Originally Posted by Martian

It's really not. How do you determine what the intent is? My impression from what I've read previously is that anybody who poses a potential threat is somebody who should be neutralized. This goes contrary to what I believe to be human nature -- most folks in your typical mugging/burglary situation are probably not looking to kill someone, although it's a high stress situation and they may resort to that if pressured. So how do you decide whether this guy is a threat? Is it just because he's holding a knife or a gun? Do you ask first? How exactly does that work?

The instant you show a weapon you escalate the situation. I'd prefer not to put myself in that situation and trust that the risk of an unprovoked attack is much lower. Granted part of that may be small town living; I don't have to worry so much about such crimes because they don't generally happen in my part of the world. Even still, it seems like me that carrying a gun, even responsibly, puts you at greater risk than you would be otherwise.

Of course, that's just my impression. I've done no research on the subject, and I really don't think any truly meaningful research can be done.