MASS SCHOOL SHOOTINGS

By Richard E. “Rick” Dennis CPP
Certified Protection Professional
Risk Manager and Analyst
Freelance Journalist and Author
Veteran U.S. Army – Vietnam War
Veteran Drug Enforcement Agent
Veteran Law Enforcement Professional
Private Security Professional

June 30, 2022
Copyright-All Rights Reserved

MASS SCHOOL SHOOTING’S WEAPON OF CHOICE - AR15

Without a doubt, the weapon of choice in tragic mass school shootings is the AR-15. What is the AR-15, you might ask? The AR-15-style rifle, is any lightweight semi-automatic rifle designed by the Armalite Corporation. The (AR) prefix stands for: Armalite Rifle, not “Assault Rifle” as irresponsible media pundits and politicians falsely claim. The original ArmaLite AR-15 is a scaled-down derivative of Eugene Stoner's ArmaLite AR-10 design. The then Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corporation division ArmaLite sold the patent and trademarks to Colt's Manufacturing Company in 1959.

Colt Manufacturing developed the U.S. Military M-16 select fire assault rifle off of the original AR-15 design. The M-16 is the standard military issued assault rifle in use today. After most of Colt's patents for the Colt AR-15 expired in 1977, many firearm manufacturers began to produce copies of the Colt AR-15 under various names. While the patents expired, Colt retained the trademark of the AR-15 and is the sole manufacturer able to label their firearms as AR-15.

On the other hand, the M16 rifle, produced by Colt Manufacturing, is a family of military rifles designed from the ArmaLite AR-15 rifle for the United States military. The original M16 rifle was a 5.56×45mm automatic rifle with a 20-round magazine. The rifles specifications are as follows:

Caliber: 5.56 mm (.223 in)
Bayonet: M7 bayonet
Length: 38.81 in (986 mm) (M16A1); 39.61 in (1,006 mm) (M16A2); 39.37 in (1,000 mm) (M16A4)
Sights: Iron sights: Rear: aperture; L-type flip; Front: wing-protected post; Various aiming optics
Muzzle velocity: 3,150 ft/s (960 m/s) (M855A1 round)
In service: 1964–present
Cartridge: 5.56×45 mm NATO (M193)

The primary differences between the AR-15 and the M-16 are: The AR-15 is a semi-automatic rifle, meaning: It will fire one cartridge with each pull of the trigger and doesn’t have a select fire switch or a bayonet attachment. The M-16 is a select fire capable U.S. Military assault rifle, meaning: The operator can fire the rifle in three different modes, via, a manually operated select fire switch, e.g.,: The select fire switch allows the operator to switch from a semi-auto rate of fire, to a full auto rate of fire, to a select burst rate of fire by simply flipping the select fire switch and pulling the trigger.

Traditionally, irresponsible politicians and the news media, alike, have horribly misbranded the AR-15 as a “weapon of war,” which it’s not. One major fact pertaining to the AR-15 is: “It’s known as Americas Rifle and its the most popular centerfire rifle design purchased and in use today, by US citizens.” In the USA, the reason the AR-15 is so popular is due to its light weight, mild recoil, inherent accuracy, rapid single rate of fire and its high capacity magazine capability as well as its used for self-defense, hunting and shooting competition. Furthermore, virtually, anyone can fire the AR-15 without fear of the painful recoil associated with other centerfire rifle cartridges which makes it an excellent target, shooting competition rifle, and to teach youngsters the shooting sports.

In reality, irresponsible politicians and the news media don’t have a clue about the rifle nor do they have the knowledge to speak in a intelligent sense about the rifle - except to lie and say it’s a weapon of war and should be banned! However, the problem standing in the way of politicians is: The 2nd Amendment to the United States constitution, guaranteeing United States Citizens the “Right To Keep and Bare Arms.” The problem with mass shootings are: As tragic as they are, it’s not the weapon used that’s at fault, but the individual using the weapon that’s to blame.

Additionally, blaming the AR-15 as the culprit is like blaming automobiles for highway deaths, instead of the drivers. As tragic as mass shootings are, the gun isn’t the “Root Cause” problem – illegal drug use, parenting issues, the news media, social media outlets, criminals, politicians calling for violence, societal issues and the courts system are just a few of the contributing factors to blame.

In my next article, I’ll cover conducting security surveys, from a Risk Management point of view as well as Risk Analysis to harden schools against gun violence and protecting children from and against mass shootings. No child should have to live in fear of attending school, nor should any child be massacred while at school!

