Recently, I have been thinking about defensive flashlight techniques in relation to the skills learned at Combat Focus Shooting taught by Rob Pincus which I recently attended in January. After learning about working with what the body does naturally; I wanted to apply that concept to other defensive skills; in this case, flashlight techniques. I am neither a trainer nor a martial artist; I am simply someone who is interested in the topic and want to focus my practice time on the most efficient techniques. Consequently, I have looked at the flashlight techniques, (I am familiar with), to discover what might be best for me; given I want apply the CFS concepts of efficiency and consistency while working with what the body does naturally.
Below are my initial thoughts on what will work best for me.
The techniques below assume a standard tail cap modern flashlight operated in the “weak” hand. As well as, in normal use; the light is best utilized in a stabbing / ice pick style with the thumb activating the switch.
Harries
Positives – With a tail cap flashlight, the hand does not have to change grip to move from search mode to coordinated mode with a gun. When in search mode, (stab grip with thumb on tail cap switch); the hand is naturally high and flexible for searching with the light. In a startle response the hand is in a good position to protect the face naturally.
Negatives - Weaver bladed stance that works well with the Harries is only natural in competition and target shooting. Weaver based foot position slows mobility laterally. In high compressed ready, the Harries feels unnatural and the light or gun tends to point off center when held in tight to the body. Transition from search mode to application of force, is less efficient as you need to cross arms to apply the technique rather than just quickly extend. When combining tactics with a gun Harries works best with extended ready which exposes to potential gun grab and fatigue.
Conclusion – This was the technique that I practiced. Now after CFS I realize that my normal isosceles style stance was not consistent what I was doing with a flashlight. This technique does not fit my criteria.
Surefire / Syringe Style
Positives – Light and gun in consistent position for the high compressed ready and application of force with the firearm. The light and gun naturally extend to the target and will attain mechanical lock; cognitive action is not required to halt the aiming process.
Negatives – Search mode (stab grip with thumb on switch) is inconsistent with application of the light with the gun. The technique requires the light to be turned in the hand. Getting the light in position is a fine motor skill and subject to fumble.
Conclusion – For me this makes total sense on paper or when verbalized. However, when I apply it with other efficient techniques it seems to come up short.
FBI – I must admit greater ignorance of this technique. The advantage I see with this is return fire at the direction of the light would be away from the centerline of the body. It seems to require more constant on mode with the light to be at its best. I need more education in this technique.
Neck index
Positives – The flashlight is in a good position to transfer from searching or the startle response to a neck or chin reference position. The flashlight hand is available and naturally positioned for fending of others. The flashlight use does not force a change in handgun deployment. The gun is drawn out of the holster to high compressed ready or extended to fire as appropriate. If a lanyard is used the flashlight hand is available and in position to perform reloads and malfunction clearing. Vision and light move together as the head moves. In extreme CQB situation where I may strike with the light or other physical technique the application of the handgun would be consistent with normal, greater than two arm length, tactics. The difference would be the extent of the extension of the handgun. CQB would use a gun hand thumb and mag well body index while shooting from retention and normal application would fully extend the firearm.
Negative – Due to the height of the light, splash back from inappropriate illumination could hurt night vision. The handgun must be deployed with a single hand only.
Conclusion – Based on this initial view the neck / chin index provides the consistency and efficiency, I am looking for. I will continue to refine my selection.
Hopefully I have articulated these points so they made sense. I offer these thoughts to get the feedback of the forum and to invite discussion.
Take Care
David
