My name is Marti Lisner, born in 1981, married, and father of two daughters. Shooting sports have been a part of my life since childhood. My father († 2015) was a passionate air pistol shooter, and my mother was successful with the small-bore rifle; both participated in the German Championships in the 1990s. In our basement at home, there was a complete 10-meter shooting range where I fired my first shots at the age of six. I learned early on what precision, calmness, and endurance mean.
My enthusiasm for the air pistol continued. Even during my time with the Military Police (Feldjäger) of the Bundeswehr, I was able to deepen my skills with short firearms. After my service, 20 years without active training followed. In 2020, I moved to Tornesch, and a year later, I became an active member of SV Tornesch v. 1954 e.V. I quickly realized how much I had missed the sport. It was still the air pistol that had captured my heart. The highlight was participating in the 2024 Schleswig-Holstein State Championship – my first major competition after returning to the sport.
With my return, an old problem also came back: Where to put the pistol between shots? Many shooters place their weapon on a piece of carpet or a towel. What also bothered me was that I repeatedly gripped the handle differently. In training and competition, this small detail can be disruptive.
As a technical designer who works with CAD programs daily, I decided to develop my own solution. Initial sketches led to prototypes that I was able to realize together with a friend who is a 3D printing enthusiast. The early versions were still rough, but they showed that a compact stand that holds the pistol securely and keeps it ready at the same angle worked.
With each new version, I learned more. Different angles and materials were tested. It was important that the stand was not only functional but also durable. Ultimately, I chose a particularly tough plastic material that combines stability with lightness. Today, I operate two 3D printers myself, making production flexible and independent.
This is how the X-Stand was born, a 3D-printed pistol stand that combines secure storage, easy handling, and repeatability. Color, surface, and individual engravings allow for a personal design, making the X-Stand more than just a simple tool.
I am particularly proud of the X-Stand-PARA version for shooters with disabilities. The idea arose when PARA shooters approached me and asked if a loading aid for pistols was possible. Together with a shooter from this community, we developed the first X-Stand-PARA. Like the standard X-Stand, it offers stability, secure handling, and individualization, but it also enables comfortable loading of the weapon. The collaboration with the PARA community has made the solution practical and tailored to real needs.
Before the official business registration in 2024, the word-image mark "X-Stand" was secured and a utility model was registered to legally protect the idea.
Thanks to 3D printing technology, both versions can be produced quickly and cost-effectively. Classic manufacturing processes would be too complex, and adjustments or tests of new ideas are straightforward. This flexibility has contributed to the X-Stand finding distribution beyond Germany.
Today, the X-Stand is used worldwide, from Europe to the USA, Australia, and Puerto Rico. Every first order from a country bears the engraving "The first X-Stand in ...", making each piece a special memento.
For me, the X-Stand combines childhood memories, technical creativity, and a passion for sports. It shows how a specific problem can lead to a practical solution that goes far beyond the original idea. Whether the standard or Para version – the X-Stand offers shooters safety, precision, and individuality.