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

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

Yackley Turkey Camp 1
Yackley Turkey Camp 1

3 Reasons to Try Turkey Camp

Beyond just being a fabulous adventure, the three “F’s” for turkey hunting are fun, food and family.

The Armed Citizen® June 13, 2025

One woman answers the question of whether a .22-cal. firearm can be used effectively for self-defense.

Dania Vizzi of Team Winchester and Team White Flyer Earns Silver Medal at National Skeet Championship

Vizzi was also named to the USA Shooting 2025 National Skeet team and the 2025 International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) World Championship team.

Staying Safe in National Parks

America's national parks are treasures to be enjoyed by all. However, be sure to follow all the rules to ensure a safe—and legal—outing!

Gun-Friendly Things to do with Dad for Father’s Day

The gift of yourself and your time are bigger investments than gadgets and gear. Here are a few ideas on how to do so with Dad this Father's Day—or any time of year.

The Self-Defense Question You Should Always Ask

If you’re involved in a sketchy situation that you’re thinking you need your gun to solve, ask yourself one question.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.