My ol' sansei, 4th degree Okinawan black belt, teaches that your best defense is to shout and run...

Yes, self defense is always good to know... That's why you learn it... But it's last resort... Not first option...

If you have a gun and try to defend yourself with it your chances of survival are decreased... Yes, there are instances where the outcomes are good but...

...way too many where they don't turn out well...

B~