Concealed Carry Handguns – August 2019

fenders should coordinate so both don’t

run dry at the same time. A standard

practice is to yell “reloading!” when

carrying out the reload so your partner

knows your weapon has gone silent.

COVER ALL

THREAT AREAS

In previous articles I’ve discussed

positioning at restaurants or other

venues so that the person or persons

who are armed can observe entrances

and other possible trouble spots. In

a group with multiple people armed,

some care can be taken so that those

with weapons can cover likely threat

areas and can also reach cover to give

suppressive fire while other members

of their party escape/reach cover.

By no means am I suggesting that a

couple or two friends who both carry

their weapons all the time need to be

trained to the level of special operators.

However, training with their weapons

is highly advised for those who carry

them. That training can include tactics

as well standing and punching paper.

For example, I often train by engaging

multiple hanging plates to simulate

engaging multiple targets as quickly as

possible. When training with a friend or

my wife, I vary this drill by suggesting

With two good

guys, one should

cover the rear

to prevent being

flanked. However,

with only two

partners, the rear

security one may

also engage attack-

ers from the front

and periodically

check the rear.

we are facing multiple attackers that

we must mutually engage in the most

effective way. We’re training, but we’re

also experimenting in the most effec-

tive way to engage these targets.

REALISTIC TRAINING

Other techniques can be run through

using empty weapons. Because I

have access to Simunitions guns or

laser guns, I have had the chance

to practice some of the techniques

discussed “force on force.” While that

can be helpful, it’s not absolutely nec-

essary. Basic fire and movement, use

of cover, evacuation under fire, and

other tactics may be practiced with

unloaded weapons (that have been

TEAMWORK CAN BE APPLIED TO

ESCAPING A VEHICLE TOO

The leapfrog principle applies when evacuating from a disabled vehicle as well. If the vehicle is disabled due to an

attempted carjacking, flat tire, barricade during civil

unrest, or other situations, it may be necessary to escape

the vehicle.

If two armed citizens are present, they may attempt to

get to a safe haven such as a nearby building prior to

evacuation to another vehicle nearby. If facing armed

attackers, it may be necessary for one to give covering

fire while the other runs to the vehicle/safe haven. Upon

reaching the evacuation vehicle, etc., the citizen can then

give cover to his partner while he evacuates. There will be

myriad variations of this fire and movement drill.

An alternative need for covering fire may occur if the vehicle is stopped but can probably be made operational with some

effort and maneuvering. In this case, covering fire can be given from within the vehicle.

120 CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS • FALL 2019