When to use a gun?

[SanSoo Student]

Recently I've been doing alot of thinking about purchasing a handgun. If I do decide to purchase a handgun, would it be better to just keep it in the house, or carry it with me as a form of add self-defense?

[Azrael]

I've been reading some of Michael Moore's books of late, and I can't remember which book and the exact statistics (they were scary though), but based on research he conducted across America, he wrote that not only are you more likely to be shot if you own a gun (compared to if you did not), but the chances of it being your own gun (used against you) are highly likely. And if that was not enough, chances are, it will be someone you know.

It all depends on what your reasons for considering the purchase of a gun are? If your reason is justified, you hagve to consider if it will be realistic to actually use a gun in that situation? Having it locked in a safe hidden in yourt waredrobe is one thing, but concealed on your persons is another thing all together. Personally, I would never even consider obtaining a gun, but where I live here in Sydney is pretty safe.

[Black Jack]

Micheal Moore is the biggest liberal lying piece of dog vomit. Anything that comes out of that jackarse's mouth should be considered very circumspect.


SanSoo- The decision is a personal one and if the state you live in allows CCW's then I the choice of concealed carry is a viable option for you.

[Meat Shake]

I dont carry a gun, but I keep Black Jack in my pocket all the time, and he always has a gun so Im ok.

[Ren Blade]

A gun is a killing tool. If you take it out, just be ready to kill. Don't flash it or wave it to your enemy. Don't ever let your enemy know what you have or that you can even fight. Otherwise, if you're not ready to kill, don't carry it around with you. Fighting is not pretty. You will carry memories and possibly legal baggage with you after.

[Tak]

Good advice from JGF.

Whether you want to keep it in your home or carry it with you really depends on whether you think you need it for personal defense or home defense. Are you buying it because you're anticipating being attacked on the subway, or because you're anticipating someone breaking into your house in the middle of the night?

[SanSoo Student]

Thanks for the advice, I am planning to sign up for a gun safety class at my local shooting range. The reason I want the gun is to protect myself and family in case of a burglary in the middle of the night.

[Ren Blade]

Study knife and sword combat. It would compliment your gun training. Keep a knife, sword and gun close by at home. Make sure your blades are very sharp.

[iblis73]

I have had a few guns over the years. One of the most important things you can do with your gun is to TRAIN with it-get as much time in shooting it, breaking it down/putting it back together, get very familiar with it.

As stated before a gun is a killing tool. Know your local laws pertaining to carrying, conceal, etc.

Also try to integrate your empty hand skills with your gun-very important if you run into a bad guy at short range (such as running into a burglar in your house.)

Please note, that when doing non-shooting training for firearms (retention, disarms, et al) NEVER and I mean NEVER use a real gun! I dont care if its unloaded, use a rubber gun or ASP red gun instead.

[JOHNNY]

I would never personally carry a weapon on me unless I knew I was possibly going to have a confrontation with someone who is armed. I would carry it in my car or at my house just in case. Definately get plenty of training. Weapons are no joke. I seen too many accidental discharges by careless people. I am also looking at purchasing a weapon. I do have a quite a bit of training with weapons so I feel comfortable with them. You might want to practice before you purchase one. Be careful and safe and never pull it out just to be tough. ;)
Johnny

[jjj]

Good advice all around! But be forewarned, buying one usually leads to two then three, and it is an expensive hobby! I bought a Springfield 1911, then a CZ 75, now I want a P99 QA!

Training with a handgun is a martial art all to itself. There is so much more to it than I realised when I bought mine.

One idea is to get an airsoft for training, they are modeled dimensionally the same as many popular handguns. They shoot plastic bbs plus they are fun to shoot. Its a good way to practice when you can't make it to the range, plus you save $$$ on ammo.

BTW if we were all rich like Rosie O and Michael Moron we could hire armed bodyguards and wouldtn need to worry about how to defend ourselves!

Ted Kennedys car has killed more people than my gun.

