Harries flashlight Technique w/SG

[DawgFvr]

Anybody use the Harries technique with their SG? I remember seeing a video where a fella that was demonstrating fast shotgun loading alternating left and right hands. At the end of the video, he demonstrated the Harries technique with his flashlight and SG. I was impressed...and affirmed from that point on not to hang junk off my SG like tactical lights, side saddles, etc. I would imagine that it would be easier to demonstrate with low recoil shells. Feedback? Oh...does anybody have the thread which had that video?

 

[Gordon]

Hand held light techniques with shotguns don't go well at all with pumps, and semis are only a little better.Of course if you have too , you might get 1 shot off that might be better than slinging and searching with light then dropping light and firing with the 2 hands necessary on a shotgun.

 

[45R]

I hated side saddles until I learned how to properly use one. I won't go without one on a tactical shotgun.

 

[Fred Fuller]

Dawg,

My pajamas lack both pockets and shell loops. I want everything I am likely to need on the gun if I have to lay hands on it at 0-dark-hundred. Thus I have a sling, a rail-mounted white light and a Sidesaddle on the gun. I don't consider these things junk, or bling, but useful accessories for a fighting shotgun. It is of course possible to do without such things, and it is better not to come to depend on "crutches." Other folks with far more impressive vitas than mine agree. And FWIW I 'learned how' with a shotgun before there were such things as permanently mounted lights (even before there were commonly available flashlights smaller than D-cell) or Sidesaddles. I prefer using bolt-ons that enhance my ability to effectively use the gun for its intended purpose, and will continue to do so.

Of course YMMV. It's your gunfight after all...

Stay safe,

lpl/nc

 

[DawgFvr]

Ok...let me think out loud. Well...I have a Mossberg 590...plenty of shells for a home intrusion 'less I am attacked by small army of goblins. I do have a butt cuff...christ, if 14 shot shells do not quell a home threat, than I must admit, I am in deep doo-doo. I also have a bandolier...if I am attaked by that army of goblins. I still am not certain I need a light hangin off my shotgun...they never came that way in the military...and I do not live in a cave. I highy doubt that I will be clearing my house in total darkness...and if so, why not use the Harries flashlight method? I use it with my .45 ACP (which I would be using in clearing tactics anyhoo) and it seems to work well with the shotgun too. Tell me again, why am I not able to rack the shotgun with a flashlight in my hand? Methinks that the first accurate shot of 00 buck will stop/slow down the impending home attack to allow my light be off target for the time to rack and complete follow up shots. Not trying to be difficult, just want to know why one would really need an expensive light system hanging on a SG...using one's weapon as a light source not only seems to go against the grain of safety. Again...does anybody have that source video demonstrating this guy's usage of the technique. He was awesome...traditional, but awesome in his loading, shooting...and now, light on target skills.

 

[Gordon]

Holding a light +running the bolt and manageing recoil=fumble

 

[rockstar.esq]

So if you're at home and finding it dark, I'd advise you TURN ON THE LIGHTSWITCH! I know it's low tech, and your cyber tech monkey adversaries will have likely disabled your homes electrical system, but you never know for sure until you give it a shot!

P.S. My tactical advice does depend on your capacity to afford the light bill AND ammo so consider that when you're in the gun aisle!

 

[226]

This guy has his own technique.

video download link

 

[Gordon]

Not bad technique. The guy is a ringer for me physically!

Seriously however, I have been taught that technique, the first quick glimpse where you are still holding onto the forend with two fingers to work the pump. But it leaves much to be desired in recoil control or positive functioning. Also in practice moving about , it is very hard to get the light beam coordinated with the muzzle. Actually, if I had a loose light and a shotgun and no other way , I would duck tape it or hose clamp it , or both and be "good to go" .

 

[DawgFvr]

That's it!...that is the movie I was referring to. He uses the Harries technique at the end...the technique in the opening frames, however, would be far more germane when conducting racking and follow up shots. This seems far superior to hanging flashlights on one's SG. I am going to get mucho low recoil 00 Buck and practice, practice practice. Thank you 226 for the video.

 

[Bix]

why not use the Harries flashlight method?

Try it. Take an SG class or shoot a competition with a lowlight component. Get some experience with the technique under stress and see if it works for you.

Having done that, I'm qute happy to hang the surefire fore end off my 870. YMMV

 

[Andrew Wyatt]

I learned the harries flashlight technique from Mike himself, and i don't even use it on pistols unless i have to.

Put the light on the gun.

 

[Bridger]

I dont' see any advantage to it over a dedicated foreend...and I used it for a few months before I got the surefire on my shotgun. WHAT A DIFFERENCE! Why contort your fingers when there is a foreend that will take care of that for you? It's not like it adds noticeable weight.

That video is pretty good though, good fast loading of the shotgun

 

[Robert Hairless]

I do hope that the fellow who did that video will demonstrate how uses the Harries technique with his flashlight while firing, retrieving shells from his belt, and loading through the ejection port as he clears a house all by himself.

I want to learn how to do it too.

 

[Coronach]

Can you use a handheld light with a shotgun?

Absolutely.

Can you use it effectively?

Yes, if you practice.

Will the Harries technique work?

Yep, if you practice.

Having used both a handheld light and a Surefire forend, would I even consider reaching for a shotgun and a handheld light if I had a weaponlight-equipped shotgun sitting there as an option?

No way in **.

I mean it. No way. Full stop. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. The end. Finis. The weaponlight is that much better. I have yet to meet anyone who has done a low-light course (which, by definition, allows you time to prepare and has zero real stress) with both who does not think that the weaponlight is much, much better.

I'm glad I learned how to do the drill without the luxury of a weaponlight. It is a good skill to learn. But if you're planning far enough ahead to consider learning how to perform a particular technique, you should also be thinking about putting a light on the shotgun.

In general, I agree with the 'less is more' philosophy of tricking out a shotgun, but the one tacticool doodad that will always be on my 'serious' shotgun is a light.

Mike