I think the average is supposed to be within 6-8 feet. I read that a long time ago so I could be wrong. There may be a breakdown between police shootings and civilians. [Cops are civilians but I didn't know how to write the description] I would imagine that the police lengths are greater. I did a IDPA scenario where I was supposed to punch the target with my weak hand and then draw and shoot one handed. That's where I think I heard the 6-8 feet. Also, I was glad to get my hand out of the way before the multiple blasts shredded the target.