WanderingSol07
Sharpshooter
I took a 4.5 hour low light training class last night, Line Of Defense by Len Halascsak at Linden Conservation Club just north of Linden, Indiana.
I learned there is self defense ammo made for short barreled pistols. I had 115gr, 124gr, and 147gr JHP Fiocchi. With my S & W M&P9 Shield 2.0 (3.1" barrel) the 124gr gave me an apparent flash of bright white light about 3' in diameter! I suspect it is for guns with a longer barrel. The 147gr rounds gave me an orange flash slightly larger than my fist. Hornandy Critical Defense was slightly smaller. My Federal FMJ pratice ammo was similar to the Fiocchi 147gr and Hornandy. What ammo have you shot in your ~3" barrel pistol at night and how was the flash?
I learned the 'tactical' flashlight I have sucks, I cannot turn it off/on with the butt switch with my thumb, switch is recessed too much. When I do get it on, it randomly turns on to full intensity, flashing, strobe, or dim. It has a lanyard at the switch end. It was a joke watching me fool with the light for 5-10 seconds before I could turn it on and point it.
My 'car light' has the switch just behind the bulb (sword style?), does not have a hot spot and would illuminate the the entire 25 yard range from 25 yards, got it at Ace for $30.
Len had a dozen flashlights, the best one for me had a non recessed butt switch and a switch on the side near the front. Not as bright at my 'car light' but a bit smaller and easier to handle.
Shot holding a flashlight from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 different positions, Len had names for most of them, I'm a lefty, the most comfortable for me was holding the light directly under the butt of the pistol. It felt safer too as I never crossed my arms with the potential of moving my hand in front of the muzzle. I know, training and practice should eliminate bad behavior...
Having a light mounted on the pistol made everything much easier, not as bright, but now had a two handed grip and it was easier for me to turn the light on and off as needed. Reloads were easy without having to turn off the flashlight and find a place to stick it (back pocket-turns on when I don't want it to, under the left arm-decreased gun hand range, or finding a coat pocket).
I'm now researching to find out what light comes from S & W on the Shield so I can get one and then order a holster that will handle the light.
What works for you during low light shooting?
This was a good course, a lot of info in the time, shot about 100 rounds, could have shot more as I tried different positions, lights, and such. If you carry and/or have for home defense be sure to practice in low/no light.
I learned there is self defense ammo made for short barreled pistols. I had 115gr, 124gr, and 147gr JHP Fiocchi. With my S & W M&P9 Shield 2.0 (3.1" barrel) the 124gr gave me an apparent flash of bright white light about 3' in diameter! I suspect it is for guns with a longer barrel. The 147gr rounds gave me an orange flash slightly larger than my fist. Hornandy Critical Defense was slightly smaller. My Federal FMJ pratice ammo was similar to the Fiocchi 147gr and Hornandy. What ammo have you shot in your ~3" barrel pistol at night and how was the flash?
I learned the 'tactical' flashlight I have sucks, I cannot turn it off/on with the butt switch with my thumb, switch is recessed too much. When I do get it on, it randomly turns on to full intensity, flashing, strobe, or dim. It has a lanyard at the switch end. It was a joke watching me fool with the light for 5-10 seconds before I could turn it on and point it.
My 'car light' has the switch just behind the bulb (sword style?), does not have a hot spot and would illuminate the the entire 25 yard range from 25 yards, got it at Ace for $30.
Len had a dozen flashlights, the best one for me had a non recessed butt switch and a switch on the side near the front. Not as bright at my 'car light' but a bit smaller and easier to handle.
Shot holding a flashlight from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 different positions, Len had names for most of them, I'm a lefty, the most comfortable for me was holding the light directly under the butt of the pistol. It felt safer too as I never crossed my arms with the potential of moving my hand in front of the muzzle. I know, training and practice should eliminate bad behavior...
Having a light mounted on the pistol made everything much easier, not as bright, but now had a two handed grip and it was easier for me to turn the light on and off as needed. Reloads were easy without having to turn off the flashlight and find a place to stick it (back pocket-turns on when I don't want it to, under the left arm-decreased gun hand range, or finding a coat pocket).
I'm now researching to find out what light comes from S & W on the Shield so I can get one and then order a holster that will handle the light.
What works for you during low light shooting?
This was a good course, a lot of info in the time, shot about 100 rounds, could have shot more as I tried different positions, lights, and such. If you carry and/or have for home defense be sure to practice in low/no light.