The 21 Foot Rule...Thoughts And Advice

[twyacht]

We have (hopefully), all heard of the 21 Foot Rule. Where a BG with an edged weapon can cover 21 feet faster than the average person can draw from a concealed holster/pocket, and defend themselves.

I know Situational Awareness is a key factor, but any tips and advice would be of assistance. Outside of my windows or doors being broken at 3:48 a.m. , this is my next greatest "fear" when on the street.

Some info and articles I found.

http://www.policeone.com/edged-weapons/articles/102828-Edged-Weapon-Defense-Is-or-was-the-21-foot-rule-valid-Part-1/

and this is an amateur....

This is a homicidal individual against Cops. Even after he is hit several times.

Yes I worry, about the 21 foot rule...I'm sure Janich can attest to it. I'm interested in his take on a defense for it.

[robheath]

An old instructional video by Caliber press called " Surviving edged weapons "  is a good one to look up.  We used it in police acadamy.

[Solus]

I've taken to carrying a walking stick (Cold Steel Blackthorn Walking Stick) for pretty much that reason. 

It is always in my off hand when I am moving and I'm likely to be able to present it faster than a carry weapon. 

It might not do any damage, but it is also likely to slow down or distract an attacker, maybe enough to draw and fire.

I worry more about the attacks from within the 21ft.  It might be the only weapon you have time to deploy.

[ske1eter]

In a Tactical Response training class, we replicated the 21 foot scenario. But instead of both the attacker and "victim" acting/reacting to a buzzer to start the incident, the response was predicated on the actions of the attacker making the first move. That throws in an additional reaction time for the victim. Out of our class of 8 students, only one was able to draw and fire before the attacker got to him. It was very surprising to realize that 21 feet is the minimum required to respond vs. the maximum distance that an attacker can be considered a threat. Very interesting exercise.

[Magoo541]

I was in a NRA Personal Defense class years ago and like Skeiter above we did the 21 foot experiment.  I was the "good guy" with a squirt gun in my waist band, appendix carry because that's how I carry all my squirt guns  ,  and we had a "bad guy" with a rubber knife attack from 7 paces.  No cue was given he was instructed to wait for someone to distract me with conversation.  It worked pretty good and he would have had me EXCEPT I STEPPED OFF LINE!  A moving target is harder to hit especially if your running at it.  I simply took a side step perpendicular to his path out of reaction/instint/training and put a stream of water in his chesticles.
I was watching some Ruger VideoPodcasts this evening and the instructor replicated this with a carbine.  Once a threat was identified he stepped to one side and then engaged.  Its like sparring/fighting you need to create space without presenting a weak point and hopefully set them up for counterattack in the process.

HTH

[Sponsor]

[mkm]

I'm thinking awareness is going to be the key to defending against the 21ft rule, and, admittedly, it won't be 100%.

Pay attention to your surroundings and the other people in it.  If you spot a potential threat (ie, very sketchy looking with hands in pockets) or a likely threat (ie, weapon in hand and obviously disgruntled), you will have to determine how to mitigate each threat independently.  Is the threat stationary, moving toward you, or moving away from you?  If moving, is it slow or fast?  Is the threat obviously focused on someone else or you?  What is the setting?

In my opinion, the best option is to reroute to avoid the threat.  If detouring around isn't an option, turn around but watch you back.

If avoidance isn't an option but the threat isn't immediate, try to put some cover/structure and as much distance as possible between you and it.

If it is an obvious (weapon in hand) threat and focused on me, I would likely draw my firearm but not necessarily aim it.  I would still have to bring it up to ready and aim, but I remove drawing complications out of the process.

The other end of the 21 foot spectrum and perhaps that of greatest concern, is the surprise attack.  This is where I agree with Magoo and say move perpendicular to the threat.  Get out of its way and draw on the move. 

The cane and similar options are good for those that can't quickly move to the side or that just want to use one as an additional defense.

Either way, the need to practice and pay attention is very important in my opinion.

This is all just my opinion, and I hope to hear from those like Janich and Bane.

[tombogan03884]

A large portion of Gabe Suarez's training seems to be focused on this sort of close range SD as well.

[2HOW]

movement has to be a key factor when reacting. Create space first if possible then engage. A good drill is to run from a target while point shooting. Lots of variables involved, of course it helps if you can run faster than your attacker.

[Magoo541]

movement has to be a key factor when reacting. Create space first if possible then engage. A good drill is to run from a target while point shooting. Lots of variables involved, of course it helps if you can run faster than your attacker.

Or your buddy.... Wait that's for bears, cougars and wolves.... but it still applies 

[Timothy]

Or your buddy  Mother in law  .... Wait that's for bears, cougars and wolves.... but it still applies 

I'll protect my buddy....