If you want to improve your shooting, don’t just focus on the trigger pull—start with the fundamentals. In a recent training video (see below), Matt Little walks shooters through how to diagnose and refine stance and grip using the Taurus G3 Tactical.

Whether you’re new to handguns or looking to shave fractions of a second off your splits, these insights will help you run your gun better and more consistently.

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Structure, Not Just Stance

Matt prefers the term “structure” over “stance” because shooting involves your entire body, not just your feet.

Key Points:

• Structure = The shape your body takes to move and shoot efficiently.
• It impacts movement, recoil control, and target transitions.
• Avoid stiffness. Think relaxed and athletic—like you’re ready to move in any direction.

Ideal Structure:

• Knees slightly bent
• Hips loose
• Weight biased slightly forward (more on the balls of your feet)
• Shoulders down and relaxed
• Arms should not be locked—stay loose in delts and traps
• Maintain balance whether your dominant or support foot is forward

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Grip: One Size Does NOT Fit All

While the principles of good grip are universal, your exact form depends on your body, hand size, and the firearm.

Universal Grip Principles:

• Shooting hand: As high on the backstrap as possible for better recoil leverage.
• Support hand: Fill all the space on the grip, build “a wall” with your palm.
• Avoid pressing thumbs into the slide or frame—just support without influencing the gun’s movement.

Experiment With:

• Arm bend (some top shooters use locked elbows, some bent)
• Elbow cam angle (in vs. out)
• Degree of support hand rotation (“cant”)
• Grip pressure balance between hands

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Diagnosing Your Grip and Stance

Matt breaks down how to evaluate and adjust your technique on the range.

Steps:

1. Let the gun recoil naturally.
   Fire a few rounds without trying to control the gun to observe natural sight behavior.
2. Gradually apply effort.
   Add pressure bit by bit until you find the point where recoil is controlled without overcorrecting.
3. Use reference points.
   Memorize where your fingers contact the trigger guard to help rebuild consistent grip during reloads and draws.
4. Refine your grip pressure.
   • Shooting hand: Firm handshake, but no tension in trigger finger
   • Support hand: As tight as possible without tensing up the rest of the upper body
   • You should see white knuckles but still have relaxed shoulders
5. Watch the second shot.
   Fire a quick two-shot burst and adjust based on where the second shot lands:
   • Low left? Try adjusting thumb pressure
   • Too much right? Ease up slightly on support hand

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Friction vs. Leverage: Which Matters More?

For shooters with smaller hands, it’s easy to chase friction (more surface area contact). But leverage is what really controls recoil.

Pro Tip:

If your hands can’t wrap completely around the backstrap, focus on grip shape and pressure angles. Leverage trumps surface contact every time.

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Final Thoughts: Every Gun Is Different

The process Matt demonstrates is something he repeats every time he picks up a new pistol. Even with the Taurus G3 Tactical, he starts from scratch and tailors his grip and structure until it feels right.

Summary to Optimize Grip and Stance:

• Think in terms of structure, not just stance.
• Stay relaxed and athletic—not locked and rigid.
• Tweak your grip until recoil tracks straight and fast.
• Every shooter is different. Experiment, refine, repeat.

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Try This Next Time at the Range:

• Diagnose your natural recoil behavior
• Memorize your grip reference point
• Experiment with pressure and hand angle
• Fire rapid doubles to fine-tune tracking

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Let your gear work for you—but make sure your form gives it the best chance. Whether you’re carrying daily or prepping for competition, a strong grip and solid structure are your foundation.

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