Pistol Shooting Stances : Learn the Proper Arm & Hand Positioning for Pistol Shooting

[trout2737]

You must keep you wepon in a manner that establishes a somewhat stable foundation. If not, and if you keep it loose allowing the fram to follow the slide back during recoil, depending on the wepon and how wornout your springs are of course, you may run the risk of not allowing enough engery to cause the slide to fully cycle and install the next round into the breach (sorry ablout spelling). ,

[darjolu]

Just started shooting since I got out of the service 23 years ago. Thanks for the good basic shooting techniques.

[LAYITLOOSE]

the only person from expert village whose is not a blundering idiot. good video

[rclark999]

Great tip about relaxing the arms. This has improved my shooting and relieved the muscle strain that I used to experience with the "stiff-arm" approach!

[philly4458]

Great videos. I'd like to know if your choice of handgun will have anything to do with shot placement. 9mm vs 45Acp is it more likely in self defense you'd double tap using a 9mm due to high capacity where is single shots to the vital what be sufficient shooting the 45 AC.

[rbeknight]

@philly4458 If you are comfortable with the gun and shoot it frequently it's personal preference. The question you should be asking is: what type of ammunition should I use? I carry an FNH FNP-45. When carrying concealed, I use Cor-bon self defense ammunition. This ammo tends to expand faster within the intended target and lessens the chance of over penetration. The "double tap" is typically designed for military / LE scenarios where they may be issued the FMJ round, known for over penetration.

[boanerges144]

Thank You!

[Vlaakster]

Excellent video. This really helps. I suck at shooting and your video makes me realize I'm doing a few things wrong. Thanks!

[itzmobius1]

lol its the black mr clean, nah j/k man this helped me out a lot with my pistol accuracy, thx again an hopefully do more vids like this

[kfx70099]

wow an actual helpful expert village video?

[battlefreak423]

this a helpful vid, i enjoy it

[RayAir1]

Thank you for the video.

[lolhodeking]

this is the most stable accurate way to hold a pistol, try it and get used to it before you knock it

[bigal111259]

So sad for people to go through life with such hate for others that are a different color or that are not like them . We are all gods children and if you dont believe in god how about respect ...

Very good video thanks

[woog74]

1) This is a good video. He explains it, and demonstrates it well.

2) Judge people on an indivual basis, not their race, color, or creed. Disgusting that this still goes on.

[TheWhite1988]

Tyhle chytráky fakt žeru :-D Myslim že při prvním nástřelu by spanikařil,stratil zásobník a posral se American Idiot

[mrbendixonful]

I want to become a police officer and was wondering, Is there a particular way police officers hold there weapons?

[XGCScrappy]

@mrbendixonful You need to get your grip straight. I kinda disagree with his second hand grip positioning, but the push pull, touch press is paramount. You don't need to be a cop if you want to drop people; go join the military.

[tactical2bagpipes]

@mrbendixonful yes. With their hands.

[TJstrong11]

All of you making racist comments on youtube:

1. Those comments will catch up to you.

2. You will regret it.

[Kiso1337]

wot 4 videos on how to shoot a gun wouldnt it be just easier to make one ? :P

[tapper45]

"you don't want your arm straight out"

you need to get out more.

more world class competitive shooters than ever consistently win world titles in practical, defense, combat and precision shooting comps using the straight arm.

after familiarization with a firearm and introduction to MULTIPLE methods of operation, the end user can adapt what they have learned into a hybrid of methods and use what works best for them so that they can be CONSISTENTLY accurate.

[RebelWrestler45]

@tapper45 No, guys like Robbie Leatham, Todd Jarret, Jerry Miculek, Travis Tomasie, JJ Racaza etc. never lock their elbows. Locking your elbows increases muzzle flip; though locking your elbows does increase stability, it is not worth the tradeoff in target acquisition. Locking your elbows is a no no for action pistol shooting. Now, if we're talking silhouette, that's a different story alltogether.

[tapper45]

@RebelWrestler45

when shooting stock/unmodified i totally agree with you but unlimited class lets me use my highly modified guns that basically don't have any substantial recoil so there is no tradeoff or compromise.

i still don't lock MY arms when i shoot speed or combat strings and in body armor at work it is almost impossible to lock your arms so i'm pretty sure i don't use a lock arm stance there either.

