For the most likely scenario (home invasion), my lady has been instructed to empty the magazine (17 9mm) in their general direction.
Of course she’s shot at the range, and knows how to sight a “threat”.
But my assumption is that any average home invader is going to start running by at least shot #3, and (if not dead yet) keep running when shot #17 rings out.
Just sayin’.
If it’s me, I’ll be a little more judicious in ammo usage, making sure I’m on a useful target. I’ve practiced rolling on the ground, and can hit paper while in a complete log-roll upside down while on the move. I think I’ll be okay.
I always think back to the samurai when I contemplate how best to defend oneself with a pistol. Their ideal was to draw their sword as fast as possible and cut the threat down in a matter of seconds, basically in the same motion of the sword draw. They avoided actually crossing blades. With that in mind, I don’t get down on the ground anymore. I train for speed and fluidity with a minimum of required thinking.
You should teach her the right way—to be just as judicious with the ammo. Would she have another mag handy if there were multiple and determined perps who waited till she was empty?