Long Guns and Light Techniques

[Chris]

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p225/chrisbean109/litetouch.jpg

This variation of the Hargreaves Lite-Touch technique provides close approximation of a normal, two-hand grip, thereby offering increased stability for accuracy and minimal displacement of the flashlight beam during firing. Transitioning to and from either the Modified FBI or Cross-Support technique is quick and easy and this approach is less fatiguing than other long-gun methods. However, the Lite-Touch technique only works with pushbutton tailcap-equipped flashlights, and the forward end of the firearm blocks a potion of the beam. It is difficult to use with an injured limb, and the light is located center-of-mass.


The flashlight is positioned between the palm and the firearm's fore-end, with the tailcap pushbutton against the front of the magazine well. Applying rearward pressures activates the flashlight. For a shotgun, the flashlight is held against the fore-end or slide, depending on the action, and is activated by applying pressure to the tailcap pushbutton end.

[Chris]

MODIFIED FBI

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p225/chrisbean109/modifiedFBI.jpg

Identical to that used with handguns, this method is best applied with lightweight sub machineguns or carbines at close range. This technique mimics the Modified FBI approach for handguns, and it shares the same advantages and disadvantages.


The Modified FBI technique is accomplished by holding the flashlight in a "sword" or "ice pick" grip with the arm extended away from the body and the opposite hand. To prevent the user from illuminating himself, the flashlight is held slightly in front of the body. The flashlight hand (with flashlight in palm) is placed under the firearm's fore-end in a normal, palm-up grip when the flashlight is not required.

[Chris]

Cross Support

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p225/chrisbean109/CrossSupport.jpg

The Cross-Support technique can be implemented in three ways and the pros and cons vary accordingly. In general, the approach works well with small and large flashlights, provides stability for enhanced accuracy and easily transitions to and from the Modified FBI and Lite-Touch techniques. Variants No. 1 and 2 have the flashlight off center-of-mass, while version No. 2 can be used to support an injured limb. Versions No. 2 and No. 3 lock the gun together, thereby providing support. However, all approaches succumb to displacement of the beam during recoil. Variant No. 3 has the flashlight located center-of-mass and No. 2 offers poor ergonomics for anything but the Weaver stance.


The three approaches to the Cross-Support technique have the flashlight held in an "ice pick" grip with the flashlight arm beneath the firearm's fore-end, providing support with the forearm. Variant No. 1 has the firearm's fore-end resting atop the forearm, with the light to the side of the weapon. For variant No. 2, the magazine or pistol grip is pressed into the crease between the bicep and upper forearm with the elbow pointing forward and the flashlight hand back to the butt-side shoulder. Variant No. 3 has the back of the flashlight hand applying pressure on the forearm, providing isometric tension for support, such as with the Harries technique for handguns.


Though numbers often paint an inaccurate picture, those printed in the "Law Enforcement Officers Killed & Assaulted, 2006" report don't. If anything positive can be taken from these tragic deaths, it would be learning to utilize a flashlight to defend yourself in low-light conditions, so you too don't become a statistic.

[Chris]

Things to Remember
• As a general rule, moving to the lowest level of light provides more concealment than operating in areas with higher levels of light.
• In a low-light environment you are most visible and vulnerable when backlit.
• Keeping the flashlight on continuously may make searching easier, as well as reassuring, but it also makes you a target while letting the aggressor know how far your are from his position, what direction your are coming from, and when you will be there.
• Activating the light away from centerline, at intermittent and irregular intervals, while alternating the light position from low to high, will confuse your opponent while making it harder for them to determine your position.
• In most cases—when searching for, or engaging a hostile subject—constant light should only be used in two situations: (1) when your are backlit and cannot move to a less backlit position, and (2) when your subject has been located and is not an immediate threat.
• When searching for or engaging a known-deadly force threat, your gun, flashlight and eyes should be aligned to the same point of focus.

—Excerpts from the "SureFire Institute Low-Light Tactics Level
One Operator/Trainer Course" manual.

[lino]

how do you feel about having the light mounted instead of holding it?

[ss1]

how do you feel about having the light mounted instead of holding it?

Rail mounted solutions and vertical foregrip (VFG) mounted solutions have their +/-'s. First off, a gun mounted solution frees up the support hand, allowing you to control your carbine in CQC situations. If you are attacked from a blind side, you have better alternatives to react and redirect. I am a firm believer of shooting bilaterally, in other words being as comfortable shooting ambi as possible. The problem is that many times your gear may not be suited for your "support" side such as putting your light in an offset postion from your VFG and using your thumb to activate. Putting a tape switch on one side of your VFG can also create a support side issue. If your weapon light is mounted and you need to go to your side arm, you need to figure out how to use the light effectively and still use your side arm. When you are shooting around walls or objects, weapon mounted lights may require you to become a bigger profile in order to clear the object. Flashing a wall in front of you while you are attemping to cover an area beyond will temporariliy blind you and tell the target where you are located. Also along the same lines, you want to make sure you mount your light so that your front sight is not illuminated at all or you will focus only on the sight. IMHO, one of the most useful mounts has been the integrated light mounted to the VFG. Activated by either a thumb button or a trigger, you can use either hand and still operate the light and control the weapon in case you need to go to your side arm. I also do carry a Surefire G2 LED as well in a pouch next to my drop bag as an option B. I was very fortunate to have a former Surefire Institute instructor teach me about many of the issues we may face using weapon lights and using light techniques in actual live fire drills in total darkness.

[CrazyHair]

We have try a few different ways to enter room using a light that is not rail mounted and seeing how accurate one is.

Just to start... The FBI is something to laugh at. Almost 95% off target with in an area of about 20'x25'.

The Cross-Support would be the next. Might be great for a prone position but if we are talking CQB/entering and I had to pick one..... it would be #2. Having the mag/mag well in the inter pocket of your elbow gives a somewhat stable grip as you scan the area. #1 could and will slide side-to-side along your forearm. ok you can hold it tighter against your forearm but then again you will start to shake and the rounds are off paper. As for #3, It goes back to not having great control of the weapon.

My pick is the Hargreaves... most stable and comfortable hands down. Easy to scan and operate the light.



BUT...... Lets be real. If you find yourself needing to use a light more then 2 time with your long gun, you need to get off your wallet and get some type of light system or even a mount for your standard round light and put it on a rail. You don't have time to p*ss* foot around with a light in your support hand when the sh*t hits the fan. You need to get on target and be able to stay on target.

[lino]

perhaps two lights would be best.. one on a rail and one you carry in case you need to go to your sidearm. Im new to all this but the weapon I just got had one mounted. I dont think I could fire the gun and hold the light with any kind of confidence

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u192/pichichi13/PENTAGON.jpg

[chrismia]

you can't fire the gun with any confidence. period.

[lino]

you can't fire the gun with any confidence. period.

lol maybe, :D

but are you confident enough to stand downrange from me and let me see what I can do? ;)