Chapter 4: Pistol Firing Positions and Grip

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The M9 service pistol is fired from the standing, kneeling, and prone positions. Each firing position may be adapted to either a Weaver or Isosceles variation, each possessing a distinct advantage in combat. The Weaver variation stabilizes the pistol sights. The Isosceles variation manages recoil. The advantages apply whether the Marine is firing in the standing, kneeling, or prone position. The Marine must select and assume a stable firing position that provides a solid foundation for accurate shooting while meeting the demands of the combat situation.

_Note_: The procedures in this chapter are written for
right-handed Marines; left-handed Marines should reverse
directions as needed.

The Pistol Firing Position

During combat, the Marine selects a firing position based on mobility, observation of the enemy, and stability.

Mobility

A firing position must provide mobility should the Marine need to move. The standing position permits maximum mobility because it is quickly assumed and easily maneuvered from and it permits lateral mobility to engage widely dispersed targets. The prone position provides limited mobility because it is the most time-consuming position to get into and out of and it lacks the lateral mobility required to engage dispersed targets.

Observation of the Enemy

A firing position should allow observation of the enemy while minimizing the Marine’s exposure. During combat there can be many obstructions to a clear field of view. Terrain features such as vegetation, earth contours, and manmade structures often dictate the firing position. The prone position normally allows the least exposure, but it usually provides a limited field of view. Kneeling may provide a wider field of view, but generally provides less concealment.

Stability

A solid firing position establishes a stable foundation for target engagement and provides accurate and consistent shooting. The definition of a stable position is one in which the body is positioned so as to resist forces that cause motion (i.e., recoil and movement of the pistol sights). The standing position is the least stable firing position, while the prone is the most stable firing position. A consistent, stable position is assumed for two distinct purposes:

Minimize the pistol’s movement in order to control the sights
and to deliver accurate fire on a target.

Minimize the affects of recoil in order to recover the sights
to the same area on the target.

During combat, it may be necessary to engage the same target more than once to eliminate it. If the firing position is stable, the pistol’s sights should recover to the same area on the target, allowing rapid re-enactment. Distributing the body’s weight to balance the position also stabilizes the pistol and allows better management of recoil. A pistol firing position is stabilized through controlled muscular tension. Because the pistol is fired without benefit of bone support, muscular tension is needed in the body to stabilize the position and the pistol sights. Muscular tension must follow these guidelines—

A consistent amount of muscular tension is needed to hold the
pistol steady so the sights are aligned with the aiming eye and
the target.

Controlled and consistent tension in the body provides
resistance that the Marine uses to manage recoil and bring the
sights back on target quicker. However, too much tension can
cause strain or trembling.

Muscular tension is correct when the Marine can control the
pistol before, during, and after firing the shot.

Pistol Firing Grip

A proper grip is one that provides maximum control of the pistol before, during, and after firing. It stabilizes the pistol sights before firing, allows trigger control to be applied during firing, and manages recoil after firing.

Before Firing: Stabilize the Sights

To fire an accurate shot, the sights must be stabilized prior to and as the bullet exits the muzzle of the pistol. A proper grip controls the alignment of the pistol’s sights and stabilizes the sights so an accurate shot may be fired. The following guidelines apply to the establishment of a proper grip—

There must be muscular tension in the wrist and forearms.
Consistent muscular tension in the wrist, forearms, and grip
helps maintain sight alignment by reducing the movement in the
grip that can cause movement in the sights. The grip is correct
when it allows the sights to be naturally aligned to the aiming
eye.

When establishing a two-handed grip, equal pressure must be
applied with both hands. Consistent, equal pressure from both
hands stabilizes the sights and allows them to be aligned and
level with respect to the aiming eye.

The hand grips as high on the back strap as possible, bringing
the centerline of the bore as close as possible to a parallel
line with the bones in the forearm.

During Firing: Allow Trigger Control

The Marine’s grip provides a foundation for the movement of the trigger finger. The trigger finger applies positive pressure on the trigger as an independent action, completely free of the other muscles of the gripping hand. The Marine should not apply excessive pressure to the web of the hand touching the pistol’s back strap because excessive pressure interferes with the manipulation of the trigger by the trigger finger.

