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Mastering Long Gun Defense: Strategies and Tactics

Writer's picture: Sifu Jeramiah GiehlSifu Jeramiah Giehl

Engaging an assailant armed with a long gun demands a nuanced approach that combines tactical prowess and strategic thinking. Let's delve into the essential techniques, scenarios, and principles that form the backbone of effective long gun defense.

Four Scenarios Involving Handgun Use:

  1. Hold Up:

  • Objective: Intimidation and perceived power.

  1. Hostage:

  • Objective: Exert control over a hostage situation.

  1. 3rd Party:

  • Objective: Potential threat to a third party.

  1. Execution (Active Shooter):

  • Objective: Inflict harm with a lethal intent.

Four Objectives of the Gunman:

  1. Possessions:

  • Examples: Money, car, watch, etc.

  1. Bodily Harm:

  • Examples: Abduction, rape, torture, revenge, kill, etc.

  1. Information:

  • Examples: Interrogation, identification, etc.

  1. Recognition:

  • Examples: Attention to their grief or cause.

Four Principles of Gun Defense:

  1. Redirect the Line of Fire:

  • Objective: Avoid being in the line of fire during discharge.

  1. Control the Gun:

  • Objective: Prevent reorientation towards you.

  1. Counter Attack:

  • Objective: Overwhelm and disable the attacker.

  1. Disarm:

  • Objective: Leverage the barrel to strip the gun away.

Tactical Considerations for Long Gun Defense:

  • Multiple points of contact give the gunman more control.

  • The length of the weapon hinders quick reorientation.

  • The gun can discharge continuously during defense.

Tactical Long Gun: Offensive Strategies for Self-Defense:

  • Safety Rules:

  • Treat every gun as loaded, keep finger off trigger until ready, point muzzle in a relatively safe direction.

  • Sight Alignment:

  • Align rear sights with front sights and target.

  • Low Ready:

  • Position the butt firmly in the shoulder pocket with the barrel at a 45-degree angle.

  • Statistics and Point Shooting:

  • Most shootings occur in limited light and within 10 feet.

  • 70% of LE gunfight cases show no sight alignment.

  • Immediate incapacitation is challenging unless specific areas are hit.

  • Bullet Effects and Tissue Disruption:

  • Bullets incapacitate by damaging the central nervous system or causing lethal blood loss.

  • Handgun wounds involve penetration, permanent cavity, temporary cavity, and fragmentation.


Mastering long gun defense involves a meticulous blend of defensive principles, tactical insights, and an understanding of potential scenarios, ensuring individuals are equipped to navigate a variety of threats effectively.

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