Sometimes, I think about the potential repercussions when using guns, even in situations of self-defense. The big question I think people should ask themselves BEFORE they possess a gun is simply this: Can you take another person's life? Some might say, "Sure I can," but what about in a real world situation where the adrenaline is pumping, your heart rate went from 60 to 160 in a split second, that tunnel vision you get, as well as the additional stress you'll encounter as a result? Could you still do it? Some might be highly skilled with a gun in a controlled environment, but under actual stressful scenarios, is it really that simple? I would say without a shadow of a doubt, no.
I, myself, have been training in martial arts for over 5 years, and we put ourselves into stressful situations in order to help us train to better combat that stress under pressure. It is not easy. In fact, I'd say it's more of a skill to be calm under stress than it is to be a skilled marksman with a gun.
Take a look at this fantastic scene from
Collateral.
The fluidity of Tom Cruise's movements, and the sheer shock both thugs had just as they are about to be shot, especially the second guy. You can see he's struggling to get his gun out before he is shot. This is what happens to most people under stress, and it's because under stress, you regress.
Yes, it's only a movie, but this whole alley scene is more real than it is fake, especially compared to many other action movies. It's one of my favorite action scenes because of how simple yet effective it is.