After Firing: Manage Recoil

Once a shot is fired, the pistol recoils, disturbing alignment of the sights. A proper grip facilitates a quick recovery from recoil so the sights quickly return to the same area on the target. The Marine’s grip determines the following during recoil:

The amount the muzzle climbs during recoil depends on the
amount of controlled muscular tension in the grip and wrists
applied to stabilize the pistol and create consistency in
resistance to recoil. Controlled muscular tension allows the
sights to recover consistently back on target within a minimum
amount of time.

Firm, equal pressure must be applied to the grip with both
hands to ensure that the pistol does not slip during recoil.
An improper grip or lack of controlled muscular tension causes
the pistol to move after the shot is fired, disrupting sight
alignment and requiring the Marine to re-establish his grip.

Locking out the wrist of the firing hand, similar to executing
a punch, helps provide resistance to recoil and speed recovery.
The elbows should be at a position slightly less than locked
out to help absorb the recoil and aid in recoil management.

Withdrawing the Pistol From the Holster

The firing grip is not established in the holster, however, a proper firing grip can be assumed quickly if the pistol is withdrawn from the holster correctly. The pistol should be withdrawn from the holster in one continuous, fluid motion:

Place the heel of the left hand at the center of the torso
with the fingers extended toward the target. At the same time,
unfasten and release the D-ring with the right hand. See figure
4-1.

_Note_: The left hand is placed on the torso in a
position that allows a two-handed firing grip to be
established in a minimum amount of movement.

Place the right thumb on the forward edge of the lower portion
of the holster and the fingers around the back edge of the
holster, keeping the trigger finger straight. See figure 4-2.

_Note_: The left hand may assist in holding the
holster flap up.

Slide the hand up the holster until the fingers come in contact
with the pistol grip. At the same time, keep the thumb above
the pistol to guide the holster flap up. See figure 4-3 on page
4-4.

Grasp the pistol grip with the fingers and draw the pistol
straight up. Continue withdrawing the pistol while moving the
thumb to a position on the safety. See figure 4-4 on page 4-4.

_Note_: This hand placement allows a firing grip to
be established once the thumb disengages the safety.
Any adjustments made to the firing grip after the
safety is disengaged should be minor.

Once the muzzle clears the holster, rotate the muzzle forward
to clear the body. Ensure the muzzle is pointed in a safe
direction.

Establish a two-handed grip on the pistol by joining the left
hand with the right hand in the front of the torso. See figure
4-5.

=Caution=

Ensure the muzzle does not cover the left hand when
establishing the two-handed grip.

Weaver and Isosceles Variations

The size of the target, distance to the target, time, and type of engagement needed (i.e., two shots, single precision shot) determine whether to fire in the Weaver or Isosceles variation. The Weaver and Isosceles variations each consist of three firing positions: standing, kneeling, and prone. The firing position chosen is based on the combat situation and the Marine’s body configuration, and it must permit balance, control, and stability during firing. In addition, there is a specific firing grip that supports each position and the combination of the grip and the body configuration is key to establishing the variation. See table 4-1 for a list of advantages and disadvantages of both the Weaver and the Isosceles variations.

=Table 4-1. Advantages and Disadvantages.=

At longer ranges, the target is smaller, a more precise shot is required to eliminate the target, and any small movement moves the sights off the target; therefore, the pistol must be steadied. Although the Weaver variation is effective at any distance, some aspects of the position make it more effective for long range or precision shots on small or partially exposed targets; i.e., sight alignment and sight picture are easier for stability of hold.

The Isosceles variation is effective at any distance, however, some aspects of the position make it more effective for close range engagements. When confronted with a target, the natural physical reaction is to face the target and push out with the arms. This makes the Isosceles variation advantageous for quick engagements at close range. When a target is at close range, it must be engaged quickly before it engages the Marine.

The management of recoil is a bigger factor in close-range engagements because it is more likely that multiple shots will be fired to eliminate the target and the sights have to recover quickly back on target. However, at close ranges, the target is larger so stability of hold is not as important because it is easier to hold the sights on target and sight picture is not as critical.

