First off Police men are "civilians" as well. Policemen aren't in the Military so they are civilians. I hate it when folks call a average guy a "civilian" and then try to elevate the police to a higher plain...just a burr under my blanket.
Second Buckshot, no matter what type or wad would not be effective at the ranges stateed, it has no power left and might break the skin and cause a nasty infection, but that is about it, and who in their right mind would launch 9 projectiles into a trailer park setting? you are responsible for each and every pellet that does or doesn't hit the bad guy, but does hit little 3 year old Cindy playing in the kiddie pool out fronm of their place.
Third if you have a modicum of skill and a pistol or revolver of reasonable power and velocity it isn't that hard of a shot. Most B class USPSA a shooters can hit a C zone sized target at 100 yards with some regularity with a slow .40 cal so it can be done....BUT you have to be fairly "frosty" to do it under stress. Good Job! and good shooting! I bet he saw his front sight and has shot that particular pistol a few times.
Did I miss the reference to civilian somewhere?
Secondly the buckshot was a joke. I figure the extreme use (for me anyway)of a shotgun to be 100yards with slug, like the last 3gun match at okcgc but that alone proved that is not an easy shot. I hit it in two while on the clock, but if that steel plate was shooting back with a rifle I would of lost.
I had forgoten that the flight control wads came in shot, but I was mainly refering to the left over 00 9 pellet low recoil stuff in my closet that wouldn't knock that peasky steel popper down at high plains it was maybe 25 yards out.. I am still curious at its spread over long distance and may take some out to stoot at 80/90/100 yards for the heck of it.
I worry about 3 year old Cindy. Believe it or not. As I am a father, husband, brother and son. I realize one poorly placed shot can take something away that I cannot give back. Same goes for a well placed shot that over penertrates.
My lack of experiance in long range shooting would have probally kept me out of this fight, so my job would have been to call 911 if I couldn't close the distance and help.
I'm not out to offend anyone nor do I think I know everything. I can be very open minded and try to consider all sides and multiple possibilites.