Hargreaves Lite-Touch

This technique is the closest to the normal two handed rifle hold.  It stabilizes the gun for accuracy and keeps the light pointed at the target.  However, it keeps the light at the center of mass making the shooter an easier target.

The flashlight is held between the palm and fore-end with the push button tailcap against the front of the magazine.  The light is then activated by pulling back on the light activating the tailcap.

Modified FBI

The FBI technique is similar to the use in handguns, however, it is more difficult due to the weight of the larger firearm.  The advantages is that it keeps the light away from the center of mass.

Hold the flashlight in an ice pick or screw driver position with the thumb on the tailcap switch.  Position the light against the base of the jaw by the ear.  If the flashlight is too large, the body can be rested on the shoulder.

Cross Support – Position 1

The cross support technique can be performed in three different ways by varying the position of the tactical flashlight carrying hand. This first position has the light off center of mass and uses the flashlight hand to support the weight of the barrel.

Hold the flashlight in an ice pick grip with the thumb on the tailcap switch.  Position the middle of the forearm under the rifle’s fore-end just in front of the magazine.

Cross Support – Position 2

The cross support position 2 has the advantage of placing the light off center of mass and additionally locks the gun between the shoulder and elbow providing additional support and stability for better accuracy.

Hold the flashlight in an ice pick grip with the thumb on the tailcap switch.  With the angle of the elbow positioned under the fore-end, wrap the arm tightly around the rifle magazine.

Cross Support – Position 3

This position also locks the gun in for support and stability for better accuracy, however, this cross support technique places the light is closer to the center of mass more so than any of the other positions.

Hold the flashlight in an ice pick grip with the thumb on the tailcap switch.  Use the back of the flashlight hand to apply pressure to the trigger hand providing support similar to the Harris technique.

See our other article about Handgun Flashlight Techniques

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Harries Technique

The Harries technique works best with either small or large tactical flashlights with tailcap switches.  It can also be used with side mounted switches, however, activating the light is more difficult.

The flashlight is held in like an ice pick with the thumb on the tailcap switch.  It is then crossed under the handgun holding arm.  The backs of each hand then come together by extending the wrist of flashlight holding hand for stability.

Chapman Technique

This technique places the operator’s hands close together and is mainly used with non tactical flashlights with side mounted switches.  It is more difficult to implement with heavier flashlights or if the operator has smaller hands.

Grasp the flashlight in a sword-like grip with using the thumb and index finger.  The remaining fingers wrap around the fingers holding the handgun, similar to the two-handed firing grip.

Ayoob Technique

Like the Chapman technique, the operator’s hands are held close together and is mainly used with side mounted switches.  Similarly it’s use is limited to short periods of time and lighter flashlights.

Grasp the flashlight in a sword-like grip similar to the Chapman technique, however rotate the wrist inward about 90 degrees so that both thumbs are parallel and meet securely.

Rogers Technique

This technique is designed to be used with small lights with grip-rings and tail switches.  This maneuver most mimics the normal two-handed firing grip.

The flashlight is held between the index and middle fingers similar to a syringe.  Position the tail switch in the palm against the base of the thumb.  Bring this hand together with the dominant gun hand and wrap the remaining fingers around the fingers gripping the weapon.

Neck-Index

This is a hands apart grip that works with small or large tactical flashlights.  It positions the light for fast deployment as a striking tool, but draws fire to the operator since it is near the head.

Hold the flashlight in an ice pick or screw driver position with the thumb on the tailcap switch.  Position the light against the base of the jaw by the ear.  If the flashlight is too large, the body can be rested on the shoulder.

Modified FBI

This hands apart grip does a better job of concealing the operator’s body than the Neck-Index technique.  The light can be moved to different positions to further hide their position.  The draw back is that the light and aiming of the handgun must be constantly adjusted.

Hold the flashlight in an ice pick (tailcap switch) or sword (side switch) position.  Extend the arm away from and slightly in front of body to prevent self-illumination.

See our other article about Rifle Flashlight Techniques

When using a flashlight with your handgun, here are several important things to remember:

1)  When searching for a threat, keep your light and gun focused together with where you are looking.
2)  Activate your flashlight away from your center of mass.  It is more difficult to determine your position.
3)  Use your light intermittently.  Leaving the light switched on makes you easier to find and more vulnerable.
4)  Try not to put yourself in a position where you are backlit.  This will make you a clear target.
5)  As a general rule, constantly try to move from well lit positions to areas of lower light.