I was saddened to be told of the recent death of my old friend Ed Lovette. He had a long and distinguished career in military, law enforcement, and the CIA. Ed was a thinking man’s instructor.

We took each other’s classes. He went through my LFI-I course back in the day , and about thirty years ago I took his course in point-shooting at an American Society of Law Enforcement Trainers seminar in Virginia. Ed taught Lou Chiodo’s take on the Rex Applegate system.

Ed Lovette “Talked the Talk and Walked the Walk.” He spoke from experience. He may have been most famous for his articulate advocacy of the snub-nose revolver as a close-range self-defense weapon.

Here’s what our mutual friend Rich Grassi had to say about Ed.

Ed joined another mutual friend, Dave Spaulding, in writing an outstanding book on general personal protection. He was interviewed by the always-on-point Gila Hayes of the Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network on how to avoid criminals, here.  

Ed Lovette will not be forgotten in the world of the gun. Rest in peace, Brother.

8 COMMENTS

  1. Ed Lovette’s book, “The Snubby Revolver” is one of the few books that I read over and over, at least once a year. I first found his writing through Snub Noir. I think he was a founder and part of the leadership. The year 2024 has been a hard one for gun journalism; we’ve lost a slew of good writers.

  2. I find it easier to conceal my Smith & Wesson Model 60 revolvers under a tucked-in shirt, than I do concealing my Glock 30 under an untucked shirt.

    I think the best way to avoid criminals is, don’t live in a city.

    In theory, I believe in the gray man concept. In practice, I find it reinforces my natural cowardice. I prefer to be bold. Where I live, when I wear a T-shirt or baseball cap with a conservative message on it, I get positive comments, and enter into brief, positive conversations, with people who could become new friends. We strengthen each other. MAGA.

  3. Unfortunately, at 62 and a student of the gun/ defense/ tactics both personally and professionally for almost 42 of them.
    It is with sadness that I witness the passing of the “greats” and the knowledge they take with them.
    I am also sad that the new crowd that doesnt quite take their place is filled with what I deem ” google gun gurus” with their knowledge based on other Tubers and video games ( Call of Duty ) as they reference these all the time.
    It is truly sad.

  5. My 25 year collection of the original Combat Handguns contains all of his long running back page column, the early ones written under the by-line Charlie Phillips. Many of them ended up in “The Snubby Revolver” which I also have. They’re all regularly reread. He was a great writer. R.I.P.

  7. Ed Lovette’s “The Snubby Revolver” is what I consider a seminal work when it comes to self defense, much like Ayoob’s own “The Truth About Self Protection”.

    I recently tried to find a copy for my son-in-law, I assume it’s currently out of print. I saw copies on Amazon for almost $500.

    Sheesh.

    Rest in peace sir, men like yourself are becoming fewer and fewer.

Comments are closed.