Interesting book really makes you think about self defense in todays world. I grew up with guns, hunting and target shooting so I might have a different perspective than most. Having a loaded gun readily accessable is a huge responsibility that can either save your life or ruin it forever.

If you even thought about owning a gun you should have this book. It is full of factual information regarding crime statistics, dos and don'ts regarding gun ownership and use. It is written by a women for women and I bought it for my wife but I read every page. I recommend it highly.

Larry C

I bought it for her and she thought it was worthwhile. So much so I ordered some similar titles. These books aren't crazy. They're for women that refuse to be victims.

Informative
Great to give your lady if you would like her to consider arming herself

Thoughtful, informative and written in simple language for the woman who has, or is intending to own/carry a concealed weapon.
Covers types of handguns, true life experiences, other means of self defense and consequences of using lethal force.

I read this book back in 1992 and met Paxton Quigley in Phoenix shortly afterwards. I obtained several autographed copies and gave them to my sisters and sisters-in-law. I collect books on "defense for women" and most of them are trash. It's a shame, too. I started collecting books on defensive techniques for women because if they worked for the physically and mentally soft, it would be even more effective for those who were physically and mentally conditioned to deal with the violent, ugly, and brutal parts of "civilization." Paxton Quigley's advice on bottom-line security is still first rate.

Women have to learn to stomp their own snakes for two reasons: criminals select helpless targets as victims; all too often, the woman's "significant other" turns out to be an abusive brute.

Even if you do not want anything to do with guns, taking a gun safety course and learning their limitations will still give you the information to make yourself safer. Someone waving a pistol at you from 100 feet away is usually not going to be able to hit you except by accident--so run to a place of safety! On the other hand, if you're confronted at five feet, you need to pretend to cooperate until you have an opportunity to get away.

Quigley evaluates defensive tools available in 1990 and makes recommendations based upon her experience. I am a large man (6' 3") and Paxton Quigley had to stand on an ammo crate in order to see over the sales counter and sign her books. In her book, she writes of carrying a whippy little steak knife for self protection. Quigley's idea of self defense is avoiding injury--certainly a worthy goal. I hang out with America's warriors and their idea of self-defense is hurting the other guy worse. Quigley achieves her goal, avoiding injury, by being alert to danger. She uses her handgun as credible deterrance--I have no doubt that she can shut down a hostile male attacker. Quigley projects this attitude without coming off as a phoney or hard-case. Her book, "Armed and Female," tells you how to do the same.

I read this book back in 1992 and met Paxton Quigley in Phoenix shortly afterwards. I obtained several autographed copies and gave them to my sisters and sisters-in-law. I collect books on "defense for women" and most of them are trash. It's a shame, too. I started collecting books on defensive techniques for women because if they worked for the physically and mentally soft, it would be even more effective for those who were physically and mentally conditioned to deal with the violent, ugly, and brutal parts of "civilization." Paxton Quigley's advice on bottom-line security is still first rate.

Women have to learn to stomp their own snakes for two reasons: criminals select helpless targets as victims; all too often, the woman's "significant other" turns out to be an abusive brute.

Even if you do not want anything to do with guns, taking a gun safety course and learning their limitations will still give you the information to make yourself safer. Someone waving a pistol at you from 100 feet away is usually not going to be able to hit you except by accident--so run to a place of safety! On the other hand, if you're confronted at five feet, you need to pretend to cooperate until you have an opportunity to get away.

Quigley evaluates defensive tools available in 1990 and makes recommendations based upon her experience. I am a large man (6' 3") and Paxton Quigley had to stand on an ammo crate in order to see over the sales counter and sign her books. In her book, she writes of carrying a whippy little steak knife for self protection. Quigley's idea of self defense is avoiding injury--certainly a worthy goal. I hang out with America's warriors and their idea of self-defense is hurting the other guy worse. Quigley achieves her goal, avoiding injury, by being alert to danger. She uses her handgun as credible deterrance--I have no doubt that she can shut down a hostile male attacker. Quigley projects this attitude without coming off as a phoney or hard-case. Her book, "Armed and Female," tells you how to do the same.

This book is a great introduction to guns, regardless, if you are an expirenced shooter or do not have idea how to use a gun. It points all the different types of self-defense that you can use - with their pro's and con's. This book helps women realize the dangers and how to deal with them (with a use of a gun). I am always aware of the dangers if I am biking, hiking,kayaking, or walking to my car. I am in control of my safety and I refuse to be a victim! This book, though, does leave beginners with a lot of questions but the book wasn't written to give you a quiz with what type of gun is good for you - that is were you pick up at a gun range and/or a gun store. There is a lot of support for beginners - you just have to ask for it.

I loved this book. It was fun to read. It answered all my questions and it helped me choose the right firearm for me.

Excellent introduction to firearms, self-defense concepts, and attitude. Instruction on what kind of weapons are suitable for a woman, how they function, and how to practice with then.
I frankly skipped the chapters on the dangers of rape, the inefficacy of fingernail files against a determined assailant, and a few others because I was more interested in the practical material, not in deciding whether self-defense is appropriate.
My one caveat is that there is no indication that any information has been revised since the paperback was published in 1990. Consequently, information about specific products and possibly some laws is outdated. The pistol the author prefers, for example, was replaced in its manufacturer's lineup with a new model in 1997.

I love this book. Quigley is articulate and gets her points across without getting hysterical. I didn't agree with everything she wrote, but that's life. If only I could get my wife to read it.