In the realm of firearms mastery, tactical shooting is an art of immense significance, requiring a profound understanding of strategy and precision. It encompasses a range of techniques and skills utilized by military personnel, law enforcement officers, and civilian shooters alike to achieve optimal performance in dynamic and high-pressure situations.
I have two sad stories that I tell people when we are talking about firearms and the necessity of tactical (dynamic) shooting skills.
One: After my wife and I finished the Tiger Valley’s Level I Tactical Pistol Course, the instructor informed the class that we were better trained than 95% of law enforcement officers. The sad truth was that if their department would not pay for training, neither would they.
Two: I forgot which training event I attended and heard this story. Back story – Range officers do not like “dirty” ranges; this was back in the day of revolvers as service weapons. An Officer was requalifying. He would ensure that the spent brass can was near him, and then he would line up his bullets for his reload on the table. He would shoot, dump the brass into the bucket, and reload. He had done this for years.
One day as he was on shift, he was dispatched to an armed robbery. A firefight ensued. They found the officer shot in the head at close range. His bullets lined up on the car’s bumper, which he was taking cover.
This article delves into the world of tactical shooting, exploring its definition and historical origins and highlighting the importance of developing these skills.
Definition of Tactical Shooting
Tactical shooting can be defined as a specialized discipline within the broader realm of firearms training that focuses on employing strategic techniques to engage targets while operating in dynamic environments successfully. Unlike static target shooting or sport shooting, where accuracy is primarily emphasized, tactical shooting significantly emphasizes situational awareness, rapid decision-making, movement, teamwork (in specific contexts), and versatility with different firearms.
The cornerstone of tactical shooting lies in adapting to ever-changing circumstances while maintaining control over one’s firearm, whether it’s navigating complex indoor environments during room-clearing operations or engaging threats from various positions during outdoor scenarios such as urban combat or self-defense situations – tactical shooters train relentlessly to develop a set of skills that enable them to prevail under pressure.
Importance of Tactical Shooting Skills
Acquiring and honing tactical shooting skills have become increasingly vital in today’s uncertain world. Whether considering the need for personal protection against potential threats or preparing professionals entrusted with public safety duties like military personnel and law enforcement officers – possessing these abilities is paramount.
In high-stress situations where split-second decisions can mean the difference between life and death, tactical shooters are equipped with exceptional marksmanship and an ability to think critically under pressure. The importance of tactical shooting skills extends beyond self-defense, as they foster discipline, confidence, and mental fortitude.
The mastery of tactical shooting techniques channels the individual’s focus towards achieving a state of calm amidst chaos, enabling them to make calculated decisions while simultaneously executing precise shots. Furthermore, tactical shooting cultivates a profound respect for firearm safety and responsible gun ownership.
By immersing oneself in this discipline, individuals understand the potential dangers of firearms and develop an unwavering commitment to adhering to stringent safety protocols. Stay tuned for the next section, where we explore the history of tactical shooting and its origins in military training.
Origins in Military Training
Tactical shooting, as we know it today, finds its roots deeply entrenched in military training methodologies. The origins of tactical shooting can be traced back to ancient times when armies sought to develop specialized combat techniques that could provide them with a strategic advantage on the battlefield.
One of the earliest recorded instances of tactical shooting in ancient China was during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). Soldiers were trained in archery and horseback riding, skills that required precision and quick reflexes. However, it was not until the late 19th century that formalized tactical shooting training programs began to take shape.
During World War I, as trench warfare became prevalent, military forces recognized the need for enhanced marksmanship skills and devised training methods focused on close-quarters engagements. This led to the developing of techniques such as snap shooting and rapid target acquisition.
Army Publishing Directorate
Army Training Circular TC 3-23.35 “Pistol (This Item Is Published W/ Basic Incl C1 And C2)”.
Army Training Circular TC 3-22.9 “RIFLE AND CARBINE (THIS ITEM IS PUBLISHED W/ BASIC INCL C1- C3)”.
Army Field Manual FM 7-0 “TRAIN TO WIN IN A COMPLEX WORLD.” (Under review for 2022).
Evolution into Law Enforcement and Civilian Use
The evolution of tactical shooting from its military roots to law enforcement and civilian use can be attributed to several factors. Following World War II, law enforcement agencies worldwide realized the importance of equipping their officers with advanced firearms skills to respond to high-risk situations effectively.
Tactical shooting training became integral to police academies’ curriculum, focusing on situational awareness, threat assessment, and effective engagement techniques. As society evolved and faced new challenges, such as increasing crime rates and acts of terrorism, civilians also recognized the need for self-defense skills beyond basic firearms proficiency.