“Until Next Time, Keep Em Between The Bridle!”

SELF-DEFENSE COMBAT SHOOTING PART 4

By Richard E. “Rick” Dennis CPP
Certified Protection Professional
Freelance Journalist and Author
Veteran – US Army; Vietnam War
Veteran – Drug Enforcement Agent
Veteran – Law Enforcement Professional

June 21, 2022
Copyright – All Rights Reserved

CONCEALED CARRY (CCW)

Concealed carry, or carrying a concealed weapon (CCW), is the practice of carrying a weapon (usually a sidearm such as a handgun), either in proximity to or on one's person or in public places in a manner that hides or conceals the weapon's presence from the surrounding observers. The opposite of concealed carry is called open carry.

SELECTING A HOLSTER FOR CONCEALED CARRY (CCW)

An inside the waistband (IWB) concealment holster, which clips or mounts to a belt and allows the user to securely holster the weapon inside the pants. Some IWB holsters give the wearer the option of tucking a shirt over the firearm and holster. A belt holster (BH) is one which fastens to the belt, by belt loops, or has a clip that secures the weapon to the belt outside the pants, allowing the weapon to be concealed with a shirt or jacket.

The shoulder holster (SH) is one with straps that fits over one arm, travels to the other side of the body, behind the neck and loops around the the opposite shoulder, leaving the holster tucked neatly in the armpit. A shoulder holster allows the firearm to be carried in a downward position or tucked neatly under the armpit. Either shoulder holster type allows a fast draw. Perhaps one of the most used is the ankle holster (AH), allowing the firearms concealment inside a holster with a band that wraps around the ankle to hold it in place.

Today, belly band (BB) holsters are a popular choice, allowing the weapon to be completely encased inside the belly band wrap and totally concealing the weapon from view. Women also have a myriad holster styles to choose from including, all named herein, as well as the purse holster (PH). The purse holster has a specific place inside the purse to hold the firearm, limiting access to the trigger by other objects inside the purse which could cause a negligent discharge.

While most law enforcement officers carry their handguns in a visible holster, some officers such as plainclothes detectives or undercover agents carry weapons in concealed holsters. In some countries and jurisdictions, civilians are legally required to obtain a concealed carry permit in order to possess and carry a firearm. In others, a CCW permit is only required if the firearm, or any part thereof, isn’t visible to the eye, such as carrying said weapon in one's purse, bag, trunk, etc. Some states has enacted “Constitutional Carry” whereby a legal citizen can conceal carry a firearm absent of a CCW license (permit).

Which ever holster type you choose, the first rule of thumb is to make sure the holster properly fits the intended firearm, and allows the user to carry his or her firearm safely and securely.

SELECTING A FIREAM FOR CONCEALED CARRY

Today, the armed citizen has a myriad firearm types to choose from for concealed carry purposes, e.g.,: Cylinder types – Revolvers, Self-loading magazine type – Semi-autos, and break open types – Derringers.

Revolvers - A revolver (also called a six shooter or a wheel gun), is a repeating handgun that has at least one barrel and uses a revolving cylinder containing multiple chambers (each holding a single cartridge) for firing. Before firing a round, cocking the hammer, via, the trigger (double action revolvers) or by hand (single action revolvers) partially rotates the cylinder, indexing one of the cylinder chambers into alignment with the barrel, allowing the bullet to be fired through the bore.

More specifically: The hammer cocking can be achieved by either the user manually pulling the hammer back (as in single-action), via internal linkage relaying a rearward movement of the trigger (as in double-action), or both (as in double/single-action). By sequentially rotating through each chamber, the revolver allows the user to fire multiple times until having to reload the gun, unlike older single-shot firearms that had to be reloaded after each shot. The amount of rounds in a revolver is dependent on the caliber.

Semi-auto - A semiautomatic weapon fires one shot every time the trigger is pulled, with the rounds being fed into the chamber, via, a magazine. The difference between semi-auto and full auto is: An automatic weapon fires continually until the trigger is released.

Derringers - A derringer is a small handgun, of the breach or break open type, that is neither a revolver nor a semi/fully automatic pistol. It is not to be confused with mini-revolvers or pocket pistols, although some later derringers were manufactured with the pepperbox configuration.

