Shooting a handgun while holding a flashlight

[RT44nut]

Last night took my large German Shepherd outside and he immediately jumped on a large raccoon next to our pond. The raccoon made it the water with Max in pursuit. The next sight was the coon had Max under water. I fired a shot from a 642 I keep in my pocket and Max was able to get away and headed to the house. I was holding the flashlight and the coon was swimming away, 15 to 20 feet. I took careful aim and saw the shot splashed a few inches to the left. Careful placement of the next 2 shots got the same results. The last shot I placed to the right and hit him dead center.

My thoughts are the flashlight reflection on the revolver caused this? Has anyone had similar results shooting at night?

 

[GnarlsR2]

How does a 30 lbs. racoon get the best of a 90 lbs. German Shepherd?

 

[Skyhunter]

An adult racoon in 3' or deeper water will drown darn near any dog foolish enough to tangle with it.
I've seen the result more than once.

WYT-P
Skyhunter

 

[AJ]

How does a 30 lbs. racoon get the best of a 90 lbs. German Shepherd?

They climb on the dogs head and force it underwater. That is how. My Grandfather taught me that over 60 years ago.

 

[RT44nut]

My Grandfather lost more than 1 good coon hound like that and told me he felt like a coon could drown a man. Max is a very large, muscular 120 pound boy that I’ve seen rip through armadillos like they were nothing. Max can hardly get up this morning. He’s moving like I move.

 

[gwpercle]

How does a 30 lbs. racoon get the best of a 90 lbs. German Shepherd?

You never went coon hunting in South Louisiana with a pack of dogs at night ... a coon can drown a dog if he gets in deep water ... you have to train the coon dogs to not chase the coon into the bayou or creek ... but to wait at the waters edge and keep barking and whatever you do ... don't shoot your dog in the melee ... pull em apart first and get the coon up a tree ... then shoot !

Coon Hunting Are Fun !
Gary

 

[eb07]

I'm glad Max made it. As for the water reflection I have no clue. I have shot at night before with a light but not into water.

 

[gjgalligan]

Any chance it might be Adrenalin?

 

[geeollie]

Reflection certainly could be the issue. Without being there I can say that it is very likely that your grip and the flashlights projected light was very different than how you normally shoot. Sounds like you dealt with the issues. Glad your dog is OK.

 

[Fullmetaljacket]

Glad Max is snoozing on the hardwood and not in the pond!
It makes sense to me that a flashlight while shooting irons would cause your shots to pull to one side since the front sight is bright on one side and dark on the other. I'm assuming you were shooting one handed plus the adrenaline dump upon seeing your dog in danger, relatively small target...great job adjusting fire and getting the job done.

 

[14daMoney]

Last night took my large German Shepherd outside and he immediately jumped on a large raccoon next to our pond. The raccoon made it the water with Max in pursuit. The next sight was the coon had Max under water. I fired a shot from a 642 I keep in my pocket and Max was able to get away and headed to the house. I was holding the flashlight and the coon was swimming away, 15 to 20 feet. I took careful aim and saw the shot splashed a few inches to the left. Careful placement of the next 2 shots got the same results. The last shot I placed to the right and hit him dead center.

My thoughts are the flashlight reflection on the revolver caused this? Has anyone had similar results shooting at night?

I was taught to keep the light extended out to the side as far as possible and slightly above my head. This way you didn't lose your night vision and didn't silhouette yourself or weapon .....

 

[WR Moore]

The old light out to the side and forward is mostly for searching. Coordinating light & gun for shooting that way can be an issue. And, Rocky Racoon isn't gonna shoot back.

 

[AJ]

Harries Technique for flashlight pistol/revolver shooting. https://michaelharries.com/harries-flashlight-technique/ Was taught this at Battalion Schools in a course designed by Jeff Cooper in 1987.

 

[2wheels]

Do you practice shooting one handed at the range or dry firing? All of us should. I also practice shooting one handed with my off hand. I took an Idaho enhanced CCW course that required one hand/off hand firing - a humbling experience. I also dry fire while holding a flashlight off to the side.

 

[AJ]

Do you practice shooting one handed at the range or dry firing? All of us should. I also practice shooting one handed with my off hand. I took an Idaho enhanced CCW course that required one hand/off hand firing - a humbling experience. I also dry fire while holding a flashlight off to the side.

When I was taught to shoot an M1911A1 in the Corps it was one handed. The old Bullseye Shooters Stance, we later switched to a two hand hold. At Battalion Schools we did a fair amount of one handed shooting (strong hand). Also a ton of one hand (weak hand) with the pistol, revolver and shotgun (pump). Always helps to practice.

 

[rockquarry]

When I was taught to shoot an M1911A1 in the Corps it was one handed. The old Bullseye Shooters Stance, we later switched to a two hand hold. At Battalion Schools we did a fair amount of one handed shooting (strong hand). Also a ton of one hand (weak hand) with the pistol, revolver and shotgun (pump). Always helps to practice.

It's always good to practice Bullseye style with one hand even if you don't use that stance often. It greatly helps to improve shooting skills.

 

[Greyman50]

On the Army pistol team most was one handed bulls eye. One combat course of fire was 2 handed. Later when out shot 2 handed at the range I managed. Many LEOs learned to shoot M-39s and a few 59s two handed. One detective carried a 6” Python in shoulder holster since they would not let him carry a M-29, and he could shoot very well. His “ barricade rifle” was a Winchester 375 H&H.

 

[fatcat3]

You never went coon hunting in South Louisiana with a pack of dogs at night ... a coon can drown a dog if he gets in deep water ... you have to train the coon dogs to not chase the coon into the bayou or creek ... but to wait at the waters edge and keep barking and whatever you do ... don't shoot your dog in the melee ... pull em apart first and get the coon up a tree ... then shoot !

Coon Hunting Are Fun !
Gary

South Louisiana and Northern Maine and everywhere in-between. No bayous here but we got a lot of ponds, lakes, and bever bogs.

 

[Muss Muggins]

Last night took my large German Shepherd outside and he immediately jumped on a large raccoon next to our pond. The raccoon made it the water with Max in pursuit. The next sight was the coon had Max under water. I fired a shot from a 642 I keep in my pocket and Max was able to get away and headed to the house. I was holding the flashlight and the coon was swimming away, 15 to 20 feet. I took careful aim and saw the shot splashed a few inches to the left. Careful placement of the next 2 shots got the same results. The last shot I placed to the right and hit him dead center.

My thoughts are the flashlight reflection on the revolver caused this? Has anyone had similar results shooting at night?

Thank God you didn't hit Max . . .

 

[biku324]

Harries Technique for flashlight pistol/revolver shooting. https://michaelharries.com/harries-flashlight-technique/ Was taught this at Battalion Schools in a course designed by Jeff Cooper in 1987.

The problem with the Harries Technique is identical to that of laser sights - once on, your adversary knows exactly where to shoot. I want my light as far from anything I don't want shot as I can get it. Yes, that requires practice.