Why do elite air pistol shooters stand side on?

[gingernut]

I shoot like that because I am a Gentleman.

[Mark D]

I shoot like that because I am a Gentleman.

Top of the morning to you Sir

[gingernut]

And to you Mark.
But I'm not an Irish Gentleman.

[Turnup]

And of course is the preferred stance for a gentleman duellist, presents a smaller target to the opponent don'tchaknow.

[eyebull]

Yet another reason for the stance is that the further you are away from the sights, the more precise a sight picture you will have.

[I. J.]

If you faced the other way you would shoot the judges.