Estimated studying time: 3 minutes
If you happen to’ve spent any time round defensive coaching circles, you’ve heard it: most gunfights occur inside 3 toes, in 3 seconds, with 3 photographs fired.
The so-called “3-3-3 rule.”
On a current episode of the Armed Attorneys podcast, the Texas-based authorized crew dug into whether or not that rule really applies to civilian self-defense, they usually didn’t simply speculate. They pulled actual case knowledge from their very own information.
Fast apart: we like these guys. They’re educated, sensible, and often deliver stable authorized perception to the desk. And this episode was no exception (see beneath).
The place the 3-3-3 Rule Comes From
The rule traces again to FBI legislation enforcement knowledge, not civilian encounters. Traditionally, officer-involved shootings typically occurred:
Inside 3 toes In underneath 3 seconds With 3 photographs or fewer
However officers are sometimes making arrests or initiating contact. Civilians aren’t handcuffing suspects on the road. That distinction issues.
So the Armed Attorneys requested the actual query:
Does this maintain up for normal hid carriers?
What Their Civilian Information Confirmed
They analyzed their 30 most up-to-date taking pictures instances (single attacker, single defender) and located:
🔫 Photographs Fired
13 of 30 instances concerned 3 photographs or fewer Common was about 3.75 to 4 photographs Convictions tended to extend when photographs fired averaged 7 or extra
The “3 photographs” half? It’s the closest a part of the rule to holding up.
📏 Distance
That is the place issues actually shifted.
Common distance: 9.5 toes Most engagements occurred between 5–12 toes Only a few had been inside 3 toes
Street rage instances and automobile confrontations pushed distances even farther.
Backside line: For civilians, it’s hardly ever a 3-foot contact battle.
⏱ Time
Common period from draw to decision: ~6 seconds
Nonetheless quick. Nonetheless chaotic. However not fairly the 3-second fable.
The Actual Eye-Opener: You Would possibly Know the Attacker
One stat stood out:
About 40% of the time, the defender knew the attacker.
Household disputes. Neighbors. Acquaintances. Alcohol-fueled arguments.
It wasn’t at all times a stranger in a darkish alley. That’s a actuality most carriers don’t mentally rehearse.
So… Does 3-3-3 Maintain Up?
Not precisely.
The “vibe” holds:
It’s quick. It’s shut. It’s over shortly.
However for civilians:
It’s often farther than 3 toes It typically lasts nearer to six seconds It averages round 4 photographs
And legally? Extra photographs can create extra room for prosecutorial scrutiny, even if you happen to had been justified.
The Takeaway for GA Readers
If you happen to carry, prepare realistically:
Count on engagement distances nearer to 10 toes, not 3. Count on it to occur quick. However not cinematic quick. Perceive the authorized aftermath issues simply as a lot because the set off press. And don’t assume it’ll be a stranger.
Preparation isn’t paranoia. It’s duty.
What’s your take? Does your coaching mirror these realities? Or are you continue to planning for a 3-foot quick-draw duel?
*** Purchase and Promote on GunsAmerica! ***
