17 feet minimum distance is what they taught us and that's not a guarantee you'll be able to react in time to not get stabbed at least once before getting off a round with a holstered sidearm.you have no choice but to let lots of risky people pass within 7 yds of you, on the sidewalk, in cars as you walk or drive, in public buildings, all over the place. "stuff" starts at less than 5 yds, almost always and it gets lots closer, really fast, if you don't do something about it. I once had a guy with an upraised crescent wrench charge me from less than 4 yds. I did not back up, yet I was able to draw an (openly worn, in my waistband) 1911, cycle the slide, assume a weaver stance and yell "freeze" (and he did). He was still not within arm's reach, but if he'd taken one more step, I've have emptied the mag into his chest and he could see that. He knew me. Those who claim that 7 yds is it, are correct, tho, for the average guy with a holstered gun.
You were able to draw the weapon, cycle the action, and assume a weaver stance before the guy could cover 12 feet???
Must have been a slow guy with the wrench.
My practice has been when I feel threatened for my life/safety, I don't wait for it to escalate. I casually put my hand on the trigger and keep it there until the threat passes without ever bringing it to the person's attention that I'm carrying. The surprise factor increases your safety factor greatly, IMO. I don't ever want to get into a struggle over the weapon and run the risk of maybe having it get away from me into the hands of the perp.