Night/Low Light Pistol Course

Riverside CCW Training is proud to offer our Night/Low Light Pistol Course.

This Night / Low Light Pistol Course, taught by certified POST Firearms Instructors, is designed to prepare students to safely and effectively deploy a handgun in reduced-light and no-light environments. The course focuses on threat identification, use of cover, flashlight techniques (handheld and weapon-mounted), and low-light shooting fundamentals.

Students will develop skills in target discrimination, movement, communication, and decision-making under realistic lighting conditions. Emphasis is placed on shooter/officer safety, proper equipment selection, and mitigating risks associated with limited visibility.

This course is ideal for law enforcement, security professionals, and skilled shooters, seeking to enhance operational readiness and maintain proficiency in low-light engagements.  You will learn and employ each of these flashlight handling techniques.

Although this is a POST Course, POST credit will not be given unless you are active duty law enforcement.

1. Harries Technique

Developed by Michael Harries, this method uses a support-hand flashlight held in an icepick grip. The backs of the hands are pressed together beneath the firearm, creating isometric tension for added stability.

Advantages:

• Strong, stable shooting platform

• Works well with traditional two-handed stances

Considerations:

• Requires proper positioning to avoid flagging

• Can be fatiguing over extended periods

2. FBI Technique

The FBI technique positions the flashlight away from the body—typically held high and offset from the head. This reduces the likelihood of an adversary targeting the officer’s center mass based solely on the light source.

Advantages:

• Enhances officer survivability by displacing the light source

• Effective for searching and scanning

Considerations:

• Provides less inherent shooting stability

• Requires one-handed shooting proficiency

3. Neck Index Technique

The flashlight is held in an icepick grip and indexed against the jawline or neck, just below the dominant eye. This aligns the beam with the officer’s line of sight while maintaining consistent indexing.

Advantages:

• Natural alignment with vision

• Quick transitions from search to shoot

• Good retention in close quarters

Considerations:

• Light remains near the head, potentially drawing fire

• Requires training to prevent self-shadowing

Each technique serves a specific purpose depending on the environment, available cover, and tactical considerations. Students will train to understand when and how to apply each method effectively under realistic low-light conditions.

Course requirements:  

1. You must have a firearm with a rail mounted light and extra batteries.
2. Hand-held flashlight and extra batteries (4"-8" hand-held LED lights work best) 
3. Duty rig or thigh rig with dump pouch, IWB or OWB Kydex holster to accommodate your firearm and mounted light.
4. At least 400 rounds of ammunition.