How To Assume a Good Handgun Shooting Stance & Grip

In this episode of Smith & Wesson's GUNSMARTS series, pro shooter Julie Golob demonstrates the hows and whys of a good stance.

posted on November 22, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Most of the fundamentals of shooting are essentially functions of hand/eye coordination, and most of them apply equally for women and men. However, there are some elements of shooting that go way beyond your contact with the gun's trigger and grip. Specifically, what about your shooting stance? Is the proper shooting stance different for women than it is for men?

In this video from Smith & Wesson's excellent GUNSMARTS series, pro shooter Julie Golob illuminates her stance on ... stance. Although there are several different very specific "poses" that shooters will assume (you'll hear terms like Weaver stance and Isosceles stance bandied about), your primary concern is stability and recoil control. What you're trying to do with your stance is to bring your weight up onto the balls of your feet, lean forward into the gun and use your body's weight and construction to absorb the pistol's recoil. 

For the most part, this looks very similar for women as it does for men. That said, a woman's body is almost always going to have a lower center of gravity than a man's. That's not a bad thing at all; you can think of it as Nature's way of making us stable, and it may actually make assuming a good stance easier for you. Take a look at this terrific video for more surprisingly intuitive and easy-to-assume pointers on your best shooting stance and grip!

Latest

Melloni Akkar Ladies Country Lifestyle 1
Melloni Akkar Ladies Country Lifestyle 1

Akkar USA Ladies Country 20-Gauge Shotgun Review

This over-under thoroughly dispels the notion that in order to have a properly fitting shotgun you must build custom.

Why We Should Be Shooting More Does

When it comes to whitetails, bucks get all the attention—but there are plenty of reasons why we should be harvesting more does.

The Armed Citizen® February 13, 2026

Teach your children well—and that means never to commit crimes, especially ones that can end your life.

New Guns 2026: Henry's Deadeye Revolvers now with Sight Upgrades

The new Deadeye models feature upgraded sights that enhance accuracy for target shooting and plinking.

Offensive Strategies for Defensive Driving

Incorporate these offensive driving tactics so you are less on the defense.

How to Train Cross-Eye-Dominant Firearm Students

If you are a firearms instructor, don't let a student simply "compensate" for being cross-eye dominant! Follow these tips for proper training and a more successful student.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.