yes all situations are dynamic, anything can happen at any split second, and my post wasn't meant to
cover all situations, but just touching on psychology, as I would imagine 'most' crimes are not violent,
but petty crimes and muggings, and breaking and enbtering etc., and my thought was to the majority of these types of
crimes, which are so numerous, and I do feel that the majority of these types of crimes are not committed
by violent people, so with that in mind, I felt that, the criminal, knowing that his victims would not
be armed, most likely would never shoot anyone, but could panic and shoot if the victim brandished a gun
during the robbery, etc.
Just a thought.
Most criminals are oportunististic, they look for the easiest mark; unlocked doors, people walking alone, and such. An ADT sign on a lawn or door, even if the security system is non existant, is usally enough of a deterrent for them to move on. A criminal bold enough to interact with his victim, ie. robbery or home invasion, has to be considered to be potentially violent and has no concern about your well being. There are many instances where even when the victims submit, the assailants still beat the crap out of them just for $h!ts and giggles.
What a lot of people don't seem to understand, (even those who are adept with firearms) is that once the assailant has the drop on you, this is not the time to draw, or even let it be known you are armed. You only do so when an opportunity arises where you have the element of surprise, and only if you are prepared to fire, any indecision at this point could be fatal, because like you indicated, they probably won't hesitate to defend themselves either.
Just like a person can buy a car, take lessons and drive it, it doesn't mean they are a Mario Andretti as some think they are, the same goes for firearms; because someone can shoot a 1/4" group at 200yds doesn't mean they can expect to do well in a combat/self defense situation without training and practice, which, unfortunately many think they can.
Ever seen how deadly slugs in a shot-gun can be? Because we are gentlmen we are not going to talk about it.
They are nasty, problem is, you have to aim. Given the choice I would prefer 000Buck because my aim can be a little off, and my shotgun only holds 3 rounds.
The deal is, asault rifles are for soldiers, and hand-guns are for police. Everyone else load up on shot-guns and rifles if you can figure out what to to with them other than shoot signs and insulators because you're too dumb to actually get game.
Actually, handguns are pretty ideal for all around self defense, that is why police carry them, not to defend you or I. Rifles and shotguns will get the job done, but maybe too well, because a rifle round shot in you house, (even if you hit the person) can end up passing through three more houses down the street, and a shotgun loaded with anything but bird shot may leave you with some 'splainin' to do.
Lots of visits to other countries, though. Does that count. Never been to KY. hehe