Posted by Onward Allusion: Strictly here in the States... How many civilians engage in firefights? How many CC holders will ever need to use it in the time that they are licensed? How many people will actually have to draw their gun in their lifetime? I can safely say that the majority of gun owners will never have to draw on anyone in their lifetime.
I'm sure that very few people indeed will ever have to fire a firearm in self defense.
The issue is one of basic risk management.
The likelihood of one particular individual being attacked on any given day is far less than remote.
The likelihood of one or her being attacked, or threatened with violent harm, during his or her lifetime is considerably higher. Rather small, but probably much higher than than remote. Depends upon one's age and lifestyle and where one goes and when.
The
potential consequences are severe--perhaps very severe.
The effort required for mitigation is not very high.
That, and the severity of the potential consequences, make mitigation prudent.
All of the same things can be said about accidental injury or choking, poisoning, fire in the home or automobile, and so on.
Should the occasion arise, not having the means to deal with it could be disastrous.
I have had to produce a weapon for self defense on three occasions. All occurred many years ago in extremely low risk circumstances.
I did not have to shoot.
But there are no guarantees, and I choose to avoid putting myself into a position of helplessness.