[.ca] Tactical Rifle: The Precision Tool for Urban Police ... (ISBN 1581600496)

Solid, but not very detailed:
This is the second book by Gabe Suarez, who has become a leading figure in realm of defensive shooting. The backround Suarez has in law enforcement is very visible in the book, more so than is his newer books. But then, the book is aimed more towards law enforcement agencies than private citizens. The book is intermediate level. It does cover the basics, like different firing positions, and principles of marksmanship, but it does not treat the subjects in enough detail to enable its use as basic textbook. On the other hand, there is not much of the advanced stuff, either. Major portion of the book is devoted to different shooting positions, carry and ready positions and deploying the rifle from sling-arms. Each of the subjects are handled with aid of very good and clear photographs. Although there is not very much text in these chapters, the pictures make it easy to understand what Suarez is teaching. There is also some stiff on zeroing the rifle, low light operations, shooting on the move, reloading and clearing malfunctions, and so on. The gun-specific techniques are explained for AR-15, because it is the most common rifle in police use, but for the most part the techniques presented are not gun-specific. To sum it up, this is a good but not very detailed study on use of rifle in police operations. It's very easy to read and the techniques presented seem very realistic. The main drawback is the lack of detail.

Too Incendiary for a Purported Textbook:
This book fails to be a definitive textbook on training like it claims to be because it is smothered with the author's sad commentary on his fellow man. He states PSTD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a new phenomenon that can be solved with proper conditioning when, in fact, his viewpoints seem in line with someone in its first stages. There are other, better, books on the subject. Note: One of the reviews from a reader in Compton, CA dated December, 1999, states he is a member of the 'Swiss Military' and they have abandoned their older tecniques in favor of the narrow ones offered here. Since the book was published in November, 1999, how is it possible they could have incorporated the author's techniques in a month, then sent someone to Compton to rave about? Does seem rather odd...

Tactical Rifle:
Most of the material found in this book is usable, well organized and relevent. If the author would have left out his personal commentary his work could be taken more seriously. This book is worth reading, twice. The first time through it I would recommend scanning sections to get an overall concept of the material presented. The second read should be with a high lighter and a note pad. Take away the best ideas and see what works for you.

Outdated Tactics of a Regrettable Era:
After perusing the previous reviews and reading the book, it appears Mr. Suarez is an old soldier of another time and era. Police tactics have changed due to the political climate, but more out of necessity than as a matter of choice. The post-LA riots, post-Chief Darryl Gates LA police force is a prime example of this shift in sensibilities. Governments, whether they be 'liberal' or 'conservative', are in fact fiscally conservative as a result of having to pay out huge chunks of resources to defend a police force in criminal and civil courts trained to deliver maximum force in urban assaults against minority populations. The culture of the LA police force was targeted by the Warren Commission as in dire need of change to promote civil harmony. The Darryl Gates' officers were gradually weeded out in the early nineties and they were replaced by an opportunistic bunch, chosen more for their availibility than their dedication. The training of police officers has changed greatly in the last ten years, and focuses more on community policing and much less on urban assault. This training reflects a distinct change in police culture, and therefore the tactics and attitudes here seem to reflect the worst parts of the Darryl Gates policing policies. Mr. Suarez seems to fit in with this culture, and for this reason, I don't think his books and training are relevant for civilized police forces. They may find a more enthusiastic audience among totalitarian states, rather than responsible democracies.

Excellent book rifle handling!!!!:
Gabriel Suarez has written several other books on firearms handling and the tactics and techniques which he describes are current and very effective. Suarez covers in this book safety, preventative maintenence, terminal ballistics, marksmanship, optics, several different shooting positions and malfunction and reload drills. This book is a must for any AR-15 style rifle owner or police officer who uses and trains with a rifle on any basis.