This gave rise to civilian tactical shooting courses offered by reputable trainers who adapted military and law enforcement concepts for non-professional shooters. The emphasis shifted from simply hitting targets at a static range towards developing practical skills necessary for real-life scenarios like home defense or active shooter situations.
Today, law enforcement personnel and responsible civilians recognize the value of tactical shooting training to develop critical decision-making abilities, enhance marksmanship skills, and improve overall situational awareness. It has become a necessary skill set for those who prioritize personal safety and the protection of others in an increasingly uncertain world.
Basic Principles of Tactical Shooting
Firearm Safety and Handling
Firearm safety is the cornerstone of tactical shooting. Understanding and adhering to the four fundamental gun safety rules is essential to prevent accidents and ensure a safe environment for the shooter and those around them.
The first rule is to treat every firearm as loaded, regardless of its actual condition. This mindset forces shooters to handle firearms cautiously, minimizing the risk of a negligent discharge.
The second rule emphasizes never pointing a firearm at anything you are unwilling to destroy. This principle instills discipline by maintaining muzzle awareness and preventing unintentional harm.
Additionally, the third rule highlights keeping your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. This practice ensures no accidental or premature firing occurs while preparing for a target engagement.
Proper Grip and Stance Techniques
Mastering proper grip and stance is crucial to achieving accuracy in tactical shooting. A solid grip establishes gun control, reducing recoil and enhancing overall stability. Placing your dominant hand high on the pistol’s backstrap while firmly gripping it allows for better control during rapid-fire or multiple shots.
Simultaneously, establishing a solid two-handed grip involves wrapping your non-dominant hand around your dominant hand without placing any fingers in front of the trigger guard. This technique provides optimal support for managing recoil forces effectively.
Equally crucial as the grip is adopting an appropriate shooting stance that balances stability with maneuverability. The isosceles stance is widely used in tactical shooting due to its versatility in various shooting scenarios.
Both feet are shoulder-width apart in this stance, forming an equal triangle between your feet and shoulders. Your body weight should be slightly forward while maintaining knee flexibility for quick movement.
Marksmanship Fundamentals
Mastering marksmanship fundamentals is essential for consistently hitting targets in tactical shooting. Two fundamental aspects of marksmanship are sight alignment and sight picture. Sight alignment refers to correctly aligning the front and rear sights of the firearm, ensuring they form a straight line with the target.
This allows for precise aiming. Concurrently, a sight picture refers to the relationship between aligned sights and targets.
Achieving an accurate sight picture involves focusing on both the front sight post and the target simultaneously while maintaining a clear, crisp image of both. Aiming exclusively at one or losing focus on either can result in missed shots.
Equally crucial is trigger control and follow-through, which significantly impact shot accuracy. Trigger control entails smoothly pressing the trigger straight back without disturbing sight alignment or picture.
It requires applying consistent pressure until the breakpoint where the gun fires. Follow-through involves maintaining focus on your aim even after firing a shot.
Keeping your sights aligned with the target momentarily helps assess shot placement and facilitates quick follow-up shots if necessary. In mastering these basic principles, shooters lay a solid foundation for tactical shooting proficiency while ensuring safety remains paramount throughout every engagement scenario.
Close Quarters Battle (CQB)
The Dance Within Walls
Ambushed in confined urban environments or faced with sudden, close-range threats, tacticians must rely on their proficiency in Close Quarters Battle (CQB) techniques to swiftly neutralize adversaries while minimizing collateral damage. Room-clearing tactics are crucial to CQB training, enabling teams to navigate and secure indoor areas effectively. When entering a room, the first team member through the door assumes the role of the “point” or “number one.” This individual scans and engages any immediate threats while maintaining situational awareness.
Training idea: Get your family some Nerf Guns and “play” with them. Pay attention to the angles, blind spots, and your heart rate. This is also an opportunity to talk with your family about what to do IF your house gets violated. Run through that scenario with them. Gamification will make the lessons fun and engaging.
The remaining team members quickly follow behind, positioning themselves strategically to provide cover and support. Effective communication becomes paramount during this process; concise verbal cues such as “left clear,” “right clear,” or “covering” enhance coordination and prevent friendly fire incidents.
Dynamic Movement Drills
Dance of Precision and Adaptation
In dynamic tactical scenarios, static positions can often prove vulnerable. Dynamic movement drills empower shooters to fluidly adapt their position and location while engaging targets, enhancing their survivability in high-intensity engagements.
Cover and concealment usage plays a pivotal role in dynamic movement drills. Cover refers to any object that protects from incoming fire, such as walls or vehicles.
Concealment refers to objects that obscure visibility, such as bushes or curtains, that may not necessarily stop bullets entirely. Skilled tacticians learn how to effectively use these elements to shield themselves from harm while simultaneously maintaining accurate fire on targets.
