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Low Level Light Shooting Techniques SecurityProtection Operations Aviation Transport
Richard Franks
Low Level Light Shooting Techniques Volume 1 – Security Operations
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Copyright Information
National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication Data
Franks, Richard, 1955Security operations / Richard Franks, author; photographs by Richard Franks. ISBN: 978-1-925615-57-9 Includes index. 1. Private security services. l. NSTA Limited. II. Franks Family Trust. III. Title. 658.47—dc 23 © 2017 NSTA Limited and Richard Franks as trustees of the Franks Family Trust Copyright protects this material, except as permitted by the copyright Act 1994 (New Zealand) and Copyright Act 1968 (Australia) reproduction by any means (photocopying, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise), making available online, electronic transmission or other publication of this material is prohibited without prior written permission of the copyright owner. Enquiries should be addressed via email to [email protected] Information in this book is current as at the time of publication, and any updates (between reprints) will be published on the website of the author and publisher www.scs.edu.au Please note: The notes and information on legislation and policies and procedures contained in this guide are plain English interpretations of the publisher and should not be used for a legal interpretation, they are published to encourage the reader to research and maintain currency in all aspects of legislation and company policy that apply to the reader in their jurisdiction. All original photographs taken by Richard Franks are © 2012 - 2017 Richard Franks and are taken with written permission of the subject or of/in public places where permission is not required. E-Book
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Contents
Copyright Information ................................................................................................. 2 Contents ...................................................................................................................... 3 Low Level Light Shooting Techniques ........................................................................... 4 Introduction to Low Light Shooting ........................................................................... 4 Selection of torch .................................................................................................. 4 Carrying a torch ..................................................................................................... 6 Low Level Shooting Techniques ................................................................................ 7 FBI Technique ........................................................................................................ 8 Harries Technique ................................................................................................. 9 Chapman Technique ............................................................................................ 10 Ayoob Technique ................................................................................................. 11 Neck Index Technique ......................................................................................... 12 USMC Technique ................................................................................................. 13 Stack Technique .................................................................................................. 14 Rogers/SureFire Technique ................................................................................. 15 Keller Technique .................................................................................................. 16 Hargreaves “Lite Touch” Technique..................................................................... 17
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Low Level Light Shooting Techniques
Introduction to Low Light Shooting Security Officers can be exposed to low light situations at any time of the day or night, mobile patrol officers working night shift are prepared and equipped for low light situations, whilst a security officer stationed in a high rise building or shopping centre may find him / herself in a low light situation in the middle of the day simply because the lights went out, whilst they were patrolling the basement. Selection of torch Like all equipment, we are required to carry as a security officer we need to consider: • • • •
Cost Size Durability Method of carry
There are several types of flashlights specifically designed for use by law enforcement officers, which are suitable for use by security officers. Of course, there are several copies and generic brands, which may be suitable or affordable as well. • •
Maglite 1 Surefire2
Maglites are available in a range of sizes, the D Cell (Battery Size) is probably the most commonly used, and is available in various lengths, (available in 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6) (The Number 4 for instance indicates that 4 D Cell batteries are required to operate this flashlight)
Maglite Inc founder Anthony Maglica designed the Maglite specifically for law-enforcement; the Maglite, was introduced in 1979. www.maglite.com 2 Surefire LLC was founded by Dr. John Matthews in 1969 www.surefire.com 1
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Genuine Maglite’s • • • • •
Have a spare globe conveniently located in the end cap. Are shock and water resistant Can be carried in either a full flap holster or ring, attached to the duty belt. The Maglite, is a great flashlight to use, but does have some restrictions when carrying and especially if you try running. Spare parts are readily available from hundreds of internet stores.
Photograph 1 – Maglite
Photograph 2 – Mini Mag Lites
Surefire are compact (palm size) high-intensity incandescent flashlight for tactical, selfdefence, and general use. Produces a smooth, brilliant, pre-focused tactical-level beam with four times the light of a big two D-cell flashlight — bright enough to temporarily blind and disorient a person by impairing his / her night-adapted vision. Light output may be nearly doubled with optional P61 lamp. Small size and high output make it an excellent everyday-carry light.
