Dub,
I think that tipoc has the right perspective:
There is no way to predict when it will happen. Given the right conditions and with enough people in the immediate vicinity, it can happen. Ball ammo produces tremendous penetration: .25ACP can go 14-18 inches; .380 can go 22-25 inches; 9mm can go 28-34 inches; .40S&W can go 25-33 inches; .45ACP can go 26-32 inches. Depending upon how people are positioned relative to the bullet's path and their size, one and perhaps as many as three could be struck by some of the deeper penetrating FMJs.
The statistics from the NYPD's SOP-9 are real evidence that it can and does happen.
I think that tipoc has the right perspective:
It is not a common occurrence but is also not a myth or a made up concern.
There is no way to predict when it will happen. Given the right conditions and with enough people in the immediate vicinity, it can happen. Ball ammo produces tremendous penetration: .25ACP can go 14-18 inches; .380 can go 22-25 inches; 9mm can go 28-34 inches; .40S&W can go 25-33 inches; .45ACP can go 26-32 inches. Depending upon how people are positioned relative to the bullet's path and their size, one and perhaps as many as three could be struck by some of the deeper penetrating FMJs.
The statistics from the NYPD's SOP-9 are real evidence that it can and does happen.