Brief, illustrated guide to types of improvised car bombs: how they're made and how to detect them. Shows how criminals can rig an automobile to become a deadly trap, how to recognize suspicious devices and situations, and how bombs are placed. Not a how-to manual, but a useful field guide. MC

Publisher: Paladin
Paperback: 64 pages
Illustrated

A well-photographed book on basic defenses in close-quarter combat, showing proper use of night sticks, and come-along hand control techniques. It includes defenses against unarmed attacks; attacks with knives, baseball bats and clubs. Also features techniques for disarming pistol-wielding assailants and ground-fighting tactics. MC

Publisher: Universal Force Dynamics
Paperback: 122 pages
Illustrated

Without containing formulas for making any specific drug, this book covers the practical construction of a laboratory, the risks involved, security for the lab, what equipment is needed, and the use of police scanners. Also covered are the procuring of suspicious supplies and how increasingly law enforcement monitors the purchase of chemical equipment. Because of the drug war there is more control of information on chemistry, but many of these techniques could be used by amateur chemists to do legal, basement research. This material is very basic and is not a substitute for instruction, experimentation and experience in chemistry. So buyer beware. MC

Publisher: Loompanics
Paperback: 60 pages
Illustrated

Explains what one needs to know to make advanced improvised explosives using 50 common industrial chemicals. Describes two detonating acids, and five device designs, both single-bottle and double bottle, are included. This work is mainly a list of formulas. Many of these chemicals are very dangerous to use, and all of these devices are deadly. Includes a reading list. MC

Publisher: Paladin
Paperback: 54 pages
Illustrated

A comprehensive, illustrated training manual for using a police flashlight as a defensive weapon. Includes selecting a flashlight to fit one’s practical and defensive needs, flashlight holding and carrying techniques, basic blocking, and using the flashlight against punches and kicks, knives and weapons. Shows control and restraint techniques against aggressors, including chokes and vehicular extractions using flashlights. Includes ancillary subjects such as flashlight maintenance and the legal ramifications of flashlight use. A practical manual for police and security guards, as well as the interested amateur. MC

Publisher: Police Bookshelf
Paperback: 179 pages
Illustrated

This book was written to give police officers a realistic understanding of the less-lethal, nonchemical subduing impact weapons available. Ayoob describes nightsticks, short billies, saps, sap gloves, yawara sticks, riot batons, nunchakus, flashlights, handcuffs and makeshift impact weapons such as key rings and belts. Two classic baton approaches are described—“The Lamb Baton Method” and “The LAPD Method.” The book also covers how to carry the baton and when to draw it; its use against multiple unarmed opponents and the legal parameters of using lethal and less-lethal force. MC

Publisher: Police Bookshelf
Hardback: 158 pages
Illustrated

Most explosives are very unstable substances, which of course is why they explode unexpectedly. Many types of external factors can lead to undesired and unplanned detonation, so attempting to work with any devices is always a very risky situation and should be approached with extreme care. This book purports to show how to make demolition-strength explosives. WARNING: One really should have extensive chemistry experience when trying to use this book to attempt any of these processes. This is an advanced book and I would question its techniques. Many of the acids used in the manufacture of these explosive compounds are highly dangerous and caustic and should be handled with extreme care. The reader who has never worked with separatory funnels, condensers, dangerous acids, formaldehyde compounds and temperature control and has little experience in laboratory safety procedures should stay away from this book. Sorry, use some common sense or you won’t have any senses left. One wonders how many times the author has really made these compounds and under what conditions. However, for the reader who wants to blow himself up, this is the book for you! MC

Publisher: Loompanics
Paperback: 126 pages
Illustrated

This book for craftsmen interested in the design and fabrication of firearms details the tools and equipment, types of material and lathes needed. The author shows how to start from scratch and design actions, barrels, muzzles, breaks, trigger assemblies, magazines, stocks and sights. He gives valuable information on tools and equipment along with design theory and goes on to describe how to fit, assemble, fire and adjust weapons. This book has detailed photographs, drawings, plans and tables and includes illustrations of interesting and beautiful-looking weapons designed by the author. This is as close to real gunsmithing as is possible to find between the covers of a book. MC

Publisher: Paladin
Paperback: 187 pages
Illustrated

This small book is a bargain-basement buying guide bible for cheap land and houses which details how to search for cheap property in the United States and Canada. Includes up-to-date addresses of where to write and search, and samples of the types of letters that are effective when dealing with various bureaucracies. Excellent for beginners. It would be interesting to see more people form small cooperatives and start applying some of these strategies to acquiring property. Well written and simple to understand. MC

Publisher: Loompanics
Paperback: 146 pages

Explains in nontechnical detail how anyone can bypass a security alarm system, sometimes in seconds. The author shows the weaknesses inherent in alarm devices such as: contact switches, motion detectors, pressure pads, glass-break sensors and other types of detection devices, and describes circumvention techniques that will render most security systems inoperative. Providing an authentic look inside the security business—how alarms are installed, how they're paid for, how they are monitored and responded to—the book highlights the fact that many security services are irresponsible and are ripping off consumers by not providing the protection they are paying for. Here is plenty of advice and insider tricks on how to make systems more secure from violations, and the vital issues to raise and questions to ask when dealing with alarm installers, monitoring stations and local law enforcement. MC

Publisher: Paladin
Paperback: 83 pages
Illustrated