GG&G

The Basic Issue

Just as iron sights as opposed to optics should always form the basis for any small arms weapons system, so too should a non-dedicated tactical light be a fundamental element in a fighting man’s weapons system.

Under most conditions and circumstances a light properly attached to a gun is ideal for the majority of tactical situations. I have lights mounted by GG&G on my hand and long guns. But before learning how to fight with a weapon-mounted light, one should know first how to fight with a non-mounted one. Technology should never supplant training.

Even with the proliferation of light rails on modern hand and long guns, the efficient, handling of a non-mounted light under tactical conditions remains paramount. The reasons for this are nearly endless and more importantly highly probable in a gun fight: The mounted light falls off; its battery runs out, the light is shot out, the operator needs the gun and light in different places at the same time, or the gun is simply not set up for a mounted light. I have also seen agencies that choose not to mount lights on their officers’ hand guns so as not to slow their reactive times down. (But that’s a subject for another GG&G Tactical Tip).

At Warriorschool’s Night, Light and Gun Fight classes we teach the classic light positions such as FBI, cigar and Harries, but we take things a step further. We teach students not just how to shoot with their lights (and with no light for that matter), but also how to reload, communicate via radio or cell, and generally perform the myriad of multiple tasks they will have to execute in a real world gun fight with the same hand in which they are holding their light.

Think about it for a minute. In the crucial moments of a shooting, your firearm must still be drawn in your one hand, and your flashlight must be in the other. But simultaneously you may need to reload or call for assistance.

I am often bemused at how many of our students are truly amazed by the simple ingenuity of our tactical light technique. By the same token I have seen career gun carriers prior to learning our method and under the stress of a tactical night shoot, stop their reload efforts in mid-drill and stick their still-on flash lights everywhere and anywhere including under their chins, arms, knees and even down their pants! Of course the resulting beams would have presented some dangerous angles of light revealing them to their opponents down range in the dark. That’s the great thing about training, mistakes are free!

The Technique

-Simple-

So how do you multi-task with the hand that is holding a flashlight? The answer is simple. It must be simple to work in combat. Because in combat even simple things are difficult. First, a good reliable, end button, focused beam hand light is essential. The industry standard is Surefire, but the brand is immaterial. There are plenty of high quality tactical flashlights. Remember it’s the Indian, not the arrow.

I am going to assume for the purpose of this Tactical Tip that you have your tactical light pouched. This technique however, will work even if you have to grab the flashlight from the night stand or seat of your car.

When using a pouch always keep the light vertical with the bezel downward. I have seen a hard shell light case pick up a pebble after a struggle or a stalk and create pressure against the momentary button, revealing an operator’s position. Inadvertent activation under combat conditions can be deadly--even more so if the light beams upwards onto your torso silhouetting you or even worse into your eyes –blinding you! Inadvertent activation downwards is still bad--but less so. Your natural night vision may be reduced but at least you aren’t blind. If you've already taken some concealment that covers your pouch, your opponent may not even see the light.

To draw your light, grasp it with your non-firing hand, thumb up, fingers wrapping around the cylinder towards your torso. This allows your wrist to remain in a naturally straight and strong position. Here is the cool part: Tuck your little finger up and under so that the back of it contacts the body of the flashlight.

Your light is now no longer held by your fingers but by the tension between your thumb and little fingers. Experiment with our hold and you will see that you can easily tighten your grip by simply tensing your thumb and little finger. But if you break those in a fight or wreck, you can still hold the light via your index, middle and ring fingers.

If you break some of those too (Murphy and I are old friends), note that you can still hold the light securely with just one finger. Cool, huh?

The Technique

-Effective and Efficient-

As shown in the image above, this hold allows you to easily utilize the latest, greatest off hand light firing positions. Before practicing with your side arm, clear, check and double check your weapon visually and tactically (finger the magazine well and the ejection port).

As the image shows below, the Warriorschool hold also allows you to shoot, illuminate and if need be, communicate.

The hold allows you to perform speed or even tactical reloads. Remember; as is required with all techniques, practice, practice, practice!

An added bonus of this method is that once your weapon is holstered this hold is ideal for several tactical come alongs. Have your defensive tactics training partner grasp your wrist. Grasp his wrist with your light perpendicular to his arm. The pain-compliance technique works under or over the wrist, and allows the establishment of one synaptic memory for multiple tactical scenarios.

Stay vigilant. Remember it’s the sons of light against the sons of darkness.

A properly employed tactical flashlight can help you be victorious.