By Ed Santos, The Shooting Channel
The Department of Justice statistics state the average civilian gun encounter is from a distance of 0 to 6 feet, typically in diminished light. What they don’t state is that they are seldom experienced without movement. So it seems very logical that I write about the engagement of armed moving assailants at close range – 15 yards or less.
Any concealed carry holder should be prepared for the fact that any and all opponents may be moving, or more than likely will be once the shooting starts. This can even more complicate our ability to defend ourselves with a firearm, especially a handgun, and make appropiate decisions that could improve your ability to win the fight. Our training for confrontations should reflect the need for engagement of a moving assailant. This month’s training tip will address hitting with small arms at closer range.
Factors Affecting The Moving Engagement
There are many factors affecting our ability to put effective rounds on the threat. First we can’t lose sight of the statistical reality of a zero to 6′ encounter. The opponent may be turned sideways (especially if moving laterally,) so their amount of exposure is less (a person is usually 9-14 inches thick when viewed from the side.) The combination of side profile and movement along with swinging arms will make the target appear narrower that they are.
The close position of the attacker may require you to utilize short range movement, which can greatly affect your stance and upper body/arm positioning while tracking with the target. If you are behind cover your range of motion will more than likely be limited in tracking, unless you are exposed too, or the opponent is moving farther out into your field of view.
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You may not be alone or may be confronted by a multiple opponent scenario. The presence of bystanders and having an adequate backstop can be a potential problem. As the assailant moves, a bystander or non-deadly force actor may quickly get in the way of your muzzle. How about an assailant moving among others who are threatening, but who do not necessarily justify shooting?
The combination of varying levels and distances of threats, difficulty in making rapid and multiple threat ID, our ability or inability to guarantee every shot as a hit, and the short time and space that we may have to do all of this exemplify the potentially dynamic and challenging nature of a gunfight. The general rule of “shoot-look-shoot” certainly may apply as a moving opponent may immediately cause you to lose track of the status of other opponents, as well as bystanders. How about shooting an opponent who is moving away? If they are still armed and continue to shoot and/or threaten you with a firearm, then be prepared to keep shooting. If they are moving away and no longer possess a deadly force tool, this may present itself as a situation where firing may not be justified.
This of course, depends upon the circumstances, particularly, if you are still in jeopardy at that point. Just keep in mind, if they are moving and shooting and you are standing still, who is easier to hit? In complicated situations like these, sound tactics, such as spontaneous use of movement and cover, may be applicable.
In general, exposure time may be very short, especially when in a building or other enclosed structure, such as a parking garage. So there will be little time for anything but quick reactions and getting the gun on target rapidly.
Let’s talk about some techniques that may help us win the fight.
Leads
There should be no need for a lead when engaging a moving assailant at close range. Given the average range of most confrontations, a projectile fired from most centerfire handguns travels in excess of 800 feet per second. At these velocities and higher, there is no need to lead at distances (15 yards and less) as the bullet covers that distance much faster than any human (particularly the vital areas) can move.
The reason that most shooters tend to “trail” the target, is due not to target speed or lack of a lead, but lack of proper follow-through during the shot process (by stopping the swing of their gun while firing). In some cases, though, a small lead of a few inches, or keeping the front sight just inside of the leading edge of the moving opponent’s chest may be useful (but not a replacement for sound fundamentals).
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Fundamentals Can Help
Square the body with the target, “driving” the gun with the target, firing and moving your gun with target as it moves. Fire until the threat stops, becomes incapacitated or until they disappear from view.
The sight picture is the key, especially on a moving or less exposed target. Keep the front sight on the intended area of impact. Take a defensive class with me and you will learn firsthand that Pointed Shooting is not as effective in a moving engagement as you might think. So try to index or focus the front of your gun on the target. A well practiced shooter may be able to index the gun on target very well, and possibly achieve hits without using the sights. In either case, follow-through is the key to hitting the mover.
Keep the trigger moving when you are firing and do not stop your tracking of the target. Stance and body position can be a key factor. A flexible lower body and slightly forward upper body are necessary. Continue to square the body with the threat and turret or pivot as you drive the gun with the opponent. (To my defensive students – does the term “Dynamic Grip” ring a bell?)
Oh!! Don’t forget to get to cover as quickly as possible, as you will more than likely be exposed.
Be Safe……
About the Author
Thanks to our friends at TheShootingChannel.com for this post. Click here to visit TheShootingChannel.com.
Ed Santos is author of the books “Rule the Night Win the Fight” published 2008 and his latest “Low-Light Combatives” published 2013. He is the Owner/Founder of Center Target Sports, Inc. and Tactical Services Group. He teaches advanced firearm skills and Low-light training around the world and can be reached at ed@tacticalservicesgroup.com.
