Handgun Techniques

Handgun Techniques

Chapman

This hands-together technique, which was developed for, and is limited to, use with older-style flashlights possessing side-mounted switches, works well with large and small versions of the veteran illumination devices. The method is easily assumed by isosceles or modified-isosceles shooters, but difficult to accomplish for those with small hands or when using a heavy flashlight. The latter is of particular concern when the approach is utilized for extended periods.

The Chapman technique is accomplished by grasping the flashlight in a "sword" grip, with the thumb and forefinger circumventing the body, while the remaining fingers wrap around those purchasing the handgun. This approximates a normal, two-handed firing grip, and the arms provide isometric tension.

Ayoob

Like the Chapman technique, the hands-together Ayoob method is restricted to side-mounted-switch flashlights, and it's fatiguing for extended use with heavier models. The benefits are that it requires less training to master than most approaches and isometric tension stabilizes the gun and light for improved accuracy.
Employing the Ayoob technique requires the shooter to grasp the flashlight with a "sword" grip with any finger on the side-mounted switch, then thrusting both hands to an approximate isosceles position and ending with both thumbs touching. The latter action creates isometric tension that steadies the firearm.

Harries

Although developed for use with large-bodied flashlights, the Harries technique works equally well with smaller tactical lights, thereby earning this hands-together method its go-to status. As the approach was created for use with large flashlights—a heavy flashlight may be rested on the shooting hand's forearm—this method is less fatiguing during extended use than many others. A hitch, though, is the Harries technique offers poor ergonomics for anything other than the Weaver stance.

For the Harries method, the flashlight is maintained in an "ice pick" grip while the handgun is thrust forward, at which point the non-shooting hand crosses beneath the handgun-retaining arm. The technique finishes with the backs of the hands against one another, creating isometric tension for stability. The type of flashlight—tailcap pushbutton or body-mounted switch—determines whether the thumb or another finger operates the switch.

Rogers/SureFire

The Rogers technique, which was later refined by SureFire for use with the company's grip-ring-equipped CombatLights, allows for rapid flashlight deployment when it's being carried in SureFire's CombatLight holster. This hands-together method closely approximates a normal, two-handed firing grip, but is restricted to only small, pushbutton-equipped flashlights.

To perform the Rogers/SureFire approach, the flashlight is held between the forefinger and middle finger of the non-firing hand with the tailcap pushbutton positioned against the palm/base of thumb, forming what could be considered a "syringe" grip. The flashlight hand is then brought together with the firearm hand, with the two unused fingers of the light hand wrapping around the gripping fingers of the weapon hand, as to attain a normal, two-hand firing grip. The light is activated by exerting pressure to depress the tailcap pushbutton.

Modified FBI

This hands-apart technique prevents the user from "marking" his position—through the use of intermittent light at random heights—and draws fire away from center-of-mass, as well as provides easy transitioning to and from the Neck-Index method. It works well with large and small flashlights and allows for ambidextrous shooting. Its disadvantages include difficultly in maintaining the flashlight beam on the threat and fatigue in extended use. Additionally, implementing this method with an injured hand or arm would be arduous, and the approach requires extensive practice to perfect.

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 gun hand. To prevent the user from self-illumination, the flashlight is held slightly in front of the body.

Neck-Index

Another hands-apart handgun option, the Neck-Index technique, works with large and small flashlights alike, as well as those possessing varying switch configurations. This method offers fast deployment, provides simultaneous illumination of sights and the threat and easily transitions to and from the Modified FBI technique. The flashlight always illuminates the direction the user's looking, it's in line for use as a striking tool (with larger versions) and the technique can be used with an injured limb. The problems, however, are that it can create excessive reflection off the rear of the handgun, and most importantly, it draws fire toward the shooter's head.

The Neck-Index technique is achieved by holding the flashlight in an "ice pick" grip against the jaw/neck juncture below the ear, so it moves with the user's head with minimal blocking of the peripheral vision. For larger flashlights, the body can be rested on the shoulder and indexed against the base of the neck. Depending on the type of flashlight, either the thumb (tailcap pushbutton) or another finger (side-mounted switch) operates the switch.

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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.