Abstract: Soft tissue biopsy apparatus (10) for obtaining a tissue specimen. An elongate housing (12) has an opening (20) at one end (14). A hollow cannula (26) is positioned within the housing, is reciprocally movable therewithin, and one end (28) of the needle extends through the opening for insertion into tissue (T) from which a specimen is to be taken. A needle (44) is positioned within the cannula, is reciprocally movable therewithin, and also has an end (46) extending through the opening for insertion into the tissue. This needle has a recess (50) adjacent its outer end in which a tissue specimen is captured. The needle is connected to a slide (68) by which the needle is moved independently of the cannula. A sleeve (110) installed over the housing is manually operable to move the slide to a selected and cocked position prior to insertion of the cannula/needle into the tissue. Movement of the slide moves the second needle from a first position to a second position while the cannula remains stationary.