Shoot close to cover or away from it?

[Redhat]

I have been taught both ways; get close and use cover for support and I have been admonished not to "suck" up to cover.

Any reasoned opinions?

Thanks

[Kimbo]

I was taught situation dictates, but generally don't get right behind the cover. It's always good to have some standoff, because it's still there regardless how close you get to it. Plus it's a better chance of you getting some debris or shrapnel when you are right up on it. Just my opinion though...

[Tom_Jones]

deleted

[Redhat]

Tom Jones,

Exactly! I read that article a while back, however: I noticed in Green Eyes and Black Rifles that they get right up on it.

[Iron-sapper]

You pay your money and you take your chances.

Generally, I think you shouldn't crowd the cover for the ricochet and debris mentioned earlier. Conversely, if you can rest your weapon or get a better shooting platform & position by tying into the cover then you are making a compromise in safety in order to get a higher probability shot(s).

A large consideration is the scenario based upon how many zombies you may be fighting. That is, a LEO on perimeter for a single barricaded gunman has a different set of circumstances and chances of exchanging gunfire than an Infantryman in an urban fight against squads or platoons of mooselimbs. While both are dangerous, the LEO can likely accept more risk in crowding cover for a better shot while the Infantryman probably needs to stay back in order to maximize cover due to the multiple threats and angles of fire.

[Kimbo]

A large consideration is the scenario based upon how many zombies you may be fighting.

HAHA

[bkb0000]

in other words: train for both, and make it situational.

[NCPatrolAR]

The reality of crowding cover was shown quite well to me once at Blackwater. We had several concrete blocks set up on the far side of the hood of a car. We took turns skipping rounds off the hood breaking the blocks. Ever since then, I've always made a habit of staying away from the vehicle whenever possible.

I wonder if some of the greater emphasis we currently see on bracing on cover is bleed-over from 3 Gun.

[Redhat]

NC,

I doubt it,

Basic military firing positons /doctrine have been to always use support if available.

Another reason given to me aside from ricochet, is that if you crowd, you also give up some SA. Many folks "feel" more protected when in tight.

[Kimbo]

Many folks "feel" more protected when in tight.

That and how some people mistake concealment for cover.