Dont agree with that?
Quite simply, video games did not exist and watching television after school was simply unheard of.
Instead, our fun time was spent playing ball, riding bikes, or engaging in simulated mortal combat.
Practicing with a wooden barricade on the range, the author highlights techniques to stay behind cover. Using cover effectively can be the difference between life and death in a gunfight.
At some point in our informal contest someone would shout out, Bang, youre dead.
The retort often heard was, No, you didnt get me!
Cover might be defined as any object or surface that is capable of stopping the rounds directed at you.
Training on the range, the shooter moves around a truck while engaging targets with a Springfield pistol. Understanding how to use vehicles for cover is a skill for real-world confrontations.
How important is the use of cover?
I ask my students on Day One of their firearms training what matters most in a gunfight.
How about not getting shot?
A car door riddled with bullet holes demonstrates the varying penetration capabilities of different rounds. While rifle rounds and shotgun slugs easily pierce the metal, many handgun rounds fail to fully penetrate.
To meet mileage standards, todays vehicles are lighter and have smaller engine blocks.
What about car doors?
It has been my observation that a very large percentage of handgun rounds will not totally penetrate.
A police officer takes cover behind a patrol car, demonstrating a position that does not offer complete protection. Adjusting his position could further improve his safety in a high-risk situation.
With centerfire rifle rounds and shotgun slugs, however, all bets are off.
No doubt, many of us have considered home defense scenarios.
However, getting behind something to conceal your form will afford you an advantage.
Using a woodpile for cover, the man illustrates how natural and common objects can shield against threats. Strategic positioning behind such barriers is crucial in defensive situations.
Just be mindful of the directions you’ve got the option to fire without putting others at risk.
Common examples could include interior walls, wooden doors, shrubs, and even darkness.
Obstacles are common objects that may prevent an assailant from coming at you in a straight line.
An officer engages a target with a Springfield M1A SOCOM 16 rifle from the car door, emphasizing tactical positioning. Crouching lower behind the engine block could provide even better protection against incoming fire.
Examples might include a shopping cart, trash can, chair or other types of furniture.
Shooters who take such a position expose far too much of the body to incoming fire.
I would also suggest getting at least four to six feet away from any real-world cover.
The author demonstrates effective use of a barrel on the range to maximize cover and minimize exposure. Proper positioning behind cover is essential for safety during defensive shooting scenarios.
ensure as much of your body as possible is behind the cover, including your feet and legs.
Fire one or two shots and get back inside the cover.
Should you have to fire again, if possible, change your firing location.
Shooting through an open car window, while offering some protection, can leaves the head and upper body exposed to fire.
Being unpredictable is the key to success.
Popping out over the top of a vehicle hood or low wall can be especially dangerous.
Danger, particularly for the responsible citizen, is unpredictable and can unfold at any time.
A man demonstrates using bushes for concealment, which can obscure visibility but does not stop incoming rounds. While it may hide your position, it offers no ballistic protection.
Exactly how do you prepare for that?
Consider randomly setting the alarm on your cell phone to go off sometime during the day.
So, what do you do?
Is there cover a step or two away?
Can I get something between me and my imaginary assailant as I draw my pistol?
Do I stand my ground and fight it out?
Can I get to my gun quickly?
Who or what is around me at this point in time?
Can I spot cover and can I move?
Trust me, this will get you thinking!
Responsible citizens have no such luxury and are often caught up in a fast-breaking situation with little warning.
But in many cases, danger can be averted, providing you stay switched on.
If something doesnt look right, it probably isnt.
And if possible, get out of there!
Can you move and challenge or fight from a position of advantage?
If so, that gives the best chance of prevailing.
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M1ATMSOCOM 16 CQB