[Radhnoti]

A good site to check into, in my opinion, is:
www.guncite.com

From the site:
"In studies involving interviews of felons, one of the reasons the majority of burglars try to avoid occupied homes is the chance of getting shot. (Increasing the odds of arrest is another.) A study of Pennsylvania burglary inmates reported that many burglars refrain from late-night burglaries because it's hard to tell if anyone is home, several explaining "That's the way to get shot." (Rengert G. and Wasilchick J., Suburban Burglary: A Time and a Place for Everything, 1985, Springfield, IL: Charles Thomas.)"

Also from the site:

"Fatal gun accidents declined by almost sixty percent from 1975 to 1995, even though the number of guns per capita increased by almost forty percent.

Gun control groups and pro-control medical researchers often include "children" up to the age of nineteen and in some cases twenty-four, to inflate the number of "child" gun accidents.

The risk of being a victim of a fatal gun accident can be better appreciated if it is compared to a more familiar risk...Each year about five hundred children under the age of five accidentally drown in residential swimming pools, compared to about forty killed in gun accidents, despite the fact that there are only about five million households with swimming pools, compared to at least 43 million with guns. Thus, based on owning households, the risk of a fatal accident among small children is over one hundred times higher for swimming pools than for guns."

If you're just wanting a firearm for home protection, I would suggest a shotgun. Loaded properly you don't have to worry as much about the bullet "overpenetrating" and going through walls...perhaps hitting a loved one in another room. Also, I feel shotguns are more intuitive to use for someone new to firearms.

Best of luck to you.

*edited to correct link

[Dim Wit Mak]

My philosophy is the same as Ren Blade. I practice a layer system of defense. When I take walks, I have my head, martial arts training, a walking stick, pepper spray, and a knife. I've never had to go past my martial arts training in any situation.

If I'm roaming the boonies (which I like to do for some reason), I add my .45 to the layer.

If I hear a noise that I want to investigate, I strap on my .45 and grab my sabre or Bowie knife. The .45 is not my first line of defense, but it is there in case I have to deal with .44 magnum kung fu.

I would recommend adding a 1911A1 pistol along the lines of a .45 Springfield Army, Smith and Wesson, or Kimber to your self defense weapons. Take a class and check out the CCW law (concealed carry) laws for your state and area.

Never let the power of a firearm get in the way of common sense. If you have to go to court, you are going to have to justify any actions taken. Anyone investigating an incident is going to see what common sense was used in the situation. Make sure it is a last resort. I read about some idiot who shot at some guys dog when it came at him. Stupid first layer of defense.

[Meat Shake]

Mossberg with buckshot = too much for home protection?

[fa_jing]

Interesting post by Radhnoti. Also consider that if you own a gun, it may be because your life is already in more danger than average, so Moore's stat is misleading.

Do keep your firearms and other weapons away from children, PLEASE. That's why I don't currently own a gun - live in an apartment and there's no place that I can guarantee the kiddies won't get to. That will change once we move into a house.

[LEGEND]

"would suggest taking a gun safety class locally in you area...Normally gun stores or ranges conduct safety courses it's a lot cheaper. Just make sure the instructor is certified by the NRA, specially if you plan on getting a CCW (concealed carry weapons permit). They will not only teach about gun safety but also many of the local laws in your area. Do's and dont's, etc..."

Absolutely CORRECT. If u want a CCW u will need proper instruction. Using a gun is for only one purpose and that is to kill. So be prepared to do so.

[Gangsterfist]

Well I can tell you some of what has happened to me and people I know in the past, but ultimately its something you are going to have to decide to do yourself. I live in a state where you can carry a consealed weapon, I live in a pretty large city, and I live in the city in the midtown area. I have never personally had a gun pulled on me before but some of my friends have. There are a lot of shady thing that happen in my neighborhood, I just stay clear of it. I bet you are asking why I live here? Well, thats because I am still kind of young, single, and like being in the city. I sometimes will carry a blade with me, depends on where I am going and if I am walking alone or with a group of people.

