Shooting Stance - Weaver, Isosceles, More(?)
 

Since I'm not a pro on this stuff by any means I'm looking for some input. Which shooting stance(s) do you use and why? Which one, two or more do you practice and how do you change up your training?

There seems to be many opinions as to which one is best related to if you're wearing body armor, etc. and I'm trying to continue to grow in my shooting but am looking for more stuff to learn and practice. It appears that the IDPA has good drills and competition scenarios (not just standing and shooting but real world interactions).

Has anyone here taken any of Larry Vickers stuff and have any input? Considering his background he should have some good information to pass along.

Re: Shooting Stance - Weaver, Isosceles, More(?)
 

Keep in mind that often you won't have time to get set into one of the popular shooting stances in case of a surprise gunfight or attack.

Practice shooting from odd positions and from behind cover. I have a friend who junks autos for a living and he lets me shoot up the junkers and you would be surprised how tough it is to lay down accurate fire from behind a car or from in a car while seated.

Use what ever works for you.

BP

Re: Shooting Stance - Weaver, Isosceles, More(?)
 

I like isosceles for the standard reasons plus it keeps the blast and recoil out of your face. That said you need to practice shooting from a very tight stance right and left handed as if working both sides of a piece of cover. When you're at the range imagine there is a wall, rock, whatever in front of you. Shoot right handed around the imaginary wall trying to expose as little of yourself as possible. Then shoot left handed from the left side of the imaginary wall. If it's an option do this from a squating, seated and prone position as well. In real life you'll be squating, kneeling and sitting more than lying flat on the ground but it's still a useful skill for special occasions.

Gun games and classes are worthwhile but if you're getting serious and it sounds like you are you're going to want some force on force training. Get a paintball gun and play some recball or woods ball at the local park. Speedball, hyperball and airball are very abstract and mostly boil down to who can afford to spray the most paint the fastest. It's stupid to be on a team unless you just like the game for what it is but it is a good idea to jump into a few walk-on games in those categories. They give you an idea of what it is like to be under heavy fire and if there's any structure to the opposing team, a coordinated attack. Yup, plywood sheets and inflatable cushions aren't cover in real life. Yup, the ballistic arc and weapon capacity are generally exaggerated. If you can't conceptually overcome those technical differences you won't do well in the real world either. On a bang for your buck basis it's good practice. Shooting paper, even running and shooting paper, has little or no relation to shooting against a thinking human that's moving and shooting back.

Re: Shooting Stance - Weaver, Isosceles, More(?)
 

Good advice!

If I could add, another thing about the paper, not only does it not shoot back, but its also unistakeably there to serve the purpose of being shot at. The same is not true for every person you may encounter... I'm talking about friendly fire here :tongue_ma:

Playing with a small team adds an extra element of discipline, at least I think so. Its tempting to light up everything that moves, and the first time I played I actually did a better job taking out my own team than the other one :D Paintball is probably as real as it gets.

Oh and don't wear all the neoprene padding and armor and crap, people get careless with that stuff on, its supposed to hurt, you're supposed to avoid getting shot.

My $0.02 on the matter, hope I helped, good luck