I recall reading a study years ago while I was in the Navy that the mean battle range of a .45 calibre pistol was 1.5 inches. In other words it was a weapon of last resort (and also used for executions).
One can learn to shoot or teach some one to shoot a rifle much quicker that a pistol. Then there are 12 gauge shot guns. A weapon which is really hard to beat when seconds count in low light levels.
That being said, if one has used a pistol enough so that it is instinctive some amazing shots can be made under amazing conditions.
“That being said, if one has used a pistol enough so that it is instinctive some amazing shots can be made under amazing conditions.”
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That is true I can shoot a pistol but not well enough to brag on my skill. I have seen some who are amazing, I have one brother who used to pop pecans at thirty feet with a .22 revolver. He almost never missed. I am more in the Pepsi can category at that distance.