[RebelWrestler45]

@tapper45 Though I've never competed in the unlimited division for IPSC or IDPA (I only compete in stock, single stack), none of the guys I've interacted with that have lots of experience on race guns ever lock their elbows, including Robbie Leatham, who I most recently talked to at the last SHOT show. The Last race gun I fired was an STI 9 mil, and I'm sure you could get away with locking your elbows with it, as there is hardly any recoil, and almost no perceptible muzzle rise.

[tapper45]

@RebelWrestler45

i've only seen robbie on video, he's definitely a badass.

i've seen munden and miculek shoot live though.

worlds apart in classes and styles but very impressive.

i have some stuff in 38 super, 400 and 45 that has been pretty worked over for unlimited shooting during my early days but they would be considered antiques now unless they had some machinework and updates.

now they're just fun to shoot and reminesce about.

[wtg2989]

LOL Oh my God! I was expecting to see debates about shooting techniques when I scrolled down and instead found race arguments! *Sigh... Youtube.

[stevee1dur]

AMEN!!! Please go to another post to discuss race issues! We're here to discuss firearms.

[toymann1]

yeah thanks info

[042576705]

black people ken.t shoot. like this knock u, self on heed.

[talmalinovich]

wow this guy know nothing about shooting guns. you need to straighten your hands in order to shot better in the next shot. maybe for a single shot, relaxing your hands will get better results.

[RebelWrestler45]

@talmalinovich You've never picked up a handgun in your life, have you?

[flashbang504]

The reason for keeping your arms locked out is to control recoil so you can get back on target quicker after each shot. It is harder to do this if your arms are bent. Hey guys, look at some video of some professional shooters to get tips. While I think this guy is doing the best he can, he is wrong on certain subjects.

[DutchKid121]

@flashbang504 but if your arms are straight, won't they be in pain from the recoil?

[rcmonaghan]

@DutchKid121 it doesnt recoil straight into your hand. your hand is below the barrel so the recoil will cause your wrist to pivot taking some of the strain off

[RebelWrestler45]

@flashbang504 Once again, you kids with no shooting experience have no idea what you are talking about. Locking your elbows increases muzzle flip, which translates to slower recoil recovery and target acquisition. I've been a competitive silhouette shooter for years, locking your elbows provides greater stability only when precision shooting. A slight bend in the elbow allows your whole body to absorb the recoil, instead of recoil being focused at the pivot point of the wrist.

[NowLifeStarts]

Excellent video.

[777angelfuck]

Any educated human being knows that there are good and bad people of all races. Its only ignorant individuals that make crude comments towards someones race.

[jah2mail]

If you can do a one handed hand-stand, and still put rounds on target then your not doing anything wrong. It comes down to being comfortable with the weapon, there is no right or wrong way to hold. In the armed forces you are shown a stance and a hold, you become comfortable because you are forced to shoot that way over and over. A civilian learning to shoot simply needs to be safe and comfortable holding and firing the weapon. Do what best suites you, don't let someone tell you how to shoot.

[eminemfreak33]

whats ur tatoo

usmc ?

[RahRahRaharu]

This Guy Is Pro.

[zackf224]

Do you want the webbing of your strong hand high in the dovetail? you dont actually marry your thumbs together like you showed in the video, you want to rotate that support hand to eliminate the slight gap between your thumbs. You want to put your first knuckle of your support hand between the second and third knuckle of your strong hand. When done correctly it will fit together like two pieces of a puzzle and you will not see any black (pistol grip) through your thumbs.

[mistereveready]

Much better than the other guy's video from expert village.

[bigdaddyitalia22]

And make more vids your awesome

Knoladgeable good voice clear keep it upp

[bigdaddyitalia22]

Ok so heres the deal you have such good vids I'm trying to watch all o them you really need to number the vids I'n a seres

And if you can make some playlists

[mojonm]

did your method at the range ...........good grouping thanks

[ryangardner11]

Well done video

[koomll]

good job mike singeltary lol no real talk good vid learned alot

[dpcoronado]

I like how you explain the thumbs-high position, but a thumbs-low position is also a good grip. When shooting a SIG, right-handed thumbs-high shooters have a tendency to rest their shooting thumbs on the slide-release. This causes the slide to unexpectedly not lock back sometimes, unless you flare your thumbs out. So, I learned thumb-to-middle finger. This is also a more natural grip if you have to switch to one-handed shooting.

