themadmedic
Sharpshooter
- Apr 22, 2012
- 333
- 18
Hey, that's not James Yeager!
Then I want my money back!
Great video, lots of good solid advice.
I STRONGLY disagree with his characterization of the jaw (neck) index. I find it easier to maneuver (as opposed to being locked up in Harries), quicker to negotiate corners, and backlighting the sights actually makes it much easier to shoot.
The idea that a badguy is going to "focus on the light" is overplayed for civilian defense IMO. Perhaps its an issue in war or during a prolonged gunfight, but not for clearing a home. And if that were an issue, then where do you suppose the light is in relationship to your head when its 12 o'clock on the end of your long gun? Right in front of your head. . . . .
It appears that Mr. Rice and I have similar thoughts on the subject. And it seems we had them at about the same time as well.
I'd be interested in getting Tinman's take on this, as he has quite a bit of low-light FoF and live-fire training under his belt, IIRC.
bwframe - always lead with the muzzle. you're moving into an un secured area with a potential threat, I can't think of a single reason not to.
Just remember, you asked.
OK, so who ends up getting shot more? Serious threats or innocent family members?
Just remember, you asked.
There's way to much training artificiality in this. He sets up this scenario where something goes bump in the night, and you head for the kids. Presumably something has drawn your attention to the kids or you'd be clearing your house right. But that's not the scenario he set, you're headed for the kids. Are you really going to do a slow methodical search and assess while the kids scream?
With all due respect to Larry, his background and training methodology is based around teams and offensive actions. This is a totally different context than a solo operator driving through a space to secure his family.
As far as light placement, YES lights get shot REGULARLY!!!! even in civilian context, even with trained and untrained shooters in play. So what does that mean, the principles of movement, living behind the cover of the muzzle, and accurate first hits are just as important. It's a risk and reward proposition. If we simply said never put a light in relation to the head, then we'd never run a weapon mounted light (long gun or pistol) because it puts the light right in front of your face. Come to think of it, don't most handgun associated techniques put that light right in front of your face? Of course that light might stop the bullet.... right.
My suggestion is to develop 2 techniques (one for left side, and one for right side cover/concealment) that you can shoot well, then run the snot out of them and be able to shoot just as accurately and effectively with them. I'm a big fan of the handheld light strobing for search work, and a weapon mounted light and laser combo when it comes time to go to guns on someone. From everything I've seen to date in both live actions, and FoF this combo dramatically increases the operators survivability in a gun fight. The ability to drop the handheld, and fire using a 2 hand grip while moving is invaluable.
bwframe - always lead with the muzzle. you're moving into an un secured area with a potential threat, I can't think of a single reason not to.
Bypassing and porting are the best techniques I've found for this type of scenario. It would take a lot of space to lay that out clearly, and how it relates to pace and movement in solo work.
Visit Southnarc and his AMIS (armed movement inside structures) class. It is the only class I have seen specifically designed around a civilian solo operator context. It is the best 2 days you can spend.
Just a side note, these types of things are the difference between shooters, and tacticians.
There's about a metric poo-ton worth of information on low light work, it is a study unto itself. I'd recommend Ken Good, or Southnarc as probably the best subject matter experts for you to look up.
Just my 2-cents, feel free to pm or post if you've got any questions.
Tinman....
PS. Of course we haven't even touched on what if you do make contact with someone during this movement, and what do you do if they are compliant..... now's when it gets interesting, and send the brain into meltdown!
Now that depends on the shooter, and their proficiency level. The sequence doesn't change because it's in your house at night in low light:
Locate
ID
Engage if necessary
Fail to follow those step, well we'll just say FAIL!
Also keep in mind, you shouldn't be searching through the sights. The weapon should be up, and prepared to engage, but you need to be looking at the area, not the sight. I've seen a ton of guys "searching through the tube" with their carbine, it never ends well. Usually it results in one of 2 things, good guy shot because he was to slow in finding and ID'ing the threat, or a mistaken ID that results in a bad shoot. Neither of those is really preferable.
Tinman....