1911 + Tac Light Tactics

[thesheepdog]

I have watched Police/Agents/Swat do CQB entry tactics with a pistol and light combo. But it's been a while since I have seen that used and I also don't know the exact methods of HOW to use a light and pistol; effectively.

As you can see in my photo's, I have the cross carry (where the light hand is supporting the shooting hand) and I also have another method that I have seen before where the light is in between the fingers, and under the grip of the pistol (this is akward to me). So what IS the BEST way to carry? And seeing my stance and my body build in the photo's, what would you recommend for me, personally?
I like the cross carry the best because I am experienced in defensive martial arts; having the crenulated tac light crossed under my hand allows me to be able to make a blow on a threat-in the event the threat tries to snatch my gun.

I also added a picture of my night-stand just for kicks.

[ATW525]

The second method is intended to be used with Surefire Combat Rings or something similar and works best with a smaller flashlight like the Surefire 6P.

[thesheepdog]

Yeah, I think you're right. I just don't see the point of buying a tactical light to place on my handgun. One I already have a tactical light, and two a Tac light with a crenulated bezel is another weapon for you.

[demigod]

I personally shoot better using the Surefire technique. Even though it means shooting the pistol one handed, I'm just more confident that way. I think it's because the light isn't bucking all over the place with the recoil of the pistol and distracting me.

[BikerRN]

Something to keep in mind:

Just because you have a light on your gun doesn't negate the need for a handheld light.

The weapon mounted light is for use when you have a verified threat, not for searching. Pointing a gun at Grand Mommy when she gets up to go potty is frowned upon in polite circles, and combined with the human body's natural "startle response" is a fast ticket to unintended consequences.

Biker

[Onward Allusion]

^^^^^
+1


...one in your weak hand used to scan & search - away from your body. The other mounted on your weapon with the weapon at ready. The one mounted on your weapon should be backup. YMMV based on your circumstances.

[Erik]

Pictures and descriptions of the usual techniques advocated may be found here:
http://www.gunlight.org/2010/handgun...ht-techniques/

I flow between several of those (Harries, Neck index, FBI in particular. Rogers if I need to hold a position and time allows), when not using a dedicated weapon mounted light. Why flow? Because one position does not do it all.

--

There were some pretty good videos linked in a thread a while back. Hopefully someone with more time will dig them up.

[Jt1971]

I think you need to go with the newer breed of flashlights. The Surefire is yesterdays light. You need a light that will strobe and pump out 600 lumens at the min.

http://www.fenixlight.com/viewproduct.asp?id=109

When you got twice the power and strobe then that will bedazzle the target. In fact, my 1xAA flashlight with the Cree R5 has as much power as that surefire in your hand.

[thesheepdog]

Jt1971,

Mine ain't a surefire. It's a Jet Beam pushing 265 lumens with a Cree LED.

[ATW525]

Yeah, I think you're right. I just don't see the point of buying a tactical light to place on my handgun. One I already have a tactical light, and two a Tac light with a crenulated bezel is another weapon for you.

It doesn't go on the handgun, the combat rings are for holding it between your fingers.

Video demonstration

[redstategunnut]

I strongly recommend that anyone doubting the utility of a weapon-mounted light take a class with a night time or shooting in the dark portion.

Here's what I've seen at the range and in training courses: most of us practice our typical two-hands-on-the-gun shooting style. Some practice one-handed and fewer still practice weak handed shooting.

I almost never see a person practice shooting with one hand with a flashlight in the other. Try that some time, you'll find out that focusing one hand on the gun and the other on the flashlight is very difficult.

Putting a light, a good light, on the weapon significantly simplifies an operation that remains more difficult than shooting without the need for a light. You will still need to practice this as often as you practice every other shooting scenario.

Finally, there is no doubt, none, that a weapon mounted light does not obviate the need for a handheld light.

[Jt1971]

Training is training, but what about the real experiences of someone with a weapon mounted light. A weapon mounted light looks cool and sounds practical. Lets say you wake up at 3am, you go for your weapon and you can't seem to find your flashlight. You rummage through the drawers, but where did you put that dang light? It makes sense, but what about the experiences of those who have used a weapon mounted light in an actual situation?

[X_shooter]

Lets say you wake up at 3am, you go for your weapon and you can't seem to find your flashlight.

I can't seem to find my flashlight when my wife and or kids feel the need to borrow it. I told them never to touch it and why, but they have a convenience gene in them or something. I can't train them.

I resorted to three flashlights of the same model at three strategic locations. I can find any one of them without searching. I practice every morning when the alarm goes off and have developed muscle memory. I randomly reach for one every morning. I also got in the habit of eye-balling the three lights before I go bed.

[Venom1956]

the best advice I've ever gotten from an actual expert.

First thing you do before entering a room... Is reach out from around cover and turn on the lights. If that isn't an option use you light in short 'scans' of the rooms then turn it off and move to a new location. This allows you to use the concealment of the darkness as well.

He also states that when using a handlight do not compromise your grip with your handgun to hold them together. keep them separate and use them independently. This lets you use the light however necessary without needing to shift your sidearm away from the threat.

I realize you all won't agree with this but I felt I should share it. Forgive my crude compression this was roughly a 2 hour discussion and such I've tried to fit it all in here effectively.

[thesheepdog]

My light stays in the same place every night.