Excellent form, and explanation. Thanks for posting.

[badolan]

I've seen several of this man's videos and they have all been practical and helpful. He obviously knows what he is talking about. Thank you for the shooting tips. I'll be using them the next time I shoot.

On another topic, I really don't care for the racist comments people cowardly make over what is essentially the anonymous internet . Such comments are simply uncalled for especially when the man is giving expert advice to help the viewer.

[oerllikon2]

@badolan Well said, I agree with you. I found these videos excellent and informative to people who are looking in to pistol shooting like myself.

We should be past these issues by now

[Prenub1]

Great video! thank you for posting!

[lvx861]

Good video thanks for posting

[DannyCav1]

Vid is well done A+

[killa948]

Is he a gangster? or a latino with 8 children?

[Ernestakawiz]

proper position will save your life and a world of pain depending on what your shooting

[armypenguin]

Not to much flex though otherwise you will limp wrist and you may have FTF or FTE.

[ahesse1488]

nice vid

[breyton490]

Great instructional video.

[filthyj24]

what model glock is that?

[sebwr285]

@filthyj24 Glock 17

[vpchipz]

Really nice thanks

[Model1862Henry]

Finally, a true expert. Most of these guys on "expert"village are wannabes (when it comes to firearms). This guy really knows his stuff.

[turboMATRIX03]

you have to hold a light weight frame auto with a stiff wrist or it jams

its easy to limp wrist a glock but not a 1911

on a heavy steel frame auto its not a problem fed leo training will teach you too keep your arms strait

[sabaths1fan]

This is incorrect...



[sawyerbobby]

Show the CAR stance!!! :)

[Americanglory74]

nice clip good audio and video, my question ,do you breath in and hold or breath out and hold then shoot when doing target practice thanks !!!

[fuckv22]

Full of shit! YOU suck!

[arkangel8419]

there are arguements for both ways, arms extended and slightly bent. i prefer this way with slightly bent i feel it is a better combat hold, but when i shoot in the Beaver county police invitational where u are shooting at 7, 25, 50 yards i use a a6"revolver and i keep my arms exteded all the way out but when shooting IDPA which is more of a combat shoot this is much more practical way

[SlapMeSilly101]

r u an officer?

[daravensfan]

Nice video

[tjohn1986]

USAF manual will tell you should grip the other hand on the wrist not the palm. after lots of trials i concede it is the best position for fastest fire rate and accuracy

[MALCANTAR18]

@tjohn1986 Sorry but gripping the wrist is a stupid idea im sure the air force manual does not say that, if someone told you it says that you might want to read it yourself im a marksmanship instructor and for the most part what he says is accurate. but personally i like the straight arm position some people just shoot better than others in different positions though.

[tjohn1986]

@MALCANTAR18 No one told me that, i read it myself. True you are right on that, different positions and grips suit different people.

[sw8741]

excellent and concise vid! many times better then what i have seen from most "expert village" videos! thanks for sharing

[jumpsmash2]

Locked arm is a no no. Straight arm is fine for some people, slightly bent is fine for others. Supporting hand wrist position usually decides thumb position. Thumb forward high grip (supporting hand wrist turn forward, shooting thumb rest on the base of supporting thumb) is very popular in competition for its good recoil control. Grip consistency, comfort and recoil control efficiency usually don't come together at first. Find the one works best for you.

[michaelm2fscopm95]

Very clear explanation. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

[tjtank20]

dude looks just like my cousin

[brian7044]

u can kill a nigga if they break in ur house

[BeatlesFan32]

that dude's fucking buff

[pennylucychassis]

@BeatlesFan32 LOL

[areallylongassname2]

The 640 and marrying thumbs really helps

[EdVidz]

That is a stupid uncalled for cheap shot. I met some damn good black people in the army during wartime and some damn good black people since then. Sorry you haven't but whose fault is that?

[conniecheshire]

@EdVidz im sorry for the thumbs down...i did not mean to click that ...i agree fully with what you said in this post.

[EdVidz]

@conniecheshire it's not a problem being conscientious, need more like you - you're good to go

[elimarroqui]

laxative not all black people are gang members, many serve in the armed forces, where have you served? and not all white people have ph.d, not all latinos have 8 children, not all asians are good in math. Dont like the man, dont make comments, if some of us are here is because we want to learn, maybe to defend ourselves from people like you?

