Weaver vs. Isosceles: What’s best for you?

These two systems can be compared to a “hard” style of martial art versus a “soft” style

March 05, 2013 12:16 PM •

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

Ron Avery

Ron Avery is President and Director of Training for The Practical Shooting Academy, Inc. and Executive Director of the non-profit, Rocky Mountain Tactical Institute - both training institutions dedicated to professional firearms and tactics courses, higher police standards and training and use of force research.

Ron is a former police officer with many years of street experience, which he brings into the training environment. He is internationally recognized as a researcher, firearms trainer and world class shooter. His training methodology is currently being used by hundreds of agencies and thousands of individuals across the US and internationally.

He has worked as a consultant and trainer for top level federal agencies, special operations military from all branches of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies across the US.

He is a weapons and tactics trainer for, handgun, carbine, select fire, precision rifle and shotgun, as well as advanced instructor schools, defensive tactics, team skills and tactics, low light tactics, arrest and control and officer survival. He is also a consultant for firearms training programs, use of force and firearms research, range development, instructor development and other firearm related topics.

For over 25 years he has consistently ranked among the best shooters in the world in national, international and world championship competitions, winning many different titles including two-time National Law Enforcement Champion. In 2002, he represented his country as a member of the first place, United States Practical Shooting Association’s “Gold Team” in the Standard Division in the World Championships in South Africa.

As a published writer, his articles have been featured in SWAT Magazine, Petersen’s Handguns, American Handgunner, U.S.P.S.A.'s Front Sight, Colorado State Shooting Association and other law enforcement publications and journals.