19 Nov 01

This excellent summary from a colleague in Oklahoma:

"There is no ‘instinctual reversion' to any pistol technique, Weaver or otherwise. Poor results are always the direct result of ‘learned helplessness,' a willful refusal to adequately prepare for well identified threats, refusal to train because it just takes too much effort.

Does the Weaver stance and grip involve motor techniques that are too precise? The ability to use one's hands and fingers to carry out delicate operations involving precise control, under stress; one cannot get away from it! God forbid we start teaching ‘Hacking 101' in place of ‘Fencing 105.' And, don't you think it's a little absurd to ask a concert pianist to slam away at his piano instead of executing independent patterns of movement in each hand, while simultaneously using them in dialogue to produce a cumulative effect? In the act of combating, with a pistol, a deadly assailant, the grip, presentation, trigger finger, and front sight must all be in harmony. This is the essence of Weaver. It's an enabler! It puts one head and shoulders above the bumbling amateur.

Learning Weaver, as with anything else worthwhile, is a matter of commitment. One must spend time with it. A quick quarter-pounder or a nine-course meal? Tough choice. Yes, the nine course meal costs more! There is always a price. Either way, you get what you pay for. Either way, you're right!

‘Instinct' is an easy out, a convenient excuse to lose. Those who train enthusiastically to use the Weaver will use it well. Those who haven't trained always revert to the only thing they do know: HOW TO LOSE! We call it incompetence."

/John