I agree that the average self defense shooting is probably under 7 yards with many being only 2 or 3 yards. But never underestimate what a skilled handgunner can do at much longer ranges. Granted under fire, and under pressure will make a lot of difference, but hits at long range are very possible, but probably not for the average Joe who has never shot past 25yds.
I competed in NRA hunter silhouette matches for several years, where we shot at steel targets at 25yds to 100yds off hand. I could hit usually at least 5 out of 10 rams at 100yds in a match, and often it was more like 7 or 8 out of ten, with even iron sighted 6" Smith and wesson L-frame revolvers, or even a 5 inch 1911 with iron sights. You have to allow for elevation but its not that hard to do.
I live on a farm and I have a steel IDPA man target hanging on a chain at 90yds from my yard fence and it has a 6" flapper in the 5 point zone on a hinge. I will hit it nearly everytime from a rest on the fence, and usually only slightly worse off hand on a good day. I can do this with quite a few different types of pistols. Glock 22 40cal, 5" 1911, I even have a Smith and Wesson Shield that I can do that with.
Could I do it in a fire fight with in coming rounds hitting around me? The answer is not nearly as often; that's for sure. I am not bragging, but I am just saying, it can be done, but maybe not by the average CCW person. However, if you are lucky enough to have access to some long range shooting at reactionary targets you really should give it a try, so at least you will know what your hit probabilities are at the longer ranges, and remember, if you can do it then someone shooting back at you might be able to do it.
And the more you practice, the less luck has to do with it. However, adrenaline can and very likely will have a devastating effect on your hit probability even at very close ranges. It's not that you can't see the sights good enough or that your gun won't do it (well at least a gun the size of a Shield or bigger, not an LCP), usually. It's you trigger control, or shall I say the lack of it that causes you to miss so badly at times.