I can say that I have seen on the news and read in the paper that people that get mugged carrying a concealed fire arm usually ends in a gunfight. You do not only put yourself at risk but all those around you as well. Keeping a gun in the house to protect yourself from intruders, terrorists, aliens, whatever your paranoia might be is okay. As long as you keep it way far away from your children and teach them to respect firearms at a young age.

I can safely say that I live in an area where people have been mugged, beat up, and even killed. I still would not want to own a firearm. It just seems like an extra liability to me, and even if your assailaint does not have a firearm they could easily end up with yours if you are not careful with it.

The key is to avoid risks that might put you in a situation like this. Its kind of like what Bruce Lee said, "The art of fighting, with out fighting."

[Metal Fist]

As a martial artist and a firearms user and owner, I agree with all those who spoke in the positive about guns and I whole-heartedly agree about proper training in the use, cleaning and storage of firearms. Also Michael Moore is a totally useless waste of human flesh, his "Bowling for Columbine": movie was complete
lies, and the manipulation of facts to fit his Socialist agenda, may he have an interesting but short life. :D

[SanSoo Student]

Makes me think twice now...since I have saved up enough money to buy a descent handgun.

[manofkent]

We never really see guns over here in england so i cant really say whats best, but i def wouldnt take it out of the house with u.

I carry a single point, metal kobutan with me where ever i go, and its the only weapon ive ever needed. I can bet you that theres more chance of u getting shot if u have a gun, and a kobutan wont go off in ur pocket!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Radhnoti]

The site I referrenced refuted the "there's more of a chance of you getting shot if you have a gun" theory.
Any statistics anti-gun types have refuting this seem to be drawn from a pool of data which include the "suicide" category. Prof. Kleck of Florida State University's School of Criminology and Criminal Justice in analyzing statistics provided by the DOJ states that "...less than 2% of fatal gun accidents occur during defensive gun use."

The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that there are 1.5 million defensive gun uses by law abiding citizens every year...and some studies estimate a million MORE than that yearly.

Also, in analyzing the "National Crime Victimization Survey (1992-98)" Professor Kleck indicates that:
"In general, self-protection measures of all types are effective, in the sense of reducing the risk of property loss in robberies and confrontational burglaries, compared to doing nothing or cooperating with the offender. The most effective form of self-protection is use of a gun. For robbery the self-protection meaures with the lowest loss rates were among victims attacking the offender with a gun, and victims threatenting the offender with a gun."

Here's a table relating his summary of this Department of Justice study (the NCVS):
http://www.guncite.com/gun_control_gcdgeff_table7.html

Another book (James D. Wright & Peter H. Rossi, Armed and Considered Dangerous: A Survey of Felons and Their Firearms [1986], approached this issue from a different perspective, the felon's.
Professors James D. Wright and Peter Rossi surveyed 2,000 felons incarcerated in state prisons across the United States. Wright and Rossi reported that 34% of the felons said they personally had been "scared off, shot at, wounded, or captured by an armed victim"; 69% said that they knew at least one other criminal who had also; 34% said that when thinking about committing a crime they either "often" or "regularly" worried that they "[m]ight get shot at by the victim"; and 57% agreed with the statement, "Most criminals are more worried about meeting an armed victim than they are about running into the police."

[manofkent]

I dont know too much bout the gun laws in the states, but if u took out a gun with u everywhere, then where would u put it? If its in ur bag, u may not be able to get it if u were muged. and is it not classed as open or uncovered if its in a holster???

[Dim Wit Mak]

A gun is a tool and a weapon, just like a bo staff, walking cane, nunchuks or a hammer. I don't take a gun "everywhere I go." I use my mind and discretion. There is one glaring instance when I intentionally break the law because I'd rather be judged by twelve than be carried by six. I will not say specifically when I do this. I obey the vast majority of laws, respect people and try to stay out of harms way. If trouble seeks me out then I am going to deal with it peacefully, if I can, and ruthlelessly if I have to. Firearms aren't the problem. The problem with any weapon, whether it be a typewriter or knife, is the wise man or idiot who is weilding it.

