How to Do the Isosceles Pistol Shooting Stance

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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If you enjoy target shooting with a pistol and are looking for a stable stance while doing so, adopt the isosceles shooting stance. The isosceles shooting stance is a great stance to use when you're not moving around while shooting. This stance became popular in the early 1980s and is employed by many shooters today.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Stand with legs about shoulder-width apart and the knees slightly bent. Face your target squarely, with feet parallel and pointed at the target.
Step 2

Extend both arms out in front of you and lock the elbows. Cup your gun hand with your other hand. Keep your back straight.
Step 3

Lean your upper body toward your target. Your shoulders should be tipped toward the target, closer than your hips and your hips should be tipped farther forward than your knees.
Step 4

Tuck your head down to line up the gunsight to your target.

Tips & Warnings

Place one foot slightly back from the other to help absorb the recoil of the pistol, if necessary.
Your extended arms and chest should form the isosceles triangle that gives this stance its name. Do not flare out or bend your elbows.
Curling the upper body toward your target allows for a stronger grip and better control of the gun's muzzle when you fire. This technique is a modern variation on the old isosceles stance, which called for the shooter to lean slightly back from the target.
The isosceles shooting stance is not recommended if you are involved in a gunfight as a police officer and you are not wearing body armor. Because you square your chest to the target in this stance, you are more vulnerable and prone to injury or death without body armor protection.

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