SELECTING A FIREAM FOR EVERYDAY CARRY (EDC)

The number one question I’m asked is: “Which firearm should I choose for self-defense and concealed carry every day?” My answer is always the same. Choose a firearm your comfortable with, fits your hand, doesn’t weigh too much, and is easily concealed. Choose a caliber that your able to handle and one your not afraid of the recoil. If a 22 caliber firearm is all you can handle, “it’s better to be armed with a 22 rather than not be armed at all!” An everyday carry weapon should be one your comfortable packing around all day. Why carry a heavy full size 1911 when you can carry a two inch light weight revolver chambered in 22, 38, or 9mm as well as a semi-auto chambered in 22, 32, 380, 9mm, 40, or 45? Ask any law enforcement officer whose carried a full size handgun on their hip all day and they will all tell you the same thing. At the end of a shift, that 34 ounce hand gun feels like a 34 pound handgun.

CONCEALED CARRY WEAPONS MANUFACTURERS

As I’ve stated in previous articles, today we have a mind boggling amount of firearms types to choose from. Our cup literally runneth over! Firearms manufacturers such as: Smith and Wesson, Colt, Ruger, Kimber, Heckler and Koch, Sig Sauger, Walther, Taurus, Canik, Mossberg, Remington, Beretta, CZ, and Glock all make suitable and reliable concealed carry weapons. Some manufacture both reliable: Revolvers and Semi-automatics. On the other hand, Derringers are manufactured by companies such as the American Derringer Corporation.

CONCEALED CARRY WEAPON LAWS

Each state has it’s own laws pertaining to firearms possession and ownership. Equally, each state has it’s own laws pertaining to concealed carry, open carry, vehicle carry, or residence bearing and storage. In order to stay compliant, the best resource is to peruse the internet for a specific states gun laws and ascertain the answers to your questions there.

FIREARMS SAFETY

At all times, it’s prudent to practice firearms safety - while carrying, practicing, or storing firearms at home. Firearms should be stored at home where it or they are easily obtained when necessary, while at the same time having no access to young prying minds. In todays violent crime era we live in, a firearm is a necessity age. Enjoy your 2nd Amendment right to protect your family and yourself, from violent criminals!

“UNTIL NEXT TIME, KEEP EM BETWEEN THE BRIDLE!”

SELF-DEFENSE COMBAT SHOOTING – PART 3

By Richard E. “Rick” Dennis CPP
Copyright 2022 - All rights reserved

Veteran US Army – Vietnam War
Veteran Drug Enforcement Agent
Veteran Law Enforcement Professional
Journalist and Freelance Author

June 17, 2022

CONCEALED CARRY (CCW) LICENSE

A CONCEALED CARRY (CCW) license authorizes an owner to carry a concealed firearm for personal protection and may be obtained from any State in the United States allowing a concealed weapon to be carried for self-defense. The requirements vary, from state-to-state. Normally, states issuing a (CCW) license requires the applicant to complete a mandatory background check, pay the required licensing fees, and complete the required (CCW) handgun safety course and shooting class. Pursuant to the submission of the application, payment of required fees, and completion of the required shooting class mandatory requirements it’s up to the issuing state agency to determine whether or not a (CCW) license is issued to you.

Further, some states are now requiring the (CCW) license holder to purchase liability insurance in order to carry a concealed firearm in public. Notwithstanding, it’s up to each states legislature to determine: 1) the legal requirements necessary to obtain a (CCW), 2) the definition of a concealed handgun, 3) whether-or-not mandatory (CCW) liability insurance is required to carry concealed in public, and 4) if so, the exact amount of (CCW) liability insurance coverage necessary to carry a concealed firearm in a public venue..

BODY LOCATIONS AND POSITIONS WHILE CARRYING CONCEALED

The number 1 body location and position I DON’T RECOMMEND TO CARRY A CONCEALED CARRY FIREARM IS: “THE APPENDIX CARRY.” Bar none, this is the most dangerous location and position an individual can carry a loaded firearm. More specifically, the “Appendix Carry” is a new term and can be defined as: The “Appendix Carry” is a newer term for this same carrying style, referring to the way your holster rests against your abdomen, around the general location of your appendix. Typically, the placement of the firearm in this style of carry is often about half way between the pants pocket and the waistband button (belly button).