Photograph 3 – Surefire torch
The surefire is an excellent tactical light easily carried on the duty belt, whilst providing light when you need it, it does not distract from day to day use, and does not flap around when running. Spare parts are readily available, Therefore, now you have made your choice of flashlight, you could consider more expensive models, that are rechargeable, or continue to rely on the traditional batteries, and remember to always only use batteries recommended for your flashlight. 5
Carrying a torch Tactical torches such as surefire can be carried on the security officer’s duty belt, with other equipment, large maglites are carried in a belt ring attached to the duty belt.
Photograph 4 – Duty Belt with torch
Image 1 – Suggested duty belt set up
You should (must) include low level shooting techniques in you practice / training to ensure you are competent in the use together with your firearm.
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Low Level Shooting Techniques There are hundreds of shooting techniques, just pick up a firearm and a torch, and you have probably created another. Experiment with the torch and equipment you are using and all of these techniques to find the one that’s best for you, four of the most commonly taught techniques are• • • • • • • • • •
FBI Technique Harries Technique Chapman Technique Ayoob Technique Neck Index Technique USMC Technique Stack Technique Rogers/SureFire Technique Keller Technique Hargreaves “Lite Touch” Technique
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FBI Technique
Photograph 5 – FBI Technique
Flashlight is held in sword or ice pick grip, with arm extended well away from the body (and extended upward if desired), with lens of flashlight held slightly in front of body to avoid illuminating the user. Weapon is held in any position desired, out of contact with flashlight hand or arm. History "This is probably the oldest formally taught flashlight/gun technique. This technique was originally emphasized as a way to prevent the user’s flashlight from "marking" his exact position when activated. By moving the light away from the user’s body, an assailant who simply shot at the light source would be less likely to automatically hit the user." Some disparage this technique as outmoded. Advocates of specific handstogether techniques generally express this view. All techniques listed in this curriculum have their own positive attributes as well as obvious deficiencies. The fact is, a relaxed, movement oriented, unstructured version of the FBI technique, employed with proper cover, is extremely useful in room-clearing tactics and in dynamic firefight situations. 8
Harries Technique
Photograph 6 – Harries Technique
Flashlight is held in ice-pick grip (lens on side opposite the thumb). Thumb or any finger operates on/off (or momentary) switch. Wrists nest together and backs of hands are firmly pressed together to create stabilizing isometric tension. For large flashlights, body of flashlight may be rested on weapon hand's forearm. History This technique is named after Michael Harries, a pioneer of modern practical combat shooting. Developed in the early 1970's for use with large flashlights, this technique is widely used and is well-suited to small flashlights.
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Chapman Technique
Photograph 7 – Chapman Technique
Flashlight held in sword grip, but only with thumb and forefinger. Thumb or one finger operates the on/off (or momentary) switch. The other three fingers of the flashlight hand wrap around the gripping fingers of the weapon hand, in an approximation of a regular two-hand handgun grip, and arms provide stabilizing isometric tension. History Named for Ray Chapman, founder of the Chapman Academy and world-class shooter. This technique was perhaps the second formally taught and recognized technique. It is also credited to Bill Rogers, and is sometimes identified as the Chapman/Rogers technique.
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Ayoob Technique
Photograph 8 – Ayoob Technique
Flashlight is grasped in sword grip, thumb or any finger on the side-mounted on/off (or momentary) switch. The thumb of the flashlight hand is pressed against the thumb of the weapon hand, creating isometric tension that steadies the weapon. The hands may be held near the body or the arms may be extended. A variation on this technique calls for the thumb of the flashlight hand to be pressed inward just below, but still in contact with, the weapon hand's thumb, thus somewhat lowering the angle of the flashlight beam. Another variation calls for pressing the fingers of the flashlight hand against the fingers of the weapon hand, which significantly reduces the amount of wrist rotation required. History Named for Massad Ayoob, law enforcement officer, prolific writer, and martial arts/shooting instructor. Practicing this technique will emphasize the fact that it is best suited for a quick - even unprepared – response to a nearby threat. 11
Neck Index Technique
Photograph 9 – Neck Technique
The flashlight is held in ice-pick grip. Thumb or any finger placed on the on-off (or momentary) switch. For large flashlights, the flashlight body is rested on the shoulder, indexed against the base of the neck. For small flashlights, the body of the flashlight (or the fist holding it) is held indexed against the jaw/neck juncture just below the ear, so that it moves in conjunction with user's head yet blocks little peripheral vision. Weapon is held in any position desired, out of contact with flashlight hand or arm. History First published description of this technique appeared in a June 1994 Handguns Magazine article by Brian Puckett, and therefore it is sometimes called the Puckett technique. However, the small flashlight version of this technique was taught by Ken Good and Dave Maynard of Combative Concepts, Inc. about two years prior to the '94 article. Puckett and Good now use the term "neck-index technique".
