. Bobby Allison won it that year. The fact that Daytona 500 is the biggest race and the writer is a prominent NASCAR scribe is very poor editing. It almost seems as if Poole wrote the book with a "I better tread lightly or else I risk being blackballed by NASCAR" mindset. There could have been more detail in regards to most parts of the book and seeing as how he has had a lasting effect on so many people in a short amount of time, could easily have filled 100 or more pages.

Most of the interviews are with his half sister and some NASCAR personnel who have the same tread cautiously mindset in their commentaries. His half-sister seems to glaze over the shortcomings of Tim and a book like this deserves to have the whole story told, not just the rollicking good times. I would have liked to see more commentary from people such as Richard Petty, DW, and David Pearson in regards to their reasons for his dislike of Tim Richmond just as to see more from Barry Dodson, Todd Parrott, and Rick Hendrick as well as reporters of the day such as Dave DeSpain, Ken Squier, etc.

If Richmond had not contracted AIDS, he would arguably be in the pantheon of drivers such as Petty, Earnhardt, and Foyt. Jeff Gordon would probably have stuck with Bill Davis Racing, and Earnhardt would have only won 4 championships, and NASCAR's safety initiatives would have been expedited. Or Richmond would have just gotten out of NASCAR and acted professionally. Unfortunately we will never know.

I Think Tim Richmond was one of the greatest race car drivers of all time. The book pretty much followed his life as I remember. He was not treated well in racing because of his attitude and seeing him walking thru the endfield of Datona, when he was turned away for having drugs in his system,broke my heart and his spirits, over the counter drugs but they would not let him race. It was one of the best books I have read in a long time, that pretty much followed his life. I recommend this book for anyone.

My main complaints about this book are that the characters, via their dialogue, were rather two dimensional. There just wasn't much about the person that ever came through to bring me into the story. I couldn't empathize with the characters because I couldn't get into their heads. Just too wooden.

The technical stuff about guns, the training and to some degree the action sequences were good, but they just couldn't save this book from being anything other than mediocre.

A far better, though longer and more involved, book to recommend and compare with would be Unintended Consequences. Far better character development, I think.

Al Voth has written a book all shooters will enjoy. The story pulled me right in. I became Nathan Burdett and lived his life through Voth's book. I couldn't put it down. When I finished, I immediately read the sequel book "Mandatory Reload" and I can't wait for the third.

As competitive shooter and USPSA member, I find the book technically accurate. With that said I'd recommend this book to anyone.

Before you understand why this book is so much fun to us gun nuts, you have to understand that it is numbingly painful to read and watch references to guns (books, movies, CNN, etc.)which are so ridiculously wrong. It's like watching a movie on WWII and the writer accidently making the germans the winners. It's painful.

The fun part of this book is how accurate and nuanced the writer gets right guns and the people who like to shoot guns. There were many times that I actually laughed in pleasurable astonishment at how right this author "got it". For example, the protagonist of this story gets a gun pulled on him and he can't help but wonder for a moment if the gun is a Beretta or a Taurus clone. That's not something a non-gun person would get.

Even with the amazingly accurate details, the writer does lack a little bit of imagination as it comes to charectors and plot. They are very stock as another reviewer mentioned. They're not bad. They're just not that great or memorable.

If you're a gun person who is looking for a fun read that doesn't portray gun owners as drooling psychos - definately get this book. It's a quick read and you'll enjoy it.

Not only was this a great first novel for anyone, it was a great book period. As an avid shooter, I believe all of the technical details of the firearms and related competition to be technically correct. The cover photograph featured a Model 1911 variant in competition trim resting in what appeared to be a Kydex holster. Some IPSC targets lay beneath the handgun, appropriately perforated with multiple head-shots. B-Zone: A Novel of the Gun is Mr. Voth's first attempt at a fictional novel. Reading through the first pages, you soon come to realize that this is not your average work of fiction by a person outside the shooting community; someone who uses firearms as props to further their plot, but has little actual interest in or knowledge of them. Thankfully for the reader, Al Voth knows firearms very well. He is both a competitor and a hunter, is a former member of an Emergency Response Team, and is currently working in a forensics lab. It's always refreshing to see an author put a level of detail into his work that indicates a true love of the gun, and I'm happy to say that Al Voth does just that. Much to my amazement, I even laughed out loud when he correctly used the term "magazine" instead of the time-honored BONEHEAD mistake so many well-known and respected authors make: "clip." Obviously, Al is a shooter first and author second. You will find no glaring errors of firearms nomenclature here!

