Arm's-length

American Handgunner, July-August, 2008 by Edwin L. Orenberg

I'm writing to ask you a question I haven't been able to find an answer to. Back in 1975 when I went through the Arizona Police Academy, we were taught to keep the flashlight out to the side, arms length for night work. It has changed so the light is in front of the officer and makes him a better target for the bad guys. Why is that? Is it because police departments have gone to semiautos and they need both hands on the weapon? When I went through the academy we were using what you call wheel guns. Yes you are correct--they are better than semiautos.

Thanking you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter.

P.S.: I have every edition of American Handgunner since day one.

Edwin L. Orenberg

Via e-mail

You're right about the old days of light use and yes, things do change. But one of the best responses I've heard for a change from the "held out to the left" if you're right-handed is simple and makes sense. Many shooters will jerk and pull the gun when they fire, causing many of the shots to go slightly low and to the left. So if they are facing you and you are holding the light out to your left, when they "Jerk" the shot while aiming at the light it just may go left and hit you somewhere. I suppose it could happen. Which means, if they are shooting at the light held in front of you and make the same jerk, they might miss you. Anybody else want to wade into this? (Send me a note at ed@americanhandgunner.com) Editor