First used in combat during the Punitive Expedition into Mexico and then extensively during the world wars, the Colt Government Model (1911) pistol remained the standard issue handgun in the US armed forces for nearly 80 years and has continued in service with some units to this day. In fact, the M1911 has seen a resurgence amongst US Special Operations units as US Marine MARSOC and MEUSOC personnel are issued current generation 1911-type pistols. In addition the pistol has seen service with famous law enforcement agencies such as the Shanghai Municipal Police, LAPD Swat and Texas Rangers. Nearly a century after its introduction, the M1911 pistol remains a popular design and is now produced by virtually every major firearms manufacturer doing business in the USA.

The book covers techniques used in modern gunfighting and a history of the author's 30 years on the LAPD and the SWAT team.

This is the first English language work to examine the subject in detail and the first in any language to identify, describe, and quantify variations and production figures for the models covered. The book focuses on the Czechoslovak Communist period (1948-1989), but reaches back into the 1930s in order to trace the history of the 6.35 mm Duo pocket pistol, which remained in production under the name "Z" until 1974 with a total of thirteen distinct marking variations, and the 6.35 mm model 1945, which had its beginnings as the model 1936. The 7.65 mm model 50 police pistol and its successor, the model 70, are covered in depth, documenting both marking variations and a significant number of design changes introduced during their thirty-three-year production life. The 7.62 mm model 52 Army pistol is given extensive treatment based on data drawn from over 2,000 specimens; in addition to descriptions of both standard and rare variants, significant discussion of the pistol s mechanical characteristics and potential safety problems is presented. Also covered are the more modern commercial CZ 75 and CZ 85, the military model 82, and the commercial CZ 83, as are small calibre target pistols and signal pistols.

Shooting to Survive is a must-read guide for responsible civilians carrying concealed, law enforcement officers protecting communities, and military operators conducting combat missions. This is not only a book on shooting a pistol, but more importantly a book on fighting with a pistol detailing the reasons for the techniques. The techniques are designed around the response of the human body when experiencing a body alarm reaction. "Shooting to Survive" contains information from some of the best instructors throughout the United States and internationally in competitive shooting, private security, law enforcement SWAT, and military Special Operations. Volumes of information that would cost a great deal of money and fill a personal library are conveniently assembled in this one book to inform and educate you on how to fight with a pistol. "Shooting to Survive" is a 600-page book broken into easy-to-read sections that are conveniently organized providing an in-depth analysis. There are nearly 300 illustrations and over 1400 endnotes. The techniques in the book on fighting with a pistol apply to any brand including those with a decocker, grip safety, or manual safety. The book also contains detailed information about the internationally popular Glock pistols.

The renaissance of the venerable Colt 1911 in .45 ACP has caused many cops to sit up and take notice. Here is the only book you will ever need to teach you how to select, modify, employ and maintain your Colt. Every critical aspect of the 1911 is here, including detailed information on sights, magazines, holsters, guide rods, serrations, finishes and much more.

2nd Edition of Vickers Guide: AR-15 (Volume 1)