Does anyone know if there are statistics on which shots (given multiple shots fired from one gun) actually connect the most?  I am wondering, for example, if more first shots connect vs. second or third, or what?


Interesting, because IF for example, data showed more first shots connected (than 2nd or 3rd) then one COULD make somewhat of an argument that follow up shots might be less important and thus a stronger caliber.  On the other hand, if data showed a strong correlation between 2nd and/or 3rd shots being the first to impact someone then follow up becomes critical.

I KNOW follow up shots are very important so please don't lecture on this point.

I am simply asking if the data exists and what it says?

Thanks,

Pat

I am unaware of any such data, and don't know for sure how you would reliably derive the data unless you started engraving bullets.

don't know of any data per say... but I was at one shoot where the bad guy had a gun shooting about 10+ ft away

good guy;
first round was a couple feet in ground in front
second round was about 8 ft in ground
third round was a torso hit center - which ended the fight

his trigger finger was working the min he cleared the holster.

Quote from: tommac919 on July 06 2016 10:03:14 AM MDT
his trigger finger was working the min he cleared the holster.

I have heard this is very common.

Quote from: tommac919 on July 06 2016 10:03:14 AM MDT
[..]
his trigger finger was working the min he cleared the holster.

THAT is REALLY scary.

That's one of the reasons I don't sweep off my 1911's thumb safety, and I also stay off the grip-lever, until I'm coming onto target.

And my other primary-carry is a 5-shot .44mag DA/SA revolver, that I shoot ONLY SA.  I don't cock the hammer until coming onto target ... same reason.

Quote from: sqlbullet on July 06 2016 01:26:28 PM MDT

Quote from: tommac919 on July 06 2016 10:03:14 AM MDT
his trigger finger was working the min he cleared the holster.

I have heard this is very common.

It is, and it's tough to train away from it.

Quote from: DM1906 on July 06 2016 01:47:59 PM MDT
It is, and it's tough to train away from it.

remember, targets don't shoot back....

BTW, no safety,  DOA semi
tho the thumb safety sweep when on target might have changed it. Muscle memory and pure panic are a funny mix.

I read that a lot of people (police) put the first round into the ground. That might not be so bad. #1) The sound of the shot may startle the bad guy cussing him to make a mistake; #2) The recoil brings the muzzle up and on target.


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Quote from: my_old_glock on July 06 2016 08:32:13 PM MDT

I read that a lot of people (police) put the first round into the ground. That might not be so bad. #1) The sound of the shot may startle the bad guy cussing him to make a mistake; #2) The recoil brings the muzzle up and on target.


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I understand why it happens and am not to put myself above such a possibility should I ever get in a stressful situation and have to draw and shoot. But, I don't see how that could be anything but bad. It's more time for the threat to get you first, I mean you are presumably drawing because of an immanent threat to you or someone's life. Additionally, where those bullets end up going and who else they might hit is a huge risk when hitting the ground, especially if a hard surface. The benefit of startling someone is not something I would be counting as a huge plus, and firing the gun to get the sites on target isn't either.

The only data I am aware of similar to this is the number of shots on average to take someone out of action, and if I recall correctly, it varies between 2 and 3 for 9, .40, and .45 calibers. Closer to 3 for the 9mm, and closer to 2 for the .45. Surprisingly "bigger power" doesn't make a huge difference among those calibers. Not the data you are looking for, but....