[HeatLegs]

Agreed. laxativz is just stereotyping.

[pennylucychassis]

@elimarroqui good shit!

[Ragitsu]

Ignoring these people, and teaching others to ignore them, goes a long ways towards mitigating the spread of THEIR ignorance.

[redparrot99]

@elimarroqui lol im asan and shit in maths

[MVPtwinkletoes]

@elimarroqui Actually, asians have more ph.ds than white people.

[TheImpundulu]

@elimarroqui Not all asians r good at math?? whoa whoa whoa

[billosby512]

@TheImpundulu Thats true ever seen a mongol doing math.Only Japanese are all good at math or at least better than all the other people.

[RemyISnow]

@elimarroqui I agree with your overall message, but. It doesn't matter if your in the armed forces, you can still be in a gang.

[SHUNT311]

He covers all stance's, I never see a proper shooter at the range just alot of noobs.

[mixwell1983]

This guy is more biased to the weaver stance than the iso stance since he mentions not keeping your arms full extended. For those that don't know, basically the weaver stance (if you're right handed) you have your right foot back and offset to your left with your arms bent when shooting. Iso stance you you have your legs in line with your shoulders and your arms fully extended with your head tucked a bit and shoulders rolled forward as an extension to your arms. If you don't know,look it up.

[TheRealGormo]

thanks =D

[Cristianron1]

siriously... grow a pair and shoot a gun

[stander1983]

Good stuff Lee. massachusets is a hard place to be a firearms instructor I imagine

[jakobreid]

agreed, cheese.. bigger the weapon..

a .45 with a 5" barrel kicks much less than a .45 with a 3" barrel

[88Azazel]

He's talking about larger calibers producing more recoil than smaller ones. He's not speaking about the literal physical size of the pistol.

[lostboys111]

not realy my 45 has less recoil than my 40

[Prodigysportsman]

you can tell the way this guy talks and how he uses his hands he is a Devil Dog.

[tessa11235813]

10 out of ten. Simple, straight-forward and concise. A good teacher.

[EwFreDDe]

expertgayvillage is so shit

[GasperHart]

Good job man thanks!!!

[iComment17]

why the subs?

[rollerpodger]

thanks for the vids great job you definitely know your stuff

[JohnnyBlk45]

Great set of video clips, keep them coming......

[unolil]

Great series of videos, they do just what they were intended to do and that being giving some folks the correct procedures to safely follow. This is not designed to teach a shooter everything there is to know, even if your in Philly. Some folks comments here are way out of touch and should be removed as off topic, or just plain silly. Great Video! Keep up the good work!

[keslerkaiyu]

WRONG!!!

[guyNbluejeans]

Thanks for the demo. I bought a Springfield .45 a couple of months ago and couldn't hit the broad side of a barn. Maybe now I can (if I keep a bend in the arms).

[MJtheTIGER]

guns are my life

[ThatsMyimage]

Can you tell me if my girl is holding her fire arm correctly? View City Untouchable NI

[smlemk42]

Whatever stand is comfie for that shooter, use it.

And if you can get a nice grouping with that stand.. even better.

[retroflow44]

I actually use my own style of grip and it works just fine for me. What you all need to do, is study all styles of shooting and find what works for you most the time, if not all the time. Be adaptable and expert in all of them.

If someone wants to send me a good video camera, I'd be glad to demonstrate my own style. It may not work for everyone but it works damn well for me.

[nekidbob]

as long as drop the assailant who gives a fuck!!!!!!!!! one less criminal in the world i alway's say. you idiot's need to get over yourselves!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[keithmoslak]

Instead of marrying the thumbs, bring your weak thumb forward along the slide pointing at the target. It WILL improve your stability and target reacquisition.

[swickotine]

Ur an idiot nicktimseamus

[keithmoslak]

Calling that f***tard an idiot is paying him a compliment. and is an insult to idiots.

[frnzptrck]

CZ75 SP-01 Shadow is way better than a glock.

[redmunkee]

How so?

