[MLeake]

Seems to me that an awful lot of people want to use equipment to deal with a training and awareness issue.

Seriously, find an instructor, and learn how to move. It's not as physically demanding as some might believe; even having only one or two lessons would be a significant step up from the norm.

Put it another way.... My best friend has had a carry permit for several years, but I could never get him interested in any physical training. One day, when he was visiting, we were talking about a friend of mine who is a narcotics detective specializing in plain clothes street buys. That friend has prevented several attempted draws against him, and has taken several guns from people who tried to use them on him. (Proximity is NOT your friend when attempting a draw.)

So, my best friend was a bit doubtful. We grabbed a blue gun, and I had him attempt several draws against me, at arm's length distance. He was not successful, and pretty much every time he ended up with the muzzle of his blue gun in his throat.

We then reversed roles, and he tried to stop me from drawing on him. Again, he was not successful.

I'm slightly bigger than he is, but I don't dwarf him.

I was not using a retention holster. Note that I am not saying retention holsters are bad, I am simply saying that with proper training, the choice of equipment becomes less important. Also, with proper training (IE with each type and position of carry one might employ), carry options open up a bit.

Proper training and a retention holster would be a good combination.

The idea isn't to become Chuck Norris; the idea is to learn efficient movement, that seems faster than it actually is because it doesn't waste movement or effort.

This does not require great muscular strength or physical fitness - though strength and fitness are never bad things to have.

Don't believe it? Try to pick up a toddler who does not want to be picked up. Toddlers are small, weak, and not particularly coordinated - but they are very good at being awkward, and dropping all their weight as needed.

Similarly, try to take a rawhide chew from a dog, who thinks it's a game. Watch how the dog moves. It will typically shoulder in and pivot (towards or away).

Toddlers and dogs know they can't outmuscle a larger opponent, so they don't try - yet they are very good at frustrating larger opponents.

Edit: As I thought about it, I realized something similar may happen when leading a horse. If the horse starts drifting into me, I put an elbow behind its shoulder, dig the elbow in, and pivot slightly - this applies enough leverage and discomfort that a 210lb man can move a 1700lb horse. (We have Holsteiners, they are 18 hands and 1700lbs, I am not exaggerating.)