CONS: The most serious disadvantage of appendix carry occurs when one has a negligent discharge (ND) while drawing or re-holstering the firearm. When a gun is carried on the hip, or behind the hip, an (ND) usually only results in a relatively minor wound to the buttocks or back of the thigh. On the other hand, if an (ND) occurs while exercising the “Appendix Carry” position the fired weapon can cause catastrophic damage to the individuals pelvic area including, but not limited to, the genital area, stomachs, pelvic area and thigh. As painful as each one will be, perhaps the most dangerous is the thigh which carries the femoral artery – the main artery of the leg. Without immediate medical treatment, the injury may cause rapid death to the injured party. To illustrate an accidental discharge while carrying a firearm please review the following:

EXAMPLES OF ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE:

Number 1: A realistic example of an accidental discharge occurring while carrying concealed inside a waist band can be illustrated of an accidental discharge with a Drug Enforcement Agent. Special Agent Robert Fouquet was assisting in stopping a vehicle whose occupants and the vehicle were the subject of search warrants for illegal drugs. Special Agent Fouquet always carried a cocked and locked Colt 45 caliber 1911 semi-auto pistol behind his back and in an inside the waist band holster.

After re-holstering, the weapon accidentally discharged, by itself, while inside his pants without Special Agent Fouquet hand on it. The event was witnessed by several Agents standing by, myself included. The fired projectile traversed his buttocks, from top to bottom, and exited onto the side of the interstate. Upon inspection, the firearm was still in the cocked and locked position with the safety on.

Number 2: Recently, SIG SAUER is having their share of accidental discharges with their Sig P 320. Even though Sig has claimed no liability or responsibility for the discharges, non-the-less, owners are sustaining injures, claiming the firearms are discharging by themselves, and law suits are being filed over the matter.

This is why I never recommend carrying a concealed firearm in the ‘Appendix Position.” An inspection of the firearm, by the armory, revealed the weapon malfunctioned because of mechanical issues unforeseen by Special Agent Fouquet. “Appendix Carry” may look good on You Tube, but in practicality there are much safer ways to carry a firearm while exercising lawful concealed carry.

Today, firearms are designed to be safe with multiple safety stop gaps to prevent an accidental discharge being designed into them. However, no matter how safe their made accidental discharges can and still do happen. Case in point – the two previous examples. This analogy clearly illustrates that a firearm is subject to a catastrophic failure, at any time, no matter who manufactures the firearm or how careful the user handles it.

FIREARM PRINTING WHILE CARRYING CONCEALED

Firearm printing is another relatively new term and describes how easily the firearm is detected by the general public when it is being concealed. More specifically, if an individual can see the outline of the concealed firearm, then, the firearm isn’t really concealed. The largest part of the firearm which prints the most is the butt area. The barrel slide and frame are usually in a holster, either inside the pants, or secured outside the pants by a belt and covered by a large shirt or jacket. Today, concealed carry folks opt for smaller and thinner firearms to eliminate the printing problem. However, the smaller the firearm, the more powerful the cartridge fired, the more recoil the shooter experiences. There are several options to satisfy the printing issue, example:

CONCEALED CARRY HOLSTERS

As with a myriad different versions of firearms on the market today, there are a myriad different holster styles and shapes. Therefore, lets limit the concealed carrying capability to four concealed carry holstering styles: 1) the basic holster whether its intended for concealed carry outside or inside the waist band, 2) the shoulder holster which fits under the arm pit, 3) the belly wrap holster, or 4) the ankle holster.

Some of these holsters conceal parts of the firearm while others conceal the entire firearm, such as the belly wrap holster. Which ever one you choose, make sure it fits your lifestyle, meets your concealment requirements, eliminates the printing dilemma, and is easily assessable in case you need it. Remember, carry concealed for self-defense. But do so in a manner as not to alarm the general public.

“Until Next Time, Keep Em Between The Bridle!”

SELF-DEFENSE COMBAT SHOOTING – PART 2

By Richard E. “Rick” Dennis CPP
Veteran US Army – Vietnam War
Veteran Drug Enforcement Agent
Veteran Law Enforcement Professional
Freelance Journalist and Author

June 14, 2022

DISCLAIMER

In my previous article; SELF-DEFENSE COMBAT SHOOTING, I delineated the correct self-defense combat shooting stance as well as the correct hand grip holds for revolvers and semi-auto pistols. In this article, I’ll provide the reader with examples of the types and kinds of firearms, e.g., semi-auto pistols and revolvers suitable for self-defense combat shooting. The makes and models along with the firearm types listed, represent the ones I personally used in my Drug Enforcement Career and not from a paid endorsement.

