Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
If you’ve spent any time around defensive training circles, you’ve heard it: most gunfights happen within 3 feet, in 3 seconds, with 3 shots fired.
The so-called “3-3-3 rule.”
On a recent episode of the Armed Attorneys podcast, the Texas-based legal team dug into whether that rule actually applies to civilian self-defense, and they didn’t just speculate. They pulled real case data from their own files.
Quick aside: we like these guys. They’re knowledgeable, practical, and usually bring solid legal insight to the table. And this episode was no exception (see below).
Table of contents
Where the 3-3-3 Rule Comes From
The rule traces back to FBI law enforcement data, not civilian encounters. Historically, officer-involved shootings often happened:
- Within 3 feet
- In under 3 seconds
- With 3 shots or fewer
But officers are typically making arrests or initiating contact. Civilians aren’t handcuffing suspects on the street. That difference matters.
So the Armed Attorneys asked the real question:
Does this hold up for regular concealed carriers?
What Their Civilian Data Showed
They analyzed their 30 most recent shooting cases (single attacker, single defender) and found:
🔫 Shots Fired
- 13 of 30 cases involved 3 shots or fewer
- Average was about 3.75 to 4 shots
- Convictions tended to increase when shots fired averaged 7 or more
The “3 shots” part? It’s the closest part of the rule to holding up.
📏 Distance
This is where things really shifted.
- Average distance: 9.5 feet
- Most engagements occurred between 5–12 feet
- Very few were within 3 feet
Road rage cases and vehicle confrontations pushed distances even farther.
Bottom line: For civilians, it’s rarely a 3-foot contact fight.
⏱ Time
- Average duration from draw to resolution: ~6 seconds
Still fast. Still chaotic. But not quite the 3-second myth.
The Real Eye-Opener: You Might Know the Attacker
One stat stood out:
About 40% of the time, the defender knew the attacker.
Family disputes. Neighbors. Acquaintances. Alcohol-fueled arguments.
It wasn’t always a stranger in a dark alley. That’s a reality most carriers don’t mentally rehearse.
So… Does 3-3-3 Hold Up?
Not exactly.
The “vibe” holds:
- It’s fast.
- It’s close.
- It’s over quickly.
But for civilians:
- It’s usually farther than 3 feet
- It often lasts closer to 6 seconds
- It averages around 4 shots
And legally? More shots can create more room for prosecutorial scrutiny, even if you were justified.
The Takeaway for GA Readers
If you carry, train realistically:
- Expect engagement distances closer to 10 feet, not 3.
- Expect it to happen fast. But not cinematic fast.
- Understand the legal aftermath matters just as much as the trigger press.
- And don’t assume it’ll be a stranger.
Preparation isn’t paranoia. It’s responsibility.
What’s your take? Does your training reflect these realities? Or are you still planning for a 3-foot quick-draw duel?
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is a seasoned outdoorsman, lifelong hunter, and the kind of guy who’d rather track whitetails than scroll social media. As an editor for GunsAmerica, he’s got a sharp eye for spotting both solid gear and bad gun laws. Whether he’s deep in the woods or deep in editorial deadlines, Larry brings a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach to firearms, hunting, and the great American tradition of self-reliance. If there’s a hot debate on gun rights or the latest in hunting tech, you can bet Larry’s got an opinion—and it’s probably backed up with both facts and field experience.
Experience:
– Licensed Bowhunter, Hunter, and Trapper – Experienced in ethical hunting and wildlife conservation.
– Concealed Carry Permit Holder (NYS & AZ) – Trained and licensed to carry in multiple states.
– 2A Journalist – Covering firearms legislation, Second Amendment issues, and gun rights for over a decade.
– Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Certified to provide emergency medical care in the field.
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