[Radhnoti]

Well said Dim Wit Mak.

MOK, in my state it is legal to carry UNCONCEALED a firearm most places (this would include a holstered weapon). This would get you some strange looks if you're not wearing some sort of uniform though, so it's rare to see. The one guy I knew to do this was from Canada, and he wore it here because he couldn't back home.
Also, in my area, you can get a concealed carry permit. This allows you to carry a concealed weapon to all but a few restricted areas. There's a whole industry for handgun holsters, and a large number of them offer great holsters that are comfortable and concealable. Lots of folks that carry concealed just put the handgun in a coat pocket.
Statistically, crime rates in areas that pass concealed carry laws drop.

Places you can never carry include: schools (including child care centers), courthouse, prisons, political body meetings, places that serve alchohol for greater than 50% of their business, certain portions of airports. The post office is a gray area that should soon be addressed...the law is written that "people not authorized" can't carry but it's unclear whether a concealed carry permit is "authorized". One court ruling has said that , yes, a concealed carry permit IS authorization, but the Postal Service isn't bowing to that decision (made by a lower court I suppose).
Also, private businesses can put up a sign asking folks not to carry on the premises. No charges can be brought if someone doesn't comply, but the private business/property owner always has the option of kicking you out.

Sorry to spout on and on, but I just took the concealed carry permit classes so the info is fresh for me.

[Gangsterfist]

Manofkent-

Depends on which state you live in. Gun laws vary from state to state. In the state I live in its totally legal to carry a consealed weapon if you have the proper papers and permits. Which is not hard if you are not a convicted felon. Concealed weapons consists of any kind of smaller weapon gun, knife, whatever that can be hidden on a person. I for one don't carry any weapons on me, except occasionally a knife when I have to walk by myself.

A few things I can say about carrying a gun on you is: if you pull out your gun they will pull out theirs (if they have one), your gun can become their gun if there are multiple people or you don't pull it out at fist and get taken to the ground.

Bottom line:

Its a liability you have to be willing to take. If you want to carry a gun then realize that you may die because of it. You can preach all day long about how if you had a gun you could have would have saved yourself, but its not really that way. If a mugger pulls a weapon on you just give them what they want and they usually just run off, they don't want to be pinned for murder. Of course this could be argued all day and all night until the sun explodes.

[Dim Wit Mak]

If someone is stupid or inept enough to get his firearm taken away by someone else, then they deserve to get shot.

[Gangsterfist]

Originally posted by Dim Wit Mak
If someone is stupid or inept enough to get his firearm taken away by someone else, then they deserve to get shot.

Pull out your gun on an assailant, his buddy who is behind you hits you with a baseball bat. Picks up your gun and shoots you with it.

Were you that inept you did not notice the guy who was hiding around the corner and who came behind you? Man guess we all need spidey senses.

[Radhnoti]

Department of Justice.
Crime Victimization Survey breakdown.
You are less likely to be hurt if you use a gun to defend yourself from someone in a "confrontational robbery".
For the info, please refer to the table I referrenced earlier.
Even people who cooperated were more likely to be hurt. Especially telling is the "Post Self-Protection Injury" table. The number of folks injured AFTER cooperating is almost equal to the TOTAL number of folks hurt using a firearm for protection (from a robbery).

The person robbing you might not want you to be able to I.D. them...they could be drugged up...they could just be sadistic. I choose not to rely upon the compassion of a criminal. Obviously, everyone needs to make their own decision about their level of comfort with a firearm, and I certainly don't think anyone should be forced to carry. But, I think it's wrong for the law of the land to restrict law abiding citizen's ability to defend themselves and, perhaps, others. Those same laws do not and will not be heeded by the criminals.

