A Practical Guide to Responsibility, Safety, and Effective Defensive Shooting by David Burnell Owning a defensive handgun carries responsibility long before it ever needs to be used. Defensive Handgun is not about bravado, speed, or tactics borrowed from movies or social media. It is about judgment, discipline, and skill built the right way—for civilians who carry legally and want to do so safely, ethically, and competently. Written by David Burnell, a professional with decades of real-world experience in training, protection, and firearms instruction, this book walks readers through the modern fundamentals of defensive handgun use—grounded in contemporary training standards and civilian realities. This fully illustrated guide takes complex concepts and makes them understandable, repeatable, and safe to practice. Every section emphasizes accountability over ego, preparation over reaction, and restraint over impulse. Inside You’ll Learn: * The legal, moral, and practical responsibilities of carrying a defensive handgun * The non-negotiable safety principles that prevent accidents before they happen * How to choose a reliable handgun, ammunition, and holster you can actually run * Modern sight systems, including when optics make sense—and when they don’t * The three fundamentals that produce consistent hits: sight alignment, sight picture, and trigger control * Grip, stance, and recoil management that hold up under stress * Safe presentation and re-holstering methods that prevent common injuries * Practical reloads, malfunction awareness, and keeping the gun running * Dry practice and live shooting plans designed for busy civilians * Simple skill checks that measure competence without machismo What Makes This Book Different: ✔ Civilian-focused, not military fantasy✔ Safety-first, legally conscious instruction✔ Modern training concepts explained in plain language✔ Fully illustrated for clarity and learning retention✔ Designed to complement Before It Happens and Quick Defense This book is for responsible adults who understand that avoiding the fight is always a win, and that if a defensive handgun is ever needed, it must be handled with calm, control, and accountability. Skill is earned. Responsibility is non-negotiable. Find this and other episodes from the Echo Valor Podcast by searching “Echo Valor Podcast” on your favorite podcast platform. You can also discover original music by searching “Echo Valor Music” on your favorite streaming platform, and explore books and written works by searching “David Burnell” on Amazon to visit his author page. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit echovalor.substack.com
