Rounds fired to Hit ratio

The Comedian · November 10, 2012, 04:22 PM

One of the earlier posts on whether or not 6 rounds in a revolver is enough in a gun fight got me thinking: has anyone studied gunfight data, and compared revolvers to high cap semi automatics? If someone had a six shot revolver, would they have a higher hit ratio (per rounds fired) than if they had a large capacity auto? I think a revolver shooter would "make the rounds count" more than an auto.

bamaranger · November 10, 2012, 08:55 PM

That data is out there. The FBI has handled statistics on LEO gunfights for a long time, though I don't know how one would chase it down.

Another source, often quoted, is data compiled by NYPD. Since they now authorize auto for their officers (Glock), comparing old data v. new should get your answer.

I keep hearing under 3 rds and 3 yds, as the norm.

dahermit · November 10, 2012, 11:28 PM

I do not think that, for several reasons, police officer rounds fired in a "gunfight", data would be the same/similar to rounds fired by a civilian exercising self-defense.

Old Grump · November 11, 2012, 12:09 AM

Quote:

"75% of gunfights take place at under 6.4m, with average range being 2.1m. Lighting is usually poor. Average time of duration is 2.8secs and average total number of rounds fired by both sides is 2.8."

That is the statement everybody knows to be true but it turns out it isn't. It was compiled from officer involved shootings where the officer survived, all other outcomes were excluded from the study.

I don't care because I don't want to be in a shooting. I was not trained for a 6' distant 3 shot scenario. My duty weapon was a 1911A1 Colt 45 ACP. and a M1 Garand or a BAR and much later a M16. As a civilian I carry revolvers, how come you may ask. I do not anticipate having to fight a squad of enemy combatants. A revolver can carry better defense bullets in larger calibers in a lighter package than a semi auto pistol. 15 rounds of 9MM or 6 rounds of .357 mag, 41 mag or 44 spcl. Make mine with a 4. Street use or in the woods.

Point is to stop the fight fast and I may be old fashioned but this large capacity vs 6 rounds debate borders on redundant. A 44 to the chest has to be more of a shock then a 9 going through and through even if it does expand. No magic bullet but bigger is still better from where I stand.

I highly recommend reading this PDF about bullets wounds and stops. I Know of no definitive study of pistols hooters vs revolver shooters and this article explains why the difference is mostly not relevant for our purposes. If you need the bad guy down in a hurry use slugs in a 12 gauge. The best shooter will be the most accurate no matter which gun he uses.

http://www.firearmstactical.com/pdf/fbi-hwfe.pdf

Sorry about the rambling but it's been a long day and I should have gone to bed a couple of hours ago.

Newton24b · November 11, 2012, 08:58 AM

a ratios is that a ratio. assume that 30 percent of all shots will always hit your target. that means 70% will always miss. so if you fire 6 shots, two bullets will always hit your target.

but if you pop away with a 20 round magazine and only 1 out of 3 bullets hits a target, the auto has a worse time ratio wise.

November 10, 2012, 04:22 PM	#1
The Comedian Junior Member Join Date: October 28, 2012 Posts: 14	Rounds fired to Hit ratio One of the earlier posts on whether or not 6 rounds in a revolver is enough in a gun fight got me thinking: has anyone studied gunfight data, and compared revolvers to high cap semi automatics? If someone had a six shot revolver, would they have a higher hit ratio (per rounds fired) than if they had a large capacity auto? I think a revolver shooter would "make the rounds count" more than an auto.

November 10, 2012, 08:55 PM	#2
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,300	out there That data is out there. The FBI has handled statistics on LEO gunfights for a long time, though I don't know how one would chase it down. Another source, often quoted, is data compiled by NYPD. Since they now authorize auto for their officers (Glock), comparing old data v. new should get your answer. I keep hearing under 3 rds and 3 yds, as the norm.

November 10, 2012, 11:28 PM	#3
dahermit Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2006 Location: South Central Michigan...near Posts: 6,501	I do not think that, for several reasons, police officer rounds fired in a "gunfight", data would be the same/similar to rounds fired by a civilian exercising self-defense.

November 11, 2012, 08:58 AM	#5
Newton24b Junior member Join Date: February 10, 2009 Posts: 974	a ratios is that a ratio. assume that 30 percent of all shots will always hit your target. that means 70% will always miss. so if you fire 6 shots, two bullets will always hit your target. but if you pop away with a 20 round magazine and only 1 out of 3 bullets hits a target, the auto has a worse time ratio wise.