Both arms locked while shooting?

[fleshatomb@yahoo.com]

Hello. Its been a while since i have shot my handguns, weather permiting, im wanting to get out and do some shooting next week. Before, could barley hit a target at 10 yards with my XD 45. My dads 357 revolver on the other hand, i was hitting a coffee can at 35 yards no problem. lol. I dont know why the differance. Well, i have been working on my grip. Dry firing excercises. (dry firing the XD is okay, right? i thought i read it was but now i cant recall)

But, i was watching a video with todd jarrett in it, and it helped me a lot too. I cant wait to get out there, cause i think my groups are gonna be 100% better. Before i was holding the weapon (im right handed) with my right arm fully extended and locked. and my left arm, bent.

Now, im watching this video, and every one is shooting with both arms straight out, and locked. I think this would also help with those 7-o-clock stray bullets. So im sure the way i shot before with one bent arm is wrong?

Is there a specific style of shooting that involves a bent support arm?

[Paul]

Weaver.

[Neomet]

Here is a great vid clip by Todd Jarrett on grip, arms, etc.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...3Atodd+jarrett

[BBunin]

Arms are both fully extended, but NOT locked. Weight slightly forward.

The idea is to transmit the force straight back equally thru both arms and absorb it with your entire body mass.

[wombat13]

Is the straight-arm, weight forward form recommended solely for target shooting? Seems to me that it would not be very good in a self-defense situation where weapon retention and maneuverability are important.

[Son of Erin, Infidel]

Originally Posted by wombat13

Is the straight-arm, weight forward form recommended solely for target shooting? Seems to me that it would not be very good in a self-defense situation where weapon retention and maneuverability are important.

SD shooting will depend on your situation at the time. i.e., where is the assailant in relation to you. close in will require different technique than farther out; how much time you have to react is also a factor in your shooting stance. That's why practice is vital, when the balloon goes up it's muscle memory that saves you, you don't have time to think.

[rbunton]

I am right handed also. I stand with my left foot in front of my right, with my right arm fully extended and locked. My left arm is slightly bent with my left hand cupped underneath the butt of the pistol.

[slugger6]

Originally Posted by rbunton

...with my left hand cupped underneath the butt of the pistol.

First, let me say that if this works for you...fine. The "teacup and saucer" grip, however, doesn't allow your weak hand to offer any control, i.e. it is passive. When I dropped this grip and wrapped my weak hand around my strong hand, with both thumbs pointing forward along the slide, my shooting improved considerably.

[D_Fence]

Originally Posted by rbunton

I am right handed also. I stand with my left foot in front of my right, with my right arm fully extended and locked. My left arm is slightly bent with my left hand cupped underneath the butt of the pistol.

Slugger6 is talking about the "combat grip," which is extremely common among the top shooters. Here is a how-to I wrote awhile back:

Gripping the Subcompact (step by step)

Here is an article about it:

http://www.handgunsmag.com/tactics_t...ombatg_100306/

And here is some video of Scott from Springer Precision demonstrating. Be sure to watch "Basic Grip" and "Grip Video Part 2"

http://springerprecision.com/video.asp

[malkore]

Originally Posted by Son of Erin, Infidel

That's why practice is vital, when the balloon goes up it's muscle memory that saves you, you don't have time to think.

and with the adrenaline rush from a self defense situation, you won't be able to think all that clearly either, not about perfect form or perfect aiming.

so you gotta practice so its second nature...instinct. drop into stance, point and fire if necessary force is needed.