Using an off-hand flashlight

[BigGuy66]

I see the agents on NCIS and other shows holding a flashlight in their off hand (non shooting hand) under their wrists holding the gun. Doesn't this form show a bad guy shooter where your body is? I am trying to learn about using a light-assisted defense. I also wonder about the rail mounted lights

 

[bofh]

Stop using TV shows as a training resource. They tend to be really, really, really bad on firearms handling and knowledge. Watch James Yeager's Low Light video series: James Yeager | Low Light. Also, get some hands-on training with a decent instructor.

The issue of a light giving away your position comes up quite often in Internet gun forums and is mostly raised by untrained persons. The main reason for using a light is rule #4: Identify your target, and what is behind it. Not properly identifying your target can land you in jail or kill you.

 

[sdprof]

.... or kill someone you love.

There are many techniques, the one the OP described is just one of many. Search them out, try them out, find what works best for you in your situation, with the light you have. Or maybe you'll find you want a different light to utilize with a different technique.

And consider, using a flashlight is going to let the bad guy know you're coming, well be for you get there. Regardless of how you hold it, how you use it is more important. Illuminate, turn it off, MOVE. Don't be where the BG just figured you were.

 

[Banjarmon]

Any light source will give off ambient light and may show your body. But if the lumens are strong enough all the other person will see is the light source and be temporary blinded by that source.

 

[steveksfc]

But still, don't be where the other person thinks you are. I was taught to use the light but watching a show about pistal course on the the instructors said to illuminate then shut off and step to either side. That way you would be where the other person did not expect you to be. Back in basic training in the stone age we were taught to not use a light but let your eyes adjust to the darkness. Then you would be seeing what the other person can not. But as I age I know I am losing my night sight so the use of additional light may be needed now. What a bummer.

 

[BigGuy66]

I have been coping with the onset of a cataract in my dominant eye and these eyes are getting old, so I do want to have a light to help me. The tip about on-off makes sense to me. I do have a bright flashlight with 3-position lighting... brightest, strobe, low... I want to be careful and defensive and your tips are helpful.

 

[bofh]

M.O.V.E, motionless operators ventilate easily.

 

[Tom Tisdale]

Agree with the earlier post that said "Stop using tv shows for firearms training" unless for showing some bad examples!