Who: Shawn Claussen of DSS - Dynamic Shooting Systems
What: Low Light to No Light Pistol
When: August 21, 2014
Where: Council Bluffs, IA
Why: High probability of a fight in low light and no light environments.
Instructor: Shawn Claussen, Dynamic Shooting Systems
• Service as an NCO with the Marine Security Guard Battalion during the 90's, the MSGBN is responsible for US Embassy protection.
• Active Police Officer with 15+ years of experience, special assignments have included Head of the Firearms Training Unit, ERU Marksman/Observer and Entry Team Member.
• Guest Instructor at the 2010 International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor's Annual Training Conference in San Antonio, TX.
• USPSA Production Division, Class "B"
Students: Civilians, LE, MIL.
Weather: Hot and humid.
Firearms: Glocks, Walther PPQ, HK, no problems noted.
Lights: Surefire and Steamlight, both handheld and weapon mounted, no problems noted.
Course: This was the third and final course for DSS here in CB for 2014 and it wrapped up nearly 20 hours of training over the past 30 hours. Like the Low to No Light Carbine and Advanced Pistol and Reality Based Scenarios Courses, Low to No Light Pistol was another well thought out and delivered Course. Shawn's ability to explain, support, demonstrate, and coach the topics at hand were the same in this course as they had been in the others...excellent!
Thoughts and theories on fighting at night and the stats supporting this topic were echoed from the DSS Low to No Light Carbine Course. As expected, problems that reared their ugly head in the Carbine Course came back to haunt us in the Pistol Course...primarily, not being familiar with our firearms / Equipment. Shawn provided lots of tips and tricks on how to take our own performance to the next level while working in low light environments and encouraged us to try things throughout the class that he had seen work for him and others in the past.
A dedicated Low Light Course is something of true value that provides more feedback into how you perform under stress than a course conducted during day time hours...shooting at night can be a challenge.
Below is an overview of the topics presented AND practiced throughout the Course:
DSS Philosophy:
• Principle Based vs. Scenario Based
• SNS Activation and Action vs. Reaction
Eye Anatomy / Physiology
Realities of Deadly Force Engagements:
• NIBRS Data
• FBI: In the line of Fire
• NYPD: SOP 9
• Armed: Kleck and Kates
DSS Training Methodology:
• 4 M’s
Low to No Light Statistics:
• Baltimore County, MD
• LA County Sheriffs
Lights:
• Why and Where we use lights
• LED vs. Incandescent
• Switching Options: Tail Caps VS Side Mounted Button
• Lumen Outputs and Capabilities (distances, ETC)
• Weapon Mounted Lights vs. Handheld Lights
Techniques:
• Navigation
• Location
• Identification - PID
Light Usage / Activation:
• "Tea - Cup"
• FBI
• Harries
• Neck Index
• Rogers/Surefire
Light Usage / Manipulation / Movement:
• "Finger roll"
• Presentation from the holster, light pouch
• Malfunctions
• Reloads
• Barricade Work - Standing, Kneeling, Prone
• Shooting on the move
V/r - Rob
