When we rely on statistics to help make important decisions, it's helpful to know if those stats are actually true. We’ve all heard that most gunfights take place at three yards. It’s part of the old “three shots, three yards, three seconds” standard. But where does that come from? Is it reliable? Do we have any other sources that are more reliable or more specific? Today, we're taking a critical look at the available data to find out what's myth and what's relevant for the average armed citizen for concealed carry.
VIDEO HERE (11:30 minutes)
That's a lot of talking for not getting a conclusion. Defensive shooting distance will be what they are when you must do when you must do it. Keeping in mind what the laws say in your particular state consider lethal range. The threat will also determine the distance, hand held impact weapon, knife, spear all are lethal but at different distances. In my state the immediate threat of an arsonist is pretty much an open target shoot, if he can reach you in any way he's considered a lethal threat.
ReplyDeleteCheck your laws and know before you go.
JD
Absoutely. Although here in generally very liberal Washington State, the laws are pretty light on homeowners defending their homes. A few years ago a guy heard noise in his house grabbed his shotgun, goes into a Room and there's this young man climbing Out the window. The home owner testified that he heard another voice outside saying "Come on man we gotta go!" or something to that effect. The guy climbing out the window was LEAVING. The homeowner shot and killed him. Even I say that is excessive, but the homeowner was found not guilty of a crime. So yes state laws vary, and you gotta know 'em.
DeleteThe conclusion I reached = the CCW instructor, 87% of his students who drew were at 6-10ft.
DeleteEqually compelling is all the other compiled stats, roughly 65% were @ 10ft or less.
10ft or less for a definite majority of encounters seems to be the conclusion.
Chillhill
25 yards or less
ReplyDeleteI always practice handgun shooting at 25 yards. I figure if I can get a half-assed good group at that distance I should be proficient enough to deter some clown that came through the front door fifteen feet away, uninvited, at three o'clock in the morning.
DeleteChange my mind.
If you sleep like a ninja. 21 foot rule does have merit. Thats 7 yds. Smash my back door, wake me up from a deep sleep, lets see your Miculek groupings in the dark on a moving target.
DeleteMany variables. Charging me with a bat at 25 yds seems a stretch
Its across my living room.
Way less than that
DeleteAnon Numero Uno. This is actually a series of videos. It started with, "Do you need a Red Dot On Your Carry Weapon". It's actually a pretty good series. Do I need a Red Dot on my carry weapon? Oh hell know. I have countless hours of dry and live fire developing a Natural Point Of Aim. I'm not about to throw that away and try and learn something new. I shoot a ton of steel. 15 yards and out. This video made me realize I should start bringing along some paper and start drilling point blank.
ReplyDeleteFurther more I'm not aware of any state thats laws tell you how close a bad guy needs to be before you shoot him.
I didn't say the state would give you a hard number for distance, what I said was each state has it's own self defense laws and it's a good idea to know what they are.
DeleteWhile I personally may not agree with the laws if I don't follow them there's a very good chance I will be arrested along with or in some cases instead of the perp. Now wouldn't that be a hell of a situation wouldn't it.
JD
Was taught 7 yards and under was most likely for a gun fight. A majority of videos seem to confirm that range.
ReplyDeleteIt depends on how good your situation sweetness is. They get close than you need to pay more attention and if they can't close you win.
ReplyDeleteThere's no "typical gunfight." Just getting in one is anomalous. You want to bet on being in "average" when you're so far from average that the term is now meaningless?
ReplyDeleteTrain for fights at multiple distances, from nose to nose out as far as you possibly can reach, which is a lot further than you think.
If you can make hits at 0m and >100m, you're way ahead of the curve.
Just like "too much ammo," nobody ever walked away from a gunfight thinking that they had too many skills.
That's an accurate statement as there will be no "typical" until go time. Then we can compare notes. Ohio Guy
DeleteKeep in mind your States' requirements for self-defensive gun use. Many states require you to be under a lethal threat, (not necessarily by a gun), before you can justify a lethal response.
ReplyDeleteIf you face an ambush predator, you may be responding at contact distance.
John in Indy
I'll try to remember that one. Heh. Heh. OG
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