Standing Position

The standing position is the most often employed position during a pistol engagement due to the short distance of the engagement and the nature of combat. When properly assumed, the standing position provides a stable base for firing, a clear field of view, and excellent mobility. The standing position can be adapted to either the Weaver variation or the Isosceles variation.

Weaver Standing Position

The key to successful employment of the Weaver variation is the body’s angle to the target and the push-pull pressure applied to the grip. See figure 4-6.

To assume the Weaver standing position—

Face the target and make a half turn to the right, keeping the
pistol oriented toward the target. This orients the body at
approximately a 40 to 60 degree angle oblique to the target.
The shoulders are angled to the target, the left shoulder
forward of the right. The feet are about shoulder-width apart,
the left foot forward of the right.

Grip the pistol grip firmly with the right hand. Place the
right thumb on the safety.

Keep the shoulders at a 40 to 60 degree angle oblique to the
target and raise the right arm and extend it across the body
toward the target. Ensure that the right shoulder does not roll
forward or turn toward the target.

Extend the left arm to the target, bending the left elbow to
join the left and right hands. The left elbow is inverted and
tucked in toward the body so the left arm supports the pistol.

_Note_: The angle of the body determines how much the
elbow bends.

Establish a two-handed firing grip in the Weaver variation. See
figure 4-7.

Place the palm of the left hand over the front of the right
hand so the palm covers the curled fingers of the right hand.
The trigger guard should rest in the “V” formed by the left
thumb and forefinger. The knuckles of the left hand are just
outboard of the trigger guard. A portion of the pistol grip is
exposed.

Rest the trigger finger naturally, straight and outside of the
trigger guard, so the finger can be moved quickly and easily to
the trigger.

Rest the left thumb against the receiver so that both thumbs
are on the left side of the pistol. Once the safety is
disengaged with the right thumb, the left thumb is placed over
the right thumb and positive pressure is applied to hold the
right thumb in place.

Apply rearward pressure with the left hand and forward pressure
with the right hand to achieve a “push-pull” grip. Isometric
tension (push-pull) stabilizes the pistol during firing.

Lean forward slightly and apply muscular tension throughout
the body to stabilize the position and manage recoil. The
muscular tension in the upper body is not symmetrical due to
the “push-pull” tension applied on the grip.

Keep the head erect so the aiming eye can look through the
sights.

Isosceles Standing Position

The key to the Isosceles variation is that the body is squared to the target and equal pressure is applied on the pistol from the grip. To assume the Isosceles standing position—

Face the target with feet approximately shoulder width apart.
The shoulders are squared to the target.

Establish a two-handed firing grip in the Isosceles variation.
See figure 4-8.

Grip the pistol grip firmly with the right hand. Place the
right thumb on the safety.

Place the heel of the left hand on the exposed portion of the
pistol grip in the pocket formed by the fingertips and heel of
the right hand. There should be maximum contact between the
pistol grip and the hands. Wrap the fingers of the left hand
over the fingers of the right hand. Ensure both thumbs rest on
the left side of the pistol and point toward the target.

Apply equal pressure on both sides of the pistol to allow for
the best management of recoil.

_Note_: Ensure the left thumb does not apply
excessive pressure to the slide stop or slide.

Rest the trigger finger naturally, straight and outside of the
trigger guard, so the finger can be moved quickly and easily to
the trigger.

_Notes_: Index finger of the left hand may or may not
rest on the front of the trigger guard.

Marines with large hands must ensure that their right
thumb does not rest on the slide stop, preventing
reliable pistol operation.

Elevate and extend the arms toward the target.

Roll the shoulders forward and shift the body weight slightly
forward to stabilize the position and better manage recoil. The
left foot may be slightly forward of the right foot to balance
the position. There should be an equal amount of muscular
tension on both sides of the body to best manage recoil.

Tuck the head between the shoulders; the head is extended
forward but kept erect so the aiming eye can see through the
sights. See figure 4-9.

Kneeling Position

The kneeling position offers a smaller exposure than the standing position and greater stability. Increased stability makes the kneeling position effective for longer range shooting. It does not, however, offer as much mobility for quick reaction as the standing position. The kneeling position can be quickly assumed and allows firing from various types of cover. Depending on the cover and the need for observation, the kneeling position may be adapted to a high kneeling, a medium kneeling, a low kneeling, or a two-knee kneeling position. The kneeling positions can be adapted to either the Weaver variation or the Isosceles variation.

