Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Point Shooting: Grasping the Weapon, 3

Continued from "Point Shooting: Grasping the Weapon, 2"

My last post on this topic generated a lot of questions, comments & off-blog correspondence. All more positive than I expected. Although Emil Bandy tried the method & finds it uncomfortable for him, I appreciate his thoughtful comments & questions. He says:

I have tried dry firing my 1911 in the way you described....

As soon as I saw that, I said to myself, "How cool!" Here's a young guy with his own .45. Emil, if you read this, bow your head & thank God for your parents (I certainly do), who value you so much as to let you own a 1911 Gov't Model.

Emil also asks the question:

Also, isn't it true that you will lose some control of your weapon if you remove one of your fingers from the front of the grip?

Instead of answering that question myself, I'm going to refer you to a link that I just came across yesterday (thanks to dlr). The website Point Shooting is dedicated to P&S (point & shoot), and it promotes an ingenious aid to the point shooting method. Anyone interested in the relative stability of the point & shoot grip should read "The P&S Grip is a Very Strong Grip"

As I mentioned, I did not originate any of this. I just put together various elements out there that seem to make sense to me. I'm actually happy to be able to direct Christian Martialists to resources that feature real experts. The Point Shooting site has loads of material by said experts. If you have any interest in point shooting (pistol or rifle) I'd recommend you spend some time there.

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9 comments:

Stephen said...

I tried this technique over memorial day to good effect, although it was a little uncomfortable. So you are supposed to hold the gun with both hands while firing? I thought the essence of "point and click" shooting was to use one hand.

On a different subject, I am looking for a good, concealable, combat knife. Any suggestions?

Craig Mutton said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Emil Bandy said...

Well.... that pretty well was the last 'problem' that I could find with it.... looks like I just need to go to the range and find out what works best for me....

BTW thanks so much for emphasizing so much on the point that there is no 'best' method that works the 'best' for everyone, and thanks for all the info....

Craig Mutton said...

Stephen,

I know the P&S site mentions the possible use of your left index finger to fire the weapon. I'd say practice both ways & adopt the method that appeals most to YOU. If two hands give you a steadier base, then use two hands. I'd say you should still do some one-handed practice occasionally, though. You never know when you'll be carrying something in the other hand that you don't want to drop.

For knife recommendations, I'd need more info. A knife strictly for fighting? One that could be used in fieldcraft applications? One you could carry everyday without running afoul of the law and still have a useful defensive tool?

I used to sell knives, & I'm no expert, but I know that how you intend to use a blade makes a difference in what you should get.

Craig Mutton said...

Emil,

You're welcome!

For you & others like Stephen who find the position I described uncomfortable, you might try holding your weapon in the more traditional vertical position. With a heavier weapon like the 1911, the off-vertical may put more stress on the forearm.

Stephen said...

I'm just looking for a strictly fighting knife, don't really care if it's legal or not, and that's concealable. Does this help?

Craig Mutton said...

First, the disclaimer: I do not encourage anyone to violate the supreme law of the land when it comes to carrying concealed or proscribed weapons.

Now, to answer your question. The concealability factor rules out kukris & machetes. (Hey, if I HAVE to fight with a knife, I want the biggest blade in the room.)


The knives of Fairbairn/Sykes and Rex Applegate incorporate features in their design that fit them for combat: sharp point for stabbing, two sharp edges for slashing on the out stroke and the return stroke, and ergonomic grip contours.

Two modern knife models that provide these advantages are the Cold Steel Counter Tac I & Counter Tac II. I do not own either of these blades, but I do trust Cold Steel in terms of construction, strength and quality of steel.
You can view them at:

http://www.coldsteel.com/countertac.html

The blades are hollow ground, which makes it easier to give them a truly keen edge. The AUS 8A stainless steel will hold that edge better than many stainless blades out there.

These are not the only knives that meet your specifications, and they cost somewhat more than than other models out there, but I think either one will serve you well. You may find them for a little less if you shop around online.

Stephen said...

Thanks!

BTW, I didn't mean to put you in a difficult situation regarding the legality of a weapon. What I meant by that was, if I am going to protect myself and others, with any weapon, I want to be as prepared as possible. And, hopefully, respond to any emergency as a responsible sheepdog. ;)

Craig Mutton said...

Never doubted your intentions or your responsibility, but there are others who read this blog, and I have to cover myself, just in case.