Pistol training and testing distances: 3-yards, 5-yards, 7-yards, 15-yards, & 25-yards.
I've had a few recent conversations with friends and other associates regarding the origins of pistol training/testing distances. No one really knows how or why these distances became so prevalent over others.
In my observations, the use of the 3, 5, 7, 15, & 25-yard distances are very common on ranges belonging to or frequented by law enforcement organizations. Usually the distances are not temporarily marked (example: road cones), but rather identified by permanent/semi-permanent means (examples: paint, concrete walkways/paths, barricades, etc.) This indicates the distances are considered "standard" within the law enforcement community. Regardless of who influenced who and at what point (military, law enforcement, civilian, competition shooting) the fact remains these distances are common place.
It also appears most (not all) pistol drills, tests, and qualifications favor the aforementioned distances.
Does anyone know the origin story of these distances commonly used for pistol training/testing?
Primarily, I'm curious as to why the 7, 15, and 25 versus the 10, 20, and 30 yard lines, but I'd like to know all the story if someone can provide it.
I am not interested in arguing the merits of one distance over another for training, tactical applications, or competition. I am only interested in the who, what, when, where, why and how these distances became what appears to be an unwritten standard in pistol training/testing. In other words, I'm just interested in the history.
*Admins: If this is more appropriate in General Discussion please move. I believe the Marksmanship & Gun Handling thread may elicit more productive responses, but I can see it in either thread. Thank you.