Shooting on-the-move techniques further elevate a tactical shooter’s ability to engage targets efficiently while transitioning between different positions or locations. By adopting proper footwork and maintaining good balance throughout their movements, shooters can mitigate the accuracy degradation typically associated with shooting while in motion.
Tactical Shooting Gear and Equipment
Firearms Selection for Different Scenarios
When selecting firearms for tactical shooting, one must consider the specific scenarios and environments in which they operate. A reliable and compact pistol is essential for close-quarters engagements and concealed carry.
The Glock 19 G19X FDE, Smith & Wesson M&P Shield, or SIG Sauer P365 are popular due to their compact size, reliability, and ammunition capacity. These pistols balance concealability and firepower, allowing individuals to effectively defend themselves in tight spaces without compromising on stopping power.
On the other hand, when engaging targets at longer distances or in open areas, a rifle becomes the weapon of choice. The AR-15 platform is widely favored for its versatility and customization options.
Its lightweight design and ability to fire accurate rounds at various distances make it ideal for long-range engagements. Rifles chambered in .223/5.56mm provide sufficient stopping power while allowing shooters to maintain control during rapid-fire situations.
Pistol Options for Concealed Carry
Choosing the right pistol for concealed carry is crucial as it directly impacts comfort and effectiveness. One popular option is the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm. This single-stack pistol offers excellent reliability in a compact package that can be easily concealed on your person.
Its slim profile makes it comfortable to carry throughout the day while providing ample firepower with its 7+1 or 8+1 round capacity. Another outstanding choice is the Glock 43X chambered in 9mm.
This subcompact pistol combines a slim frame with an extended grip length, increasing comfort and control without sacrificing concealability. With a magazine capacity of 10+1 rounds, it strikes an ideal balance between compactness and ammunition capacity.
Rifle Selection for Long-Range Engagement
When it comes to long-range engagements, precision, and accuracy are of utmost importance. The Remington 700, chambered in .308 Winchester, is a highly regarded rifle in the tactical shooting community.
Its bolt-action system ensures reliability and consistent accuracy at extended distances. Equipped with a quality optic, this rifle allows shooters to engage targets accurately beyond 1000 yards.
For semi-automatic options, the AR-10 platform in .308 Winchester or 6.5mm Creedmoor offers exceptional long-range capabilities while maintaining practical handling and follow-up shots. Rifles such as the DPMS Oracle or the Aero Precision X15 provide reliability and precision for successful long-range engagements.
Accessories for Enhanced Performance
To enhance overall performance during tactical shooting, various accessories can be utilized. Optics play a crucial role in acquiring targets quickly and accurately.
A red dot sight like the Sig Sauer Romeo5 or Trijicon MRO provides rapid target acquisition and better situational awareness in close-to-mid-range engagements. For individuals preferring traditional iron sights, options like Magpul MBUS or Troy Industries BattleSights offer durability and precise aiming points without relying on batteries.
Battle belts and holsters are not just lovely to have. I will upgrade my belt to a Tacticon Battle Belt or Grey Ghost Gear UGF Battle Belt. A battle belt is versatile and has all the necessary gear in one place. At zero O dark 30, I can strap this on and protect my family and, God forbid, render aid.
Suppressors are another accessory worth considering for tactical shooting enthusiasts. These devices reduce recoil, muzzle rise, and noise signature while improving control during rapid-fire sequences.
Optics, Red Dot Sights, or Iron Sights?
The choice between optics (such as red dot sights) or iron sights ultimately depends on personal preference and the intended application of your firearm. Optics offer faster target acquisition through illuminated reticles while eliminating parallax errors that can occur with iron sights. Red dot sights excel at close- to mid-range engagements where speed is paramount.
They provide a simple aiming point that remains visible even in low-light conditions, making them ideal for self-defense scenarios or fast-paced competitions. However, iron sights should not be disregarded.
They are reliable, durable, and do not rely on batteries. Iron sights also allow shooters to develop fundamental shooting skills more thoroughly.
Video References
Conclusion
In tactical shooting, selecting the right gear and equipment is essential for success. Whether choosing a firearm tailored to specific scenarios or deciding between optics and iron sights, each decision impacts overall performance. Remember to consider the context in which you’ll be operating and prioritize reliability and effectiveness without compromising comfort or concealability..
With proper gear selection and adequate training, individuals can enhance their tactical shooting abilities while ensuring their own safety and that of others. So embrace this journey with enthusiasm and confidence – elevate your skills by investing in suitable gear while enjoying the thrill of continuously improving your capabilities as a tactical shooter!
