I was taught by one of my tactics instructors that at that range - where an assailant is striking you - your best move is to empty the magazine into them as rapidly as possible. The theory is, the next blow could render you unconscious or dead so don’t let it fall. Empty the mag. We practiced it, literally within arms length of the target with a retention hold/grip. I tell ya, at that range the slap-back from the target buffets you, it takes some getting used to.
I’m guessing that the huge mass of “Big Mike” prevented many of the bullets from reaching vital areas. He was shot a bunch of times, stopped, then started coming again at the cop. And then he fired a bunch more.
That sounds like those goofy dreams I used to get where I shot at the bad guy and nothing happens, or the bullet, when fired just goes “ploop” and falls from the barrel.
That isn't what happened in this case.
Brown had been at this distance, but had run away.
The evidence tends to indicate he was moving back towards Wilson when shot, but was at some considerable distance still.
I'm not clear on the distance between the two men at the moment of shooting, as I've seen several distances stated, everywhere from 35' to 148'.
Neither is exactly arm's length. And 148' would be darn good shooting under the circumstances.