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Hey i was wondering why is it that everytime i see a cop with a gun and a flashlight they always criss cross there arms for some reason? It seems like that in the movies to? Ya'll know what i mean? why is that

 
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they do it so they can have a good grip on the gun while aiming and pointing the flashlight in the direction of the gun's aim. unless u have the strength of a guarilla its hard to control a handgun wiht only one hand.

 
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now i get it makes sense!!!!

 
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That method of flashlight/firearm management is called the "Harries Technique". Normally when you hold a handgun without a flashlight, you push with your firing side hand and pull with your support side hand, thus holding the gun similar to a vice. The pressure is on the front and back straps of the stocks, you don't grip the gun like a clenched fist.

When you hold a flashlight in conjunction with a gun, obviously you can't use that push/pull technique anymore, so you cross the wrists and squeeze the backs of your hands together to create lateral pressure and stability.

 
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Another method of flashlight + gun deployment is this, although I forget what it's called:

 
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I don't like the second one as much because your grip on the light isn't as good. Firing off a couple quick rounds might be enough to knock the flashlight out of your hands. Plus you can't use the momentary on/off tailcap switch like you can with the Harries. Also you can use the Harries with any flashlight, like a Maglite. Obviously this second technique wouldn't be possible with a Maglite.

In any case, proper flashlight usage and tactics takes a good ammount of professional training. You don't realize how difficult night shooting and nighttime tactics are until you start training.

As a side note, that's a Surefire 6p tactical flashlight. Very bright, always in focus, no dark spots in the beam pattern, momentary on/off tailcap switch. Very nice flashlight, I highly recommend it.

The pistol is a Springfield Armory XD-40.

 
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I thought the flashlight was supposed to be in the hand behind the gun (criss crossed the other way)? Am I incorrect, or is this just another method? Modified Harries second position or something... i dunno.

 
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No, behind the gun would be incorrect. If you have the support side hand behind the gun it gives you no support. Try it out. Pretend you're holding a flashlight and a gun and try holding your support side hand behind the one with the gun, then do it like in my pictures (make sure to press the backs of your hands together and lock your wrists together).

If you have the light behind the gun, like you're suggesting, not only do you not provide any additional stability to the gun, but when you fire, the slide is going to come back and smack your support side hand. Not only will that hurt, it might keep the gun from cycling correctly and cause a malfunction. Bad ju ju.

Look at this picture. There is nothing locking your wrists together, therefore no support.

 
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A fired shot will cause the slide to strike your support side hand with this incorrect usage of the Harries technique.

 
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With the correct usage of the Harries technique you have the light pointing wherever the gun points and both wrists interlocked, providing good support for the gun.

 
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Another nice thing about the Harries is that it can be used with long guns (rifles and shotguns) too. Although let me tell you, your support side arm gets tired quick! It's much better to get a weapon-mounted light in any circumstance, but especially with long guns.

 
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no need for me to post here WD40 has it covered!!!! thanks man

Injen

 
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No prob man.

I've been training at Front Sight Firearms Training Institute for a couple years now. You don't realize how little you know until you start training, then your eyes get opened and you go, "Wow... I need more training!"

In a couple weeks I'm taking a close range pistol fighting course in L.A. I can't wait!

 
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sweet. will you be shooting a glock 17 or what?

Injen

 
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Nah, I'll be shooting my Springfield XD-40.

 
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you supply your own weapon then huh... well still thats nice to have a course like that!!

Injen

 
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Damm WD40 write a book!!!!! Good Job MAn you broke it down for the slow one!!! thanx

 
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Yeah, I don't like renting guns for training courses. I like to train with equipment I would use to fight. If I was forced to defend my life or the life of a loved one, I would most likely be using my XD-40 since that's what I carry, so that's what I train with.

Maybe I'll post a review of the close range gunfighting course after I complete it.

Mr. Modify: Glad to help!

 
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sounds like a good plan WD40

Injen

 
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Those XD-40s are RIDICULOUS! I want one badly, but my Glock 21 hasn't let me down yet. Until it does, I won't be shopping for another polymer frame. The 21 for on, the 30 for concealed (as much as it CAN be hidden...it is so fat, but in a good reassuring way haha) off. Nice...ummm....what should i call it. DIY? lol Props to WD.

 
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I think I might get a compact glock for concealed carry. My XD is hard to conceal because the stocks are so long.

I love the XD, but I don't care for the sights much. That's okay though, because I'll be getting night sights for it soon anyway.

My close range gunfighting course is this weekend! I'd better get over this flu by then!

 
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i like my 22 Model Glock .40 cal its my baby

 
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this may sound dumb bbuttttt are you guys cops? or do you just like having guns? =)

 
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im a police officer

 
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I'm in love with my Sig Sauer P228, only 9mm but its nicely weighted.