Weaver Kneeling Position

The advantage of the Weaver variation of the kneeling position is that it provides bone support due to the left elbow’s placement on the knee. The Weaver variation further enables firing from the side of cover while exposing less of the body to a threat. To assume the Weaver kneeling position, the following steps are basic to all adaptations:

Make a half turn to the right, drop the right foot back or step
forward with the left foot, and place the right knee on the
deck. The body is positioned at a 40 to 60 degree angle oblique
to the target.

Blade the shoulders at a 40 to 60 degree oblique angle to the
target, the left shoulder forward of the right.

Extend the arms toward the target.

Bend forward at the waist to better manage recoil.

Place the flat part of the upper left arm, just above the
elbow, in firm contact with the flat surface formed on top
of the bent knee. The point of the left elbow extends just
slightly past the left knee. However, depending on the need for
stability or observation of the enemy, the elbow does not have
to rest on the knee.

The following steps provide specifics for each adaptation:

High kneeling: the toes of the right foot are curled and in
contact with the deck or the inside of the foot may be in
contact with the deck. Depending on the need for observation,
the buttocks may or may not rest on the right heel. The left
leg is bent at the knee; the shin straight up and down. The
left foot is flat on the deck. See figure 4-10.

Medium kneeling: the right ankle is straight with the foot
stretched out and the bootlaces in contact with the deck. The
left leg is bent at the knee, the left foot flat on the deck.
The right shin may be angled to the body to create a tripod of
support for the position. See figure 4-11.

Low kneeling: the right ankle is turned so the outside of
the foot is in contact with the deck and the buttocks are
in contact with the inside of the foot. The right shin may
be angled to the body to create a tripod of support for the
position. See figure 4-12.

Two-knee: drop both knees onto the deck. The toes may be curled
to get into and out of the position quickly. Depending on the
need for observation of the enemy, the buttocks may or may not
rest on the heels. See figure 4-13.

Isosceles Kneeling Position

The advantage of the Isosceles variation is that it enables the Marine to fire over the top of cover while exposing less of the body to a threat. To assume the Isosceles kneeling position, the following steps are basic to all adaptations:

Drop the right foot back or step forward with the left foot and
place the right knee on the deck.

Square the shoulders to the target.

Extend the arms toward the target.

Lean forward with the shoulders rolled forward and the head
tucked between the shoulders to better manage recoil.

The following steps provide specifics for each adaptation:

High kneeling: the toes of the right foot are curled and in
contact with the deck or the inside of the foot may be in
contact with the deck. Depending on the need for observation,
the buttocks may or may not rest on the right heel. The left
leg is bent at the knee, the shin is straight up and down. The
left foot is flat on the deck. See figure 4-14.

Medium kneeling: the right ankle is straight with the foot
stretched out and the bootlaces in contact with the deck. The
left leg is bent at the knee, the left foot is flat on the
deck. The right shin may be angled to the body to create a
tripod of support for the position. See figure 4-15.

Prone Position

The prone position is easily assumed, stable, and presents a small target to the enemy. Since the prone position places most of the body on the deck, it offers great stability for long range shooting. However, it is the least mobile of the firing positions and may restrict the field of view. The prone position can be adapted to either the Weaver variation or the Isosceles variation.

Weaver Prone Position

The Weaver variation of the prone position produces a cocked leg position by angling the body to the target and cocking the leg to support the position. The Weaver prone position is ideal for firing from behind cover. See figure 4-18.

To assume the Weaver prone position, perform the following steps:

Face the target and make a half turn to the right (this places
the body at a 40 to 60 degree oblique to the target). Grip the
pistol in the right hand, placing the pistol in a position that
facilitates control of the weapon. Ensure the pistol is pointed
in a safe direction and does not cover any portion of the body.

Move the body to the deck by using either the squat or drop
method, keeping the body at a 40 to 60 degree oblique to the
target.

_Squat Method_

Squat down and place the left hand on the deck.

Kick both feet backward and come down on the right
side of the body with the right arm extended toward
the target.

