Written by a veteran firearms instructor, this book addresses the profound need for basic instruction in safe firearms use by the beginner—the new firearms owner, as well as the police cadet or correctional officer trainee in the academy—in dire need of instruction in how to safely handle and care for their new weapons; and not only to use them safely, but effectively, accurately and with good judgment and skill. With 45 years of experience, much of it in training others to use firearms, no one was better equipped for writing this book than the late George L. Tooley. His down-to-earth insistence on addressing the basics, his continual attention to safety, and his detailed explanations of the inner workings of firearms make this book unique in its field.