"Double Tap!" What a Wonderful Addition to the Lexicon

Since the death of poor, poor Usama we have heard a new phrase bandied about..."double tap." Seems in this era of computers and killing Usama, both the terms "double click" and "double tap" have found themselves entrenched into the American lexicon.

For those not paying attention, the term "double tap" refers to the automatic pulling of a trigger two times in rapid succession...more like one movement than two. It is something done with a semi-automatic weapon or at least one that fires in what are known as "bursts." The standard M16 no longer fires on full auto as a typical machinegun would do, but instead fires in only the "semi-auto" mode or the "3 round burst" mode. Of course in a fully automatic weapon like a full machine gun, each pull of the trigger will result in rounds exiting the barrel for as long as the trigger is held down.

In the semi auto mode only one round is fired for each pulling of the trigger. In the burst mode a preset number of rounds are fired with each trigger pull. In the M16 three rounds exit in rapid succession with each pull of the trigger. In other weapons like the Soviet/Russian AN 94 that fires in single, full auto and two shot burst, a "double tap" for the single shot and two round burst better assists hitting one's target the first time as well as placing more than one round on that target.

Double taps are also used in law enforcement circles. It is how many police agencies train their cadre in how to most effectively employ their sidearm if they must shoot at someone. The concept is that two quick shots in rapid succession are more likely to score hits than is the "spray and pray" concept of sending as much ammo at one's target as humanly possible. While it is also a method of economy of ammo and lessening the possibility of collateral damage, it is the proven method to see to it one hits their target as high a percentage as possible.

The double tap is how covert operators are also trained to employ their weapons in disciplined manners. Of course they can always default to "spray and pray" should the need manifest, but double taps are more effective as well as economical in terms of ammo that must be carried on one's person.

The "economy of ammo" is not an economic principle but merely the phrase to describe disciplined use of resources or "fire discipline" as it's known in such circles. It's about less collateral damage and more effective use of what one has to complete one's mission, than about the actual costs of projectiles. The double tap is fire discipline exemplified. The weapon is still controllable, whereas to spray and pray in either semi or full auto is just that...to send as many rounds downrange and hope for the best.

In modern armies in what would be known as more traditional "meeting engagements" where the two sides struggle to gain fire superiority over each other, the economy of ammunition is not a consideration at all. In such a situation it is desirable to use "fire superiority" and doing what is known as "establishing a heavy base of fire" to keep one's enemy's head down so your side can maneuver to flank and destroy an enemy. It's known in modern parlance as "fire and maneuver." The plentiful and generous expending of ammunition to spare the lives of one's combatants.

In conclusion, the double tap is more a law enforcement, special ops and self defense method of getting the job done. In armies where larger numbers of combatants from opposing sides are trying to kill each other, fire and maneuver is the order of the day. After all, if enough ammo is sent at one's enemy they cannot effectively employ their hoped for fire and maneuver. In modern warfare the side that can employ the heaviest volume of fire will usually win the engagement.

In a special op, law enforcement or personal defense scenario the double tap is the superior way to go. Less collateral damage and a greater chance of ending the threat or completing the mission. Besides, "double tap" is so mellifluous sounding anyway, ain't it? And it would make a great book title too...Usama and the Double Tap!