Just some basics
- How to approach a corner, a hallway, what can be used as cover inside the typical home?
OK, this will be the Cliff Notes version and not a substitute for qualified training. For starters, what is the purpose? Are you moving to a contact or are you searching. There are different techniques for the different situation. Let us assume you are searching in a deliberate manner and your prescence is unknown.
First, maintain some distance from the threshold. Usually a gun length will suffice. So, if you are using a pistol, one pistol length and if you are using a carbine, one carbine length. Primarily for control of the weapon system so close to a danger area.
Second, minimize your exposure. We teach a
Press Out technique that pretty much rules when it comes to actually doing clearning around corners. There are lots of other techniques that work great on a square range, but suck in real life. Not that it is difficult to explain, but I will reserve that for range work. Those who have been through our programs are free to chime in.
Third, get as much information as the situation allows. The biggest problem I see in this industry is the propensity to teach people to shoot faster than they can process the information. There are three things you
must do in order to be effective. Locate the threat, Identify the threat and then engage/disengage the threat. Those that try to clear spaces through their sights set themselves up for real trouble in the real world.
Fourth, don't hesitate to bring the gun into a close contact position. If you are not sure what is going on, then assume a position that affords you more control. Too many folks will approach these situations as if they are all shoot threats, but there are plenty of situations where they are no shoot threats at close contact range, but you need to control them without it turning into a wrestling contest.
Sixth, when working hallways they are nothing more than extended fatal funnels. Make sure you have to go down there in the first place and then work from one positon of advantage to the next. Of course, this is if time permits.
As for cover, there is not much that will stop rifle rounds in a modern home, unless you live in a Green Home of rammed earth with walls that are 12 inches thick at a minimum. If it is mainly pistol rounds then door jams work pretty good as they have the more wood in a centralized location.
Lastly, use some common sense.
Hope this helps.