You guys are exactly right about the range of a gunfight. You don't just hold a gun to someone's forehead like some punk gangsta. The other fellow might just take it away from you. The most effective distance for firearm defence is farther than the opponent's reach, but close enough for quick, reliable aim. You can use one in close quarters if you're careful, have good technique, and know what you're doing, but you've got to be ready to dump the magazine on that daring dude that reaches to take it from you.