The 45 degree to target standing stance.

[CombatBoots]

Do you stand in the 45 degree to target, legs at shoulder distance apart stance? Or do you shoot facing the target, weak-hand leg towards target, strong hand leg standing at an angle behind you, leaning into the weapon? I mean, in the books it's the first stance, I need expert opinion only, know your stuff and not from movies or paintball/airsoft.

[digrar]

Are you talking pistol, rifle, MG, ect?
With a rifle I liked to stand with my left foot pointing down range, feet shoulder width apart, right foot about 45deg and leaning slightly forwards into the shot.
We did most of our shooting on our guts in the prone position though, we did some sitting, kneeling, squatting and standing but mostly in the prone.

[CombatBoots]

Thanks, me also... Just seen guys doing the 45 degree stance and I was just beginning to wonder if it has any advantages.

[Mark Sman]

For rifle it has the advantage of stability when standing.

Basically, for a right handed shooter. Left elbow, above left hip, above left knee. Weight on left leg mostly, right leg mostly balance behind you. Right hand and right elbow close in to body. You can turn as needed, but left side should face the target. If you are turning alot like that and still standing, ask yourself "Why am I still standing?"

The answer is probably dumb luck.

[David]

in a cqb situation, you should have your chest facing the target, because that's where your armor is, not your side, i know it feels more natural to have your side facing it but it's wrong. i stand with my non firing side's foot slightly farther forward then the other foot, for stability reasons. knees slightly bent and upper body straight but leaning forward, so the recoil doesn't throw you off. also have your arms tight to your sides and your shoulders rolled forward so the recoil doesn't knock you back much. it's a lot like a football stance, somebody should be able to hit you and you still be on your feet ready to smoke their ass.

[CombatBoots]

Also I've been told to let out the good ol chicken wing... Bah! rofl

[Laconian]

The 45 degree stance you mention sounds like the Weaver stance for handgun. It is a good stance for competitive shooting, but not for combat shooting (apologies to Col Jeff Cooper). Combat shooting stance is a modified isoscoles stance: feet about shoulder width apart, knees bent, hips & shoulders square to the target, weight forward (shoulders forward, elbows locked), but back straight, leaning forward like doing a crunch. I also use a thumb forward grip. I use this same stance for shooting my M4, MP5 and shotgun and any distances closer than 25 m. On long guns the elbows are tucked in. Of course using available cover changes your position somewhat. Shooting standard slowfire targets at distances greater than 25m, I would alter to modified stance with the gun with the offside foot/leg further out front, just for comfort.

[James]

The 45 degree stance you mention sounds like the Weaver stance for handgun. It is a good stance for competitive shooting, but not for combat shooting (apologies to Col Jeff Cooper). Combat shooting stance is a modified isoscoles stance: feet about shoulder width apart, knees bent, hips & shoulders square to the target, weight forward (shoulders forward, elbows locked), but back straight, leaning forward like doing a crunch. I also use a thumb forward grip. I use this same stance for shooting my M4, MP5 and shotgun and any distances closer than 25 m. On long guns the elbows are tucked in. Of course using available cover changes your position somewhat. Shooting standard slowfire targets at distances greater than 25m, I would alter to modified stance with the gun with the offside foot/leg further out front, just for comfort.

Well said. That is how I shoot as well.