New handgun shooters observation:

[323D3F3C!7$]

I'm very new to shooting guns, but so far I've shot a 2 12 ga. shotguns, a 410, a davis 32, a 357 revolver, a 22 dillinger, a 10/22, and 2 yugo SKSes.

Something I noticed is that all the rifles and shotguns were pretty comfortable, but with all of the pistols it just seems so unnatural holding my arms straight out in front of me like that.

Is it just me or does everybody kind of share this feeling of unnaturalness(is that a word), wehn shooting handguns?

 

[Ares45]

It could just be the newness of the sport or you could be trying to force it too much. If you are in an almost robotic stance with your arm/elbows locked out then you've gone too far. Your arms should be comfortably extended but not locked out. You should be extended enough and loose enough to feel the recoil in your shoulders mostly, not just in your arms. Grip should be the same as with any other hand tool, strong enough to hang on but no white knuckles. If you can't stay in your stance for 30seconds to a minute without getting fatigued or uncomfortable then you need to adjust. GET COMFORTABLE! Comfortable works.

Check out this LINK For info and the Todd Jarrett video.

 

[Don Lu]

I also am new to shooting, but shooting is like anything else..and most things dont feel natural when you first start. but I am learnig that the more repetition and practice you get, the more natural it feels. So stick w/it..... tying your shoes or writting your name didnt feel natural when you first learned either !!!!! GOOD LUCK BUDDY.

 

[CWL]

I've been shooting pistols for ~20 years and the Modified Isoceles hold that I prefer has never been comfortable to me (back/neck cramps up after a while), but I am so used to shooting from this position that I don't have to think to use it. It feels better for me than the Weaver position though. Also, if you've tried Harries gun+flashlight technique and do it correctly, it is supposed to be uncomfortable.

You just need to find the best position for yourself and practice until you are so familiar with it that you don't have to think about it. The point is to have a secure platform during the discharge of your firearm for safety, control and accuracy.

Unless I am actually going to fire the pistol, I will hold my firearm in a more-comfortable "ready" position with the muzzle pointed in a down(range) & safe direction.

 

[Outlaws]

I use my own variation of the Weaver and Chapman stance.
http://www.midwesttraininggroup.net/Tips/take_a_stand.htm

 

[10-Ring]

Maybe it's just what you're used to. Me, I feel very natural shooting handgusn - wheelguns & semi autos alike