It all rings true in both the competitive and instructional aspect. Few authors put this level of familiarity into their work. With respect to firearms competition, and law enforcement training, everyhting rings true. The plot itself is quite interesting, simple, and yet well paced. It takes several turns that keep you reading right through the evening and into the night. If you appreciate action novels dealing with criminals, Emergency Response Teams, and firearms training, you will certainly enjoy this work. It is fast paced, accurate, and manages to put you right into the characters' minds with comfortable ease. B-Zone: a Novel of the Gun is, in my opinion, an excellent first novel. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the culture of firearms ownership that we, as readers, inhabit. It feels real, tastes real, and leaves you wanting more. If you have attended advanced handgun training or competed in any of the defensive pistol sports, you will feel like you are attending a homecoming as you read these pages. There is much room for future plots and I, for one, cannot wait to see them develop. My impression is that Al Voth has launched himself on a new career, and in the future you will be seeing his work growing into a series specific to the main character of this book, Nathan Burdett. Like many other action adventures, Voth keeps the pace well. The defining difference here is that Voth actually gets the details he chooses to include RIGHT. Well done!

Alas, I had looked forward greatly to this book, particularly since all the reviews were so excellent. Then I read it. Or tried to.

Mr. Voth has potential as a writer and story-teller; however, this book is a journeyman work, jagged and stereotypical. The writing itself leaves a lot to be desired.

The hero, Nathan Burdett, is a stock character, two-dimensional at best. Too many of the scenes are contrived. Although the accuracy about arms and armaments is marvelous, that isn't enough to carry a story for me. I can get a good gun book for that.

However, B-Zone is a beginning. Let's hope that the future publications by Mr. Voth have the freshness and originality that I caught glimpses of in this book.

I have read this book, and I found it to be very basic, yet broad -- it doesn't assume you know anything about guns, and it builds from the basics it teaches. It also covers many topics, including many aspects of handguns, rifles, and shotguns. It is easy to read and has plenty of pictures and diagrams. I particularly liked the discussion of various cartridge styles and sizes: I learned many things about different bullets that I never knew before. Overall, this is an excellent book for a novice or less-experienced gun enthusiast. I'm going to buy a copy for a friend who just got interested in hunting and shooting this year.

I have had the pleasure to work with Mr. Malloy at several Junior Olympic camps in Florida. His insatiable desire to learn everything about shooting is cheerfully expressed in his work. His book covers critical aspects of shooting that would help every experience level. The book is concise and easy to read with photos and illustrations to help the reader. His friendly style is a bright contrast to the typical egotism developed by shooting authors.

The book is highly recommended by a former Junior Olympic shotgun coach.

This is a very informative book for the novice to intermediate... It brings old information of a historic nature together with shooting information we can all learn something from... If you are looking for more critical shooting science this may not be your cup of tea.... But for the right reader it is a great addition to the gun library... Over all we enjoyed it...

I have had the pleasure to work with Mr. Malloy at several Junior Olympic camps in Florida. His insatiable desire to learn everything about shooting is cheerfully expressed in his work. His book covers critical aspects of shooting that would help every experience level. The book is concise and easy to read with photos and illustrations to help the reader. His friendly style is a bright contrast to the typical egotism developed by shooting authors.

The book is highly recommended by a former Junior Olympic shotgun coach.

This is an excellent book for the beginner, and also fit for intermediate gunners.

The book starts with basic types of firearms and the firearm safety. Then the auther spends four or five chapters for each of the major types of the firearms: rifles, handguns, and shotguns. Each follow the same clear and easy to understand patterns: introduction, ammunition, sights, shooting, and shooting activities. The last chapters dealt with blackpowder guns, airguns, gun care, and even some materials regarding reloading and collection.

Anyone who read this book will not become the so-called "guru" overnight. However, he or she will possess a much broader understanding of firearms and shootings.