Introduction: History tells us a great many confrontations unfold in poor light. In view of that, our training should mirror the conditions we might have to perform in out in the unforgiving real world. Clearly, the need to train in low light conditions is critical to success.
At first glance, this doesn’t appear to be a very difficult drill. However, performing multiple tasks in poor light will prove to be a challenge for many. Simple operational skills such as reloading can put the unprepared individual in sensory overload.
Objective: To achieve a satisfactory performance, the shooter must demonstrate the ability to make decisive hits in a compressed time frame. Use of cover, light management, safe movement and reloading will also be assessed.
Targets: Two speed poppers (T1, T2) @ 12 yards. Two 8X12 inch falling plates (T3, T4) @ 10 yards and one no-shoot innocent bystander (NS1)
Personally, I like to use reactive steel targets when doing dynamic training in poor light as the shooter receives positive feedback with a good hit. I recognize that many people do not have access to steel targets. Paper or cardboard targets can certainly be used. I remain a believer in shot accountability and targets should be taped over or marked after each shooter. Use small paper plates or fold targets in half to create a greater challenge on T3 and T4. An “innocent bystander” can be placed in close proximity or even partially obscuring a threat
Ammunition Requirement: Two 6 round magazines or a fully loaded 6 shot revolver with a speedloader. The shooter will also need a hand held or weapon mounted light.
Range Props: Two pieces of high cover. Clamp lights to create adverse light condition. Car headlights can also be used to create an adverse light condition.
Begin Exercise: Shooter 5 steps behind High Cover A. Load and charge with a 6 round magazine. On the signal, draw, move to cover and knockdown T1 & T2. Only 2 shots allowed from the same point of cover! RELOAD and MOVE to High Cover B. Knockdown T3 & T4 to stop time.
Make sure all your light goes beyond the cover! Lights off when moving or loading.
Scoring: Go/No Go. The shooter must complete the drill in 30 seconds or less. Two seconds will be added to your time for each miss. Procedure, poor cover or hits on no-shoot=DQ
Layout: T1@12 yards T2@12 yards T3@ 10 yard—NS1—-T4@10 yards
Hi- Cover 1———-10 yards————Hi-Cover 2
Variations: #1-blinding front light for T1/T2, dark T3/T4
#2-blinding front light all 4 targets
#3-blinding front light T1/T2, 10 second delay for BFL T3/T4
*These drills are excerpted from Mike Boyle’s book: “101 Drills for Handguns and Rifles and Shotguns.”
Mike Boyle is a retired law enforcement officer and has been active in use of force instruction for over 40 years. He has been a police academy assistant director, instructor, Rangemaster and is the author of 2 books, 3 training videos and hundreds of magazine articles on firearms, training and tactics. Mike served 21 years on the Board of Directors of the International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors. Mr. Boyle can provide instruction on various firearms disciplines including handgun, shotgun and low light threat management. He can be reached at mboyle308@gmail.com.
