It is estimated that every year 400,000 to 500,000 Americans use a firearm to defend themselves from violent attacks. Often lost in the statistics, however, is the dynamic of what happens when ordinary, law-abiding citizens are assaulted. What thoughts and feelings go through their minds as the events unfold? How do they react when suddenly thrust into life-or-death situations?

The Best Defense is a collection of fascinating human interest stories of people who successfully used firearms to defend themselves and others against violent assaults. From Ohio, Florida, and Virginia to Missouri, Texas, Mississippi, and Montana, here is a dramatic portrait of what is at stake in the fight against crime at the level it occurs: victim vs. perpetrator. Here is living proof--thankfully living--that citizens do not have to be helpless in the face of crime and that in many cases self-defense proves to be law-abiding citizens' only opportunity to save themselves and their loved ones.