MY PROFESSIONAL CAREER WITH FIREARMS

Since early childhood, firearms have been an integral part of my life. My grandmother Jeanette introduced me to firearms when I was five. My grandmother gave me my first 22 single shot rifle; a Winchester Youth Model, for my fifth birthday. Over-the-years, she taught basic shooting skills and her instructions set the foundation for the marksman I am today. Back in the 1950’s, introducing firearms to youngsters was a way of life where I grew up – Fungo Holler, Alabama. Fungo Holler was a rural farming community situated at the base of Oak Mountain, which is now a State Park.

My professional career with firearms started on January 3, 1969, when I entered the US Army, during the Vietnam War. In the Army, I was issued an M14 battle rifle chambered in the 7.62 X 51 NATO cartridge. Unlike Politicians today who think the semi-auto AR 15 sporting rifle is an assault weapon – my Army issued M14 actually is an assault weapon. It has a select fire switch, meaning I could transition from a semi-auto rate of fire to a full auto rate of fire with the flip of a switch.

After being Honorably discharged, in the late 1970’s, my second career with firearms began. More specifically, my Drug Enforcement and Law Enforcement career, which lasted until 1988. On my first day at the firing range I was afforded the option of carrying one or both of two approved law enforcement firearms. Either the Smith & Wesson Revolver or the Colt Revolver. Both chambered in 38 Special. After firing each, I chose the Smith & Wesson model10 four inch revolver. The Smiths always felt better in my hand, has a faster reset trigger spring which allows me to fire more rapidly with the Smith than the Colt, ad stay on target.

Through my law enforcement career I carried the following S&W models: 10, 15, 19, and 36. No matter which approved firearm type you chose, the 38 Special was the only approved cartridge it could be chambered with.

By the early to mid 1980’s violent crime rapidly escalated, as did the criminals choice of firearms, cartridge calibers, and fire power. In order to keep up with this ominous trend, law enforcement agencies started transitioning to the Single/Double action 9mm semi-automatic pistols. However, during this time frame, there weren’t many reliable ones on the market to choose from. Single action 1911 semi-auto pistols were also added to the approved list. My first 9mm semi-auto was a a single action Browning High Power, capable of carrying 13 cartridges in the magazine and 1 in the chamber, for a 14 round capacity.

The detrimental draw-backs to the Browning High Power are: 1) It’s a single action design, meaning the firearm has to be carried cocked and locked with the safety on, i.e., the hammer is cocked and the safety is on while carrying and disengaged prior to firing the first shot and 2) the guns safety design prohibits it from being fired without the magazine being inserted in the magazine well. I quickly learned the latter in the middle of a gun fight when my guns magazine, with remaining rounds in it, inadvertently ejected from the magazine well in the middle of a gun fight, leaving me defenseless. Afterwards, I went back to the S&W revolvers which had served me so well.

In 1985 Sig Sauer came out with a Single/Double action semi-auto 9mm pistol with a double stack magazine capable of holding 15 cartridges. With one chambered cartridge, this semi-auto pistol was capable of holding 16 rounds of ammunition. The double action feature of the firearm means the hammer can be cocked priory to firing the first shot or the user can simply pull the trigger and fire the weapon. So after its release, a significant number of Agents transitioned to this reliable firearm, including me. I carried this and my S&W revolvers for the remaining 2 years of my Law Enforcement career.

Today, my self-defense carry weapons of choice are two Smith & Wesson striker fired semi-auto pistols: 1) an M&P Shield Plus, Optics Ready (OR), 14 round capacity 9mm with a 3.1 inch barrel, and Night Sites (NTS), and 2) an M&P 9 2.0 9MM Compact LE model, with a 3.6 inch barrel, 18 round capacity, and Night Sites (NTS). For the record, I’ve carried a Smith & Wesson firearm since 1970, or 52 years. The main reason I carry the Smiths over other models is due to: 1) their balanced and they fit my hand perfectly, 2) their extremely reliable, 3) I have total confidence in S&W firearms, 4) their trigger reset is faster than other firearms models I’ve tried, allowing me to shoot faster, more accurately, and stay on target during a combat situation and 5) I’ve carried them for along time knowing, without a second thought, or any doubt, they will save my life if the need arises and I do my part.

