Walking towards your target?

[Tillers_Rule]

Something I noticed at the range the other day (outdoor in Ramona) and a couple of videos I've seen. I've never taken a self defense class outside of the military (and I don't remember covering this). Why do some people walk towards the target as they are shooting it?

I don't see how this could ever be considered a good idea, as the threat isn't getting any further away. I can see not walking away, as one might stumble or trip, or even crouching down to minimize the target area, but what's with the waking towards? Is this just something people see other people do so they start doing it?

Please enlighten me

[WokMaster1]

so you can tell your target/BG "Do you feel lucky, punk?"

[SDgarrick]

I saw it in a scene in Black Hawk Down and wondered the same thing...

While I'm sure there is some better answer, all I can come up with is that if you can become proficient at walking forward and shooting, i.e. proficient in shooting in a way other than weaver stance. Then you will likely retain that accuracy better in a situation in which you have just been running or are dealing with adrenaline. Kinda like how some folks do pushups then sprint to their weapon and fire. Try it sometime, I do it out in the desert with my friends. Accuracy drops big time. Can't imagine it with return fire.

[HCz]

attacker-------------------------cover-----------------------CCW.

Maybe to get close to the cover?

[Greg-Dawg]

...Why do some people walk towards the target as they are shooting it?

I don't see how this could ever be considered a good idea, as the threat isn't getting any further away. I can see not walking away, as one might stumble or trip, or even crouching down to minimize the target area, but what's with the waking towards? Is this just something people see other people do so they start doing it?

Please enlighten me

Because the target cannot run after you.

Basically walking towards your target, and even walking away from your target, is being trained on shooting while moving. Some include taking a few steps side to side. Take an advanced handgun course and you'll find out why...especially on how to prevent tripping while moving and being on target.

[Axewound]

not as boring i guess,

it was explained to me, by a friend to walk as if you were on a tight rope when firing,

[M. Sage]

Something I noticed at the range the other day (outdoor in Ramona) and a couple of videos I've seen. I've never taken a self defense class outside of the military (and I don't remember covering this). Why do some people walk towards the target as they are shooting it?

I don't see how this could ever be considered a good idea, as the threat isn't getting any further away. I can see not walking away, as one might stumble or trip, or even crouching down to minimize the target area, but what's with the waking towards? Is this just something people see other people do so they start doing it?

Please enlighten me

When you absolutely, positively want to make sure he stays down, closing the gap allows you to put rounds into the target more accurately.

Crouching doesn't work in most environments where you'll find yourself in a SD situation. Bullets have a bad habit of skipping off hard surfaces like concrete or pavement, crouching makes your vital target area no smaller.

Hits > stance. Lateral movement > small target.

[Darklyte27]

you dont wanna run away do you? jk
to shoot, then check the target ensuring the target has been deactivated then remove the weapon?

[Bizcuits]

I don't know the real answer, although I'm sure someone does and will bounce on all of our opinions soon enough to prove us noobs....

In my opinion an advancing target laying down suppressive fire is much more of a threat then a target hiding behind cover and firing.

If your an inexperienced shooter and your cowering behind an engine block, while someone is advancing towards you while laying down a steady stream of lead at your location, you may find yourself dead fairly quick.

Shoot and move, Shoot and move. Although when your alone and you need accurate suppressive fire, how can you shoot and move?

[BroncoBob]

A friend of mine his son is a Ranger with the army and he practices that tactic everytime we go shooting. He told me that they are taught to use it.

[gunsmithcats]

assault through assault through.
Its basic fireteam movement tactics. you rush towards the enemy the moment you make contact to overwhelm them.

Walking forward is not just a walk. its a steady heel toe heel toe movement type of creep forward while maintaining a low profile and keeping your target in your sights. The heel toe heel toe forces you to move slow. As you practice you can begin to move faster and faster while still maintaining steady sight picture.

[Army]

For a civilian to use it in self defense...not a good thing.

For the military to use it in combat...an essential thing.

Closing with a civilian antagonist brings you out of cover, and reduces your options for escape. You also become the aggressor, rather than the victim.

Closing with an enemy reduces his options for targets and cover, and brings more firepower to bear. Being the aggressor in combat usually wins the battle.

[IGOTDIRT4U]

Because the target cannot run after you.

Basically walking towards your target, and even walking away from your target, is being trained on shooting while moving. Some include taking a few steps side to side. Take an advanced handgun course and you'll find out why...especially on how to prevent tripping while moving and being on target.

Considering you take your classes from the same guy I do (lol), yes, that is the reason why!

[Tillers_Rule]

For a civilian to use it in self defense...not a good thing.

For the military to use it in combat...an essential thing.

Closing with a civilian antagonist brings you out of cover, and reduces your options for escape. You also become the aggressor, rather than the victim.

Closing with an enemy reduces his options for targets and cover, and brings more firepower to bear. Being the aggressor in combat usually wins the battle.

This is exactly what I was thinking about it. Also in combat, when fighting aggressor's one is typically clearing the area, so forward movement is paramount. Whereas in civilian self defense, that's not the case.


Thanks for all the replies and opinions

[1911su16b870]

In the military, it's about capturing ground, so I can understand the steady advance forward.

In civilian combat, movement should be to escape, cover, to protect/grab a loved one, or to get the long gun.