top of page

Mastering Tactical Handgun Use: A Comprehensive Guide

Writer's picture: Sifu Jeramiah GiehlSifu Jeramiah Giehl

Understanding the use of force and the tactical deployment of a handgun is crucial for effective self-defense. Jeet Kune Do provides a multifaceted approach, focusing on both the cold weapon aspects (striking) and the hot weapon aspects (shooting) of a handgun.

Purpose and Goal:

  • Purpose: Learning to use a handgun as a tool for self-defense.

  • Goal: Debilitating the attacker's physical capabilities and emotional intent.


Cold Weapon Aspects (Striking):

  • Point of Impact: The muzzle of the handgun is used for striking techniques.


Hot Weapon Aspects (Shooting):

  • Safety Rules:

  • Treat every gun as if it is loaded.

  • Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.

  • Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.

  • Sight Alignment:

  • Utilizing rear sights lined up to front sights lined up to the target.

  • Low Ready:

  • Lowering the gun and arms below the target without bending the arms.

  • Retention Position:

  • Holding the gun close to the body to prevent weapon grabs.

  • Isosceles Shooting Stance:

  • Legs just beyond shoulder width, knees slightly bent, body forward to the threat, and arms in an isosceles triangle.

  • Various Shooting Positions:

  • Shooting from kneeling, sitting, lying on back, lying on the side, and prone positions.


Tactical Considerations:

  • Environmental Conditions:

  • Most shootings (77%) occur in limited or reduced light.

  • The average distance in a gunfight is within 3ft-6ft, with 10ft being the maximum.

  • Duration and Accuracy:

  • Most gunfights last about 10-15 seconds, with a 20% hit rate.

  • Point Shooting:

  • A threat-focused approach to acquiring a target.

  • Incapacitation Challenges:

  • Immediate incapacitation is challenging unless targeting specific areas like the cranio-ocular cavity or cervical spine.

  • Bullet Effects:

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

  • Wound Components:

  • All handgun wounds involve penetration, permanent cavity, temporary cavity, and fragmentation.

  • Tissue Disruption Mechanisms:

  • Crush Mechanism: Hole made by the bullet passing through tissue.

  • Stretch Mechanism: Temporary cavity formed as tissue is driven outward radially.


Jeet Kune Do's approach to tactical handgun use encompasses not only the technical aspects of shooting but also a profound understanding of the environmental factors and physiological effects involved in real-life self-defense scenarios.

6 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page