There is an inherent asymmetry, unrelated to weapon availability, between people asking this question and the potential assailants we’re worried about. That is about psychological preparation and willingness to use lethal force. And a very assymetrical situational awareness—the attacker knows exactly what’s going on and is ready to meet you, the defender is confused and unsure.
These important differences mean you really need different tools and options for defense than for assault. This isn’t a showdown with two gunslingers equally prepared to shoot. This is an ambiguous, terrifying, sudden decision with an unknown but VERY short timeframe for success. Non-lethal defenses are FAR more powerful, in the case where you’re sleepy, confused, unsure of your target, or just not convinced you want to kill someone, because you can actually pull the trigger in time.
And, of course, “why not both?” is a FINE question. If you’re prepared for the responsibility of having a gun around, and you’re willing to drill quite a bit so the option value is greater than the solution-search cost of having to decide on the fly, that’s great.
There is an inherent asymmetry, unrelated to weapon availability, between people asking this question and the potential assailants we’re worried about. That is about psychological preparation and willingness to use lethal force. And a very assymetrical situational awareness—the attacker knows exactly what’s going on and is ready to meet you, the defender is confused and unsure.
These important differences mean you really need different tools and options for defense than for assault. This isn’t a showdown with two gunslingers equally prepared to shoot. This is an ambiguous, terrifying, sudden decision with an unknown but VERY short timeframe for success. Non-lethal defenses are FAR more powerful, in the case where you’re sleepy, confused, unsure of your target, or just not convinced you want to kill someone, because you can actually pull the trigger in time.
And, of course, “why not both?” is a FINE question. If you’re prepared for the responsibility of having a gun around, and you’re willing to drill quite a bit so the option value is greater than the solution-search cost of having to decide on the fly, that’s great.