The myth of draw speed

[elm_creek_smith]

The Tueller Drill set the distance between a knife-armed assailant and a person wearing a gun in a duty holster at 21 feet as the minimum for the gun carrier to react and shoot. If one is carrying concealed, the distance increases to at least 24 feet and 30 feet is not enough for pulling a gun on a knife-armed assailant to be considered unreasonable. And all the Tueller Drill proves is that a knife-armed assailant can reach you before you can draw and fire. Whether your shot is effective or not doesn't mean that you won't get cut.

I was attacked by a knife-wielding thug in a parking lot and had to stay between him and my family. I was cut up some. He didn't reach my family. At the time, I was a young, active-duty combat arms soldier who regularly competed in IPSC matches.

ECS

 

[Springfeildkid585]

I would ask the resident historians around here just what gunslingers were killed in face to face fast draws.

There is none I know of. Most of the wild west people were shot in the back ambushed or else hit while in a prolnged gunfight where there was adequate concealment.

The days of Gunsmoke duels is something for television.

The school board shooting mentioned above is not comparing apples to apples. The deputy was concealed and had time to plan his shots. My money says he would not have considered drawing his weapon had he been across from the gunman.

There were a few, but not many. The closest would be the "gentlemen's" duel of the previous century. Supposedly, Turkey Creek Jack Johnson managed to show off just how useless being the faster draw was in a duel in Deadwood.

 

[Springfeildkid585]

I hear you, but observation goes right out the window when confronted with a gun for most people. I mean, I agree that all the things you mention could change how you respond. Alas, having the barrel of a gun pointed at you, usually limits your perception.

I'm not saying you can't, but I'd like to test this.

I teach a gun take away technique that is very effective. However, it doesn't work unless you get closer than 5 feet. We practice it by having the "bad guy" say "bang" as soon as the defender moves. I'm slow, but I haven't been shot yet and I've always gotten the gun. From 5 feet I think the defender would always get shot.

This is just a thought and I'm not "calling you out" or anything like that. I'd just like to work with you and learn. I'm always open to learning more.

I trained with an (both parties verified) unloaded J-frame. So it wasn't a matter of someone saying "bang!" it was when the hammer struck. We didn't measure distance really, but I was within one step and a reach, which I would approximate to 5 feet. I understand, it is abit of a bold claim, and I will admit dependent on the attacker not using the "retention" position I was taught, but I don't know anyone who naturally holds a gun that way.