WOODS & GUNS

I read with much interest Patrick Goldstein’s article on James Woods (“Woods: Right at Home in ‘Blood’ Role,” May 17).

Woods is an actor whom I admire for his intensity and concentration. It was refreshing to read of his attention to detail and his demand for realism.

However, I cannot agree with Woods’ alleged “realism” regarding a one-hand hold when using a pistol. His statement, “I mean that stuff with Mel Gibson holding the gun with both hands. Come on, who does that?”

Well, Mr. Woods--the combat technique for peace officers for double-action rapid fire with either revolver or automatic pistol is, in this country, almost universally taught as the two-hand hold with, while standing, either the weaver stance or the point-shoulder stance, depending upon the instructor or the department policy.

“Who does that?” How about the Los Angeles Police Academy, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Academy, the Rio Hondo Police Academy (where I recently took a three-day course), the FBI. . . .

The two-hand hold is properly taught as the technique of choice where its use is practical or possible because it steadies the weapon, controls weapon recoil and allows for faster and more accurate follow-up shots.

The two-hand hold is not always practical or possible, admittedly, as in the case of an officer using one hand to hold a flashlight, open a door, turn on a light switch, etc. But in most cases, by training and experience, the officer will revert as soon as possible to a two-hand hold on his weapon for the reasons already described.

I wonder if Woods has ever fired a handgun with full combat loads (not the blanks used in films) and actually experienced the heavy recoil which results?

CHARLES ABRAHAMSON

Los Angeles