As Larry Vickers of Vickers Tactical explains in the latest edition of SureFire Field Notes, being able to execute good old-fashioned point shooting is still a critical skill that can make all the difference in a gunfight.
Why? If you’re a well-trained handgunner, it’s likely that you have equipped your carry pistol with a WeaponLight/laser system, such as the SureFire XVL2-IRC or X400, and even a red-dot sight. But what if your primary pistol isn’t available to you? It isn’t hard to envision a low-light scenario in which you might have to utilize a lesser-equipped firearm. As Vickers explains, these weapons are common. Pistols such as World War II-era 1911s, Browning Hi-Powers and P-38s can still get the job done, but most aren’t even equipped with three-dot sights, let alone night sights or lasers. Are you okay with being less effective if you have to use one of these weapons when your life is on the line? That’s precisely why maintaining your point shooting technique is a good thing to have in your hip pocket.
“You need to have the ability to shoot those guns at night with limited and low light,” Vickers said. “This is something everybody needs to have regardless of the handgun they use.”
Check out Field Notes Episode 55 to learn how to improve your point shooting skills while practicing at the range.
ABOUT LARRY VICKERS
Larry Vickers is a retired U.S. Army 1st SFOD-Delta combat veteran with years of experience in the firearms industry as a combat marksmanship instructor and industry consultant. In recent years he has hosted several tactical firearms related TV shows. He is founder of Vickers Tactical, which provides training, consulting and signature products designed to help increase shooting proficiency.
Vickers’ special operations background is one of the most unique in the industry; he has been directly or indirectly involved in the some of the most significant special operations missions of the last quarter century. During Operation Just Cause, he participated in Operation Acid Gambit – the rescue of Kurt Muse from Modelo Prison in Panama City, Panama. As a tactics and marksmanship instructor on active duty, he helped train special operations personnel that later captured Saddam Hussein and eliminated Uday and Qusay Hussein. In addition, Vickers was directly involved in the design and development of the HK416 for Tier One SOF use, which was used by Naval Special Warfare personnel to kill Osama Bin Laden.
Vickers has developed various small arms accessories, with the most notable being his signature sling manufactured by Blue Force Gear, Glock accessories by Tangodown, and 1911 specific products by Wilson Combat. In addition, he has maintained strong relationships with premium companies within the firearms industry such as Blue Force Gear, BCM, Aimpoint, CCWSafe, Wilson Combat, and Tangodown. He has developed and offered a line of Vickers Tactical Glock pistols sold exclusively thru Lipseys Inc. He is also author of the Vickers Guide series of firearm books. Larry Vickers travels the country conducting combat marksmanship classes for law abiding civilians, law enforcement and military.
ABOUT SUREFIRE
Located in Fountain Valley, California, SureFire, LLC is the leading manufacturer of suppressors, high-performance flashlights, weapon-mounted lights, and other tactical equipment for those who go in harm’s way, or anyone who demands the ultimate in quality, innovation, and performance. SureFire illumination tools are used by more SWAT teams and elite special operations forces than any other brand. SureFire is an ISO 9001:2008-certified company.
For more information on SureFire’s complete line of combat-proven tactical illumination tools and equipment, visit SureFire.com.
