Well, obviously the movies are unrealistic.
Here's how I see it...
Drive-by:
- target location known
- target is at least vulnerable to encroaching on perimeter (seems to be approachable, at least by car)
- attacker is exposed
- defenders can react before first shot
- attacker can be identified be identified (by return shot blood, vehicle)
- identified attackers can be in turn targeted for revenge or legal action
- effective with automatic weapons, less so with hunting rifles
"sniping", let's say from a couple houses down, 2nd floor bedroom.
- target location known
- attacker is hidden
- defender cannot react before first shot
- attacker cannot be identified easily
- more effective with the more restricted weapons here in canada. Just a good hunting rifle would easily do the trick.
This leads me to the conclusion that the only reason to do drive-by is if they are trying to make a show of strength or a statement of "you shot our guy, we're going to get you back and you'll know it was us". Aside from that, hiding out makes a lot more sense to me.
And when I say professionals, I don't mean a contract killer on retainer, but somebody who knows their guns, and knows how to attack.
And yes, a kill cam uploaded to youtube, that thing would go VIRAL.