[Gangsterfist]

well thats nice but staticts mean jack crap. It has been my personal experience it doesn't work that way.

An aquaintance of mine was shot in the neck 2 years ago and died 2 blocks from my house. I kind of knew the guy but not that well. He and his g/f were walking home from the bars one night and someone mugged them with a gun. When the robber went for his g/f's purse the strap was crossed over her body and wasn't coming off easily. The guy tried pulling the purse off to give it to robber. The robber thought he was pulling out a weapon and shot him dead in the throat with a 9mm pistol. Needless to say he died moments later. I had known the guy from the bar, drank with him, and played pool against him. I felt sad for his g/f and his family. Not to mention all she had in her purse were a few female products and like 9 dollars in change. Now if he would not have moved or jerked that purse off, he probably would not have been shot. So if someone is waving a weapon at you demanding money, wallets, purse, etc. then give it to them. If you try to pull your weapon you are gonna get stabbed or shot.

Statistics can't cover every aspect of violent crime, nor do they cover all crimes. I read through your little table from the justice dept. They don't explain the research or cite anything. Plus we all know statistics are not proof, or certainties.

[Dim Wit Mak]

When studying the martial arts, it is important to study all aspects of self defense. In kenpo we are taught to always be aware of our surroundings, body language, and to ALWAYS expect the perp to have friends and weapons. It is my obligation to not get in a position where the tactical advantage goes to my opponent(s). These considerations are just as important as kicks and punches.

In five animal kung fu, we are taught to approach problems with many different problem solving methods at our disposal. These could range from a tiger approach of of manhandling the problem to the "spitting cobra" approach of impairing vision so we can leave the premises directly. There are numerous other approaches that the animal stylist can apply in a split second if needed. It's my obligation to be smarter than the perp(s). If I'm not, then I am creating problems for myself.

[Gangsterfist]

Originally posted by Dim Wit Mak
When studying the martial arts, it is important to study all aspects of self defense. In kenpo we are taught to always be aware of our surroundings, body language, and to ALWAYS expect the perp to have friends and weapons. It is my obligation to not get in a position where the tactical advantage goes to my opponent(s). These considerations are just as important as kicks and punches.

In five animal kung fu, we are taught to approach problems with many different problem solving methods at our disposal. These could range from a tiger approach of of manhandling the problem to the "spitting cobra" approach of impairing vision so we can leave the premises directly. There are numerous other approaches that the animal stylist can apply in a split second if needed. It's my obligation to be smarter than the perp(s). If I'm not, then I am creating problems for myself.

Good post. I agree. Most of the time if you are aware of whats happening around you, you can avoid the crime all together. I live in a midtown area with lots of bars and clubs and all that for the young kids. Lots of shady stuff goes down, and if you are aware of it and avoid it you 90% of the time you will be okay. I see drug deals happen from time to time on the streets near my house (especially at my old house which is 4 blocks from my current one). If you just avoid the situation you will be fine. My sifu has been mugged a few times (we live in the same general area) and had guns pulled on him. When the crack heads tried to mug him, he beat them up. When the criminal tried to mug him with a gun, he gave up his wallet. He never got harmed.

The art of fighting with out fighting.

[Dim Wit Mak]

Gangsterfist: I've always liked the Mugei Mumei no Jitsu concept which stresses the concept of "the art of fighting without fighting" that you mentioned. This is the dance of life, if you will.

[Radhnoti]

Gangsterfist -
"well thats nice but staticts mean jack crap. It has been my personal experience it doesn't work that way"

That's fine, and I agree that statistics can often be skewed to suit the personal agenda.

Some people prefer empirical to anecdotal evidence, and I was just catering to that crowd. For a few more anecdotal stories folks can go here:

http://www.tsra.com/selfdfns.htm

Take care.

