Issue link: http://lawandordermag.epubxp.com/i/189636
Alternate Methods The cross sling method lends itself to being slower than the conventional technique. This process has the shooter physically sweeping the weapon to the side or, in some cases behind the back, before starting to draw the pistol. Usually this is done with the weak side. Depending on where it was learned, the shooter holds the rife in place and performs a single-hand pistol shot. A more inept version is the long gun moved to the strong side, secured behind the holster (or weapon retention belt clip) before accessing the pistol. A more dangerous version has the shooter, with his / her strong hand still on the pistol grip, placing the rife in the armpit of his / her weak arm. The muzzle faces backward. The rife is supposed to be clamped in the armpit to allow a two handed grip on the pistol. On the fring line, this movement muzzle sweeps everyone adjacent to the shooter. More often than not, the rife falls out of the armpit clamp; especially when movement is involved. Safety Regardless of the method taught, transition drills must be performed with an empty long gun. With the selector on Fire and a live round in the chamber, there is a signifcant chance the trigger could snag on the pouch or piece of belt kit. If the shooter's timings are off with the fnger partially remaining in trigger guard as movement starts, a negligent discharge could occur. We want the shooter to experience the trigger click or mush and react from that cue. This is more realistic and relevant. The shooter needs the tactile, instinctive impetus of a mush or click trigger to transition rather than a voice command. Taking the time to sweep the selector to safe on a hot gun is an extra step for the range only. Why add an extra step to an already worst case scenario? In a real situation, the chamber will already be empty or action jammed, so there is no need to place the rife on safe. Step By Step Shooter performs a normal presentation with the long gun. He / she presses the trigger and experiences a 'click' (empty chamber or bad round) or 'mush' (no sear reset or other internal issue). The shooter recognizes this as the signal to immediately go to the next step. With the strong As soon as the malfunction is discovered, turn the weapon outboard so the magazine, foreend grip or another projection is in the clear before the weapon is lowered. At the same time, the weak hand comes over the top to get a new grip angle. hand still on the pistol grip, turn the rife 90 degrees outboard. At the same time, the weak hand comes over the top and grasps the hand guard. With the length of the rife, 30-round magazines and vertical fore grips, it is important to turn the rife to prevent being struck in the groin when the rife is released later. As soon as the weak hand establishes control of the rife, the strong hand moves to the pistol, defeats the retention device, and begins the draw from the holster. At the same time, the weak hand lowers the rife about three-fourths of the way down, and then releases the rife. With a oneor three-point sling, the rife will swing harmlessly down. Keep the weak hand cupped and at sternum level. As the pistol clears the holster, rotate the muzzle toward the target line. Keep the strong hand thumb up rather than a full grip. If a complete grip is established with the strong hand, there is a tendency for the thumbs to cross over each other when the weak hand comes into play. The weak hand remains cupped at sternum level about 10-12 inches away from the body. Continue pushing the pistol forward into the cupped weak hand. As the hands meet, it's important for the weak hand's index fnger to establish positive contact under the trigger guard and roll the remainder of the hand to a frm two handed www.lawandordermag.com 19