It's not so clear to me, but it is of course a last resort. No law-abiding citizen wants to kill another human being. More likely, the vast majority of people who pull guns in self-defense solve the problem without having to shoot. Pair that with the fact that the majority of people shot do not die from it.

We all know that the gun is a weapon of war and is meant to kill. But it is also a tool that can be used for good. Go into court and tell the prosecutor that you "shot to kill" and see how it goes for you. If your case is not clear-cut self-defense, you might be labeled a loose cannon--a person who "wanted" to shoot someone. Guilty of excessive force. A murderer.

Even cops don't say that. As inspectors, we choose our words carefully in our reports. This is the same thing.

That's not to say that everyone should have a gun, especially a female. Some women will never come to the decision to carry (and use if necessary) a gun. It doesn't seem to come as easily to women as to men. I think a person has to make a commitment of some sorts--and not everyone can do it. So: don't carry a weapon you can't/won't use. I know I don't.

Didn't mean to get up on my soapbox, fellas.