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Old March 3, 2016, 05:46 PM   #1
Brando1992
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Question on grip

Hey guys, I know there are a million different ways people grip their pistols, but I wanted to get yall's take on this.

Recently, I was at a shooting range and the RO told me to try straightening out my left arm completely when shooting. I had never heard of this before. I have always shot with my left hand pulling and my right arm pushing into my left.

Whats yall's take? Straighten out that left arm or not?
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Old March 3, 2016, 05:59 PM   #2
g.willikers
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Do you shoot a pistol left handed or right handed?
Quote:
my left hand pulling and my right arm pushing into my left.
That sounds like you shoot right handed with an isometric type grip.
Yes?
If so, are you sure the fellow who gave the advice actually meant to straighten your left arm and not your right one?
Sounds kind of backward, unless he was talking about using the reverse weaver technique.
But hardly anyone seems to know that one.
Very confusing.
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Last edited by g.willikers; March 3, 2016 at 06:05 PM.
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Old March 3, 2016, 07:13 PM   #3
mete
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Try them all and pick what works for YOU ! Of the two standard combat stances the isosoles was faster and more accurate . Then I permanently injured my elbow -I now have a style about half way in between the two !!
A shooter with disabilities invents a style that works for HIM . No sense in copying it unless you have the exact same disabilities !!
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Old March 3, 2016, 07:52 PM   #4
K_Mac
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I am right-handed. I use a modified Weaver stance with my left arm straight. This helps me to be consistent with my stance and grip. The key to consistent, accurate shooting is doing the same thing every time. What works for me causes my training friend to shake his head, but his advice is, "it ain't broke, so don't mess with it."
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Old March 3, 2016, 07:53 PM   #5
Frank Ettin
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Brando1992
...Recently, I was at a shooting range and the RO told me to try straightening out my left arm completely when shooting. I had never heard of this before. I have always shot with my left hand pulling and my right arm pushing into my left....
You apparently have been using what is known as the Weaver stance. And it looks like the RO was trying to get you to adopt the Isosceles stance. Here's a good article by shooting instructor Kathy Jackson (and moderator here using the screen name "pax") on the basic stances commonly taught.

These stances developed primarily to assist recoil management and facilitate quick follow up shots. Both have similar applications. There is continual debate as to which is better. Some instructors, Massad Ayoob being one, think that an accomplished shooter should be able to use either effectively depending the circumstances.
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Old March 3, 2016, 09:42 PM   #6
9x45
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Like this... Notice 3 cases in the air, at once?

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Old March 4, 2016, 10:49 AM   #7
doofus47
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Were you missing in a particular way (left, right, high, low, etc)
and did the change affect your POI?
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Old March 4, 2016, 11:38 AM   #8
g.willikers
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Quote:
You apparently have been using what is known as the Weaver stance. And it looks like the RO was trying to get you to adopt the Isosceles stance.
Ahh, now that makes sense.
See what a little bit of good English can do for a conversation.

One thing of note of the Weaver vs Isosceles is the grip itself.
Weaver users like the isometric two handed grip, (gun hand pushes forward and support hand pulls back), while the isosceles seems better with the pointed thumbs and push forward version, (thumbs pointed at the target and both hands push the grip forward).
Like mete and K Mac sez, use what works best.
But do try all of them to find out.
Sometimes it's handy switching back and forth, depending on circumstances.
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Last edited by g.willikers; March 4, 2016 at 11:57 AM.
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Old March 4, 2016, 12:54 PM   #9
K_Mac
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g.willikers make a great point. It is important to be familiar with a variety of different techniques. One thing that you find out quickly in dynamic situations is the stance and grip you like is not always possible. There is tension between doing things the same way every time, and being skilled enough to adapt to any situation.
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Old March 8, 2016, 09:48 AM   #10
Brando1992
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Thanks everyone! This has helped a lot. I have started to look into the weaver and isosceles and have put it into practice my last 2 trips to the range. I have found that I get much better groups and follow up shots using an isosceles stance and grip. I will continue to work on both! I can see the usefulness of each! thanks again
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Frequently asked Questions:
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Q:What upgrades should I get for my gun? A: None, just buy ammo and training.
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Old March 8, 2016, 12:28 PM   #11
Yankee Traveler
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Thank your RO

He noticed something and suggested a change that seems to be helping you.
He may not have explained it well, or maybe you didn't converse much, but let him know it helped.
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Old March 9, 2016, 02:32 AM   #12
Deaf Smith
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Quote:
told me to try straightening out my left arm completely when shooting.
Sounds like the 'Fistfire' method used by Middlebrooks.

Deaf
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Old March 10, 2016, 06:59 PM   #13
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