[frnzptrck]

glock has a polymer frame. that means more recoil. while the sp-01 has a heavy front to reduce recoil. another advantage is the shadow has one of the best grips in the world. oh oh. and i wonder if you wondered why the IPSC world champion is using a CZ75 SP-01 Shadow. :)

[redmunkee]

"Better" would be determined by application. Yes, for competition purposes, all steel guns are better because of their inherent recoil attenuating abilities. But for EDC and CCW purposes (which I'm sure what most gun owners are), often times people who opt for full frame steel pistols find themselves leaving their defensive pistol at home because of the inconvenience of weight. I'd rather have a 20oz. glock 36 riding by my side than a 40oz. 1911. But when I go to the range, I always choose steel

[frnzptrck]

1 word. Correct! :D im actually 14 years old only. lol. using an SP-01 Shadow. :D and got a tutorial seminar from adam tyc! :D personally. :D

[retroflow44]

"Better" would be determined not by application but by the person who is carrying/firing the weapon. As you said, whatever they're willing to carry for hours at a time if needed, day-in, day-out.

Heavier, lighter, smaller, larger, whatever the person is willing to carry and shoots best with. If the Glock works for you, fine. Some others may favor the full-size 1911A1, Smith Snubbies or even the PPk. It's a personal thing, like picking shoes or a jacket.

[redmunkee]

Eh, I think the rule of lighter and smaller is more comfortable for carry will apply to anyone regardless of size (but yes, they tend to be less comfortable to shoot). Yes, some people can and do EDC full sized 1911s, and more power to them. I was merely disputing the OP's claim that the SP-01 is better than the Glock without setting any criteria.

[retroflow44]

Oh well, in that case, yeah. We're both right then. :)

One problem with a lot of training videos/books, is that they don't emphasize a lot of street shooting. Or typical crime scenarios. These clips are great for the range or that 1-100 chance you may be able to stand like this and exchange fire fairly safely. But in a city like Philadelphia, this can get you dead.

Remember - Criminals don't play by the rules. You never know what to expect besides getting hurt if you don't fight right.

[redmunkee]

True that, I tried to shoot from retention at a range once the range master threatened to ban me.

[SeeYouNextFall]

Perhaps that's because that's the pistol he likes and is more capable with.

But just because that is a good pistol for him, doesn't always mean is teh ideal pistol for someone else.

We are all different physically and mentally.

Therefor, most of us have different pistol needs.

One must match his/her needs with a pistol that's compatible.

[frnzptrck]

yeahh. :D

[ZKSLine]

dont you just love it when people copy and paste inforamtion abouth things they know nothing about xD

[dragateli]

hold it out, just don't flex

and thumb marrying isn't always necessary, that's tottaly pointless. You want a high pistol grip on both hands for gun control with no pressure from either thumb

Left arm might be too far forward due to sholder extension, just twsit your left hand downwards, keep thumb high and straight

[De908]

Thanks, dude!

[JoeDurobot]

No I didnt know, I am not from the UK.Thanks for letting me know.

I know that there is hard laws against guns in the UK though, it's maybe why you always hear about people being killed by knifes there, maybe one day people will understand that the guns are not the problems, people are and they can kill without guns.

[fnslr308]

And remember - the British Government Banned Pistol Shooting in 1998.

So remind me, how can we host 2012 Olympics (or even afford them).

British Team has to fly to Switzerland to practise. Strange but true.

[JoeDurobot]

All kind of pistol shooting have been banned?

Even the air-pistol shooting practiced for the Olympics?

[fnslr308]

Full bore and rimfire pistols banned since 1998.

Only Black powder and Air guns allowed.

You didnt know did you?

[jlkendri]

hahaha, that sucks. don't you know your team is pissed. you would think if they allowed an exception to shoot there during the olympics, they could let their own team practice there as well.

[fnslr308]

Sorry, can you speak English, cannot understand you. You may have missed the central point I was making.

Regards.

[jonnydigits]

The reason for straight arms is for accuarcy and recoil management while using the isosceles stance and grip. That slight bend you use will cause this position to not work as designed. I assume you are a LEO and have some sort of formal training, however I have noticed several inaccurate pieces of instruction in your videos.

[mapa63]

You do not want to lock your elbows, that will make your recoil handling unnessecary slow. The stance above is very close to the modern iscoceles, as performed by all the topt and certainly the vast majority of the worlds IPSC Shooters. This technique rules...

[mrfelix510]

Great video!! Thank you.

[KaBarred]

Good video, very informative!

[Cjoy01]

great video Bro, i got a lot of info from this video