First off, please understand that I'm not a SME, IP, or even a mod; so my opinion is based solely on my experiences both learning and training.
In my opinion (yes it's like an a-hole), point shooting--as it's traditionally known: using body mechanics to aim without the aid of sights--is only acceptable for gaining distance to where one can bring up sights to eye-level. Depending on the circumstances, that could be a fairly wide range (e.g. is the assailant moving; in which direction; how fast; etc.). If one effectively practices the fundamentals and becomes fluent in them, "point shooting" is almost like a side effect.
I will always preach to use sights. I'm not talking about CMP-style slow fire aiming in a defensive situation. In those instances (mid-to-close range self-defense), I believe flash sight picture is key. It is compressing the fundamentals into an effective response time. The more one practices the fundamentals, the more they will become second-nature (i.e. muscle memory). As that automatic movement to bring sights to eyes develops, the response time will get shorter and shorter--if done properly.
In short, I wouldn't practice strictly point-shooting at any specific distance(s). I would (and do) practice fighting--though shooting--to bring up my sights for a flash sight picture.
Again, my $.02. YMMV.
ETA: I'm also not necessarily a proponent of automatically drawing to retain my sidearm. If my attacker is unarmed, and shows that I can retain without drawing, I'm not going to help him (or her) by clearing my holster for him or her. Now I'm not an expert in defensive tactics by any stretch, so maybe someone who is--or at least more so than me--can school me in the go to method.
Last edited by echo5whiskey; 10-09-17 at 22:27.
Reason: Clarification
"All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." -Edmund Burke
"It is better to be thought a fool and to remain silent, than to speak and remove all doubt." -Abraham Lincoln
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