Elbows while shooting

[Caleb Hansen]

I've often thought of this myself but never really got out to test it and have never heard it mentioned. This is easiest to explain for bow hunters. When shooting a pistol, both your arms are fully extended and you can turn your elbows so the bend faces up, or the bend faces in. For shooting a compound bow you need to turn your left elbow vertical so that the string doesn't whack your arm. What I'm asking, does the bend in your elbow have a significant effect on recoil (path of least resistance)? Or should you just go with what feels natural?

 

[GB-Boater]

I go with what feels natural. It seems to be the most comfortable stance.

 

[tseciwa]

As a former Law Enforcement firearms instructor I always taught my students to shoot what feels comfortable. The Weaver Stance was heavily pushed in training while the Isosceles stance was mentioned. I remember teaching a student that shot a pistol right handed but sho a long gun left handed. This student shot very well. My theory is "if it's not broke, dont fix it." I am NOT a Steven Segal fan but I have heard that he is a very good shooter with a 1911 pistol. His stance is more of a martial arts tyle stance and he holds a pistol similar to holding a samuria sword. I personally use a combination of Weaver and Isosceles. I have no idea what its called but it was taught to me during a training by a Special Forces group in 1994. It worked well for me and I still use it.

When I taught new shooters, I would demonstrate each shooting stance and have them try each one. Then I let them choose which was best for them.

I also hunt with a bow and am aware of the elbow placement you are talking about. I do the same when shooting a long gun. I would advise a shooter that does this, if it works for you, leave it alone but be aware that tactically you may be exposing your elbow while shooting from behind cover.

 

[sepayne]

Locking the elbows out and wrist forward does help some new shooters as it does help limit the skeletal movement up and down to the wrists and shoulders. I do the same and demonstrate the stances and have them try it as well. We go with whichever one is the most comfortable for them, even if it's a little modified just for them, everyone is not the same so whatever your stance it needs to be comfortable.

 

[Caleb Hansen]

Thanks to all you guys! Sepayne, I was thinking the skeletal rigidity would be key, that's the reason I asked. I guess I'll just have to get out on my range and remember to try this next time! Thanks you guys for the quick informative responses.

 

[Caleb Hansen]

I finally found it! This is one of my favorite YouTube channels by far, and I somehow missed this video until now. But this is exactly what I was looking for.

 

[tcox4freedom]

That's the video I was looking for as well. (This does work.)


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[Rich kid]

Never take advice on how to shoot a handgun from a self-affected, ritualistic little fella wearing ear-rings and covered with gang banger tattoos.

 

[Warbirds]

Never take advice on how to shoot a handgun from a self-affected, ritualistic little fella wearing ear-rings and covered with gang banger tattoos.

The very last thread I read you were called out for deficiencies in your personal life. This is what he meant, your personality.

As if advice from someone whose username is a bragging kid is any better.

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk

 

[Caleb Hansen]

Never take advice on how to shoot a handgun from a self-affected, ritualistic little fella wearing ear-rings and covered with gang banger tattoos.

I'm going to assume that was sarcasm, and chuckle... if not, I seriously hope you've done a lot of strong drugs in your day to get your brain THAT jacked up; if it's naturally like that, you should end your gene pool now.

 

[Rich kid]

The very last thread I read you were called out for deficiencies in your personal life. This is what he meant, your personality.

As if advice from someone whose username is a bragging kid is any better.

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk

Some one that knows nothing about me tried to call me and I responded rather conclusively. I certainly stand by what I said regarding Cory. If you don't see that there is a problem when you watch his videos then you might need to sit a little closer to the monitor and open at least one eye.

 

[Warbirds]

Some one that knows nothing about me tried to call me and I responded rather conclusively. I certainly stand by what I said regarding Cory. If you don't see that there is a problem when you watch his videos then you might need to sit a little closer to the monitor and open at least one eye.

Sorry, I don't take advice on watching video from blowhard little kids.

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk

 

[Rich kid]

As a former Law Enforcement firearms instructor I always taught my students to shoot what feels comfortable. The Weaver Stance was heavily pushed in training while the Isosceles stance was mentioned. I remember teaching a student that shot a pistol right handed but sho a long gun left handed. This student shot very well. My theory is "if it's not broke, dont fix it." I am NOT a Steven Segal fan but I have heard that he is a very good shooter with a 1911 pistol. His stance is more of a martial arts tyle stance and he holds a pistol similar to holding a samuria sword. I personally use a combination of Weaver and Isosceles. I have no idea what its called but it was taught to me during a training by a Special Forces group in 1994. It worked well for me and I still use it.

When I taught new shooters, I would demonstrate each shooting stance and have them try each one. Then I let them choose which was best for them.

I also hunt with a bow and am aware of the elbow placement you are talking about. I do the same when shooting a long gun. I would advise a shooter that does this, if it works for you, leave it alone but be aware that tactically you may be exposing your elbow while shooting from behind cover.

It is not about what feels comfortable it's about what yields the best results. Yes I have heard the nonsense about shooting better because you are comfy but the real deal is in the mechanical advantage that arises from the differing styles.

 

[3gunshooter]

If you ever get into a gun fight let us know what position you were in.

 

[Caleb Hansen]

If you ever get into a gun fight let us know what position you were in.

I, in fact, have been in gun fights. And you fall back on exactly what you have ingrained in your muscles, just as they say. That doesn't make it right, however. Practice doesn't make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect.

If you train to collapse in on your gun, roll your arms out, shoulders in... you may be more steady, and if you do it repetitively THAT will become muscle memory and will be how you perform under stress, as an automatic body response.