Ive avoided this discussion for as long as i could.
Its true what is said about an ounce of prevention, however there is a greater chance statistically that a weapon you have will be used against you, knife gun, in your home pine barrens where ever.
Im not advocating not carrying a weapon of some sort, that would be hypocrital of me, however unless what your carrying is something you train with and are carrying day in and day out for your job, and are familiar with to the point of being able to use with out thinking, well then your not going to fair to well.
When in such a stressfull situation people often dont even use the tools at there disposal. I would advocate the budy system or staying in well trafficed areas, also listen to your gut, if your gut is telling you something is wrong there is a reason. Take the steps necesary to secure your self.
I am not blind to the dangers in our world, the jobs ive done for the last decade are a constant reminder of everything that goes on out there. Its all about calculated risks.And who ever recomended peper spray or OC spray, id recomend it also, i have been sprayed with it 2x and it completly shut me down, the only problem with oc and pepper spay is some people are immune to it, noone is immune to a bullet.