No, I don't mean that rhetorically. For the past few years I've noticed photos in many of the gun mags of people using this odd stance that I just don't understand. Since I don't know how to post pics, I'll describe it: The shooter is either drawing, or has already drawn, his sidearm. His other arm is held out in front of him parallel to the ground, elbow bent, with the hand flat against the side of his head. I also see knife guys like Michael Janich using this same positioning. Can someone please explain the purpose of this peculiar-looking stance to me, and also: How many of you guys use it yourselves?
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Over the years i came to the conclusion, i don't believe in STANCES in CC or LE. I do believe in stances at the beginners stage, or for sport/target shooting. Once you reach the stage of advance shooting, stance becomes irrelevant.
Target shooting is a great for practicing your MECHANICS, once you master the MECHANICS ( Grip Aim Sight and Trigger pull)... how you stand doesn't matter. Look at most Real Life shootings Videos, and see if anyone is taking a stance, probably not, because most of the time your moving, retreating or going for cover/concealment. If your moving your mechanics still need to be applied.. GAST.
The video of Tom Cruise is a Hip Shot many LE qualifications require, which is great since most shootings are up close and spontaneous. Most Departments do the Target thing, behind the barrel, kneeling, weak hand and stuff, and go home... they qualify. I think ALL should go through so type of Tactical/combat close quarters training.
I like to carry my holster on my hip with the holster in a straight up Vertical position, NO slant forwards or holsters sitting on the rear of the hip. I line up my weapon's trigger with the seam on my pants leg as a guide, so now if i had to draw my weapon it would come straight up, giving me the option to take the shot from any where on the way up, or from the arm pit, as seen in the photo, or i can extend my weapon from the arm pit to one or two handed grip.
In tactical training there are Positions, not stances. if your firing your weapon as you advance towards your target, you need to align your body, or, if your moving sideways, or retreating while firing. In a real life shooting scenario your better NOT take a stance, you better MOVE, and then do everything else.
I'm not one to worry about STANCE, MOVE... Pull your weapon and shoot, or cover your target as quickly as possible.
Except for beginners or Range Target shooting