NCJ Number
91624
Journal
Police Marksman Volume: 8 Issue: 5 Dated: (September-October 1983) Pages: 36-44
Date Published
1983
Length
9 pages
Annotation
Following a review of the history of various positions employed in using pistols, the various shooting positions that may be used by police are described, and their advantages and disadvantages are indicated.
Abstract
The shooting positions described and illustrated with photographs are the standing, kneeling, sitting, and prone positions. It is advised that the shooting position popular at a given time has the characteristics of a fad, and this should not result in the neglect of other shooting positions appropriate for a variety of circumstances. Function is considered more important than form, since an officer's purpose is to survive a gunfight. Further, although it makes training easier and faster, it is unwise to restrict training to one shooting position. The situations faced on the street vary so much that no single stance or tactic can apply to them all. Much attention has been given to crouches and other stances that reduce target size presented to the opponent, but there is no substitute for cover. The Weaver stance and other two-handed upright positions provide an advantage in speed and accuracy that outweighs the exposure, but this advantage is lost when the officer is reloading. At the very least, the officer should go into a deep crouch when reloading and should seek a protected position if possible. Five suggested readings are offered.