[Daigoro]

I've noticed that you can somewhat date a movie or tv show by the way actors hold their pistols.

In the early days, it was an elbow at the hip stance. 60s and 70s James Bond probably had the side-on stance, squinting down a straight extended arm, while modern cop dramas use the left hand cupped under the right.

Shooters in each era would justify why they prefer each stance, but I'm sure they all have benefits and drawbacks.

I think the side-on stance you describe was also favoured by old-time flintlock duellists.