The curious nature about gun fights are: Their instantaneous and you never know when their going to occur. Therefore, the best preparation for a gun fight is to always be prepared, carry a weapon that fits your hand and your entirely comfortable and familiar with, and one that’s capable of firing a cartridge you can handle one handed as well as having total faith in its ability to protect your life. During my law enforcement career, I lost two partners killed in action and others shot during gun fights, while serving search warrants for illegal drugs. Each one shares a common denominator, i.e., neither knew when they left their house that day, they were going to be shot or killed in the line-of-duty. Morale of the story, always be prepared, know how to use your gun, and never stop using it until the job is done!

SELECTING A SELF-DEFENSE REVOLVER OR PISTOL

Your first choice in a firearm should be one of simplicity. In a gun fight the object is to outshoot your opponent and survive. Therefore, pick a firearm that you just draw or pick up and fire it. Don’t buy one that you have to worry about cocking the hammer or taking the safety off before firing. You may forget one of the steps. Gun fights are instantaneous, straight forward, and stressful. It’s a kill or be killed proposition. The least you have to worry about the better off you are.

Today, the firearms industry has never witnessed such an array of revolvers and semi-auto pistol styles and types as we see in the firearms industry right now. There’s a myriad firearms manufacturers and a myriad revolver and semi – auto pistol types. As the old adage, “Our cup runneth over!” A revolver is an easy pick. Preferably a double action. In the semi-auto pistol market we have 3 choices: Single Action of the 1911 type, Single/Double Action, and Striker Fired. My personal choice: Single/Double action or Striker Fired.

Semi-auto pistols are a different breed of firearm. The grip angle determines how it fits and points in your hand. Glock pistols generally have a 22 degree angle, Sig Sauer pistols have a 21 degree angle, and Smith & Wesson Pistols have an 18 degree angle, which is the same as the venerable Colt 1911. The easiest way to determine whether a semi-auto is going to fit you is to perform a simple test. While standing straight up, with your arms extended full length along your side and touching your body, and the unloaded firearm in your grip hand simply raise your elbow up at a 45 degree angle. The firearm should be pointing straight out.

Look down at the firearm. Is the muzzle pointing up, down, or straight out – level? If its high, you’ll shoot high and have to adjust your sight angle. If it’s low, you’ll shoot low and have to adjust your sight sight angle. If its level, you’ll naturally shoot straight and on target. The venerable 1911 is a natural pointing firearm because of its at an 18 degree angle. That’s why the military adopted it, along with its reliability factor.

Which ever model, firearm type, and caliber you choose is a personal choice, but make the firearm type simple and the caliber one you can handle and depend on to stop an attacker. When a gun fight presents itself, the only thing you should be concerned about is drawing your weapon, accurately firing it, and eliminating the threat.

“Until Next Time, Keep Em Between The Bridle!”

SELF DEFENSE COMBAT SHOOTING

By Richard E. “Rick” Dennis CPP
Veteran - US Army – Vietnam War
Veteran - Drug Enforcement Agent
Veteran - Law Enforcement Professional
Freelance Journalist and Author
June 11, 2022
Copy Right 2022 – All Rights Reserved

HANDGUN COMBAT SHOOTING STANCE

A proper handgun combat shooting stance entails three aspects. 1) A correct body posture, 2) a proper handgun grip, and 3) a proper fitting handgun and calibre the shooter can manage with precision. All three are essential to winning a gun fight. A proper shooting stance and proper handgun grip is second to selecting a proper firearm and calibre that fits the shooter. Each individual has his or her own shooting stance, selected firearm type, and calibre. The rule of thumb, so-to-speak, is to purchase a firearm that fits your hand correctly, a calibre that’s sufficient for self-defense applications, and the shooter shoots proficiently and isn’t intimidated by the recoil and muzzle blast.

MY COMBAT SHOOTING STANCE: I take a correct two hand hold on the firearm, position the firearm, in the middle of my body, chest high, elbows bent up, and the barrel pointing up, down range, and away from my body, and bystanders. I position my body leaning slightly forward, balanced and relaxed, i.e., legs spread a should with apart, and my knees slightly bent into a half squat. This half squat posture presents a small target for an attacker. With my body bent forward, it absorbs the firearms recoil and prepares me for rapid shots. In preparing the firearm for firing, I extend my arms either fully forward, elbows locked or with my elbows slightly bent.