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USMC Technique
Photograph 10 – USMC Technique
Flashlight is held in sword grip with thumb or finger on the side-mounted on/off (or momentary) switch. The rim of the flashlight lens is pressed forward against the tips of the weapon hand's gripping fingers (even locking them in place if the rim is deep enough) creating a stabilizing tension. History Development of this technique is attributed to U.S. Marine Corps' embassy guards.
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Stack Technique
Photograph 11 – Stack Technique
Flashlight is held in sword grip with thumb or a finger on the side-mounted on/off (or momentary) switch. Weapon hand is pressed down firmly on top of flashlight hand or flashlight body, creating isometric tension to steady the weapon. History Also called the "stack" or "New York" technique. Little information was found on the origin of this technique, though the name suggests it might have originated with the New York City Police Department.
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Rogers/SureFire Technique
Photograph 12 – Rogers / SureFire Technique
Small SureFire light is held between forefinger and middle finger in a "syringe" grip, that is, with these fingers gripping the body of the flashlight (and in front of the integral rubber ring, if the flashlight has one). Lens of light faces outward, and the protruding momentary switch rests against the middle or lower part of the thumb. Flashlight is activated by squeezing it between fingers and thumb. The weapon hand is brought together with the flashlight hand, as though performing a normal two-hand hold, and the lower fingers of the flashlight hand are wrapped around the gripping fingers of the weapon hand. Isometric tension is applied with the arms to steady the weapon. History Named for former FBI agent William Rogers. Andy Stanford writes that Rogers developed the technique around the original Laser Products 6P flashlight, which had neither a gripping ring nor a protruding momentary switch. The technique is easier to employ using the SureFire "Combat" series of flashlights, which have both of these features. 15
Keller Technique
Photograph 13 – Keller Technique
Flashlight is held in a sword grip, with the thumb on the on/off (or momentary) switch. Arms are extended outward, with arm of weapon hand below arm of flashlight hand. Wrists nest together and back of weapon hand presses firmly against back of flashlight hand to create stabilizing tension. Note: This technique must be practiced creating muscle memory in order to avoid having the slide of the handgun slam into wrist or forearm during discharge, especially when the arms aren't fully extended. History Named for Georgia State Police Trooper Van Keller, this technique has been described as a variation of the Harries technique. However, it is quite distinct.
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Hargreaves “Lite Touch” Technique
Photograph 14 – Hargreaves “Lite Touch” Technique
Flashlight held in the palm of the support hand. Method of deployment, draw Pistol, and flash light together, punch pistol forward, straight line at target, weak hand pointing flash light, as you would a fencing foil. The two hands come together, just like a two-hand punch draw, but the weak hand is under the pistol, on/off button pressed against the knuckles of the gun hand. History Named after Mike Hargreaves, former British Army, bouncer at Cavern club Liverpool U.K. (‘60-’64), full-time firearms instructor for 20 years and board member for IALEFI for the past 16 years.
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The Security Industry is constantly evolving and adapting to new technology, so too must the professional officer, as well as adapting to change you must participate in professional development activities to ensure your knowledge and skills are current. I have been employed in the security industry since the early 1970’s starting as a Crowd Controller at Sunbury Pop Festivals Australia Day Weekend, in 1972 (45 Years ago,) Owning Cranbourne Security Services (1978-1987) and as a professional trainer since 1988 to Current. I previously built and operated indoor shooting ranges and have extensive experience with firearms. • • •
Licensed firearms instructor (Qld) Since 1990 Smith & Wesson Certified Instructor (USA) since 1990 Member International Association of law-enforcement Firearms Instructors Since 1990
Richard Franks 26 January 2017
ISBN: 978-1-925615-57-9
RRP $2.50