Stance

Most people use one of two stances for two-handed handgun firing: isosceles or Weaver.  For both stances, begin by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart.

Isosceles stance:

Both arms are extended outward, with the elbows at their natural extension.  This puts the axis of recoil more or less along the centerline of the body.  The stance is so named because a path drawn along your extended arms and connecting your shoulders forms an isosceles triangle.

     

 

Weaver stance:

The Weaver stance is named after Jack Weaver, who came up with it as a way to utilize isometric tension to control recoil.  The supporting arm is bent with the elbow pointed downward.  The firing arm is extended with the elbow and wrist locked.  Then, apply forward pressure with the firing hand and rearward pressure with the non-firing hand.  This is isometric tension.  Do not apply so much pressure that it causes trembling.

    

 

Which one is better?

I recommend that you try both and use whatever gives you better results.  I personally prefer Weaver stance, because I find that it gives me more stability and more control over recoil.  And, it just feels more comfortable to me.  Some food-for-thought: the U.S. military used to teach isosceles, but abandoned it in favor of Weaver.  Take that information for what you will; your mileage may vary.

 

To continue onto sight picture, click here.