Movement With A Pistol, Movement With A Carbine
BY Herschel Smith
9 years ago
In the interest of educational videos, I am posting dynamic techniques using a pistol with Louis Awerbuck, and then using a carbine with Travis Haley. Not all tactical training has to be shooting, and some of it is intensely focused on physical adaptability and dexterity, moving with and against the threat.
On December 22, 2015 at 1:13 am, Jack said:
Great videos, thanks for the share.
I noticed a couple of things. First, Awerbuck uses the flashlight in the left hand under the right hand. I recall you recently stated that that was very hard, and recommended a weapon mounted light. Do you know if Awerbuck had an opinion one way or the other?
Second, and something that often missed in AR training, but Haley does automatically, is to put the rifle on safe immediately after shooting. This avoids AD if the trigger gets hung up on clothing while swinging from the sling.
On December 22, 2015 at 3:00 pm, Sandydog said:
Louis passed away in 2014, unfortunately. A weapon-mounted light is nice, but it is safest for illuminating a known target for positive identification. The separate smaller flashlight is best for searching–you do NOT want to muzzle everything in a room, and that’s what you must do if the only flashlight you have is on the gun.
Yes, using any of the flashlight techniques is uncomfortable after awhile; I find Harries’ best for ME, but that’s probably because of long years of use. One technique not shown is the ‘FBI,’ with the flashlight held off to the side, at arms length and at roughly head level, to draw any incoming fire over THERE and not to where you are.
Any of the techniques are used with short bursts of light, not with continuous illumination.
Folks who neglect to reengage the safety on a rifle after firing are just asking for trouble, I think. It’s a basic training point.
On December 23, 2015 at 1:05 am, Herschel Smith said:
Well, discrimination is the key here. So let’s say that on my street people are known to walk down the sidewalk. It would be a profoundly bad idea for me to run out in the front yard and ask “who’s there” with a weapon-mounted light pointed their direction (because that means muzzle flagging someone).
On the other hand, as with the example in the earlier post, the home was my property (or the property of someone for whom I was responsible), and a trespasser on it was by definition a threat to me in the dark (and maybe in the light). I don’t muzzle flag innocent walkers in my community. I would have no problem muzzle flagging trespassers in my domicile.
As for the notion of a different point of aim for light and weapon (to draw fire somewhere else), I’m skeptical. Too many moving parts to be precise with that technique, but to each his own. If one is practiced doing that under stress, then so be it. But by definition it means shooting with one handed grip. Very, very bad. I would never voluntarily chose to do that.
On December 23, 2015 at 3:05 pm, Sandydog said:
I have a light on my rifle and shotgun for home defense; With them, I’m forced to muzzle things I really don’t want to, but that’s the way it is. At least, both of them have manual safeties engaged for just a tiny bit more ‘peace of mind.’
I do like a pistol-mounted light and a small separate light, though.
I did mention that that last technique was the ‘FBI,’ didn’t I? Those boys have taught all KINDS of strange things over the years, now that we can look back at them. It’s just another option. Many instructors over the years have recommended against ANY of the two-handed flashlight techniques, because it’s too easy to get a hand or wrist in front of the muzzle in setup. That’s not a good reason to leave them out of your toolbox, I think; Practice is the key.
On December 23, 2015 at 1:10 am, Herschel Smith said:
See response below to Sandydog. Yes, Travis is well-rehearsed and very disciplined. I wish I could afford to take classes with him. I understand the transition to guns without a classic safety (M&Ps, XDms, etc.), but I do like my 1911 .45 because of many reasons, including the safety. I also like my brand new FN Five-SeveN because of its ambidextrous safety at the trigger finger tip half way down the slide. I’ll post on this later.
On December 22, 2015 at 10:36 am, Fred said:
Mr. Awerbuck says “natural steps” several times. I think that is important. Unless you train constantly, where you can put reaction and movement into muscle memory, the simplest thing to do is train using natural movement. I prefer walking as he demonstrates. Simple, easy, been doing it since 2 years old.Side stepping causes me to bounce a little making it harder to stay on target.