Barricades - left/right: why - what does going right/left/over/under around the barricade do in terms of light shadowing (hardware/mounting) as well as techniques?

Positions - kneeling, prone (including modified left/right), supine: why - how do I get the light out?

Reloads and manipulations: why - how does having the handheld light affect my dexterity

Different lights versus differences in target PID: why - because different lights have different limitations

 

Got to some of it!

Thanks for the suggestions, last night went pretty well. Weather was about perfect, with a little more moon than I would have liked, but "it is what it is" (or was). We each went though about 250 rds working some variations of drills and by using different handheld techniques. We ran everything on AR500 plate, so we wouldn't have to paste targets.

Favorites turned out to be:

1. A version of El Presidente using 8" plates staggered in depth, going down using FBI technique, coming back using Cheek/neck index, then going back using Harries, then Roger's etc. etc. until you'd covered most of the standard trained techniques. Really made me appreciate the enhanced accuracy of the Roger's, Harries, and my favorite the Graham method's over the index(s) or old FBI.

2. A version of the Pincus drill, in that while the shooter had his back turned, non-shooters placed cardboard numbers 0-6 (and H for Head-shot and F for fail to stop) above the targets. We broke the area into 4 zones (like the Pincus Drill), at the Command "Gun" shooter had turn, strobe to ID (and count) fire, then light off before moving to next zone to strobe on again. Like the Pincus drill you had to spend time in each zone and complete a reload.

I think the numbers played big dividends as it forces light alignment onto the target. Normally with a good enough light a near miss with the beam is enough to illuminate for a hit. The numbers made us work a little harder on the light to slide/bore alignment to read the number or type of shots required. I think it makes it a little more realistic in terms of target ID. Also as a good friend of mine pointed out in a FoF exercise, the tact light blinding effect only works when you shine it in their face.....they really can shoot back at the light when you light up their legs.....

Also we worked some barricade/cover. Tried to make use of my VTAC 9 hole barricade, but the holes were just too much of a PITA and the splash back from the brighter lights sucked. Good lesson here for anybody that wants a gazillon Lumens for indoor work, I think there is a point of diminishing returns. Right/left cornering, not as bad, but still sucked on right corners for the Harries as you're leaning out more, unless you want to go "uncrossed". Between the barricade and stacked blue barrels we got some good use of cover in. Did kneeling as we worked cover, skipped prone both due to time and safety, I really, really like to see where the rounds are impacting when we shoot prone at my place. Would have taken some additional set up, so we saved it for another time.

WMLs got limited play. We all brought them, but decided after a couple runs to spend the time where it was needed rather than with the much easier to shoot with WMLs. I think the tactics are the same, it's just the HHs are so much harder to shoot accurately and quickly with. Every time I do this sort of thing I just come away more a fan of WMLs.

Finished up with a couple of rounds of low-light bowling pins (we always finish a session with man on man bowling pins). Overall a pretty good way to spend the night.

Chuck

 

Nice summary/dissection! Thank you!

I think for "tactics," there needs to be context, and for us everyday people, that it most likely comes in the form of an "armed movement through structures" type of class, but that vehicles and concealed-carry also should be explored.

This is my next step.

I'm lucky in that the Alliance PD training facility is close-by, and that TDI isn't too far of a reach.

 

Here's a fun one, and you can do it in the daylight. Once, in a competitive Night Shoot, I noticed a fast-flash of my gun-mounted Surefire left a "ghost image" of my target on my retina (or in my brain). And, if I didn't change positions, I could hit center-mass (at defensive distances) in COMPLETE darkness. So my primary shooting buddy & I have practiced the same way...in the daylight! Stand, back toward the target, with your gun at low-ready & eyes closed. Turn 180 degrees, quickly open your eyes for a flash-view of your target and immediate close them again. Then raise your pistol, keeping your eyes closed, and fire using only the orientation you got from your momentary view. You'll surprise yourself with your "blind hits".

>>Please note << This takes exTREME awareness of range safety & prudent handgun handling. So don't sue me if your stupid brother-in-law wants to join-in. Although your kid sister might...thank me! :biggrin2:

 

I would run the same drills using the flashlight for target ID only. There is often (in urban/suburban areas) enough ambient light for shooting (at the oft-sighted average engagement ranges, anyway) but not for clear identification. So run the ID, drop the light and then shoot. Also, add a displacement after use of the light for ID or location. So it would be light 'em up/ID/displace/shoot.

 

Agree on the ambient light, Curious as to why you drop the light?

We always work the displacement after illuminating; light- move, light-ID (shoot/don't shoot) move, but I've never dropped the light.

Chuck