Press Check,
Hmmm. CT has a computer, AND a website, yet You must do his posting for him. Hmmmmmm. I looked at your posting history and see you are associated with HALO who hosts Taylor in North Cal. Double HHmmmmmm.
You wrote (as CT):
"2. At no time have I ever told students to use it in preference to physical techniques. What I always tell them is that they need a firearm-oriented response to a nightmare situation and since it was a shooting class, we would use the firearm-oriented response".
I recall specifically CT disagreeing with MF and I about this. His reply was always - Either You Shoot Or You Fight.
"3. I spent considerable time discussing the situation in which a speedrock might be used. Obviously, both Suarez and some of the other posters have conveniently forgotten the fact in order to criticize."
Nope, we haven't forgotten it, we've simply discarded it as an obsolete archaic technique in favor of more workable techniques. And yes, I'm willing to put my money where my mouth is - with simmunitions or airsoft or whatever...anytime anyplace.
"4. I also said from the outset that one must decide whether or not to use physical techniques or the weapon and that it many instances it was a better idea, particularly if you were skilled in hand to hand combat. At no time did I state that one should automatically use it in preference to physical methods. It is an extreme emergency technique used only if a deadly weapon had to be used and there was no room to gain standoff distance."
Sorry, but I specifically remember several times at F$ where an issue was made of this. "You either shoot or you fight", was what I and others remember.
Additionally, even in a shooting class, some questions DO NOT HAVE SHOOTING ANSWERS. If a man is standing 3 feet away with a gun in hand are you going to teach a disarm, or a speed rock? The only reason to NOT teach the disarm is that one does not know any, as THAT and not the speed rock is the most viable answer.
Moreover, we are not forced to choose between physical techniques (hand to hand non-shooting methods) and the old speed rock. Rather, to the contary, we can choose between the old speed rock, and more reality-based methods.
"5. The location of the weapon back and above the holster is the most difficult place for the attacker to reach. That Suarez and other posters think they can get to it as easily as they do indicates that they don't understand the correct purpose or methodology of the maneuver."
Be Fight Focused - Not Gun Focused. I'm not trying to get to the silly weapon, I'm simply trying to stick my Cold Steel tanto through your chest to tickle your spine. Or simply smash into you and shoot you in the guts with my own gun, or foul your draw with a "physical movement". Its not that hard. Whether you get a couple of shots off in less than 1.0 seconds or not is irrelevant if you have a 7" blade sticking out of your chest.
Once upon a time, one handed shooting with a wheel gun with the other hand stuck in the pocket was considered state of the art. We know better now. Similarly, the speed rock and the sister technique, the step back were once cutting edge. We also know better now.
Those who disagree, try it force on force with a determined training partner with airsoft or simmunitions. I won't need to explain anymore after that.
In my younger years I once raced motorcycles. there was a saying "When The Green Flag Drops - The Bullsh*t Stops". Fits in gunfighting as well.
Thanks Press - say hello to the lads in Concord