[fred cook]

I would think that it would largely depend on the handgun that was being fired. If I am shooting say a Colt Detective Special with a 2" bbl, then I would likely hold the distances to around 15 feet or so. However, if I were to be shooting a pistol or revolver with a 6" bbl and good adjustable sights, then a distance of 50 feet or so would be reasonable. I have fired a target grade .22 pistol at distances up to 100 yds before while indulging in some informal friendly competition with my shooting buddies.