The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Defense and Tactics => Topic started by: Gfro on January 19, 2010, 11:39:09 PM
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I love to see tactics for use with a non-weapon mounted flashlight. It is certainly a powerful tool worth well more than it's weight. One thing I would like to see is methods of reloading a firearm while holding a flashlight. This is one topic that never seems to get any consideration. I love the shows and thanks to all the men and women involved in bringing these programs to honest and concerned citizens. You are all providing a valuable service to the average person that would normally have to travel to specialized schools to receive information on these topics.
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Thanks for the feedback!
On the topic you mentioned wanting to hear more about, I always recommend having a lanyard on your handheld flashlight. If you need to reload, you need to drop the flashlight and do it. If you have a lanyard, you have no problem. If you don't have a lanyard, I have recommended stuffing the flashlight quickly into your beltline as you grab your fresh mag... of course, that may not always be easy based on size, shape and clothing. The key thing for me is that you need to focus on getting the gun reloaded, not on using the flashlight.
-RJP
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I agree on the lanyard for a thousand reasons having nothing to do with SD. But if you're in your boxers at 2 am, the most likely scenario for most of us, lets not forget your mouth. Just bite down and the light is going nowhere. Rob is right though, you can shoot in the dark without a flashlight, facing a well illuminated area without a gun is much less useful. ;)
FQ13
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I've seen a thingy that fits to the light that is shaped like a figure 8 where the light goes in one hole and the thumb in the other. the light is flipped back during the reload and then back. Haven't seen ads for sale but it seems like it might work. The lanyard IMO needs to be shortened a little so as not to tangle. Most trainers would argue against stuffing it in your mouth because you loose communication with others.
Richard
PS: Oh yes, you need to practice, practice, practice with whatever you choose.
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This is what I remember from the academy back in 1998
1. tuck flashlight under strong side arm (flashlight still pointing toward threat)
2. reload
3. weak hand retrieves flashlight and your back in the fight
if possible reload behind cover
And as always PRACTICE
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This is what I remember from the academy back in 1998
1. tuck flashlight under strong side arm (flashlight still pointing toward threat)
2. reload
3. weak hand retrieves flashlight and your back in the fight
if possible reload behind cover
And as always PRACTICE
Why would anyone ever have the need to reload..... Dont those big bad .45 caliber 1911s put them down with one shot....... shooting more then once is silly, right? ::)
*In all seriousness..... that is a great method you just shared with us.
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Ohh yeah...
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This is what I remember from the academy back in 1998
1. tuck flashlight under strong side arm (flashlight still pointing toward threat)
2. reload
3. weak hand retrieves flashlight and your back in the fight
if possible reload behind cover
And as always PRACTICE
I was taught
Turn the flashlight off and tuck it under strong side arm facing away from the threat. Your buddies behind you will thank you
Reload behind cover if possible or moving if not.
Retrieve and turn on flashlight with weak hand.
Many ways to skin a cat.
Did you have Vince O'Neill as an instructor?
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Sounds close been too many years.
I had Vince for defensive tactics, for some reason he liked the how my arm bent when he grabbed ahold of it.
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Sounds close been too many years.
I had Vince for defensive tactics, for some reason he liked the how my arm bent when he grabbed ahold of it.
LOL He to big for me to play with. Good guy.
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Didn't have much choice he would just grab you. :o :o Hated fiirst thing the morning and after lunch. Vince loved to have crawl the lenghth of the gym using only our elbows. :P :P
actually pulled out my academy binder couldn't find anything on paper about handguns and flashlights together
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I will chastise him for you and your classmates when I see him.
After last years local club IDPA night shoot we decided to have two night pistol and one night rifle shoots in '10.
Everyone agreed they needed more practice. I think three of six stages needed reloads.
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Wow, thanks for all the recomendations, and so quickly too. I just joined this forum for the first time and am checking out the community. Thanks again for all the great responses.
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Couple of good points in here, including the figure 8 ring, which is advocated, last I knew, by Clint Smith.
Couple of SCARY Things also. Here's a couple of concepts to keep in mind:
1. if you are moving/fighting, you don't want your light in constant on mode, so you need to hold it with your hand so it can be turned on and off.
2. When you "stash" it somewhere, you want to keep in mind a few things:
A. using a movement close to what you would normally do when you reach for a fresh mag (ie- towards belt, not mouth).
B. Kept in a place that doesn't compromise your ability to fight or compromise your strong arm.
C. you are already adding extra movement, so minimize it.
-RJP
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Good points
B. Kept in a place that doesn't compromise your ability to fight or compromise your strong arm.
Doesn't reloading compromise both hands?
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I've seen nicely improvised "figure 8 thingies" from neoprene "O" rings. Put your index finger through the ring when you grab the light. When it's time to reload or clear a malfunction, flip the light over to the back of your hand.
For a purpose-designed version, you might consider this item from SureFire:
http://www.surefire.com/CombatRings
I personally don't care for lanyards on lights, but that's personal preference.
Stay safe,
Mike
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Michael, I beieve the figure 8 thinge was not an improvised O ring but a dedicated thinge made specifically for what we are talking about. Only thing is I don't remember where/when I saw it and who sells/sold it! Although it might have been Clint Smith showing it.
FWIW
Richard
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Michael, I beieve the figure 8 thinge was not an improvised O ring but a dedicated thinge made specifically for what we are talking about. Only thing is I don't remember where/when I saw it and who sells/sold it! Although it might have been Clint Smith showing it.
FWIW
Richard
Clint's demo was the first time I saw it, but I can't find the video. He was using something similar to the item at the link below. I'm not sure if the company is still in business or not because I kept getting 'link not found' messages when I tried to follow the link.
http://www.armsvault.com/productreviews_0012_section8tactical_urd_mar08.asp
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Peg, thanks that is it. I think he was on the show hosted by Tom Greshem (Sp?) that used to be on OC. Forget where it is now cause I don't think I get the channel.
Richard