Posted: 3/24/2004 12:38:08 PM EDT
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What are the true-life statistics of engagements when there has been a shoot-out between 2 people? I do not see the point of practicing at 25 yards if the average encounter is at 15 yards. Does anyone have these facts? |
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Did a quick search and hit this, should give you an idea......... NYPD SOP 9 FIREARMS DISCHARGE ASSAULT REPORT 1991 www.theppsc.org/Grossman/SOP9/1991R.htm MEMBERS ACCURACY AT DISTANCES FIRED: HIT TOTAL SHOTS HITS POTENTIAL Less than 3 yards 14 123* 12 10.0%* 3 - 7 yards 29 130 26 20.0% 7 - 15 yards 20 86 2 2.3% 15 - 25 yards 11 41 3 7.3% Over 25 yards 0 Undetermined 23 178 39 22.0% NYPD SOP9 FIREARMS DISCHARGE ASSAULT REPORT 1992 GUNFIGHTS STATISTICS www.theppsc.org/Grossman/SOP9/1992R.htm MEMBERS ACCURACY AT DISTANCES FIRED DURING GUNFIGHTS: HIT TOTAL SHOTS HITS POTENTIAL Less than 3 yards 9 79 22 28% 3 - 7 yards 20 141 15 11% 7- 15 yards 19 120 5 4.2% 15- 25 yards 9 44 1 2.3% Over 25 yards 3 14 1 7.1% Undetermined 22 185 52 28.1% YMMV 
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True that the "average" engagement distances will usually be very close...arms-length to, say, 20 feet or so...BUT...keep this in mind about "averaging"...You can place one foot in a bucket of boiling water, and the other in a bucket of ice water, and "on average" you should be comfortable...right? There is no way of telling where, when or how the fight will happen, nor of knowing where it will go after it begins. The ability to hit consistently at longer ranges is very valuable in those few cases where you may desperately need it to save your life. On the other hand, it may be a stretch to ask a Grand Jury to believe you really DID need to shoot that guy at 40 yards! Don't stop training at the longer distances, just don't spend the majority of your time, effort and ammo out there. |
Most gunfights happen at distances close enough to smell what the other guy had for lunch. This does NOT mean that you shouldn't practice at longer ranges. The best practice when confronted with a threat is to SEEK COVER AND CREATE DISTANCE. Distance favors skill, placing you at an advantage. (An advantage is a good thing in a gunfight...) Just because most things happen within 7 yards, that does not mean you should practice exclusively in that range. Certainly do a lot of practice and learn to be fast and accurate at that distance. But also practice at longer ranges. You know what you will find? When you get accurate and fast at 7 yards, that accuracy and speed will follow you to longer ranges. It's all about the fundamentals. In the few times I have ever felt threatened, I have always tried to create as much distance as possible between me and the possible threat. This gives me breathing room and room to properly asses the situation, and most importantly the TIME to do so. Distance is your FRIEND. I routinely shoot my handguns (Like my Beretta or 1911) at over 100 yards at impossibly tiny targets like apples and oranges. Why? Because most of my life is spent with a handgun as the only firearm I have available, and I might just need to use it at longer ranges. There are numerous instances of officers needing to shoot at more than 7 yards. Like the Hollywood shootout. It was a long distance shot from a pistol champ on the LAPD that finished one of the perps, and the SWAT team took the other one out at close range. Practice at all ranges. Preparation is about possibility. Your practice time should reflect the probabilties of conflict, meaning spend most of your time practicing what is most likely, and then the rest of the time practicing the other possibilities. |
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I completely agree with those that have posted here - 7 yrds is average, but statistics don't mean squat when looking down a barrel or blade. I'd like to reinforce those recommending close action drills like point shooting or "quick-draw" (relatively speaking). Hostage interdiction or long-distance engagements are possible while an LEO - unlikely at best while a civilian. While long-distance pistol shooting is much more appreciated at most local ranges, most experiences as a civie (statistically speaking) will be up close and dirty. Consider practicing point shooting, shooting very quickly from a draw with your CCW or even shooting through pockets if necesary. I think way too few people practice for the most likely scenario - close-in and ugly. Black Fox |
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It seems to me, with local LEO shootings, the range is either real close, or real far away. Mostly it's inside the same room. I also remember one where a LEO took a shot at 53 yards with a snubbie, on a moving person, and hit COM. Speed drills are essential. Get it out, line up the sights, get round(s) into a target. Repeat until you are doing it FAST. Pin point accuracy ISN'T the key. Good accuracy combined with good speed is the key. If you are waiting for that perfect shot, it's very likely the BG will be trying to distract you with stabbing or gun shot injuries, in the meantime. Next DO practice at a distance. Accuracy is important here. Practicing at a distance will help you shoot better at close range. Remember in a real life confrontation, you are going to be moving, or behind cover, so will the BG. A 25 yard full target shot can be much easier that a 7 yard obscured target. Vary you routines. Also remember in real life there are no parity rules. Just because you have a handgun, doesn't mean the other guy will. |