This position allows me to be balanced, steady, and relaxed. It also allows me to pivot right or left, forward, or back as necessary to avoid an aggressors fired projectiles, or to engage another aggressor. Furthermore, this position allows me to pivot and engage multiple shooters at once, and from any angle. The number one rule of a gun fight is: Shoot straight, stay mentally alert, and alive. As the old adage, “When you lose your head, you lose the best part of your body!” Therefore, during live fire exercises, practicing moving and shooting should be a regular regimen that’s practiced often. For the record, it’s much harder to hit a moving target, rather than a stationary one.

Move and shoot combat shooting tactics also allows the gun owner to practice hand-to-eye coordinated shooting, instead of simply relying on closing one eye and trying to line up the sights of a handgun before firing, which you won’t have time to do in an actual gun fight. Gun fights are stressful times. During a stressful situation, the body is pumping adrenaline, the heart beat and breathing are racing faster and faster. The brain is concentrating on whether to shoot or not to shoot. At close range, i.e., 7 – 15 yards, using “one-eye-sight-alignment shooting” isn’t necessary anyway and, more often than not, will get you injured (shot) or killed by the attacker, by wasting time and allowing the attacker to fire first. As with the shooting stance, each handgun has a proper grip style for effective shooting.

PROPER HANDGUN GRIPS

Revolvers and semi-auto pistols each require a different hand grip for combat shooting. Example: The revolver requires a two hand stance often referred to as the cup and saucer. This type of shooting grip is advantageous for two reasons. 1) the two handed cup and saucer grip steadies the firearm for accuracy and minimizes recoil and muzzle jump. Quite simply, grip the firearm with one hand, place the gripped revolver in the center of the palm of the offhand and wrap the offhand fingers and thumb tightly around the hand gripping the handgun. Essentially, this is one hand holding the revolver sitting on top of the offhand. Extend your arms, lock your elbows, and begin firing. Some people like to break their elbows, which is a personal choice.

A semi-auto pistol requires an entirely different hand grip. Example: Grip the pistol with one hand making sure your hand is high up on the beaver tail. Take the offhand with the fingers and thumb touching and extended and lay it flat with the palm facing the pistol. Now lay it against the frame of the pistol with the heel of the hand against the butt of the pistol. Place the heel area, of the off hand on the side of the pistols butt directly beneath the thumb of the grip hand. Open the grip hand thumb in order for the off hand heel to fill in this void. Now point your offhand fingers slightly down in order to grip and cover the grip hand fingers. Finally, lay the grip hand thumb on top of the off hand. When the hands are gripping the pistol correctly it forms a vice so, upon firing, the slide of the pistol blows straight back with minimal muzzle rise.

At this point your offhand thumb should be gripping the pistol and pointing straight down the side of the firearms frame towards the muzzle. Your offhand thumb can also be used as a reference point to point the pistol at the target, during instinctive shooting practice. At first, this handgun grip style may seem awkward, but in time and with enough practice the consistent shooter will be able to master this shooting technique.

MOVING AND SHOOTING COMBAT TRAINING EXERCISES

When practicing combat shooting exercises, the gun owner should always shoot a handgun with both eyes open allowing the master eye to guide you to the intended target. In combat shooting training, a rule of thumb I use is: Bring the firearm to eye level while in the proper combat shooting stance and using the proper hand hold. I concentrate shooting over the very top of the rear sights which allows my eyes to visualize the position of my sights and weapon while concentrating on the center mass of the target. Actually, this training offers the highest probability of multiple hits on target to immobilize an assailant while offering the highest probability of survival. A rule of thumb for live fire is: You point a pistol and a shotgun with both eyes open and you aim a rifle with one eye closed. With enough practice, the shooter should be able to perform move and shoot exercises instinctively.

One exercise you should practice is: Acquire the correct firearm grip and shooting stance. Raise the firearm to eye level, and as soon as you acquire the target, fire the weapon. Do this without hesitation. With enough practice, you’ll learn to look through your sights and concentrate on the target. Remember, once you raise the firearm and look through your sights you’ll visualize whether or not you sights are even across the top. A good thing to remember is to practice at multiple distances while using multiple targets, if that option is available.Lastly, remember combat shooting is not standard target shooting where your standing straight up sideways facing the target. Combat shooting is fast and theres no second place winners!!

DEVELOPING SHOOTING SKILLS WITH ONE FIREARM AND CALIBRE

In the Army and in Law Enforcement I’ve heard the same repeated over and over, e.g., “The most dangerous person in the world is the one gun owner, shooting one specific calibre, and knows how to use both of them intimately!”

“Until Next Time, Keep Em Between The Bridle!”