Shooting Incidents: Common Factors Across Real-World Encounters

by Jeff Young

At Lone Pine Tactical, we emphasize training that reflects reality, not Hollywood myths. Data from law enforcement agencies and civilian defensive incidents reveal consistent patterns in armed encounters. These insights come from documented reports on FBI agent-involved shootings, DEA incidents, and civilian carry permit holders (including analyses from Rangemaster’s student-involved cases). The key takeaway? Most defensive shootings happen fast, close, and in public—not in your home.

1. FBI Agent-Involved Shootings (1989–1994)

FBI agents typically operate in plain clothes, without routine patrol duties like responding to bar fights or domestic calls. Their shootings often mirror those of armed private citizens.

• Average: 20–30 incidents per year.

• Roughly half involved criminals attempting to rob or assault someone they believed was a civilian—only to discover it was an armed FBI agent.

• 92% occurred at 6–10 feet (conversational/confrontational distance).

• Average rounds fired: 3.2.

• At longer ranges (21–50 feet), the average jumped to 6.36 rounds—highlighting the need for refined sight picture and trigger control under stress, which demands consistent practice.

2. DEA Discharge Report (2007)

This report covered 56 incidents where shots were fired.

• 12 were accidental (often during cleaning—always clear your firearm first!).

• Of the 44 defensive shootings:

• Average distance: 14.6 feet (roughly the length of a standard car).

• Average rounds fired: 5.

3. Civilian Defensive Shootings (Rangemaster Student Cases)

Drawing from dozens of documented incidents involving armed citizens (often concealed carry permit holders):

• Many cases analyzed (e.g., representative samples from presentations at tactical conferences).

• Common scenarios: Armed robbery by 1–2 suspects; frequent occurrences in mall parking lots; only rarely in the home.

• In most cases, the engagement distance was inside the length of a large car or SUV (typically 6–15 feet).

• Multiple suspects involved in a significant portion.

• Average rounds fired: 3.8 (ranging from 1 to 11 in extremes).

Common Threads Across These Groups

These datasets—from plainclothes federal agents to everyday concealed carriers—show striking similarities:

• Distance: FBI (6–10 feet), DEA (14.6 feet), civilians (6–15 feet)—often about one car length (average sedan ~16 feet long). Encounters happen at conversational distances that turn confrontational in seconds.

• Clothing and Carry: All involve plain civilian attire with concealed firearms. Fast, reliable access from concealment is critical—practice your draw!

• Multiple Assailants: High likelihood of facing 2+ suspects.

• Location: Most occur in public transitional spaces—parking lots, malls, streets—not at home.

• Shots Fired: Typically low round counts (3–5 on average), resolved quickly with the ammo in the gun.

The bottom line: WEAR YOUR GUN! Carry consistently—because the day you need it most is the day you least expect it. These real-world patterns underscore why we train for close-range, rapid presentations, multiple threats, and decisive hits under stress.

Exceptions exist (e.g., rare longer-range engagements), so build versatile skills: speed at close quarters and precision when distance increases. Train realistically, stay aware, and stay prepared.

Questions or ready to level up your training? Reach out—we’re here to help you meet the realities of self-defense head-on. Stay safe out there.