Tiger McKee at tacticalwire.com writes:
There are a lot of different techniques used when fighting with firearms. Many apply regardless of the situation. Other techniques have specific applications, used in a well-defined context or particular situation. The problem arises when one technique is applied across the board for all situations. Technique is defined as the method of doing or performing an act. Some skills are the same regardless of the situation. For example, to shoot accurately you get the weapon pointing in the right direction, using the sights to the degree necessary for the accuracy needed, and press the trigger smoothly while keeping the sights on target. Remember, accuracy is defined by distance and size of the target. The more accurate the shot the more precise the sight picture and the smoother the trigger press . . .
Context is the circumstances under which an event occurs. An armed citizen uses their weapon for self-defense or personal protection. Circumstances for the armed professional, i.e. a law enforcement officer, are different. Military applications are another matter, and vary in large degrees.
The techniques or skills employed vary according to the context or circumstances. As an example let’s look at reloading the pistol. In its simplest form the sequence is: Old mag out, new mag in, chamber a round. No arguments there, right?
When it comes to where to position the pistol to reload then you start getting different opinions. One option is to keep the weapon up and on target, reloading with the arms extended. The other school of thought is to bring the pistol closer into the body by bending the elbow, with the muzzle pointing upward at an angle and the side of the pistol facing you. This puts the pistol into your “workspace.” I’m not a fan of this technique, but would I use it? Yes, in a particular context.
For example, I’m running, and I’m talking ’bout haulin’ ass, from one point to another and have to reload the pistol. It would be almost impossible to do without bringing it in closer to the body to maintain control, taking out as much of the bounce and movement as possible while running. But, that’s about the only situation where I would use this technique.
Most of the time I want to keep the pistol extended out in front of me, reducing the movement required to reload. It also doesn’t show the threat my slide is locked to the rear, which may or may not be a factor. Plus, once reloaded I’m still on target ready to shoot if necessary. This is especially true for reloading on when the target is moving. I want to keep the muzzle tracking the target while maintaining visual contact with the threat.
The problem arises when certain techniques, which are developed for specific applications, are used out of context. The techniques an eight-man team performing a dynamic assault will use are different from the skills an individual defending against an attacker needs. The same thing is true of equipment. I don’t wear a thigh-holster because I don’t wear a vest or kit rig that prevents me from wearing the holster on my belt.
Ultimately the techniques and tools you employ are determined by context, not because it’s used by a certain group or looks cool. All techniques should be thoroughly understood as to their application and the context they were designed for. Your task is to know the when, why, where and how of these things so you can choose what best fits your application.
——-
Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy, located in northern Alabama. He is the author of The Book of Two Guns, writes for several firearms/tactical publications, and is featured on GunTalk’s DVD Fighting With The 1911
If you shoot someone you are going to be questioned on the type of ammo used. This information is given to the people who might prosecute you. If you are using bullets that are meant to give the criminal no chance at survival after being taken to a hospital you’re looking for trouble.
your right Cyrano, the Redfield battlezone would be near perfect for tactical 22 shooting events. The BDC dial is marked from 50 to 150 yards. I checked one out today at a local gander mountain. its made in the Philippines. the glass was very clear and bright through out the power range. I looked at the Bushnell ar 22 scope too while I was there. it is made in china. the glass was not as good as the Redfield out classed it all around except for the side focus on the Bushnell. but over all the Redfield battlezone puts the Bushnell to shame. the warranty on the Redfield is a limited lifetime too.
Getting the mag in the gun is the priority. Bringing the gun in is faster. These are two truths that cannot be disputed.
Why the hell would anyone buy ammo called “R.I.P.” as self defense ammo? Even if it is good enough to justify the hype (which it isn’t), do people not realized what the prosecution will do with that if you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a DGU? You may as well have a tattoo on your forehead that reads, “Guns don’t kill people. I do.” Only an idiot would actually use ammo with such a non PC name (not that I care about being politically correct, but the prosecution will latch onto any and all things that could possibly be used to persuade the jury that you were at fault.) And using bullets that are named in such a way as to conjure up images of violence? Goddamn idiots….
This sounds like excellent advice for someone who expects to be in a protracted gun fight where he has moved to offense/pursuit.
As a citizen interested primarily in DEFENSE if I have used up my initial 11 rounds and need a tactical mag swap I think I’m going to have more important things on my mind than keeping my sights on the BG(s) while getting the next mag in.
“Ultimately the techniques and tools you employ are determined by context, not because it’s used by a certain group or looks cool.” – Truer words were never spoken.
Hang on… what happened to ‘Just Kos Edition’? It seems to have just disappeared down the digital toilet.
Work in your box. Eyes on both your threat and your weapon so you know the status of both.
RF, is that the best you can do to stir up shit? Really? I never knew Glockophiles were fag lovers.
I would just like to add one thing to this discussion, that there are some of us in LE who want to work with people who hold themselves to the high standard the public deserves, and to hold ourselves accountable as well. I’ve been on for five years in a week, and if some joker tried this in my department, they would be fired. It might take a week or two for the paperwork to be completed, but there is no excuse for this kind of behavior. My department has gotten rid of people for less, and rightly so.
Thank you for the good writeup. It actually was a enjoyment account it.
Glance advanced to more brought agreeable ffrom you!
By the way, how can we communicate?
Wow! So, let me get this straight…if “I forgot! I forgot I had a gun on my person when I went into that “Gun Free School Zone” and sent everybody there into a screaming panic and lockdown…So excusszzze me! Mr Police Officers!” It’s all good, according to this guy, because…well Sh*t happens due to occasional mental lapse!
Nope. I don’t think I’ll be trying that one out. Thanks, anyway….
This just goes to show how corrupt the thinking of the “Obama’s above the law” emboldened liberals are in this country today and why we need to vote them out of Congress in November, and the White House in 2016.
This is almost beyond belief. Almost.
IMHO THIS is the difference between Pro 2a and ANTIS . WE who support a persons rights don’t demand that every body has to carry or own but, the antis demand that everybody ( EXCEPT them) should not have the right. They believe THEY (the holier than thou) are the best and most fit to do as they please. HYPOCRITES the lot of them!
You’re welcome Matt!
Helen? Helen! Oh what’s the use. She won’t be able to hit the broad side of a barn!