[Gangsterfist]

Originally posted by Radhnoti
Gangsterfist -
"well thats nice but staticts mean jack crap. It has been my personal experience it doesn't work that way"

That's fine, and I agree that statistics can often be skewed to suit the personal agenda.

Some people prefer empirical to anecdotal evidence, and I was just catering to that crowd. For a few more anecdotal stories folks can go here:

http://www.tsra.com/selfdfns.htm

Take care.

Yeah I am sure there are times when having a gun would advantageous. However, IMO it would only be to your advantage when you are in your home. Carrying a concealed weapon (which is legal in my state) is dumb for the reasons I mentioned in this thread. A lot of those cases seem to be when someone was breaking in someone else's home and the home owner decides to blast them or capture them using firearms.

[Radhnoti]

I suppose we can agree to disagree.
If nothing else, the plummeting violent crime rates in areas allowing concealed carry make me a supporter.


Respectfully,

Radhnoti

[Gangsterfist]

okay agreed.

[freehand]

I am curious why some martial artists fear that a carried firearm can be stolen, but then advocate carrying a knife or collapsible baton. Isn't the mugger who can disarm a martial artist with a gun perfectly capable of taking that same martial artist's knife?

Police have been killed by their own pistols. Does that mean that American police would be safer confronting criminals unarmed?

I would suggest that for those who are hesitant to hurt people (despite their studying systems of hand-applied mayhem...), carrying a pistol would *reduce the chances of *anyone being hurt.

Two scenarios:
I (5'4", 53 years old, thick glasses) am walking down a park path. I hear a woman scream. I find her and her three assailants. "Please leave," I say.
"Or else what, old man?" sneers one.
"Or else you'll die." I slow my breath, drop my shoulders, and watch as they all pull knives and move in toward me...

Second scenario:
"Please leave," I say, pulling my 1911A semiautomatic 45. caliber.
"OK."

[Vash]

Originally posted by freehand
Two scenarios:
I (5'4", 53 years old, thick glasses) am walking down a park path. I hear a woman scream. I find her and her three assailants. "Please leave," I say.
"Or else what, old man?" sneers one.
"Or else you'll die." I slow my breath, drop my shoulders, and watch as they all pull knives and move in toward me...

Second scenario:
"Please leave," I say, pulling my 1911A semiautomatic 45. caliber.
"OK."

:rolleyes:

[Gangsterfist]

Originally posted by freehand
I am curious why some martial artists fear that a carried firearm can be stolen, but then advocate carrying a knife or collapsible baton. Isn't the mugger who can disarm a martial artist with a gun perfectly capable of taking that same martial artist's knife?

Police have been killed by their own pistols. Does that mean that American police would be safer confronting criminals unarmed?

I would suggest that for those who are hesitant to hurt people (despite their studying systems of hand-applied mayhem...), carrying a pistol would *reduce the chances of *anyone being hurt.

Two scenarios:
I (5'4", 53 years old, thick glasses) am walking down a park path. I hear a woman scream. I find her and her three assailants. "Please leave," I say.
"Or else what, old man?" sneers one.
"Or else you'll die." I slow my breath, drop my shoulders, and watch as they all pull knives and move in toward me...

Second scenario:
"Please leave," I say, pulling my 1911A semiautomatic 45. caliber.
"OK."

Thats easy. you cannot control every situation. A lot of times the mugger or criminal has a buddy or two just a bit off as a look out and back up. You pull out your weapon and you get blindsided by the buddy and lose it. Then they use it against you.

I have seen people do this, and have seen it work in their favor. Some people selling drugs on my block a while ago ran 3 man teams. 2 on bicycles and one on foot. At first you wouldn't think they are working together, but in fact they are.

BOTTOM LINE:

If you want to carry a weapon accept the fact that it could be possibly used against you.

[Radhnoti]

Gangsterfist - "BOTTOM LINE: If you want to carry a weapon accept the fact that it could be possibly used against you."

