Editor’s Note: My good friend and PoliceOne colleague Ron Avery — who runs the Practical Shooting Academy, LLC in Colorado — has entered into a partnership with Travis Haley of Haley Strategic, collaborating to produce the Science of Shooting Channel. These new programs explore the science behind modern reactive and high-performance shooting, and represent a paradigm shift in how we think, train, and perform in lethal force engagements. The Science of Shooting video clips represent a snapshot into the new programs, examining different aspects of modern reactive shooting from a scientific point of view. Check out the brief article from Ron Avery below, and then view the video. Add your thoughts in the comments area below, and be sure to send us an email to scienceofshooting@policeone.com with topics you’d like Ron and Travis to address in the future.
One pretty easy way to begin a debate is to ask a group of shooters which they think is better, the Weaver Stance or the Modern Isosceles.
In this video, I explain the operational principles of these, the two most-recognized shooting platforms in use today.
The Weaver Stance is based on strong isometric tension to control muzzle rise. The strong arm pushes and the support arm pulls downward in an isometric contraction. When the weapon is fired and the slide moves to the rear, this downward tension helps return the muzzle back to target.
The Modern Isosceles is based on symmetric tension. Both arms are braced behind the handgun and tension is applied forward. Recoil is absorbed passively and the gun is brought back to target rapidly.
There are other forces applied to increase efficiency, which we will look at in upcoming presentations.
These two systems can be compared to a “hard” style of martial art versus a “soft” style. And while proponents of each will debate endlessly about which one is better, the bottom line is, if it works for you, then it is right for you.
Video: Weaver vs. Isosceles
