Using Cover

Published on April 25, 2026
Duration: 1:31

This video emphasizes the tactical use of cover, likening it to terrain that should be leveraged dynamically rather than being a static defensive position. The instructor, Pat Mac, advises against prolonged concealment, highlighting the risks of being flanked. He demonstrates how to use cover, such as a car hood, to create a stable shooting platform for accurate fire, stressing the importance of muzzle awareness and trigger discipline.

Quick Summary

Treat cover like dynamic terrain, using it to your advantage until you can find other terrain or gain a better position. Avoid hunkering down for extended periods, as this makes you vulnerable to being closed on and flanked. Utilizing your rifle to support your shooting platform, such as mounting it on a car hood, can create a stable position for accurate fire.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Debate on Crowding Cover
  2. 00:13Prioritizing Threats
  3. 00:22The Importance of Geometry
  4. 00:40Defining Downrange
  5. 00:50Muzzle Awareness and Safety
  6. 01:01Cover as Dynamic Terrain
  7. 01:15Crowding Cover and Rifle Support
  8. 01:21Accurate Fire for Effect

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary tactical consideration when using cover?

The primary tactical consideration when using cover is geometry and the direction of potential threats. Instructors like Pat Mac emphasize focusing on threats 'going that way' (downrange) as effective engagement there negates the need to worry about threats 'coming this way'.

Should you stay in one place behind cover for a long time?

No, you should not get hunkered down behind cover for an extended period. Cover should be treated like dynamic terrain, used to your advantage until you can find other terrain or gain a better position. Staying static makes you vulnerable to being closed on and flanked.

How can a rifle be used to support shooting from cover?

When using cover with a rifle, it can be utilized to support your shooting platform. For instance, mounting the rifle on the hood of a car can create a stable shooting position, enabling more accurate fire for effect.

What is the instructor's view on 'crowding cover'?

The instructor, Pat Mac, personally advocates for 'crowding cover' when necessary, arguing that focusing on the geometry of the situation and the direction of threats is more critical than a blanket rule against it. He believes effective engagement downrange mitigates other threats.

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