Colt - Thankfully I have never been in a situation where I have had to use deadly force. And I certainly realize the intent of your question and that you're not a goremonger searching for details - one thing you have to keep in mind IMO (whatever that's worth!) is that if you are not prepared to use deadly force to protect yourself, then you shouldn't draw your weapon, or even carry one if you have a CHL permit. If there's a bad guy coming at you or wanting to harm or kill you, they won't think twice about it. If you draw your weapon and have doubts about pulling the trigger - you're in big trouble.
So I have no problem with you asking the question because I think it is a valid one when speaking in terms of lethal self defense. Whatever you have to do to erase those doubts is great, and I'm glad that a few here have PM'd you with their experience. I think many out there THINK they could pull the trigger, but since they have never asked themselves that question, maybe not.
As for me, when I took my CHL course, I questioned it - I had never truly thought about it before. But when it comes down to it, if some (nicely put) jerk has no respect for my life, or the life of someone I care about, and feels it is their responsibility to cut my life of the life of someone I care about short, then yeah, I'd be able to pull the trigger, because nothing disgusts me more then some thug who has made the decision that my life is worth less than my wallet, or my car or whatever. I'm not going to let some idiot make that decision without consequences...and that's how I personally have come to that realization. You need to find your own reasons, and until you do, leave your gun locked in the safe.