Of course, following this line of reasoning you should also never become involved because the person you're confronting MIGHT have a gun.
"Crime is... a commandeering of the victim's person and liberty... It is, in fact, an act of enslavement. Your wallet, your purse, or your car may not be worth your life, but your dignity is; and if it is not worth fighting for, it can hardly be said to exist.
Crime is rampant because the law-abiding, each of us, condone it, excuse it, permit it, submit to it. We permit and encourage it because we do not fight back immediatly, then and there, where it happens. The defect is there, in our character. We are a nation of cowards and shirkers"
-Atty. Jeffrey Snyder, A Nation of Cowards


I would also state that no one should pull a firearm counting on intimidating a badguy into backing down. A few things off the top of my head if you pull a firearm...especially with the situation just mentioned:
You HAVE to be fully aware of the situation. If you opened fire on those men and they were practicing for a film role...or if it was a father who had two friends with him attempting a drug intervention with his wayward daughter? Don't pull the gun out until you grasp FULLY exactly what's going on, doing otherwise could easily lead to YOU being the problem.
Be aware of the environment. Notice who else is around...don't position yourself in an ineffective range/position (too close someone could take it...too far, will you hit?...anything blocking your shot?...bystanders?...)
All these things...and you have to be aware of all of them in the space of a few seconds. I can completely understand people who don't choose to shoulder that responsibility, but I have respect for those that do.

The fact is, a firearm can be the great equalizer. It changes the age old dynamic of the strong taking from the weak with impunity. It's not a magical cure-all, it's a tool...usable by the "good guys" and "bad guys". To me, the question is about empowerment and responsibility. I feel a responsibility to my family and (to a lesser extent to my community) to be somewhat prepared to protect them. I choose to empower myself by carrying a firearm, which I feel is REALLY no different than someone practicing martial arts for the same reason.
Police personnel can't be everywhere and my understanding is that recent court rulings state that it's not REALLY their responsibility to protect everyone. Law enforcement means just that, you call them and they do what they can to enforce the laws. For example: You can not sue the local police department if they don't protect you.
Self-protection falls firmly within the realm of a personal responsibility, and always will unless our society becomes an Orwellian nightmare.

*sigh* And that is WAY more than I meant to get into about my personal motivations for carrying a firearm.

[Anthracis]

In my opinion, it is best to not carry a lethal weapon with you. Especially if you are not 100% certain that you can effectively deploy it in a combat situation. For most civilians and inexperienced shooters, at time of combat, the rush of adrenaline is almost paralyzing. If not properly trained in combat shooting strategies, you will not be effective in combat. End of story. So why even carry something with you that you probably won't even use? In addition, the assailant will most likely use that weapon against you if you bumble about with it in your hands. It all comes down to the amount of hours that you have drilling with the weapon. The reaction to a combat situation has to be instinctive and second nature or even automatic. Your life has to be in imminent danger inorder to even deploy the weapon. Again, you will either get shot with your own weapon by a scared assailant or you will end up in jail for using excessive force. These are very likely situational scenarios that may arise in a real life situation.

For home defense, the above also apply but the chances for legal trouble are a little less since the armed assailant is already in your home. Again, I cannot emphasize enough the need for proper tactical weapons training and understanding of the laws in your state. Be sure to check the updates and changes to the law every year because there are always changes. Also, for home defense, I recommend a nice shotgun like a Benelli. Just like a camera, aim in the general direction and pull the trigger. Hostiles will be no longer!

I have seen people that have gotten into road rage incidents and used their sidearm just because it was available to them at a time when they were not thinking clearly. They ended up going to jail for a long, long time. Think before you act.

As martial artists, we must keep in mind that we are better trained to handle confrontations. We must act with restraint and better judgment. We are also held to a higher standard than the untrained population. Martial artisits are more likely to get in legal hot water for excessive use of force in a confrontation due to the fact that we have training.

These are just some things that we must keep in mind while thinking about how to handle a situation.