I shot an IDPA stage that essentially replicated that stunt; the roughly humanoid target, representing the "wife", was at about ten yards, and the "threat" was an 8" steel plate, set on one shoulder of the target. Draw, and engage the steel plate with one round. If you missed slightly right, or slightly low, you'd hit your "wife". No do-overs.
Skip to 3:50
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YuCDn4PkuA