Ensure the pistol does not cover the body or the left
hand. See figure 4-19.

_Drop Method_

Drop to a kneeling position.

Place the left hand on the deck in front of the body,
push the pistol out toward the target.

Roll the right side of the body onto the deck.

Ensure the pistol does not cover the body or the left
hand. See figure 4-20 on page 4-12.

Bring the left knee up to support the firing position and to
raise the diaphragm off the deck so as not to interfere with
breathing. The inside of the knee rests on the deck. The knee
is drawn up to provide maximum stability for the position.

Establish a two-handed firing grip on the pistol.

Place the left elbow on the ground for stability. For maximum
stability, strive to keep the grip firmly placed on the deck.

The head may rest against the right arm so the pistol sights
can be aligned. The head may be canted as long as the aiming
eye can look directly through the sights. Strive to keep the
pistol sights as level as possible while acquiring sight
alignment.

To make minor increases in elevation, keep the left hand in place and firmly on the deck and raise the right hand to achieve the desired elevation. However, contact between the right and left hands must be maintained to stabilize the pistol. See figure 4-21 on page 4-12. (There is a tradeoff between obtaining the needed elevation and losing stability, so the Marine must strike a balance between the two.)

Isosceles Prone Position

The Isosceles variation of the prone position produces a straight leg position. See figure 4-22.

To assume the Isosceles prone position:

Stand facing the target. Grip the pistol in the right hand,
placing the pistol in a position that facilitates control of
the weapon. Ensure the pistol is pointed in a safe direction
and does not cover any portion of the body.

Move the body to the deck by using either the squat or drop
method.

_Squat Method_

Squat down and place the left hand on the deck.

Kick both feet backward and come down on the right
side of the body with the right arm extended toward
the target.

Ensure the pistol does not cover the body or the left
hand. See figure 4-23.

_Drop Method_

Drop to a kneeling position.

Place the left hand on the deck in front of the body.

Push the pistol out toward the target, and roll the
right side of the body onto the deck.

Ensure the pistol does not cover the body or the left
hand. See figure 4-24.

Establish a two-handed firing grip on the pistol.

Spread the legs to a position that provides maximum stability.
The insteps of both feet may be flat on the deck or the toes
may be curled and dug into the deck.

Keep the pistol sights as level as possible while acquiring
sight alignment. Keep the head in a position to allow the
aiming eye to look directly through the sights.

When wearing a helmet, the head may be canted slightly and
rest against the right arm to push the helmet from the eyes so
the sights can be aligned. Likewise, the pistol may be canted
outboard to allow the aiming eye to look directly through the
sights.

To make minor increases in elevation, keep the left hand in place and firmly on the deck and raise the right hand to achieve the desired elevation. However, contact between the right and left hands must be maintained to stabilize the pistol. See figure 4-25 on page 4-14. (There is a tradeoff between obtaining the needed elevation and losing stability, so the Marine must strike a balance between the two.)

Natural Body Alignment

The body must be properly aligned to the target so the sights fall naturally on the target when the pistol is presented. It takes a combination of body alignment and consistent muscular tension to ensure the sights fall naturally to the same area of the target every time the pistol is presented. The Marine can execute the following to check natural body alignment and to ensure the sights center on the aiming area:

Orient the body to a target and establish a variation of the
standing position and a two-handed firing grip on the pistol.
Aim in on the target.

Close the eyes and take a deep breath.

Open the eyes and see where the pistol sights are in relation
to the target. If the pistol sights are right or left of the
target, move the feet to adjust the position right or left.

_Note_: Do not force the sights onto the target area
by moving the arms; this increases the muscular
tension on one side of the body, disturbs balance,
and makes recoil harder to manage.

If the sights are significantly out of alignment when the pistol is at eye level, it may be an indication of a poor grip. When the grip is correct (to include the muscular tension in the grip, wrist, and forearms), the sights should align to the point that only minor adjustments are needed to align the sights to the aiming eye.

Repeat the preceding steps as necessary. Body alignment and muscular tension are correct when the sights are naturally placed in the same area on the target every time the Marine aims on the target.

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Pistol marksmanshipChapter 4: Pistol Firing Positions and Grip

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