The gentleman above is Max Michel, IPSC World Champion. A former member of the Army Marksmanship Unit, SIG’s pro shooter has won six international team gold medals. Mr. Michel also holds the current Guinness Book of World Records title for speed shooting: 18 shots in three targets on 4.9 seconds, including the draw and two reloads, with all but two in the X-ring (video below).
Max is the only shooter to win all of the USPSA Area championships in the same season. Bottom line:
Max Michel knows a thing or two about fast and efficient firearms presentation and landing shots on target.
Never mind Mr. Michel’s race gun or his holster or anything equipment-related. Notice his posture. His head is up. His shoulders are down. He brings his gun up to his eyes. He demonstrates the veracity of the old adage: smooth is fast and fast is smooth (or something like that).
As I’ve said before, there’s no need to coil your upper body and neck like a spring when shooting. As Max demonstrates, there’s every reason to keep your mind and body flexible, ready to move.
So while it’s natural to duck and cover when you’re in danger, resist the urge. Don’t train yourself to hunker down and “turtle” your head when you shoot. If nothing else, the posture predisposes you towards tunnel vision (no es bueno in a self-defense situation, where you need to be aware of secondary threats).
What about a “fighting stance” you say? Sure! Put your feet where you like (Weaver if you will). Transfer some weight to the balls of your feet. But shooting is NOT throwing a punch. It’s moving, drawing, aiming, breathing and squeezing. As quickly and accurately as you can. If it works for Max . . .