Couldn't have said it better myself, Cypher. I think anyone claiming to be the end-all and be-all of knowledge on the subject is giving themselves way too much credit and has an ego the size of Texas, really.
As for the "Failure to..." list, you simply cannot have a one size fits all list when it comes to concealed carry, period. For example:
"Failure to carry a gun of substantial caliber" is about as vague as you can be and still be incorrect depending on the circumstances.
So is "Failure to properly equip oneself. (Belt, holster, reloads,illumination and nonlethal weapons)." I would think someone in Florida would understand this, but apparently not.
If you're running to the grocery store to pick up milk and bread and it's a typical Florida summer, you're probably not going to be wearing enough clothing to properly conceal your "substantial caliber" .45 ACP Commander-style 1911 handgun and 4 spare magazines, belt, and holster. And if you ARE, people are going to look at you funny because you're WAY overdressed in 90 degree and 90% humidity. I live in the South Carolina swamps so the weather here is the same as Florida's, only without a nice ocean breeze. You sweat walking to and from the mailbox.
Instead having to choose between heading out without a pistol at all or arming for the Rebel Uprising Mr. Harvey would have you do, there are lots of "pocket pistols" one can carry that are easily concealable....well, in the pocket of your short pants, even...imagine that - a "pocket pistol" - which would be a good compromise so long as it's a weapon you're familiar with and have practiced with.
I would certainly much rather have a pocket pistol with 6 or 7 shots instead of nothing because of the way I'm dressed, that much is certain.
The other thing about "failing" to carry a hand cannon is that some people simply cannot accurately fire a .45 or .44 magnum Dirty Harry gun if they are old, small in stature, or have physical problems. A GOOD instructor should take into account an individual's size, weight, strength, and experience and then go forward based on what that individual needs. Sitting at a computer being condescending to people who don't agree with 150% of what you say+ not only would make me wonder about that person's ego (it sure does), but it's someone I'd make sure NOT to be instructed by.
Teaching is more than just imparting knowledge. It's doing so in a constructive and supportive way and in a manner that doesn't intimidate your students.
If a student doesn't feel comfortable shooting a Macho-caliber firearm, I wouldn't force training on it down their throats. Why? Because chances are they'll not enjoy the experience and therefore won't PRACTICE the way they should in order to achieve a good level of proficiency. Find something that the student is comfortable with, even if it's a .22LR pistol, and make sure they get good practice techniques down and don't develop bad habits. I have seen too many people develop a flinch because of being forced to use too much gun for THEM than they should be using, and once a flinch develops, for example, it can sometimes be very, very difficult to train it back out of them...especially with new shooters.
If someone really needs to be able to shoot a "big gun" for whatever reason and isn't used to it, start small and work your way up. Some people simply aren't suited for the bigger stuff. Bad habits are easy to form and difficult to break, so making sure their form is good with a firearm they feel comfortable with practicing repeatedly with is FAR more important than "uh...biggest gun wins."
No...the biggest gun does NOT win. It's the person who gets their target incapacitated first without getting shot in the process. I don't care how macho and good you think you are, it's not a very good idea to practice with several "wee little .22LR bullet holes" in you, and being wounded will negatively affect your accuracy!
Someone who IS very accurate with a .22LR WILL BEAT someone of average skills sporting a .45 - PERIOD. A round - whether it be .22 or a .45 - that goes through the brain stem will both have the same effect, which is to cause everything to instantly relax and therefore ending the confrontation. People hopped on drugs, for example, can and often have absorbed multiple shots to the chest and not stopped and have still been able to get to their victims.
Nope, I'd take someone being fast and accurate with a .22 at my side over an average shooter with a .45 ACP with a 19 round magazine ANY DAY OF THE WEEK.
Real-world, every-day application of common sense is an essential element in anyone's day-to-day self-protection needs. While I have no doubt Mr. Harvey's credentials are what he says they are, judging by his comments and his condescending, overbearing manner, something tells me he may not be the best firearms TEACHER around, assuming he has the same smug attitude with his students.
Dunno about Florida, but in South Carolina we abbreviate "Know-It-Alls" to "KIA" for a REASON.
