The Isosceles shooting stance is a shooting technique for handguns. It became popular in the 1980s when Brian Enos and Rob Leatham started using it to win International Practical Shooting Confederation competitions.[1][2] It is one of the two main stances for pistol shooting alongside the Weaver stance.[3]
Description
editThe Isosceles Stance is a two-handed technique in which the dominant hand's fingers grip the pistol directly (the Isosceles Grip is not recommended for high-power revolvers) while the support hand's fingers wrap around and grip the dominant hand's fingers. Conversely, it's the support hand's thumb that contacts the pistol, while the dominant hand's thumb wraps over the support hand's thumb. Both arms are held relatively straight, but are not locked at the elbows. Viewed from above, the arms and chest of the shooter describe an isosceles triangle (a triangle with two equal sides, from Greek iso "equal, uniform" and skelos "leg"),[4] which gives the stance its name.
"The Modern or Modified Isosceles Shooting Stance" USA Carry, 10 May, 2013. Retrieved on 13 December, 2013.</ref>[5]
The Isosceles Stance is a simple stance, and is natural to perform under stress.[6][7] Because the Isosceles Stance orients the torso of the shooter forward, it increases the usefulness of a ballistic vest compared to other shooting stances, which tend to present the less protected side of the torso, but also provides a larger target in the process.[2][5]
Modern Isosceles
editThe Modern Isosceles shooting stance is a more aggressive, forward-leaning version of the Traditional Isosceles. The shooter places the shoulders forward of the hips, the feet shoulder width apart, support-side foot slightly forward, and the knees bent. These changes to posture shift the center of mass forward, helping the shooter better control recoil.[1][6][5]
References
edit- ^ a b Jackson, Kathy. "The Shooting Basics... Stance" Cornered Cat. Retrieved on 13 December, 2013.
- ^ a b "Handgun Shooting Positions: The Isosceles Stance" Firearms History, Technology & Development, 2 May, 2012. Retrieved on 13 December, 2013.
- ^ Fitzpatrick, Brad (2013-05-21). Shooter's Bible Guide to Concealed Carry: A Beginner's Guide to Armed Defense. Skyhorse Publishing, Inc. ISBN 978-1-62087-580-3.
- ^ "Definition of ISOSCELES". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 2020-09-17.
- ^ a b c Vesser, D. C. (2018-10-18). (Just About) Everything You Should Know About A Handgun. Page Publishing Inc. ISBN 978-1-64350-292-2.
- ^ a b Findley, Benjamin. "The Modern or Modified Isosceles Shooting Stance" USA Carry, 10 May, 2013. Retrieved on 13 December, 2013.
- ^ Rackley, Paul. "Choosing a Handgun Shooting Stance" American Rifleman, 18 May, 2011. Retrieved on 13 December, 2013.