> Using a weapon, especially a firearm, in self-defense would seem to
> be a really risky thing to do. There's always the danger that your
> assailant might finish up with the weapon. Particularly if you
> hesitate to actually use it. Its all very well to pull out a firearm
> and threaten someone, but actually blowing someone's brains out is a
> different kettle of fish entirely. But unless you are sure you can do
> just that, then producing a firearm simply puts you in even greater
> danger. Even hesitation could be fatal and only a psychopath wouldn't
> hesitate to shoot another human being.
Some time ago a local NPR station ran a lecture by a cop about avoiding street crime by strangers. Interesting, non-macho advice, when and how to fight back, etc. His take on guns for self-defence was that chances are that you are smarter and wiser than what he called the "goofball", understand better the complicating consequences of pulling the trigger, and are much more likely to hestitate.
-- Andy