NCJ Number
213656
Journal
Police: The Law Enforcement Magazine Volume: 30 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2006 Pages: 52-54,56
Date Published
March 2006
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Ten essential skills a police officer should develop in order to win a gunfight pertain to accuracy; a good grip; trigger control; good body position; a quick, smooth draw; a fast reload; clearing malfunctions; a recognition of cover; becoming invisible; and firing while moving.
Abstract
Accuracy (hitting what you intend to hit) is related to grip, trigger control, body position, and weapon alignment. A firm grip that steadies the gun is important for accuracy. The author describes an exercise that enables an individual to find his/her best grip for a particular gun. Trigger control involves developing a technique for moving the trigger so that the gun does not waiver from the line of fire. When an officer is surprised by a life-threatening attack, his/her gun is likely to be in its holster. Officers should practice drawing their weapon with a shooting grip and placing the gun on target until this can be done regularly in less than 2 seconds. Keeping the gun operating in the course of a fight involves reloading it and clearing malfunctions. Officers should practice removing an empty magazine and installing a new one by feel, such that the officer's eyes remain on the target. This article also describes tactics for dealing with various gun malfunctions. Recognizing cover means selecting cover that can withstand the penetrating power of multiple shots of most guns and ammunition. Officers should practice selecting cover, drawing while moving to cover, and reloading while moving to cover. If possible, choose a firing location where the opponent can be seen but he/she cannot see you. Finally, practice shooting while moving, since seeking and changing cover and tactical positions is important in winning a gunfight.