Long Gun Techniques

Long Gun Techniques

Lite-Touch

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.

Modified FBI

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.

Cross-Support

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.

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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.